A bleeding travelling set with mahogany wood, signed Blackwell, England 1850.
Located in Milan, IT
Travelling mahogany wood case set for bleeding, brass apparatuses for bleeding and glass cups. Signed Blackwell London, circa 1850.
Brass
19th c. Expandable Marquise Paris Field Binoculars c.1880-1899
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original pair of leather wrapped expandable binoculars with "Marquise Paris" embossed in the center. Leather case with brass studs. The lens expands out to sharpen the view...
Metal, Brass
Circa 1900 English Equal Arm Market Scale With Weights
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1900 equal arm market scale with weights, English. Marked: "W&T Avery Ld, To Weigh 7LB" & "Class.B". Heavy, quality brass - boldly turned upright with finial tip. Large, molded...
Brass
16th Hispano-Mooris Polychrome Talavera Jar with Metallic Reflections
Located in Marbella, ES
Magnificent Talavera ceramic vase or albarelo, hand-decorated with stylized plant motifs in cobalt blue and oxide red on an ivory white background, topped with a characteristic coppe...
Ceramic
Early 20th Century “National” Brass Cash Register, circa 1900
Located in Madrid, ES
Decorative “National” cash register from around 1900, beautifully crafted in engraved and gilt brass. This impressive antique model features elaborate relief decoration and the elega...
Bronze
19th Century Mother of Pearl and Repousse Gold Handle Pen with 14k Tip
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful vintage Fountain Pen - a lovely decorative piece for the desk, but also still fully functional. The handle is Mother of Pearl that leads into an elegant Gold design and ...
Gold
Bone Fountain Pen with Gold Inlay and Swirl Gold Tip with 14k
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful elongated Fountain Pen made of bone with inlay gold design near the handle and a swirling tip of 14k at the tip. A perfect pen for a sophisticated desk with all the fine...
Gold
19th Century Mother of Pearl and Repousse Swirled Gold Handle Pen with 14k Tip
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful vintage Fountain Pen - a lovely decorative piece for the desk, but also still fully functional. The handle is Mother of Pearlwith Gold twisted swirl that leads into an...
Gold
19th Century French Sterling Silver Repoussé Early Fountain Pen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful Repousse sterling French pen with crystal holder - very elegant and signed at the tip. A complement to any desk or work station, especially those that use decor of the...
Sterling Silver
Antique Scottish Regency Verre Églomisé Barometer by John Russell of Falkirk
Located in Devon, GB
A fine and extremely rare early 19th Century Regency period wheel barometer by John Russell of Falkirk, barometer maker to the Prince Regent. This elegant barometer has a frame venee...
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century American Solid Silver Draughtsman's Extending Ruler c.1897
By Udall & Ballou
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century American solid silver "Draughtsman's tool" 12 inch ruler. What is rather special about this piece is it is approx 4.5 inches long and extends out. Marked on the ...
Silver
19th Century Mother of Pearl and Gold Handle Fountain Pen with 14k Eversharp Tip
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful vintage Fountain Pen - a lovely decorative piece for the desk, but also still fully functional. The handle is Mother of Pearl that leads into an elegant Gold design and ...
Gold
19th Century Mother of Pearl Handle Mabie Todd Fountain Pen with 14k Tip
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful vintage Fountain Pen - a lovely decorative piece for the desk, but also still fully functional. The handle is Mother of Pearl that leads into an intricate Gold design an...
Gold
Antique Brass Telescope On Tripod Stand
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The telescope has a selection of the lens that can be removed such that it fits into the case. There is a cover for the end glass. There is a tripod base with cylindrical column pe...
Brass
Brass floor astronomical telescope signed Edmund Wheeler London 1870
Located in Milan, IT
Astronomical round-section brass ground astronomical telescope with two-extension focusing and rack and pinion, with searcher scope, complete with wooden tripod and wooden case conta...
Brass
Swiss Enamel and Gold Telescope
Located in New Orleans, LA
Swiss Enamel and Gold Telescope Circa 1820 This extraordinary telescope exemplifies a rare union of 19th-century Swiss scientific innovation and artistic excellence. Likely crafted ...
Metal, Gold, Enamel
$1,382Sale Price|20% Off
Trio Of Antique Mortars, English, Bronze, Apothecary Pot, William III, C.1700
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a trio of antique mortars. An English, bronze apothecary instrument, dating to the William III period, circa 1700. Charming trio, ideal for decorative display or as planting...
Bronze
Antique Thermometer, Inlaid with Marquetry, Vienna Austria, 1907
Located in Wien, AT
antique thermometer, inlaid with marquetry, Vienna Austria 1907, mahogany, good original condition On the back is the composition of the materials from the thermometer. Signed and da...
Wood
$1,639 / set
19th century pair of French Carboys
Located in London, GB
19th century pair of French Carboys Dimensions: H 18” x W 15” x D 15” Weight: 10kg (Pair) Date: Circa 1870 Origin: France Material: Glass Overview A huge pair of glass chemists a...
Blown Glass
A terrestrial seven inches globe, signed Felix Delamache, France 1845.
By Félix Delamarche
Located in Milan, IT
Engraved wooden and paper maché globe. Equator resting on four quarter meridians on a turned black fruit wooden base with moved profile and circular base. The globe is composed of tw...
Wood, Paper
A Brendel botanic model: Taxus-Yew, Germany 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
A rare Brendel botanical model of Taxus N.40 (Coniferae), Yew. The round base in ebonized wood holds two models: an example of a male Sporofilo and a female Aril enlarged about 80 t...
Wood
Vintage American Original Paint Scale Makes a Great Kitchen Decorative Object
Located in Highwood, IL
Antique American Scale would make a great Kitchen Decorative Accessory still in its beautiful Original Paint. Howe Scale Company became internationally recognized for their innovativ...
Steel, Iron
Circa 1870 American Toleware & Card Perpetual Calendar Circa 1870 John Heath
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A wonderful toleware and card perpetual calendar, circa 1870 possibly slightly earlier, as there are a number of dated handwritten notes on fronts and backs of the monthly inserts, ...
Tin
Stick barometer signed Scalvino Milano from the first half of the 19th century
Located in Milan, IT
Batten barometer signed Scalvino Milano from the first half of the 19th century, made of ebonized wood. Complete with reading nonius for atmospheric pressure change and mercury therm...
Wood
Torricellian cue barometer on oak wood table Germany 1870
Located in Milan, IT
Torricellian mercury stick barometer on oak wood table, complete with atmospheric pressure reading nonius, late 19th-century German manufacture. Measurements 13.5x4.5x 96 cm - inches...
Wood
Wooden stick barometer threaded brass at the edges John Maineri 1820
Located in Milan, IT
Ebonized wood cue barometer with brass threading at the edges, signed Giovanni Maineri early 19th cent. Barometer with ebonized wood reservoir complete with sea bone float indicatin...
Wood
Antique L. M. Ericsson AC110 Iron Skeleton Telephone Taxen Eiffel Dachshund #3
By L.M. Ericsson
Located in Sweden, SE
Desktop telephone model AC 110 (Old catalogue No. 375) made by L. M. Ericsson, Stockholm in period of 1895-1910. A legendary model that enjoys special attention from collectors. Size...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Ebonized wood stick barometer signed TECNOMASIO ITALIANO circa 1870
Located in Milan, IT
Ebonized wooden stick barometer signed TECNOMASIO ITALIANO , from the second half of the 19th century. Complete with reading nonius for atmospheric pressure change and mercury therm...
Wood
Wooden fruit tree stethoscope, early 20th century English manufacture
Located in Milan, IT
Wooden fruit tree stethoscope, early 20th century English manufacture. Measures 4.5x 15.4 cm - 1.8x6.1 in. Bon état. The last photo is the gift box. Curiosity A stethoscope is an ...
Wood
Antique English Kent's Knife Cleaning, Polishing & Sharpening Wheel
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An intricate and fascinating Industrial piece from London, England. English sharpening wheel with wooden drum set vertically on cast iron base with four feet with hand crank. Identi...
Brass, Other, Iron
$275Sale Price / set|21% Off
Vintage Toledo Solid Steel Graduating Weights c.1930-1950
By Toledo Scale Company
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original set of solid steel, chromed calibrating weights. Stamped Toledo on each. Two 10 lb, one 5 lb, one 2 lb and one 1 lb set in a solid Bakelite tray. CREATOR Tol...
Steel, Chrome
$2,318Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Lord Bury 4 Draw Telescope, English, Terrestrial, JH Steward, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Lord Bury 4 draw telescope. An English, leather and brass terrestrial or astronomical refractor by J.H. Steward of London, dating to the Victorian period, circa 18...
Brass
$1,438Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Ross of London, Victorian, 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Officer of the Watch telescope. An English, brass single draw terrestrial or marine spyglass by Ross of London, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. A ...
Brass
Magnifying Glass in Mother of Pearl and Solid Wood 1920s
Located in Meer, VAN
Magnifying Glass in Mother of Pearl and Solid Wood 1920s Magnificent early 20th century magnifying glass in solid wood and inlaid mother of pearl. Wonderful curved handle and high...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Edwardian Mahogany Cased Barograph by Negretti & Zambra, London
By Negretti & Zambra
Located in Norwich, GB
Negretti & Zambra Fine Edwardian mahogany cased barograph with beveled glass panels and central chart drawer. Seven vacuum chambers linking the recording arm to the eight d...
Mahogany
19th Century French Forest Carved Oak Barometer and Thermometer with Dog Motif
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique wall hanging barometer and thermometer was crafted in France, circa 1890. The carved oak weather and temperature reader features impressive, high-relief carvings...
Oak
Monumental European Carved Wood Barometer And Thermometer
Located in Bradenton, FL
Large 19th Century Black Forest Thermometer Barometer combo featuring mounted in a wooden case, intricately hand-carved with a crowned face above the barometer, and beneath a buttres...
Wood
Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Carved Wood Brass Opium Weight Scale 8"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Chinese portable opium scale - pair of hand held brass scales etched with leaves, with a wooden case hand carved in the shape of a snale with flowers on one side, a foliate s...
Brass
Antique Tobacco Scale With Horn Trays – 19th Century, Napoleon III Period
Located in Bilzen, BE
"Antique Tobacco Scale With Horn Trays – 19th Century, Napoleon III Period" Antique French Tobacco Scale with cow Horn Pans – 19th Century, Napoleon III Period Rare and highly decor...
Marble, Brass, Iron
Victorian Mother of Pearl Folding Looking Glass
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A lovely little looking glass that has a compact design. The glass part slides out. The case is Mother of Pearl with beautiful graining. It shimmers. The metal is likely some sort of...
Metal
19th Century Optician or Optometrist Test Glasses Lens Kit in Cabinet
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Optician or Optometrist Test Glasses Lens Kit in Cabinet This beautiful cabinet was used by a traveling optometrists to treat patients in their homes. The glass fron...
Glass
$2,750Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Spectacle Lenses Eye Glass Optometrist tool set
Located in Norwalk, CT
Salmon Bros London, A beautiful cased instrument for measuring the sight to determine the need for glasses.
Glass
Early 20th Century French Peugeot Frères Cast Iron Coffee Grinder, Model A
Located in Dallas, TX
This authentic early 20th-century coffee grinder was crafted in France by Peugeot Frères, renowned for their exceptional cast iron mills long before they became famous for automobile...
Iron
Large 18th c. Monogrammed Cherry Wood Jointer Plane c.1700-1799
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Antique Cherry wood carpentry plane used to make trim and moldings. Monogrammed and stamped. Steel blade inside. Shown with life size hand mold for scale. CREATOR Unknow...
Steel
Large 18th c. Wooden Jointer Plane c.1700-1799
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Antique wooden carpentry plane used to make trim and moldings. Shown with life size hand mold for scale. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1700s. MATERIA...
Fruitwood
Scultetus Amputation Saw, 17th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Scultetus amputation saw, late 17th century, early 18th century. It measures 32cm in length, with an 11cm blade. The blade can be removed by loosening the two screws, which are in go...
Wrought Iron
French Cast Iron and Wood Coffee Grinder with Crank and Drawer, Dated 1901
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France in the early 20th century and dated 1901, this large-scale cast iron coffee grinder combines functional design with rustic charm. The piece features a deep cast iro...
Iron
19th Century English Globe by Renowned Cartographers John Newton and Son
By Newton and Son
Located in GB
Rendered in painstaking detail, this globe presents scientific understanding of the world and sky that would have been invaluable to all areas of business, including shipping, geogra...
Hardwood
Antique English Victorian "W & T Avery" Mahogany & Brass Scale, Circa 1870-1880.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Victorian "W & T Avery" Mahogany and Brass Scale, Circa 1870-1880.
Brass
Attractive 19th Century French Grocer’s Balance Scales The scale has 2 brass pan
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Attractive 19th Century French Grocer’s Balance Scales The scale has 2 brass pans, the body of the scale is very decorative in green enamel The Scale is now mainly a decorative piec...
Iron
Nautical Brass Magnetic Compass with Original Box by E. Vion Paris, Early 1900
Located in Milan, IT
Antique and rare magnetic surveying compass, brass with original wooden box, signed E. Vion Paris, early 1900. Very good condition. Height of box cm 32 – inches 12.61. The firm Vion...
Brass
End 19th Century Ophthalmic Steel Surgery kitJ. Weiss & Son and Dixey England
Located in Milan, IT
Ophthalmic steel surgery kit, signed J. Weiss & Son Ltd London and Dixey England, made in the end of XIX century circa, placed in its original wooden box covered with leather, red ve...
Steel
A fine late Georgian mahogany waywiser by Alfred Joy, Chichester
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A fine late Georgian mahogany waywiser by Alfred Joy, Chichester, comprising a revolving wheel connected to a recording dial marked in yards and poles on one scale and in furlongs an...
Mahogany
Brass Surveyors Level by Troughton & Simms, London
By Troughton & Simms London
Located in Norwich, GB
Brass Surveyors Level by Troughton & Simms, London Sixteen inch extending telescope with original lacquer finish and spirit level. The compass has a three inch silvered registe...
Brass
Antique Wood Moulding Plane Wooden Carpenter's Tool 1800
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an antique wood moulding plane wooden carpenter's tool. Circa the 1800s. Dimensions: 9.38 W x 3.25 H x 1.5 D Please visit take a look at our listings, we ha...
Metal
Antique French Country Primitive Carved Marble Mortar and Pestle on Wood Base
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique French Country Primitive Carved Marble Mortar and Pestle on Solid Wood Primit...
Marble
Lord Vernon’s Sudbury Hall lime wood barometer, by J. Braund after Grinling Gibb
By John Braund
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
Lord Vernon’s Sudbury Hall lime wood barometer, by J. Braund after Grinling Gibbons, of typical form within a case richly carved with high relief strapwork comprising bellflowers, fo...
Wood
Decorating with vintage, new and antique scientific instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.
The Age of Discovery (or the Age of Exploration) refers to a period during the 15th to 18th centuries that saw Europeans taking to the high seas to explore, trade and conquer various regions of the world. What we know about geography, the advancement of sea vessels and the development of scientific instruments all broadened significantly during this time.
With every new finding about our world, scientists invented tools to measure and record. While many of these objects are now obsolete, they are essentially works of art and have a rich history. Scientific instruments of a bygone era represent how far science and technology have advanced.
If you’re interested in introducing antique scientific instruments and tools to your decor to add contrast or draw attention to otherwise unexplored corners of your living room or dining room, there are many options to consider as far as textures and colors go. Like any curious decorative object that draws attention to your home library or mantel, vintage scientific instruments will likely add spirit to any conversation that might take place over cocktails or dinner.
Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.
Mid-century modern scientific instruments also capture a period of rapid progress, representing groundbreaking discoveries that defined the 20th century. Wouldn’t antique anatomical models of the 1950s pair well with your eye-catching abstract paintings, George Nelson clock or Florence Knoll sofa?
Whether you’re looking for a way to showcase your passion for chemistry or aviation or are making room in your foyer for a breathtaking industrial-style electronic time tower manufactured by Patek Philippe, 1stDibs offers a collection of vintage, new and antique scientific instruments that includes topographic tools, laboratory equipment and more.
It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.
It’s never too early for good design. These interiors combine elevated furnishings and a youthful spirit, resulting in spaces that are at once elegant and whimsical.
Produced in 1843, the well-preserved volume is evidence of the author's exacting specifications.
New or old, the coverlets add old-time charm to any space.
Get into the games! These items celebrate the events, athletes, host countries and sporting spirit.
French trendsetter and serial collector Daniel Rozensztroch tells us about his obsession with objects related to seafaring men.
The sought-after designer worked with the team at Hoffman Creative to produce a monograph that beautifully showcases some of Studio Shamshiri's most inspiring projects.
Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.