$4,674
H 68.12 in W 25.6 in D 25.6 in
1910s French Brass Telescope on Tripod, Maison Luenette de B. 1910
Located in Marbella, ES
Marked “Lunette de B… Mle 1897–1906, N° 136, APX 1910,” it suggests a military or scientific context, likely as an observation or surveying instrument. Its robust and functional desi...
Bronze
Holland Circle by Baumann and Kinzelbach
Located in New Orleans, LA
This intriguing item is almost certainly a Holland Circle by German scientific instrument makers Baumann & Kinzelbach. The Holland Circle, sometimes referred to as a Dutch Circle...
Bronze
A land surveying square, France 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
Equipped at the base with a sleeve which is used to fix the instrument to a pole or tripod. Original case. France circa 1880.
Brass
Danish 19th Century Brass Surveying or Level Tool on Tripod
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Surveyors tripod level tool from the late 19th century. The tripod is made of wood and the level is brass. The wood tripod is 39.75in high.
Brass
Fine Circular Protractor by William Cary, London c.1810
By Cary
Located in Norwich, GB
William Cary was an important scientific instrument maker, he trained under Jesse Ramsden (1735-1800) he produced numerous scientific instruments including mechanical calculators, me...
Brass
$150
H 5 in W 11.5 in D 5.25 in
Vintage David White Instrument Surveying Equipment Plane Utility Level Oak Case
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage David White Instrument Co Surveying Equipment Plane Utility Level Oak in Case.
Metal
Reclaimed Red Granite Sundial with Negretti & Zambra Dial Plate
By Negretti & Zambra
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Negretti & Zambra Negretti and Zambra (active 1850-1985) were one of Britain’s leading manufacturers of scientific, mathematical and surveying instruments. Established in 1850 by f...
Stone, Limestone, Granite, Metal, Bronze
$1,986
H 20.67 in W 23.75 in D 0.01 in
Original Antique Map of the Duchy of Luxembourg by De Wit, Amsterdam circa 1680
Located in Langweer, NL
The upper right features two cherubs holding surveying instruments, symbolizing cartographic science, while the lower right corner shows a female figure representing Luxembourg besid...
Paper
$151
H 6.66 in W 4.02 in D 0.01 in
Small Portrait Engraving of Sir Hugh Myddelton after 1632 Portrait, ca.1750
Located in Langweer, NL
Around the portrait appear surveying instruments, mathematical devices, maps, engineering tools, wheels, flowing water, and industrial motifs, all referring to Myddelton’s pioneering...
Paper
$490 / set
H 13.94 in W 10.01 in D 0.01 in
Chinese Musical Instruments – Set of Three Hand-Colored Engravings, 1815
Located in Langweer, NL
This finely detailed plate presents a visual survey of traditional Chinese musical instruments, combining artistic refinement with documentary intent and reflecting Europe’s growing ...
Paper
Russian Imperial Silver Punch Set From Czar Alexander III
Located in New Orleans, LA
In fact, the British government refused his modest request for surveying and observational instruments. Even so, the Czar was impressed, and chose to honor Wiggins with this exceptio...
Silver
Jean Baptiste Van Lerberghe Theodolite - Circa 1700 to 1720
Located in Placerville, CA
I've seen another very early and crude surveying instrument, and that instrument was made and used by a surveyor.
Brass
Unavailable
H 14 in W 10.75 in D 7.5 in
Antique J.C. Ulmer Co. Survey Transit & Compass in Bergen & Sons Box
Located in Milan, OH
Introducing the Exquisite J.C. Ulmer & Co. Transit and Compass in Bergen & Sons Box Discover a rare treasure from the past with this remarkable antique J.C. Ulmer & Co. Transit an...
Brass
Sold
H 12.41 in W 7.09 in D 10.44 in
Antique Transit Theodolite, English, Surveying Instrument, Thornton, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
An English, bronze and brass surveying instrument by AG Thornton of Manchester, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910.
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 4.73 in W 11.62 in D 6.3 in
1890 Antique Brass Level Watts & Sond London Mahogany Box, Surveyor Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Watts & Sond London, manufacturers of theodolites and other surveying instruments, active in London since 1856 and marketed by the Clarkson London company.
Brass
Sold
H 9.06 in W 12.21 in D 7.88 in
Mining Topographic Compass Davis & Son London First Half of the 1800s
Located in Milan, IT
Mining diopter topographic compass of brass signed Davis & Son London & Derby, first half of the 1800s. It is a survey instrument, for measurement of horizontal and vertical angles a...
Brass
Topographic Compass, Wooden and Brass, of the Late 19th Century
By W. & L.E. Gurley
Located in Milan, IT
Gurley was a company active since 1852 in Troy (New York) and one of the largest manufacturers of engineering and surveying instruments in the United States. Very good condition.
Sold
H 23.82 in W 8.08 in D 8.08 in
Salmoiraghi Antique Brass Tacheometer, Surveying Measuring Instrument, 1860
Located in Milan, IT
La Filotecnica Ing A. Salmoiraghi Milan Centesimal tacheometer 133 b normal N. 55858 Catasto Italiano model of the second half of the 19th century, of burnished brass, complete with ...
Brass
Important Charles C. Hutchinson Telescope
By Charles C. Hutchinson
Located in Peekskill, NY
Hutchinson Nautical Instruments. The business imported and sold nautical and surveying instruments, charts, marine glasses, telescopes, and flags.
Important Charles C. Hutchinson Telescope - 69 Inches Long
By Charles C. Hutchinson
Located in Peekskill, NY
Hutchinson Nautical Instruments. The business imported and sold nautical and surveying instruments, charts, marine glasses, telescopes, and flags.
Brass
Sold
H 9.06 in W 11.82 in D 7.49 in
American Mahogany Wood Antique Magnetic Binnacle Nautical Compass, circa 1896
Located in Milan, IT
Hutchinson Nautical Instruments, as seller of nautical and surveying instruments,charts, marine glasses, telescopes and flags.
Brass
1920 Dietz Adjustable Drafting Table
By A. Lietz Co.
Located in Surrey, BC
In 1947, after 65 years of production, the firm discontinued the manufacturing of surveying instruments.
Iron
J. H. Steward Pocket Military Compass c.1890
Located in Bath, GB
Steward Ltd: James Henry Steward (1817-1896) established his business in London in 1852 as a maker and retailer of optical, scientific, military and surveying instruments. J.H. Stewa...
Brass
Bulkhead Clock and Barometer Set by Heath & Co
By Heath & Co.
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
Footnote: Heath & Co (also known as Hezzanith) was founded 1845 and specialised in nautical and surveying instruments. The breadth of production was advertised in 7 different catalog...
Wood
Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps
Located in Milan, IT
Rare magnetic nautical survey compass, brass, Cruchon & Emons Berne Swiss n. 55929 made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps. This is a small compass, diameter 5.3 cm - 2 inches, height 1...
Brass
Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1915 for U.S. Engineer Corps
Located in Milan, IT
Rare magnetic nautical survey compass, brass, Cruchon & Emons Berne Swiss n. n. 54826 made in 1915 for U.S. Engineer Corps. This is a small compass, diameter 5.3 cm - 2 inches, heigh...
Brass
Sold
H 40 in W 12 in D 5 in
Keuffel & Esser Co Survey Transit Tripod Stand with Case Stick and Accessories
By Keuffel and Esser Co. 1
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Keuffel & Esser Co Survey Transit on Tripod Stand with Original Oak Wood Case and Accessories Pictured including Telescoping Surveying Stick. Circa Early 20th Century. Measur...
Metal
Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps
Located in Milan, IT
Vintage nautical bearing magnetic compass, pocket made of brass, signed Cruchon & Emons Berne n. 24345 of 1918 made for the U.S. Engineer Corps. It is a small compass, diameter 5.3 c...
Brass
Sold
H 69.5 in Dm 11 in
American Brass Surveying Transit Signed F. E. Brandis, Sons & Co. NY, Circa 1890
By Brandis and Son
Located in Charleston, SC
American brass surveying transit on oak tripod stand. F. E. Brandis, Sons & Co., was in business during the period 1890-1916, they described this instrument as an engineers' transit ...
Brass
Sold
H 18.5 in W 10.3 in D 10.6 in
1870s, Brass Theodolite Ing. Salmoiraghi Milano Antique Scientific Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent graphically in scale a part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...
Brass
Sold
H 17.7 in W 9.1 in D 16 in
1870s Italian Theodolite Antique Earth Scientific Instrument of Measurement
Located in Milan, IT
Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent graphically in scale a part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...
Brass
Sold
H 18.5 in W 13.6 in D 15 in
1870s Theodolite Troughton & Simms Antique Scientific Instrument of Measurement
Located in Milan, IT
Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent graphically in scale a part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...
Brass
Sold
H 0.71 in Dm 2.09 in
1918 Survey Magnetic Compass for U.S. Engineer Corps Antique Nautical Objects
Located in Milan, IT
Rare magnetic compass for nautical detection, of brass, signed Cruchon & Emons Berne n. 67770 of 1918 made for the U.S Engineer Corps. It is a small compass, diameter 5.3 cm - 2.1 in...
Brass
Sold
H 0.79 in W 10.83 in D 10.83 in
Cased Antique Protractor 360 Degree Scientific Instrument Navigation, circa 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a mahogany cased antique protractor, a 360 degree scientific instrument possibly for surveying or navigational purposes.
Metal
Sold
H 13 in W 16.5 in D 5.1 in
1870s Brass Cathetometer Signed G. Coradi Zurich Antique Scientific Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent graphically in scale a part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...
Brass
Sold
H 9.8 in W 4.4 in D 10.15 in
1870s Small Brass Theodolite Kelvin & James White Antique Surveyor's Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent graphically in scale a part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...
Brass
Early 20th C. Keuffel & Esser Co. Drafting Table
By Keuffel and Esser Co. 1
Located in Surrey, BC
In 1876, K & E started selling surveying instruments. The four-story Keuffel and Esser Manufacturing Complex in Hoboken, New Jersey, was completed four years later.
Oak, Pine
Sold
H 61 in W 17.8 in D 27.5 in
1820s Rare Cittelli Milan Brass Wood Praetorian Tablet Antique Surveyor Tool
Located in Milan, IT
Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent graphically in scale a part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...
Brass
Sold
H 5.9 in W 4 in D 8.15 in
Early 1900s Telescope Diopter Praetorian Tablet Secretan Paris Antique Surveyor
Located in Milan, IT
Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent graphically in scale a part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...
Brass
Sold
H 2.8 in W 7.5 in D 8.2 in
1870s Brass Clisigonimeter F. Miller Innsbruck Surveyor Measurement Instrumemt
Located in Milan, IT
Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent graphically in scale a part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...
Brass
Sold
H 32.75 in W 72 in D 43.5 in
Large Antique Dietzgen Wood and Cast Iron Drafting Table, circa 1930
By Dietzgen
Located in San Francisco, CA
In 1893, Eugene Dietzgen Drafting Company began manufacturing drawing boards, T-squares, surveying instruments, and other engineering supplies.
Steel, Iron, Brass
1900s English Antique Brass Tacheometer, surveying instrument
Located in Milan, IT
English tacheometer made in the early 1900s, of brass, it is a geodetic and topographic instrument used in terrestrial observations for the measurement of horizontal and vertical ang...
Brass
Signed American Brass Surveyor's Compass, New York, Circa 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
He ran a small shop in New York City where he manufactured surveying instruments from 1825 until his death in 1850.
Sold
H 2.96 in W 4.73 in D 4.93 in
Antique Field Sextant, English, Brass, Military Instrument, Stanley, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
An English, brass military surveying instrument, by Stanley of London, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880.
Brass
Survey Compass, Brass with Leather Case, Signed Troughton & Simms Ltd
By Troughton & Simms London
Located in Milan, IT
Old survey compass, brass with leather case, signed Troughton & Simms Ltd London, early 1900. Measure: Diameter of compass cm 11.5, height cm 3.2. Very good condition and in order.
Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps
Located in Milan, IT
Rare magnetic nautical survey compass, brass, Cruchon & Emons Berne Swiss made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps. This is a small compass, diameter 5.3 cm - 2 inches, height 1.8 cm - 0...
Sold
H 4 in W 12 in D 8 in
Antique English London-Made Brass Surveying Compass in Original Case, circa 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Lond-made brass surveying compass in original case, circa 1880. Made By J. and W.E.
Brass
Sold
H 7.5 in W 7.9 in D 7.9 in
1780s Cole Fecit Brass Antique Surveyor's Transit Theodolite Measurement Tool
Located in Milan, IT
Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent graphically in scale a part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...
Brass
Sold
H 36 in Dm 7.7 in
19th Century Antique Theodolite Burnished Brass Signed Pietro Sbisà OMS Florence
Located in Milan, IT
Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent graphically in scale a part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...
Brass
Sold
H 5 in W 11.5 in D 5.25 in
Vtg David White Instrument Co Surveying Equipment Plane Utility Level Oak Case
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage David White Instrument Co surveying equipment plane utility level in oak case.
Metal
Vintage Civil War Era Field Glasses by Queen & Co.
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
By 1888, the company had six departments: physical and chemical, engineering, ophthalmic, microscopical, magic lantern, photographic. Among the instruments and apparatus made were ai...
Brass
Early Boston Made Hourglass or Sand Glass
By Samuel Thaxter
Located in Essex, MA
(Reference: Smart, Charles E. "The Makers Of Surveying Instruments in America Since 1700" Troy, New York: Regal Art Press. 1962).
Blown Glass, Wood
Beautiful Circa 1830s Lewis Michael Surveyors Compass
Located in Placerville, CA
Like all nearly 200 year old surveying instruments, this compass has a few flaws worth noting.
Brass
Rare 19th C English Octant by Spencer & Barrett
Located in Essex, MA
Hutchinson, Nautical, Surveying instruments Commercial St. Boston". Photos show 1/2 of box which is complete.
Brass
Small Size French Brass Sector by Hugé à Versailles, 18th Century
Located in Paris, FR
The sector is a classic surveying/military instrument engraved with 8 scales : Poid des boules, Les cordes, Les solides, Les metaux, les parties egales, Les plans, Les poligones and ...
Brass
$187,231Sale Price|20% Off
H 28 in Dm 18 in
A beautiful Celestial Table Globe produced by Gerard & Leonard Valk
By Gerard and Leonard Valk
Located in ZWIJNDRECHT, NL
A magnificent and very rare early 18th century celestial table globe produced by Gerard and Leonard Valk. Established at the end of the previous century by Gerard Valk, and assisted ...
Other
$39,730 / set
H 14.96 in W 21.25 in D 16.14 in
Koch Bergfeld Silver 800 Cutlery Baroque Design 264-Pieces Bremen Germany 1900
By Koch & Bergfeld
Located in Vienna, AT
Silver 264-piece flatware (cutlery set) for 18 persons, Made by Koch & Bergfeld, Germany / Bremen, circa 1900 Gorgeous German cutlery set / flatware / dinnerware consisting of 2...
Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Canteen of Cutlery for Twelve Persons
By Viners 1
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive, comprehensive antique George V English sterling silver Sandringham pattern flatware service for twelve persons - boxed; an addition to our canteen...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$337,467
H 100.6 in W 66.93 in D 24.81 in
Rare Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim & Pauly Cie Et Venice Antique Carved Armoire
By Guggenheim Museum, Pauly et Cie
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare one of a kind Pauly CIE Et stamped hand carved walnut armoire made by the genius that was Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim 1837-1910 W...
Walnut
$18,404
H 101.58 in W 162.21 in D 3.94 in
Louis XVI Style Paneling with Louis XVI Period Mantel and Trumeau
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This Louis XVI style paneled room is composed of two shelves and cupboards with double doors made of wood painted in light green in the 20th century. They frame a Louis XVI period m...
Wood
$99,326
H 101.19 in W 137.8 in D 19.3 in
19th Century Walnut Pair of Bookcases Boiserie de Bibliothèque
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A rare pair of heliocodal French Directoire library bookcases in solid walnut. This type of bookcases is also known as 'boiseries de Bibliothèque' as they often, together with pannel...
Walnut
Fabergé Style Bejewelled and Enamelled Gold Egg by Asprey
By Asprey International Limited, Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, GB
This exceptional, 18 carat gold Easter egg was crafted by the famous London-based royal jewellers, Asprey & Co. The piece was then retailed by Garrard & Co, who once worked i...
Gold
Rococo Style Hand Carved 4 Poster & Bunk Bed
By La Maison London
Located in London, Park Royal
A unique design of master carving from La Maison London. A hand carved Four Poster bed frame, in the Rococo style, which also doubles as bunk bed. The top section has been designed t...
Wood
Terrestrial Globe by W. & A.K. Johnston
By W. & A.K. Johnston
Located in New Orleans, LA
Measuring a monumental 30 inches in diameter, this impressive globe was crafted by the renowned firm W. & A.K. Johnston. Founded in 1825, the Johnston firm is considered the fore...
Brass
$33,888
H 90.95 in W 179.14 in D 224.41 in
Louis XVI Style Panelling with Fireplace and a Marine Scene, Oil on Canvas
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This paneled room is composed of a stone fireplace, a large glass door with four leaves, a single door (both with their frame) and a large oil on canvas depicting a marine scene sign...
Stone
$17,493 / set
H 87.01 in W 41.34 in D 88.59 in
Louis XVI Style Bunk Beds/Matching Pair of Single Beds Made by La Maison London
By La Maison London
Located in London, Park Royal
Louis XVI style bunk beds, exclusive to La Maison London: Hand carved featuring a band of intricate laurel leaves along the side bars and hand finished to order (picture shows a pale...
Wood
Letto a baldacchino. Italia, inizi del XIX sec
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Letto a baldacchino in ferro battuto con pediera e testiera in legno sagomato per poter essere rivestita di tappezzeria. I montanti in ferro battuto come i piedi presentano delle ins...
Wrought Iron
$34,472
H 177.17 in W 212.6 in D 192.92 in
Exclusive Oak Staircase with Carving and Balustrade 19th Century
Located in Udenhout, NL
This is a very beautiful unique stairs. It is hand carved and comes out of a mansion Near Paris, France.
Oak
19th Century English Cased Drawing Set Length of Longest Tool
Located in Buchanan, MI
An 19th century English cased drawing set length of longest tool. Measures: 6 1/4 inches.
Brass
19th Century Watch Winding Display Cabinet
Located in New Orleans, LA
This incredible, one-of-a-kind watch display cabinet brings together the beauty of an antique with the functionality of modern technology. Crafted of mahogany, this 19th century jewe...
Mahogany
French Nécessaire de Voyage
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptional and rare French nécessaire de voyage is almost certainly the work of the highly respected Parisian manufacturer Pierre-Dominique Maire and the silversmith Jacques-Br...
Crystal, Silver
Antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities can bring whimsy and wonder to any interior.
Decorating with old scientific instruments, historical memorabilia and vintage musical 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.
And bringing collectibles and curiosities into your space is actually on trend — Wunderkammern, or curiosity cabinets, were all the rage in Europe during the 1500s and continued to have adherents there and in the U.S. in the following centuries. Today, however, they’re experiencing a real surge in popularity and influencing how many interior designers are furnishing and decorating homes — combining contemporary with antique, scientific with tribal, earthly with extraterrestrial, Les Lalanne tables with Flemish tapestries.
The original Wunderkammern were entire rooms filled with objects demonstrating their owners’ worldly knowledge: A proper one included artificiala or preciosa (objets d’art); naturalia (such as skeletons, shells, minerals); exotica (taxidermy or dried plants); and scientifica (scientific instruments), frequently alongside religious relics and ancient artifacts.
Pay tribute to a history of rich and diverse musical traditions that have taken shape all over the world by decorating your home with a collection of antique and vintage musical instruments — with a little help from strong hanging wire or some wall hooks, vintage brass instruments such as a gong, French horn or trumpet can help elevate a home office or complement the efforts you’ve made to ensure a welcoming vibe in your home’s entryway. Bells or antique wind instruments can add provocative metallic contrasts to dark woods as tabletop decorative objects.
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.
Wanderlust, nostalgia and a shared love of good design are contributing factors to certain trends in decorating — just as vintage trunks and luggage have reappeared as furniture or home accents in a bedroom or foyer, decorating with globes, maps or nautical objects is similarly rooted in the allure of travel and a penchant for the stylish finishing touch that collectibles bring to our homes.
Find a wide range of antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities on 1stDibs.
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.