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
19th Century German Antique Surveying Instruments
Bronze
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
Bronze
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
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
surveying equipment. Instruments made by William Cary were used around the world including Russia and
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. Item
Metal
$2,048
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
two cherubs holding surveying instruments, symbolizing cartographic science, while the lower right
Paper
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
Stone, Limestone, Granite, Metal, Bronze
$505 / 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
Chinese Musical Instruments – Set of Three Ferrario Hand-Colored Engravings, 1815 A rare early
Paper
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
Silver
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
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
engineering. This extraordinary instrument boasts unparalleled functionality and timeless beauty, making it a
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
This is an antique transit theodolite. An English, bronze and brass surveying instrument by AG
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
the 19th century. signed R. Watts & Sond London, manufacturers of theodolites and other surveying
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
1800s. It is a survey instrument, for measurement of horizontal and vertical angles and magnetic
Brass
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
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
, plumb line and other accessories. It is a scientific instrument used in terrestrial observations for
Brass
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
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
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
Brass
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
Iron
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
Brass
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
Wood
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
Brass
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
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
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
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
measurements cm 35.5 x 30.5 x 23 inches 14 x 12 x 9. Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques
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
half of the 19th century, complete with original oak box complete. This instrument was used in
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
1922. Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent
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
surveying or navigational purposes. A super cased instrument ideal for use or presentation Inscribed
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
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
for reading the circles, triple level and tripod socket. Topography studies instruments, surveying
Brass
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
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
. Instrument for tracing and topographical surveying, complete with tripod in walnut and removable brass, base
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
Secretan (1804-1867). Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to
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
x 2.8 inches. Excellent condition, fully functional. Topography studies instruments, surveying
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
manufacturing drawing boards, T-squares, surveying instruments, and other engineering supplies. The factory was
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
Brass
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
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
This is an antique field sextant. An English, brass military surveying instrument, by Stanley of
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
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
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
that can be replaced with a telescope and original wooden box. The instrument is fixed on a wooden
Brass
Sold
H 36 in Dm 7.7 in
19th Century Antique Theodolite Burnished Brass Signed Pietro Sbisà OMS Florence
Located in Milan, IT
(look at the last picture). Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to
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. Has not been
Metal
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
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
Blown Glass, Wood
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
Brass
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
Brass
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
Brass
Extensive English Porcelain Dessert Service, circa 1825
Located in New York, NY
Pair of covered fruit coolers, pair of covered sauce tureens, pair of open work baskets, 1 compote, 4 kidney-shaped dishes, pair of square dishes, pair of oval dishes, 16 plates.
Porcelain
$35,538
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
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
$60,000
H 12 in W 14 in D 7 in
Magnificent French Antique Porcelain 116-Piece Dinner Set, 19th Century
Located in Montreal, Quebec
116 Pieces A magnificent French Antique porcelain 116-piece dinner set, 19th century, with burgundy and gold accents. This set is exceptionnal both in its beauty, its state of con...
Porcelain
$42,500
H 101 in W 164.5 in D 27 in
Antique English Break-Front Bibliotheque Bookcase in Mahogany, circa 1870
By S.E. & R. Johnson. Warrington
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A handsome and very well crafted English break-front bookcase or bibliotheque in solid mahogany by S.E. & R. Johnson of Warrington, England, circa 1870. Features six doors with glass...
Mahogany
Steinway & Sons Concert Grand Piano
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This extraordinary concert grand piano with 88 keys was made by the prestigious firm Steinway & Sons around 1894. The case's decoration was entrusted to the company Cuel & Cie and mo...
Wood, Giltwood
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
$13,972 / 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
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 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...
Silver
Antique Meissen 68-Piece Floral Dinner Service
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in London, GB
Antique Meissen 68-piece floral dinner service German, c. 1900 Largest serving dish: Height 6cm, width 52.5cm, depth 37.5cm Square salad bowl: Height 9.5cm, width 22cm, depth 22cm...
Porcelain
$150,000 / set
H 105 in W 136 in D 46 in
Rare and Stunning Empire Mahogany Curved Desk and Bookshelf, 19th Century French
Located in New Orleans, LA
This very unusual pairing features a curved desk and a curved bookshelf with a variety of decorative elements on each. It is quite rare to find curved antique items of large furnitur...
Marble, Bronze, Gold
Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Service, 764 Pieces
By Gorham
Located in New Orleans, LA
This monumental American sterling silver flatware service by Gorham epitomizes the stately glamour of turn-of-the-century dining. A total of 705 pieces in the beloved Versailles patt...
Sterling Silver
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
$10,000 / set
H 67.5 in W 44.5 in D 68.5 in
Vintage Ocean Rolling Chair Co. Inc. Boardwalk Cart: A Timeless Seaside Treasure
Located in New York, NY
Step back in time with this fun Early 20th Century Wicker Boardwalk rolling cart crafted by the renowned "Ocean Rolling Chair Co. Inc," as evidenced by delicately placed porcelain si...
Rattan
$361,412
H 165.36 in W 290.56 in D 216.54 in
Louis XVI Style Panelling with Louis XVI Period Mantel and Trumeau
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare Napoleon III style paneled room in blackened wood (stained beech) with its fireplace in stucco in imitation of porphyry. The fireplace, which is the centerpiece of this paneled...
Bronze
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.
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.
It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.
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.
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.