Ptolemaic Armillary Sphere, Charles-François Delamarche, Paris, ante 1798
By Charles Francois Delamarche
Located in Milano, IT
Ptolemaic armillary sphere Charles-François Delamarche Paris, ante 1798 Wood and papier-mâché covered with printed and partly hand-colored paper It measures 15.55 in in height x Ø 10...
Wood, Paper
French Brass & Polished Steel Telescope w/ Spotting Scope on Tripod Stand C 1850
By Bardou & Son
Located in Charleston, SC
French brass and polished steel telescope with removable lens cap, spotting scope, and mounted on folding tripod stand, 19th Century. Signed on focal tube by prolific telescope make...
Brass, Steel
A botanic model of a fern Pteris serrulata, A. Dall’Eco, Italy 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical model by A. Dall'Eco di Pteris serrulata N.66 (Ferns. Sporangium and Spore). The round boxwood base contains 4 elements, components of a model of fern Pteris serrula...
Plaster, Boxwood
American Victorian Walnut Cased Standing Magnifying Glass
Located in Hudson, NY
This large American Victorian standing magnifying glass is encased in a carved and turned walnut frame and is adjustable to height with a wooden screw set device. Made circa 1880 the...
Glass, Walnut
Set of n.2 Cast iron mortars, complete with original wooden pestles, Italy
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Set of 2 cast iron mortars, complete with iron handles with knobs and original wooden pestles, complete, original from the 19th century and from a pharmacy in Italy. Measurements: 1....
Iron
Early 20th century Swedish metal telephone by Rikstelefon
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century Swedish metal telephone by rikstelefon circa 1900. Quite possibly early than dated, here we have a sheet metal rikstelefon telephone set. Rikstelefon was the nat...
Metal, Brass
17th Century Dutch Bronze pharmacy Mortar, dated 1632
Located in Bilzen, BE
17th century Dutch bronze mortar, dated 1632 and with border text "lof God van al anno 1632". Height 12.5 cm, Diameter 14 cm
Bronze
Anatomical model for class, depicting the kidneys, Spain 1890.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomic model for schools, for educational use, depicting the kidneys, made out of painted papier maché and mounted over a black painted fruitwood base. Spain circa 1890.
Fruitwood
Sundial and Compass with Case, Schrettegger, Johan, Augsburg, Germany, Ca 1800
Located in Madrid, ES
Sundial and compass with case. Bronze. SCHRETTEGGER, Johan. Augsburg, Germany, around 1800. Sundial with a polygonal shape made of bronze, engraved with plant elements on the front,...
Bronze, Other
$1,800 / item
French Barometer Gilt Wood Verre Èglomisè
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century French Giltwood and Verre Èglomisè Barometer. A verre èglomisè (French for “gilded glass”) barometer is a decorative barometer featuring elaborate glasswork and involvin...
Giltwood, Glass
Ancient Planet Model, Tellurium, FR. J. Berg, Stockholm, circa 1900
Located in Greven, DE
Ancient planet model so-called tellurium Stockholm Metal, wood, paper around 1900 Dimensions: H x W x D: 46 x 56 x 20 cm Description: Display model with sun, earth and moon on hea...
Metal
Small gilded bronze mortar and pestle, Italy
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Small antique mortar with original pestle, chiseled in gilded bronze with period decorations, antique pharmacy mortar, used for potions and medicines, beautiful gift idea or to use i...
Brass
An anatomical plaster model of the section of the head, Austria 1870.
Located in Milan, IT
An anatomical model of the section of the head, cast out of plaster, signed “ K.K.S.T.G.S.C.H Innsbruck, in a very good condition and with original patina. Anatomical study purpose. ...
Plaster
Anatomical model for class of the lungs and heart, Germany 1920.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare anatomical model for class, depicting human lungs and heart, made out of painted plaster, mounted on a black fruit wooden base. By Louis M. Meusel, Germany circa 1920.
Plaster, Fruitwood
A jaw with teeth made of painted papier-maché, Italy 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools for educational use depicting a jaw with teeth, made of painted papier-mâché, all placed with the support of a cylindrical iron rod on a round base in bl...
Iron
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Walnut Barometer with Carved Bird
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (Late 19th Century) walnut wall barometer/thermometer with carved bird, deer and floral carving.
Metal
A Fine Early 19th Century Marine Chronometer By Parkinson And Frodsham
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
An early 19th century 2 day marine chronometer by Parkinson and Frodsham, London. Numbered on the brass bound mahogany 3 tier box, and the dial 1769. Beautifully signed on the moveme...
Brass
$3,850 / set
Pair of Astrolabes
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of antique brass astrolabes with iron brackets
Brass, Bronze
English Brass Telescope w/ Spotting Scope & Stabilizer Bar on Tripod Stand 1870
Located in Charleston, SC
English brass and polished steel telescope with spotting scope, adjustable stabilizer bar, and mounted on folding tripod stand, 19th Century. Manufacturer T. Cooke & Sons, York. Tel...
Brass, Steel
Small herbalist pharmacy wooden jars, Italy 1870.
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two small wooden herbalist's apothecary vases (Thistle flowers, Myrtle berries) in the purest neoclassical style. The surface is finished with cream-white pastiglia with saffr...
Wood
Small herbalist pharmacy wooden jars, Italy 1870.
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two small wooden herbalist's apothecary vases (Althaea flowers, Ginko leaves) in the purest neoclassical style. The surface is finished with cream-white pastiglia with saffron...
Wood
Nineteenth Century Hanging Bronze Scales with Nested Six Weights, 21-in high
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Standing at 21 inches in height, this set of large late nineteenth century French solid brass scales features two hanging brass pans that hang from chains. Six accompanying gram wei...
Bronze
Vintage WESCO Oil Can
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage Metal Oil Can. An automotive oil can made by Wesco, Birmingham. A fantastic piece of vintage motoring ephemera, the perfect gift for the motoring enthusiast. Who would have t...
Metal
$3,261Sale Price|20% Off
Italian or German anatomical bust.
Located in Lugo, IT
Italian or German anatomical bust. The profile photos are without organs. The measurements refer to the wooden base. The conditions are as per the photos. Thank you
Gesso, Wood
French enamel, brass and mother of pearl Opera Glasses
Located in London, GB
A fine pair of French enamel, brass and mother of pearl opera glasses, pink enamelled and jewelled barrels, with mother of pearl caps. Good condition, the pink enamel with hand paint...
Brass, Enamel
Early 20th Century Pair of Mirror Witches Balls on Bronze Stands
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A matching pair of early 20th century mirrored witches balls, with pressed steel galleries and hanging hoops. They have later been associated to a pair of extremely well cast and he...
Bronze
Antique Colmont French FT Binoculars Leather Paris
By Lawrence and Mayo
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Vintage Colmont FT Paris binoculars Colmont a French optical company known for producing high-quality binoculars leather-covered body maker stamp present 7.75 x 5 ...
Metal
French 19th Century Bronze Wall Thermometer Attrib. to François Linke
By François Linke
Located in North Miami, FL
Original 19th Century wall mounted thermometer measuring in centigrade in the Louis XVI style. All bronze and very elegant thermometer attributed to François Linke. All weather m...
Bronze
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Siebe Gorman Fire Fighter Smoke Mask
By Siebe Gorman & Co.
Located in Stockholm, SE
This is an early Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd. smoke mask. These full face helmets are very rare and found mostly in museum collections. This example looks and feels like it´s never have ...
Metal
$3,844Sale Price|25% Off
Pantograph by Thomas Dunn of Edinburgh, circa 1845
Located in London, GB
An oak cased brass pantograph by Thomas Dunn of 50 North Street, Edinburgh. Interior of case has trade label: Thomas Dunn, optician, mathematical and philosophical instrument make...
Brass
19th Century Indian Etched Brass Qibla Compass, Antique Anglo-Indian
Located in Stamford, CT
19th Century Indian etched brass Qibla compass. The compass with brass needle and glass cover, the reverse engraved with tables. 4.2 inches high 2.3 wide A qibla (qiblah) compa...
Brass
$1,465Sale Price|20% Off
Carved oak wall hanging Banjo barometer
Located in Cheshire, GB
Carved oak barometer, the shaped carved oak frame with rectangular thermometer encased by glass. Above the silvered dial with silvered bezel, flanked by crisp scrolling carved decora...
Oak
Antique maritime navy compass
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Antique maritime navy compass in very nice original condition.
Brass
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical Blue Refractor Phoropter Medical Eye Exam Machine
By Bausch & Lomb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical Blue Refractor Phoropter Medical Eye Exam Machine. Early 20th Century. Measurements: 11" H x 12.5" W x 4" D.
Metal
Vintage Goodell-Pratt Brass and Wood Level c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A vintage level with two bubbles, large brass label and brass accents. CREATOR Goodell-Pratt Company, Mass. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1930-1940. MATERIALS AND TECHN...
Brass
Antique Rosewood and Bronze Push Drill Brace
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Antique push drill brace with Rosewood wooden handle and bronze collar. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c. 1860-1900. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Bronze, Stee...
Steel, Bronze
Antique Draw Knife and Mezzaluna Knife c.1860-1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Antique 12 inch draw knife with wooden handles and one mezzaluna knife with Beech handles. Brass collars. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c. 1860-1900. MAT...
Steel, Brass
Ptolemaic Armillary Sphere, Charles-François Delamarche, Paris, ante 1798
By Charles Francois Delamarche
Located in Milano, IT
Ptolemaic armillary sphere Charles-François Delamarche Paris, ante 1798 Wood and papier-mâché covered with printed and partly hand-colored paper It measures 16.37 in in height x Ø 10...
Wood, Paper
19th c. Bronze, Rosewood and Ebony Try Squares c.1850-1890
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Collection of six 19th century try squares with bronze, Ebony, Rosewood, and steel handles. The Halsted & Ackerman is a rare combination square with a pop out bevel from t...
Metal, Bronze, Steel
c. 1899 NOS Complete Japanned Copper Dental Drill
Located in Dekalb, IL
This immaculate and incredibly rare piece of dental history originates from the office of Dr. Harry Wood - formerly located at 205 Huron Street in Berlin, WI. This complete dental dr...
Copper
Collection of 19th c. Mortise Marking Guages
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Collection of 19th century Rosewood and Boxwood mortise marking gauges with bronze knobs and accents. One is stamped "Pat. Oct. 22, 1872". CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF M...
Bronze
English Floor Scales by G.H. James, Cream Painted, Antique, Circa 1910 Bathroom
Located in Southampton, GB
A set of English Floor Scales by G.H. James, Bath, manufactured and " restored ". Works perfectly. A great addition for a hotel to weigh luggage or a bathroom interior. Original crea...
Iron
Torricellian barometer signed Heineman Strada Toledo 213 Naples mid-nineteenth century.
Located in Milan, IT
Torricellian mercury barometer signed Heineman Strada Toledo 213 Naples for the Italian market, in mahogany wood from the mid 19th cent. complete with reading nonius for checking p...
Wood
Torricellian mahogany barometer signed Davis 65 Bold St. Liverpool 1839/1841
Located in Milan, IT
Torricellian mercury barometer in mahogany wood, signed Davis 65 Bold St. Liverpool active at this address from 1839 to 1841, complete with reading nonius for checking pressure varia...
Wood
A small telescope in paper, glass and snakewood. Golden decoration. France 1780.
Located in Milan, IT
A small pocket telescope with one extension, lens holder and ring in amoretto wood (Brosimum Guianense); objective holder body in green painted and pressed cardboard with rich decora...
Shagreen, Wood
Compensated brass barometric altimeter signed Stanley London from the early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Brass compensated barometric altimeter signed Stanley London No. 1581 from the early 1900s. Diameter 7.6 x 3 cm - inches 3x1.2. An altimeter is an instrument for measuring the heig...
Brass
A Set of 19th c. Carpenter's Molding Wood Planes
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Antique wooden carpentry planes used to make trim and moldings. Stamped "Ohio Tool Co." on the side. Shown with life size hand mold for scale. CREATOR Unknown. DATE ...
Walnut
Gustavian brass box with perpetual calender based on the rune staff
Located in Knivsta, SE
Gustavian brass box with perpetual calender based on the rune staff. The box is from the late 18th Century and was used as a perpetual calendar and also as a snuff box. There is some...
Brass
$75Sale Price|21% Off
19th c. I. Hick Carpentry Molding Plane
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Antique wooden carpentry plane used to make trim and moldings. Stamped "I. Hick' on the side. Shown with life size hand mold for scale. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF MANU...
Walnut
19th c. Carpenter's Molding Wood Plane
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.1850-1920. MATERI...
Walnut
$75Sale Price|21% Off
19th Carpentry Molding Plane with Steel Blade
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Antique wooden carpentry plane with steel blade used to make trim and moldings. Stamped "E. Avery' on the side. Shown with life size hand mold for scale. CREATOR Unknown...
Walnut
Antique Carpentry Molding Plane
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Antique wooden carpentry plane used to make trim and moldings. Stamped "M. Steckel' on the side. Shown with life size hand mold for scale. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF M...
Walnut
$95Sale Price / set|24% Off
19th c. Wooden Carpentry Moulding Plane c.1850-1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Antique wooden carpentry plane with iron blade used to make trim and moldings. Shown with life size hand mold for scale. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1850-...
Iron
Antique English "Broadhurst Clarkson & Co." Telescope on Stand, Circa 1910-1920.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English "Broadhurst Clarkson & Co." Telescope on Stand, Circa 1910-1920. 72" High as shown in the photographs.
Brass
Set of Late 19th Century Double Faced French Bronze and Iron Butcher's Scales
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This set of late nineteenth century French iron and bronze butcher's scales is double faced and features the coat of arms of the city of Paris flanked by the messenger god Mercury an...
Brass, Bronze, Iron
$2,127Sale Price|20% Off
Mahogany cased Barograph
Located in Cheshire, GB
Kelvin Bottomley mahogany-cased Barograph, having five bevelled glazed removable lid, and a drawer below to house the charts. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum,...
Wood
19th c. Varville & Son Plow Plane c.1870-1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Solid wood carpenter's wood plane with steel and bronze accents. Stamped on both sides. CREATOR Varville & Son, York, UK. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1870-1900. MATE...
Bronze, Steel
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.
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