Antique Astronomical Instruments
Islamic Cast Bronze Astrolabe with Five Celestial Globes Astronomical Instrument
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
astronomical instrument, originally a Hellenistic invention, were made in order to solve complex astronomical
Category
19th Century Islamic Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze
$2,950
H 21 in Dm 15 in
Collection of 18th and 19th Century Arabic Astrolabes and Quadrant
Located in London, GB
excellent set of antique astronomical instruments is a selection of five Persian brass astrolabes and a
Category
Early 19th Century Persian Islamic Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
$44,458 / set
H 9.06 in W 5.12 in D 1.19 in
French Empire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Clock Depicting the Astronomical Sciences
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
. Two sphinxes carry the dial on their backs; the gilded frieze of putti holding astronomical
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Bronze
$9,000
H 20 in W 18 in D 7 in
Antique Three-Draw Telescope, English, Walnut, Brass, Navigation, Georgian, 1790
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique three-draw telescope. An English,walnut and brass navigational or astronomical
Category
1790s British Georgian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
$2,914 / set
H 1.78 in W 1.78 in D 9.65 in
Large Antique Library Telescope, English, Starboy, Astronomical, Broadhurst & Co
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique library telescope. An English, brass 'Starboy' astronomical mounted refractor by
Category
Early 20th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
$4,598
H 0.4 in W 48.04 in D 0.4 in
Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Ross
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use, by Ross of London, circa 1920.
Perfect for bird
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Leather
$1,542
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
1855 Astronomical Plate of Distance of the Planets by FJ Huntington New York
Located in Milan, IT
Plate of the distance of the planets “Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1855 by F.J. Huntington in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for th...
Category
1850s American Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
$1,445
H 19.61 in W 32.21 in D 0.6 in
Occasus Ortus: An Astronomical Measuring Device for Angular Precision, c.1780
Located in Langweer, NL
instrument arranged systematically, with each part labeled by figure numbers. The centerpiece is a large
Category
1780s European Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Paper
$308 Sale Price
20% Off
H 10.67 in W 8.43 in D 0 in
1630 Pierre Petit map "Description du Gouvernement de la Capelle" Ric0010
Located in Norton, MA
astronomical instruments and several of these were of his own invention. In particular, late in his life, Petit
Category
17th Century Dutch Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Paper
$1,475
H 18.9 in W 22.45 in D 0.4 in
French Empire Mantle Clock
By Negrier a Gueret
Located in Norwich, GB
sphere is the universal scientific instrument for astronomical and nautical measures and was invented by
Category
1810s French Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Recent Sales
Impressive 91" Refracting Astronomical Telescope on Stand
By W. Watson and Sons
Located in Shakespeare, ON
W. Watson & Sons telescope, fitted with 5 inch Watson-Coventry Objective Lense, Constructed at The Optical Works High Barnet by W. Watson, 313 High Holborn, London.
The 68" long ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Early Period English Nautical Back Sight Octant by J. Ramsden
Located in Palm City, FL
marking graduated scales on sextants and other nautical and astronomical instruments of his own
Category
18th Century and Earlier English Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
French Empire Mantel Clock
By Negrier a Gueret
Located in Norwich, Norfolk
sphere is the universal scientific instrument for astronomical and nautical measures and was invented by
Category
1810s French Empire Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century Nautical Brass Telescope Wooden Support Old Astronomical Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Brass telescope with leather-covered handle from the second half of the 19th century. Four-extension focus. Maximum length 39 cm - 15.35 inches, minimum 12 cm - 4.72 inches, focal di...
Category
1860s British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 1.19 in Dm 15.36 in
Antique Brass Czech Orrery Astronomical Instruments Made by Jan Felkl in 1870
By Jan Felkl
Located in Milan, IT
BC, the consul Marcus Claudius Marcellus in Rome brought the instrument of Archimedes, who, thanks to
Category
1860s Czech Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Iron
H 18.9 in W 29.53 in D 11.03 in
19th Century Astronomical Brass Orrery
Located in New York, NY
Named for the Earl of Orrery who, at the beginning of the 18th Cent. in Ireland, had one made for his personal collection of scientific apparatus. Orreries are three dimensional mode...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Library Telescope, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Scottish E. Lennie
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique library telescope for terrestrial or astronomical use. A Scottish piece from the
Category
19th Century Victorian Antique Astronomical Instruments
H 19.99 in W 56.7 in D 9.45 in
Antique Telescope on Stand, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, circa 1750
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique telescope on stand, an English piece suitable for terrestrial or astronomical
Category
Mid-18th Century English George II Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 37.8 in W 1.58 in D 1.58 in
Antique Telescope on Stand, Terrestrial, Astronomical, English, circa 1770
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique telescope on stand, suitable for terrestrial or astronomical use, English dating
Category
18th Century English George III Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
H 26.38 in W 1.97 in D 1.97 in
Antique Telescope on Stand, Terrestrial Astronomical Negretti & Zambra, 1899
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
optically
Upright image, ideal for terrestrial or astronomical use
Delivered with a solid oak and brass
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 36.62 in W 2.37 in D 2.37 in
Antique Hughes Telescope, English, 5 Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Regency
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
astronomical refractor, dating to the Regency period, circa 1830.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Astronomical Telescope Signed W. Gilbert & Sons London, Early 1800
Located in Milan, IT
Astronomical telescope, wood and brass, splayed shaped, signed W. Gilbert & Sons London, early 1800
Category
19th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Antique, Telescope, Dolland, Three Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical Circa 1830
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
scope suitable for terrestrial or astronomical use, circa 1830.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape
Category
Early 19th Century English Victorian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique 4 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 4 draw telescope. An English, leather and brass terrestrial or astronomical
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Antique Library Telescope, English Brass, Astronomical, Dollond, Victorian, 1890
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique library telescope. An English, brass astronomical mounted refractor by Dollond
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Antique Library Telescope, English, Brass, Astronomical, Dollond, Late Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique library telescope. An English, brass astronomical mounted refractor by Dollond
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 4.14 in W 30.12 in D 7.09 in
Antique Telescope, Dollond 'Day or Night' Terrestrial, Astronomical, circa 1850
By Dollond, London
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
draw scope suitable for terrestrial or astronomical use, circa 1850.
Perfect for bird watching
Category
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 20.28 in Dm 1.97 in
Antique Telescope, Dollond 'Day or Night' Terrestrial, Astronomical, circa 1850
By Dollond, London
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
terrestrial or astronomical use, c.1850.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or
Category
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 20.28 in Dm 1.97 in
1870s Brass Sextant Signed Ainsley Antique Marine Navigation Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
London; our gift box is free.
The sextant is an ancient astronomical instrument used to measure the
Category
1870s Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
1890s Brass Sextant Georg Hechelmann Hamburg Antique Navigation Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
ancient astronomical instrument used to measure the height of a celestial body (for example the Sun): the
Category
1890s Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 5.5 in W 11.7 in D 11.7 in
Armillary Sphere Cast Iron Stone Pedestal Orrery Classical Garden
Located in Potters Bar, GB
astronomical instrument composed of rings representing the celestial circles, such as the equator and ecliptic
Category
1920s Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Stone, Iron
Brass Sextant
Located in New York, NY
Turn-of-the-century brass astronomical measuring instrument used to determine latitude and
Category
19th Century English Antique Astronomical Instruments
Early Equatorial Sun Ring Dial
Located in New Orleans, LA
astronomical instrument used to measure the altitude of stars. In his writings on mathematical recreations, the
Category
17th Century German Other Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze
1875s Brass Sextant Signed Negus New York Antique Marine Navigation Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
sextant is an optical instrument used in astronomical navigation to measure the height of the stars above
Category
1870s Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 5 in W 10.45 in D 10.6 in
17th-Century Armillary Sphere
Located in New Orleans, LA
armillary sphere is a marvel of early astronomical study.
Similar instruments are highlighted in the
Category
17th Century Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Antique Rare Mechanical Orrery, Astronomical Instrument by Jan Felkl Praga 1870
By Jan Felkl
Located in Milan, IT
Rare orrery, or mechanical model depicting the solar system, from the second half of the 19th century. On the cartouche of the globe we read: Globus Jan Felkla Syn Roztoky Prahy. Bro...
Category
1860s Czech Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 18.51 in W 23.63 in D 7.09 in
Large Antique 3-Draw Telescope, Irish, Brass, Leather, Terrestrial, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large antique 3-draw telescope. An Irish, terrestrial or astronomical instrument in
Category
Early 20th Century Northern Irish Edwardian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 2.17 in W 2.17 in D 10.24 in
Antique Telescope, 3 Draw Refractor, Terrestrial, Astronomical, English
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique telescope, a three draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An
Category
Early 19th Century English George IV Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Leather
H 1.5 in W 34.36 in D 11.82 in
Antique Telescope, Dollond 'Day or Night' Terrestrial & Astronomical Use
By Dollond, London
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
draw scope suitable for terrestrial or astronomical use, circa 1850.
A fine example of a
Category
19th Century Victorian Antique Astronomical Instruments
H 20.87 in W 2.37 in D 2.37 in
Antique Two Draw Telescope, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Victorian, 1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
astronomical use, dating to the mid Victorian period, circa 1850.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Antique 4 Draw Telescope, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Dollond, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique four draw telescope. An English, brass refractor for terrestrial or astronomical
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Metal
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Large Antique Telescope, English, Single Draw, Astronomical, Dollond, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
astronomical use by Dollond of London, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850.
Perfect for bird
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
19th Century French Brass Astronomical Telescope Signed Gregoire Opticien Lyon
Located in Milan, IT
Brass astronomical telescope, focusing with one extension with rack and view finder, with on
Category
1870s Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 55.1 in W 3.14 in D 78.7 in
Antique Troughton & Simms Astronomical Brass Telescope with Fitted Wooden Box
By Troughton & Simms London
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Made in London, England by the noted scientific instrument maker Troughton & Simms, this brass
Category
Late 19th Century English High Victorian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Victorian, C.1880
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3-draw telescope. An English, mahogany and brass terrestrial and astronomical
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
19th Century Rare Brass Pocket Compass Marine Navigation, Travelling Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
apprenticeship in a laboratory of precision optical instruments. In 1859 he joined Joseph Zambra (1822-1897), a
Category
1880s Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
1918s Small Brass Magnetic Pocket Compass Signed Negretti & Zambra Antique Tool
Located in Milan, IT
diversified their products by manufacturing optical instruments such as astronomical and terrestrial
Category
1910s Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large 19th Century Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
hold mathematical and astronomical instruments. The clock base features an egg and dart border to the
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Vintage Civil War Era Field Glasses by Queen & Co.
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
instruments and apparatus made were air pumps, astronomical instruments, induction coils, Holtz machines
Category
1860s American Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
1914 Brass Survey Nautical Pocket Compass Signed Magnapole by Negretti & Zambra
Located in Milan, IT
manufacturing optical instruments such as astronomical and terrestrial telescopes, levels, theodolites, sights
Category
1910s British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
17th Century Armillary Sphere
Located in New Orleans, LA
armillary sphere is a marvel of early astronomical study.
Similar instruments are highlighted in the
Category
17th Century Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze
18th Century French Neoclassical Ormolu Pendulum Clock Astronomical Allegory
By Cleret, Honoré Pons
Located in Firenze, IT
, books, a laurel wreath and astronomical instruments.
On one side is a sextant and on the other side is
Category
Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Bronze
H 14.97 in W 9.85 in D 3.75 in
English 19th Century Astronomical Telescope in Brass on Wooden Tripod
By Thomas Roberts
Located in Firenze, IT
A large 19th century astronomical telescope on its original wooden tripod, in solid walnut. This
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 68.9 in W 35.44 in D 21.66 in
19th Century Walnut Stick Barometer by Thomas Jones
Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire
Jones was an authority on astronomical and meteorological instruments making stick, marine and mountain
Category
19th Century English Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Rare Regency Period Astronomical Elton's Miniature Transparent Orrery circa 1817
By Elton's
Located in Bedford, Bedfordshire
published in 1817, having the original printed paper astronomical scroll chart turning on a roller blind
Category
1810s English Regency Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Cut Glass, Mahogany, Paper
H 10 in W 8.25 in D 3.5 in
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Striking Art Nouveau Ceramic and Bronze-Mounted Vase in Victor Horta Style
By Victor Horta
Located in Lisse, NL
Top condition and pure elegance Art Nouveau vase.
For the collectors of museum quality and condition Art Nouveau ceramics. This stunning Art Nouveau vase is decorated with the mos...
Category
Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Bronze
$2,891
H 10.75 in W 5.25 in D 4.4 in
Late 19th Century Central Asian Suzani from Tashkent Uzbekistan
Located in Istanbul, TR
Suzani has well saturated colors and a very finely done embroidery.
‘Suzani’ meaning ‘needle’ so ‘needle work ‘ in Persian, refgers to a group of embroideries mainly done in Centr...
Category
Late 19th Century Uzbek Suzani Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Cotton, Silk
Brass Vase, Brazilian Contemporary Style
By Tiago Curioni
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Yugen means a deep inner feeling, an expression of depth, the untranslated mystery, the incomprehensible and the abstract in all artistic activities. According to the Japanese, Yugen...
Category
2010s Brazilian Minimalist Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
French Baroque Style Wrought-Iron Stained Glass Hall Lantern, 19th-20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A French 19th-20th century Baroque Revival style wrought iron and four-color vitreaux stained glass single-light hall lantern, the rounded four stained glass panels with red, green, ...
Category
Early 1900s French Baroque Revival Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Wrought Iron
$3,465 Sale Price
30% Off
H 27.5 in W 17.25 in D 17.25 in
Austrian Biedermeier Wooden Compote with Classical Column Stand, circa 1840
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Austrian Biedermeier compote from the mid-19th century features a circular wooden bowl over an exquisite stand made of three elegant columns with ebonized wood capitals and base...
Category
Mid-19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Wood
$1,975
H 15.75 in Dm 10 in
French Empire Style Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Bookcase / Display Cabinet
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A mahogany cabinet decorated with gilded metal mounts constructed in two sections, the upper section with two glazed doors flanked by mahogany columns opens to reveal a fabric lined ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Empire Revival Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
$4,000
H 69 in W 38 in D 16 in
1958 Danish Teak Royal Cado Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Highly versatile and functional Cado wall unit in walnut by Danish designer Poul Cadovius.
We currently have many different Cado pieces in stock and can customize your order to incl...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Teak
Circa 1912 African Leopard Cub Skin Rug By Edward Gerrard & Sons London
Located in Lowestoft, GB
African Leopard Cub Skin Rug (Panthera pardus), circa 1912-1913, British East Africa, by Edward Gerrard & Sons, Taxidermists & Osteologists, 61 College Place, Camden Town, London
An...
Category
Early 20th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Natural Fiber
$3,188
H 4.34 in W 55.91 in D 36.23 in
19th Century Chinese Canopy Wedding Bed
Located in Marbella, ES
This is a wonderful example of a canopy bed from Shanghai Province, China. Made of Chinese Northern Elm, this bed features hoofed feet and multiple floral carvings.
The exterior ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Gold Leaf
Pair of French Walnut Library Ladders
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French (19th Century) walnut library ladders with side railings and steps leading to a top platform (on casters) (attributed to Napoleon III's personal library) (Related item...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Bessarabian Rug, 1810
Located in New York, NY
Bessarabian rug, 1810
Russia, circa 1810
Tapestry woven carpet
Imperial Tapestry Factory, St. Petersburg
Having an Adamesque central medallion on a warm caramel ground, with swan...
Category
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Wool
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien, First Edition, Three Volume Set
By J. R. R. Tolkien 1
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Tolkien, J.R.R., The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King. London: Allen & Unwin, 1956, 1955. First edition, fifth, fourth, second im...
Category
1950s English Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Paper
$7,500
H 9.5 in W 6.44 in D 4.5 in
Wedgwood Blue Jasperware Oval Plate, Neoclassical Relief Design
By Wedgewood
Located in Worcester Park, GB
Elevate your collection with this exquisite vintage Wedgwood Jasperware oval plate, a timeless piece that embodies the artistry and craftsmanship of one of Britain’s most celebrated ...
Category
1960s English Neoclassical Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Ceramic
Framed Nautical Flag of a Yacht Ensign
Located in Norwell, MA
Framed yacht ensign flag with embroidered fouled anchor surrounded by stars in the blue field. This panel identifies a vessel as a pleasure craft, not a commercial vessel.
Weight: ...
Category
1920s North American Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Cotton
Fine Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse, Oxford TL Tested
Located in Greenwich, CT
Tang dynasty pottery statue of standing horse with removable saddle, Tang dynasty 618-907, come with Oxford authentication TL test certificate. Oxford test numbers C106t33.
I have on...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Terracotta
Vintage Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses
Located in Tampa, FL
A glam throwback to evenings at the theatre—these vintage opera glasses by TASCO are as chic as they are collectible. Likely dating to the 1970s, this pair features a luminous mother...
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1980s Japanese Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
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Antique Astronomical Instruments For Sale on 1stDibs
There is a range of antique astronomical instruments for sale on 1stDibs. The range of distinct antique astronomical instruments — often made from metal, brass and wood — can elevate any home. Antique astronomical instruments have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Victorian, Georgian and Regency antique astronomical instruments are consistently popular styles. There have been many well-made antique astronomical instruments over the years, but those made by Dollond, London, Jan Felkl and Elton's 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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Troughton And Simms
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Antique Astrolabe
Antique Marine Compass
Box Sextant
Dollond Telescope
Islamic Astrolabe
Stone Garden Spheres
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Antique Wooden Box With Handle
Dollond London Brass Telescope
Honore Pons
Induction Coil
Portable Sundial