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Antique Survey Instruments

Holland Circle by Baumann and Kinzelbach
Holland Circle by Baumann and Kinzelbach

Holland Circle by Baumann and Kinzelbach

$6,850

H 16.75 in W 8.13 in D 8.13 in

Holland Circle by Baumann and Kinzelbach

Located in New Orleans, LA

surveying and is a precursor to the theodolite, an optical instrument for measuring angles. Baumann and

Category

19th Century German Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Bronze

A land surveying square, France 1880.
A land surveying square, France 1880.

A land surveying square, France 1880.

$1,647

H 6.5 in W 2.7 in D 2.7 in

A land surveying square, France 1880.

Located in Milan, IT

Octagonal brass land surveying square. Each side has a slot, which allows to aim the distance and

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

Danish 19th Century Brass Surveying or Level Tool on Tripod
Danish 19th Century Brass Surveying or Level Tool on Tripod

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.

Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Folk Art Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

Fine Circular Protractor by William Cary, London c.1810
Fine Circular Protractor by William Cary, London c.1810

Fine Circular Protractor by William Cary, London c.1810

By Cary

Located in Norwich, GB

surveying equipment. Instruments made by William Cary were used around the world including Russia and

Category

1810s English Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage David White Instrument Surveying Equipment Plane Utility Level Oak Case
Vintage David White Instrument Surveying Equipment Plane Utility Level Oak Case

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. Item

Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Metal

Original Antique Map of the Duchy of Luxembourg by De Wit, Amsterdam circa 1680
Original Antique Map of the Duchy of Luxembourg by De Wit, Amsterdam circa 1680

Original Antique Map of the Duchy of Luxembourg by De Wit, Amsterdam circa 1680

Located in Langweer, NL

two cherubs holding surveying instruments, symbolizing cartographic science, while the lower right

Category

Late 17th Century Dutch Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Paper

Reclaimed Red Granite Sundial with Negretti & Zambra Dial Plate
Reclaimed Red Granite Sundial with Negretti & Zambra Dial Plate

Reclaimed Red Granite Sundial with Negretti & Zambra Dial Plate

By Negretti & Zambra

Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire

(active 1850-1985) were one of Britain’s leading manufacturers of scientific, mathematical and surveying

Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Granite, Metal, Bronze

Chinese Musical Instruments – Set of Three Hand-Colored Engravings, 1815
Chinese Musical Instruments – Set of Three Hand-Colored Engravings, 1815

Chinese Musical Instruments – Set of Three Hand-Colored Engravings, 1815

Located in Langweer, NL

Chinese Musical Instruments – Set of Three Ferrario Hand-Colored Engravings, 1815 A rare early

Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Paper

Russian Imperial Silver Punch Set From Czar Alexander III
Russian Imperial Silver Punch Set From Czar Alexander III

Russian Imperial Silver Punch Set From Czar Alexander III

Located in New Orleans, LA

fact, the British government refused his modest request for surveying and observational instruments

Category

19th Century Russian Other Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Silver

Recent Sales

Jean Baptiste Van Lerberghe Theodolite - Circa 1700 to 1720
Jean Baptiste Van Lerberghe Theodolite - Circa 1700 to 1720

Jean Baptiste Van Lerberghe Theodolite - Circa 1700 to 1720

Located in Placerville, CA

this Theodolite for his own personal use. I've seen another very early and crude surveying instrument

Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique J.C. Ulmer Co. Survey Transit & Compass in Bergen & Sons Box
Antique J.C. Ulmer Co. Survey Transit & Compass in Bergen & Sons Box

Antique J.C. Ulmer Co. Survey Transit & Compass in Bergen & Sons Box

Located in Milan, OH

engineering. This extraordinary instrument boasts unparalleled functionality and timeless beauty, making it a

Category

Early 1900s American Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Transit Theodolite, English, Surveying Instrument, Thornton, Edwardian
Antique Transit Theodolite, English, Surveying Instrument, Thornton, Edwardian

Antique Transit Theodolite, English, Surveying Instrument, Thornton, Edwardian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique transit theodolite. An English, bronze and brass surveying instrument by AG

Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Mining Topographic Compass Davis & Son London First Half of the 1800s
Mining Topographic Compass Davis & Son London First Half of the 1800s

Mining Topographic Compass Davis & Son London First Half of the 1800s

Located in Milan, IT

1800s. It is a survey instrument, for measurement of horizontal and vertical angles and magnetic

Category

1840s British Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

Topographic Compass, Wooden and Brass, of the Late 19th Century
Topographic Compass, Wooden and Brass, of the Late 19th Century

Topographic Compass, Wooden and Brass, of the Late 19th Century

By W. & L.E. Gurley

Located in Milan, IT

manufacturers of engineering and surveying instruments in the United States. Very good condition. Perfectly

Category

1880s American Antique Survey Instruments

Salmoiraghi Antique Brass Tacheometer, Surveying Measuring Instrument, 1860
Salmoiraghi Antique Brass Tacheometer, Surveying Measuring Instrument, 1860

Salmoiraghi Antique Brass Tacheometer, Surveying Measuring Instrument, 1860

Located in Milan, IT

, plumb line and other accessories. It is a scientific instrument used in terrestrial observations for

Category

1860s Italian Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

Important Charles C. Hutchinson Telescope
Important Charles C. Hutchinson Telescope

Important Charles C. Hutchinson Telescope

Sold

H 69 in Dm 60 in L 69 in

Important Charles C. Hutchinson Telescope

By Charles C. Hutchinson

Located in Peekskill, NY

imported and sold nautical and surveying instruments, charts, marine glasses, telescopes, and flags. It was

Category

19th Century American Industrial Antique Survey Instruments

Important Charles C. Hutchinson Telescope - 69 Inches Long
Important Charles C. Hutchinson Telescope - 69 Inches Long

Important Charles C. Hutchinson Telescope - 69 Inches Long

By Charles C. Hutchinson

Located in Peekskill, NY

and sold nautical and surveying instruments, charts, marine glasses, telescopes, and flags. It was

Category

19th Century American Industrial Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

American Mahogany Wood Antique Magnetic Binnacle Nautical Compass, circa 1896
American Mahogany Wood Antique Magnetic Binnacle Nautical Compass, circa 1896

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

Category

1890s American Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

1920 Dietz Adjustable Drafting Table
1920 Dietz Adjustable Drafting Table

1920 Dietz Adjustable Drafting Table

Sold

H 42 in W 42 in D 32 in

1920 Dietz Adjustable Drafting Table

By A. Lietz Co.

Located in Surrey, BC

surveying instruments and related tools. The firm incorporated in 1892 under the name "The A. Lietz Company

Category

1920s American Machine Age Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Iron

J. H. Steward Pocket Military Compass c.1890
J. H. Steward Pocket Military Compass c.1890

J. H. Steward Pocket Military Compass c.1890

Sold

H 3 in W 2.13 in D 0.75 in

J. H. Steward Pocket Military Compass c.1890

Located in Bath, GB

retailer of optical, scientific, military and surveying instruments. J.H. Steward was the head optician of

Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

Bulkhead Clock and Barometer Set by Heath & Co
Bulkhead Clock and Barometer Set by Heath & Co

Bulkhead Clock and Barometer Set by Heath & Co

By Heath & Co.

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

Hezzanith) was founded 1845 and specialised in nautical and surveying instruments. The breadth of production

Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Wood

Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps
Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps

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

Category

1910s Swiss Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1915 for U.S. Engineer Corps
Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1915 for U.S. Engineer Corps

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

Category

1910s Swiss Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

Keuffel & Esser Co Survey Transit Tripod Stand with Case Stick and Accessories
Keuffel & Esser Co Survey Transit Tripod Stand with Case Stick and Accessories

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

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Metal

Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps
Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps

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...

Category

1910s Swiss Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

1870s Italian Theodolite Antique Earth Scientific Instrument of Measurement
1870s Italian Theodolite Antique Earth Scientific Instrument of Measurement

1870s Italian Theodolite Antique Earth Scientific Instrument of Measurement

Located in Milan, IT

measurements cm 35.5 x 30.5 x 23 inches 14 x 12 x 9. Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques

Category

1870s Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

American Brass Surveying Transit Signed F. E. Brandis, Sons & Co. NY, Circa 1890
American Brass Surveying Transit Signed F. E. Brandis, Sons & Co. NY, Circa 1890

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

Category

1890s American American Empire Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

1918 Survey Magnetic Compass for U.S. Engineer Corps Antique Nautical Objects
1918 Survey Magnetic Compass for U.S. Engineer Corps Antique Nautical Objects

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...

Category

1910s Swiss Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

Cased Antique Protractor 360 Degree Scientific Instrument Navigation, circa 1900
Cased Antique Protractor 360 Degree Scientific Instrument Navigation, circa 1900

Cased Antique Protractor 360 Degree Scientific Instrument Navigation, circa 1900

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

surveying or navigational purposes. A super cased instrument ideal for use or presentation Inscribed

Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Metal

Early 20th C. Keuffel & Esser Co. Drafting Table
Early 20th C. Keuffel & Esser Co. Drafting Table

Early 20th C. Keuffel & Esser Co. Drafting Table

By Keuffel and Esser Co. 1

Located in Surrey, BC

York, selling drawing materials and drafting supplies. In 1876, K & E started selling surveying

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Oak, Pine

1820s Rare Cittelli Milan Brass Wood Praetorian Tablet Antique Surveyor Tool
1820s Rare Cittelli Milan Brass Wood Praetorian Tablet Antique Surveyor Tool

1820s Rare Cittelli Milan Brass Wood Praetorian Tablet Antique Surveyor Tool

Located in Milan, IT

. Instrument for tracing and topographical surveying, complete with tripod in walnut and removable brass, base

Category

1820s Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

Large Antique Dietzgen Wood and Cast Iron Drafting Table, circa 1930
Large Antique Dietzgen Wood and Cast Iron Drafting Table, circa 1930

Large Antique Dietzgen Wood and Cast Iron Drafting Table, circa 1930

By Dietzgen

Located in San Francisco, CA

manufacturing drawing boards, T-squares, surveying instruments, and other engineering supplies. The factory was

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Steel, Iron, Brass

1900s English Antique Brass Tacheometer, surveying instrument
1900s English Antique Brass Tacheometer, surveying instrument

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

Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

Signed American Brass Surveyor's Compass, New York, Circa 1840
Signed American Brass Surveyor's Compass, New York, Circa 1840

Signed American Brass Surveyor's Compass, New York, Circa 1840

Located in Charleston, SC

ran a small shop in New York City where he manufactured surveying instruments from 1825 until his

Category

19th Century American Antique Survey Instruments

Antique Field Sextant, English, Brass, Military Instrument, Stanley, Victorian
Antique Field Sextant, English, Brass, Military Instrument, Stanley, Victorian

Antique Field Sextant, English, Brass, Military Instrument, Stanley, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique field sextant. An English, brass military surveying instrument, by Stanley of

Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

Survey Compass, Brass with Leather Case, Signed Troughton & Simms Ltd
Survey Compass, Brass with Leather Case, Signed Troughton & Simms Ltd

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

Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Survey Instruments

Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps
Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps

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

Category

1910s Swiss Antique Survey Instruments

Antique English London-Made Brass Surveying Compass in Original Case, circa 1880
Antique English London-Made Brass Surveying Compass in Original Case, circa 1880

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

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vtg David White Instrument Co Surveying Equipment Plane Utility Level Oak Case
Vtg David White Instrument Co Surveying Equipment Plane Utility Level Oak Case

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. Has not been

Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Metal

Vintage Civil War Era Field Glasses by Queen & Co.
Vintage Civil War Era Field Glasses by Queen & Co.

Vintage Civil War Era Field Glasses by Queen & Co.

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

, gyroscopes, drawing and mathematical instruments, surveying instruments, and instruments for electrical

Category

1860s American Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

Early Boston Made Hourglass or Sand Glass
Early Boston Made Hourglass or Sand Glass

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

Category

Late 18th Century American American Colonial Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Blown Glass, Wood

Beautiful Circa 1830s Lewis Michael Surveyors Compass
Beautiful Circa 1830s Lewis Michael Surveyors Compass

Beautiful Circa 1830s Lewis Michael Surveyors Compass

Located in Placerville, CA

surveying instruments, this compass has a few flaws worth noting. First, one of the sight vanes is bent very

Category

1830s American Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

Rare 19th C English Octant by Spencer & Barrett
Rare 19th C English Octant by Spencer & Barrett

Rare 19th C English Octant by Spencer & Barrett

Sold

H 13.13 in W 10.5 in D 3.5 in

Rare 19th C English Octant by Spencer & Barrett

Located in Essex, MA

, Surveying instruments Commercial St. Boston". Photos show 1/2 of box which is complete. A similar

Category

19th Century English Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

Small Size French Brass Sector by Hugé à Versailles, 18th Century
Small Size French Brass Sector by Hugé à Versailles, 18th Century

Small Size French Brass Sector by Hugé à Versailles, 18th Century

Located in Paris, FR

attractive small-size (11,7 cm closed / 22,5 cm opened). The sector is a classic surveying/military

Category

Mid-18th Century Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

People Also Browsed

A beautiful Celestial Table Globe produced by Gerard & Leonard Valk
A beautiful Celestial Table Globe produced by Gerard & Leonard Valk

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 ...

Category

Early 18th Century Dutch Dutch Colonial Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Other

19th Century Walnut Pair of Bookcases Boiserie de Bibliothèque
19th Century Walnut Pair of Bookcases Boiserie de Bibliothèque

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...

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Set of Four Monumental Neo-Gothic Confessionals in Oak
Set of Four Monumental Neo-Gothic Confessionals in Oak

Set of Four Monumental Neo-Gothic Confessionals in Oak

$50,598

H 138.19 in W 94.89 in D 47.25 in

Set of Four Monumental Neo-Gothic Confessionals in Oak

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

A group of four antique confessionals in Neo-Gothic style, made of oak.

Category

19th Century Belgian Gothic Revival Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Wood, Oak

Exclusive Oak Staircase with Carving and Balustrade 19th Century
Exclusive Oak Staircase with Carving and Balustrade 19th Century

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.

Category

1880s French Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Oak

Antique Sterling Silver Canteen of Cutlery for Twelve Persons
Antique Sterling Silver Canteen of Cutlery for Twelve Persons

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...

Category

20th Century English Georgian Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Rare Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim & Pauly Cie Et Venice Antique Carved Armoire
Rare Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim & Pauly Cie Et Venice Antique Carved Armoire

Rare Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim & Pauly Cie Et Venice Antique Carved Armoire

By Pauly et Cie, Guggenheim Museum

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...

Category

19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Mother-of-Pearl Sewing Nécessaire
Mother-of-Pearl Sewing Nécessaire

Mother-of-Pearl Sewing Nécessaire

$18,850

H 4.25 in W 6.63 in D 4.88 in

Mother-of-Pearl Sewing Nécessaire

By Palais Royal

Located in New Orleans, LA

This captivating Palais Royal sewing nécessaire is crafted of engraved mother of pearl mounted in rich doré bronze. The hinged box contains a removable tray lined with velvet that ho...

Category

19th Century French Other Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Louis XVI Style Bunk Beds/Matching Pair of Single Beds Made by La Maison London
Louis XVI Style Bunk Beds/Matching Pair of Single Beds Made by La Maison London

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...

Category

2010s British Louis XVI Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Wood

Louis XVI Style Paneling with Louis XVI Period Mantel and Trumeau
Louis XVI Style Paneling with Louis XVI Period Mantel and Trumeau

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...

Category

1950s French Louis XVI Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Wood

Terrestrial Globe by W. & A.K. Johnston
Terrestrial Globe by W. & A.K. Johnston

Terrestrial Globe by W. & A.K. Johnston

$168,500

H 47 in W 38 in D 38 in

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...

Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century English Cased Drawing Set Length of Longest Tool
19th Century English Cased Drawing Set Length of Longest Tool

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.

Category

19th Century English Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Watch Winding Display Cabinet
19th Century Watch Winding Display Cabinet

19th Century Watch Winding Display Cabinet

$42,500

H 42.5 in W 49.57 in D 28.25 in

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...

Category

19th Century Unknown Empire Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Fabergé Style Bejewelled and Enamelled Gold Egg by Asprey
Fabergé Style Bejewelled and Enamelled Gold Egg by Asprey

Fabergé Style Bejewelled and Enamelled Gold Egg by Asprey

By Garrard & Co. Ltd., Asprey International Limited

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...

Category

1990s English Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Gold

Elkington Beverage Service Eight-Piece
Elkington Beverage Service Eight-Piece

Elkington Beverage Service Eight-Piece

$48,500 / set

H 21 in Dm 16 in

Elkington Beverage Service Eight-Piece

By Elkington & Co.

Located in New Orleans, LA

Crafted by the leading English silversmith firm of the 19th century, this rare and beautifully executed beverage service by Elkington & Co. is a fantastic example of the company'...

Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Silver

French Nécessaire de Voyage
French Nécessaire de Voyage

French Nécessaire de Voyage

$78,500

H 6.5 in W 17 in D 11.75 in

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...

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Crystal, Silver

19th Century English Travelling Dressing Case
19th Century English Travelling Dressing Case

19th Century English Travelling Dressing Case

By Edward & John Barnard

Located in London, GB

A mid-19th century lady’s travelling dressing case. The case is constructed in a finely marked coromandel, with inset brass handles and brass guard bands to the angles. The hinged l...

Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Survey Instruments

Materials

Silver

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Antique Survey Instruments For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of antique survey instruments available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of brass, metal and wood, all antique survey instruments available were constructed with great care. Antique survey instruments have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Antique survey instruments made by Folk Art designers — are very popular at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made antique survey instruments over the years, but those made by Brandis and Son and Troughton & Simms London are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

Finding the Right Collectibles-curiosities for You

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.

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Produced in 1843, the well-preserved volume is evidence of the author's exacting specifications.

Patchwork Quilts Are the Latest Nostalgic Design Trend

New or old, the coverlets add old-time charm to any space.

Medal-Worthy Memorabilia from Epic Past Olympic Games

Get into the games! These items celebrate the events, athletes, host countries and sporting spirit.

Ahoy! You’ve Never Seen a Collection of Sailor Art and Kitsch Quite Like This

French trendsetter and serial collector Daniel Rozensztroch tells us about his obsession with objects related to seafaring men.

39 Incredible Swimming Pools

It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.

Pamela Shamshiri Shares the Secrets behind Her First-Ever Book and Its Effortlessly Cool Interiors

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.

Moroccan Artworks and Objects Take Center Stage in an Extraordinary Villa in Tangier

Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.

Montecito Has Drawn Royalty and Celebrities, and These Homes Are Proof of Its Allure

Hollywood A-listers, ex-pat aristocrats and art collectors and style setters of all stripes appreciate the allure of the coastal California hamlet — much on our minds after recent winter floods.