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Brass Theodolite

20th Century English Theodolite by W.F. Stanley London in Original Wooden Box
20th Century English Theodolite by W.F. Stanley London in Original Wooden Box

20th Century English Theodolite by W.F. Stanley London in Original Wooden Box

By W. F. Stanley

Located in Sofia, BG

20th century English surveyor's theodolite or transit instrument of brass by W.F. Stanley (Optical, Philosophical & Mathematical Instrument Manufacturer, London), circa 1930, in orig...

Category

Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

World War 1 era (1914-18) Director No 5 Mark 1 Brass Artillery Director Gun/Case
World War 1 era (1914-18) Director No 5 Mark 1 Brass Artillery Director Gun/Case

World War 1 era (1914-18) Director No 5 Mark 1 Brass Artillery Director Gun/Case

Located in Canterbury, England

A very rare and well preserved World War 1 era (1914-18) Director No 5 Mark 1 brass artillery director theodolite gun sight, (reference no.5 mk1) complete with wooden transit case.

Category

Vintage 1910s Other Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Brass

Recent Sales

19th Century Brass Theodolite by S.P.Cohen, Glasgow
19th Century Brass Theodolite by S.P.Cohen, Glasgow

19th Century Brass Theodolite by S.P.Cohen, Glasgow

Unavailable

H 6.5 in W 12 in D 9 in

19th Century Brass Theodolite by S.P.Cohen, Glasgow

By S.P. Cohen, Glasgow

Located in Norwich, Norfolk

19th century laquered brassTheodolite By S.P.Cohen, Glasgow Extending telescope with rack and pinion focusing and centrally mounted spirit level, located on the limb with twin c...

Category

Antique 1840s Great Britain (UK) Other Scholar's Objects

Materials

Brass

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 Jean Baptiste could have made the Theodolite anytime between say 1698 and 1750. The Theodolite looks both crude and early to my eye.

Category

Antique Early 18th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Wonderful Benjamin Pike & Sons (New York) Circa 1850 Theodolite
Wonderful Benjamin Pike & Sons (New York) Circa 1850 Theodolite

Wonderful Benjamin Pike & Sons (New York) Circa 1850 Theodolite

Located in Placerville, CA

This is a Wonderful Pike & Sons Theodolite (166 Broadway) complete with Box & Tripod. American made 19th century Theodolites are VERY common. Finding one in great shape with its or...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1870s Small Brass Theodolite Kelvin & James White Antique Surveyor's Instrument
1870s Small Brass Theodolite Kelvin & James White Antique Surveyor's Instrument

1870s Small Brass Theodolite Kelvin & James White Antique Surveyor's Instrument

Located in Milan, IT

Small brass theodolite complete with original box and accessories signed Kelvin & James White Ltd Glasgow & Kobe n. 1201, second half XIX century.

Category

Antique 1870s Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1870s, Brass Theodolite Ing. Salmoiraghi Milano Antique Scientific Instrument
1870s, Brass Theodolite Ing. Salmoiraghi Milano Antique Scientific Instrument

1870s, Brass Theodolite Ing. Salmoiraghi Milano Antique Scientific Instrument

Located in Milan, IT

Antique theodolite of burnished brass signed Ing. Salmoiraghi Milano No. 3787 made in the second half of the 19th century, complete with original oak box complete.

Category

Antique 1870s Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A Fine Theodolite By Troughton And Simms In Its Original Case
A Fine Theodolite By Troughton And Simms In Its Original Case

A Fine Theodolite By Troughton And Simms In Its Original Case

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A very good example of a lacquered brass theodolite with half circle adjustment, silver scales, and the original fitted mahogany case.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Scientific 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

Burnished brass theodolite with long telescope complete with original walnut case, Italian manufacture from the second half of the 19th century.

Category

Antique 1870s Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Surveyor's Level, English, Theodolite, Desk, Ornament, William Stanley
Antique Surveyor's Level, English, Theodolite, Desk, Ornament, William Stanley

Antique Surveyor's Level, English, Theodolite, Desk, Ornament, William Stanley

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique surveyor's level. An English, brass theodolite desk ornament by William Stanley with mahogany carry box, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1910.

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Surveyor's Theodolite, English, Brass Compass, Oak Case, Edwardian, 1910
Antique Surveyor's Theodolite, English, Brass Compass, Oak Case, Edwardian, 1910

Antique Surveyor's Theodolite, English, Brass Compass, Oak Case, Edwardian, 1910

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique surveyor's theodolite. An English, brass instrument in oak case by Troughton and Simms of London, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910.

Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Theodolite, English, Bronze, Brass, Scientific Instrument, Desk Ornament
Antique Theodolite, English, Bronze, Brass, Scientific Instrument, Desk Ornament

Antique Theodolite, English, Bronze, Brass, Scientific Instrument, Desk Ornament

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique theodolite. An English, bronze and brass scientific instrument or desk ornament, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920.

Category

Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

English or French Antique Brass Surveyor's Transit Theodolite, last quarter 19th
English or French Antique Brass Surveyor's Transit Theodolite, last quarter 19th

English or French Antique Brass Surveyor's Transit Theodolite, last quarter 19th

Located in Atlanta, GA

From Wikipedia: “A THEODOLITE is a precision optical instrument for measuring angles between designated visible points in the horizontal and vertical planes. The traditional use ha...

Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique W. & L. E. Gurley Co. Brass Surveyor’s Transit/Theodolite c1890
Antique W. & L. E. Gurley Co. Brass Surveyor’s Transit/Theodolite c1890

Antique W. & L. E. Gurley Co. Brass Surveyor’s Transit/Theodolite c1890

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique W. & L. E. Gurley Co. Brass Surveyor’s Transit/Theodolite Signed C1890 Measures - 15" x 7 1/2" x 7 1/2" An antique brass surveyor’s transit/theodolite by W. & L.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

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 Thornton of Manchester, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910.

Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Vintage Theodolite, English, Scientific Instrument, Cooke Troughton & Simms
Vintage Theodolite, English, Scientific Instrument, Cooke Troughton & Simms

Vintage Theodolite, English, Scientific Instrument, Cooke Troughton & Simms

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a vintage theodolite. An English, brass scientific instrument, by Cooke, Troughton and Simms, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1913 British W.F. Stanley Theodolite on Tripod Base
1913 British W.F. Stanley Theodolite on Tripod Base

1913 British W.F. Stanley Theodolite on Tripod Base

By W. F. Stanley

Located in Calgary, Alberta

The original wooden box has brass clasps and leather straps. The original 1913 label is on the inside of the box and also a repair and adjustment label dated 1954.

Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Field Artillery Theodolite by Srb & Stys of Prague, 1930s
Field Artillery Theodolite by Srb & Stys of Prague, 1930s

Field Artillery Theodolite by Srb & Stys of Prague, 1930s

Located in Doylestown, PA

Field artillery theodolite by Srb & Stys of Prague, signed, 1930s.

Category

Early 20th Century Czech Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Steel

1870s Theodolite Troughton & Simms Antique Scientific Instrument of Measurement
1870s Theodolite Troughton & Simms Antique Scientific Instrument of Measurement

1870s Theodolite Troughton & Simms Antique Scientific Instrument of Measurement

Located in Milan, IT

Theodolite in burnished brass signed Troughton & Simms London and housed in two wooden cases from the second half of the nineteenth century.

Category

Antique 1870s Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Fine Vintage Japanese Surveyor's Transit Theodolite by Fuji Surveying Instrument
Fine Vintage Japanese Surveyor's Transit Theodolite by Fuji Surveying Instrument

Fine Vintage Japanese Surveyor's Transit Theodolite by Fuji Surveying Instrument

Located in Forney, TX

A scarce fine quality surveyor's / engineer's transit theodolite scientific instrument by Fuji Surveying Instrument Co.

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Enamel, Steel

19th Century Theodolite Ing A. Salmoiraghi Milano Antique Surveyor Measurement
19th Century Theodolite Ing A. Salmoiraghi Milano Antique Surveyor Measurement

19th Century Theodolite Ing A. Salmoiraghi Milano Antique Surveyor Measurement

Located in Milan, IT

Great Cleps signed Ing. A. Salmoiraghi La Filotecnica Milano n. 6465; the instrument was conceived by Ignazio Porro (1801-1875) and made around the end of the nineteenth century. It ...

Category

Antique 1870s Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1805 Milan Brass Topographic Level signed Pasquale Cittelli with its Walnut Box
1805 Milan Brass Topographic Level signed Pasquale Cittelli with its Walnut Box

1805 Milan Brass Topographic Level signed Pasquale Cittelli with its Walnut Box

Located in Milan, IT

Topographic level with telescope or simple theodolite of brass with original patina, signed Pasquale Cittelli Milan n. 353, first decade of the 19th century, in good condition and co...

Category

Antique Early 1800s Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Compass Used in Topography, Brass, in Its Original Mahogany Box with Slit Cover
Compass Used in Topography, Brass, in Its Original Mahogany Box with Slit Cover

Compass Used in Topography, Brass, in Its Original Mahogany Box with Slit Cover

By Chollet - Delamarre Paris 1

Located in Milan, IT

Compass used in topography for the alignment and positioning of theodolites. Brass compass placed in its original mahogany box with slit cover.

Category

Antique 1840s French Scientific Instruments

Brass Theodolite Signed Stanley, London
Brass Theodolite Signed Stanley, London

Brass Theodolite Signed Stanley, London

By Stanley London

Located in Milan, IT

Antique brass theodolite signed Stanley London n. 4207, 1940s.

Category

Vintage 1940s British Scientific Instruments

19th Century Lacquered Brass Theodolite by S.P.Cohen, Glasgow
19th Century Lacquered Brass Theodolite by S.P.Cohen, Glasgow

19th Century Lacquered Brass Theodolite by S.P.Cohen, Glasgow

By S.P. Cohen, Glasgow

Located in Norwich, GB

19th century lacquered brass theodolite by S.P.Cohen, Glasgow Extending telescope with rack and pinion focusing and centrally mounted spirit level, located on the limb with twin...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage Surveyors Level, English, Brass, Theodolite, Ornament, ER Watts, London
Vintage Surveyors Level, English, Brass, Theodolite, Ornament, ER Watts, London

Vintage Surveyors Level, English, Brass, Theodolite, Ornament, ER Watts, London

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a vintage surveyor's level. An English, brass and alloy theodolite, perfect as desk ornament by E.R.

Category

Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1780s Cole Fecit Brass Antique Surveyor's Transit Theodolite Measurement Tool
1780s Cole Fecit Brass Antique Surveyor's Transit Theodolite Measurement Tool

1780s Cole Fecit Brass Antique Surveyor's Transit Theodolite Measurement Tool

Located in Milan, IT

Brass theodolite signed Cole Fecit from the mid-18th century complete with brass graduated sights that can be replaced with a telescope and original wooden box.

Category

Antique 1780s Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Cooke Troughton & Simms Theodolite
Cooke Troughton & Simms Theodolite

Cooke Troughton & Simms Theodolite

Sold

H 8 in W 17.25 in D 8 in

Cooke Troughton & Simms Theodolite

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

Cooke Troughton & Simms Theodolite in fitted wood case.

Category

Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1920s Carl Zeiss Brass Antique Theodolite Surveyor's  Measurement Instrument
1920s Carl Zeiss Brass Antique Theodolite Surveyor's  Measurement Instrument

1920s Carl Zeiss Brass Antique Theodolite Surveyor's Measurement Instrument

Located in Milan, IT

Theodolite by Carl Zeiss Jena D.R.G.M. 1920s, light gray and black painted brass, internal horizontal and vertical circle with microscope readings, rack and pinion focusing.

Category

Vintage 1920s German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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Brass Theodolite For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal brass theodolite for your home. Frequently made of metal, brass and copper, every brass theodolite was constructed with great care. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer brass theodolite, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. A brass theodolite made by industrial designers — as well as those associated with Victorian — is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one brass theodolite that is appealing in its simplicity, but W. F. Stanley and E.S. Ritchie & Co produced versions that are worth a look.

Finding the Right Scientific-instruments for You

Decorating with vintage, new and antique scientific instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.

The Age of Discovery (or the Age of Exploration) refers to a period during the 15th to 18th centuries that saw Europeans taking to the high seas to explore, trade and conquer various regions of the world. What we know about geography, the advancement of sea vessels and the development of scientific instruments all broadened significantly during this time.

With every new finding about our world, scientists invented tools to measure and record. While many of these objects are now obsolete, they are essentially works of art and have a rich history. Scientific instruments of a bygone era represent how far science and technology have advanced.

If you’re interested in introducing antique scientific instruments and tools to your decor to add contrast or draw attention to otherwise unexplored corners of your living room or dining room, there are many options to consider as far as textures and colors go. Like any curious decorative object that draws attention to your home library or mantel, vintage scientific instruments will likely add spirit to any conversation that might take place over cocktails or dinner.

Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.

Mid-century modern scientific instruments also capture a period of rapid progress, representing groundbreaking discoveries that defined the 20th century. Wouldn’t antique anatomical models of the 1950s pair well with your eye-catching abstract paintings, George Nelson clock or Florence Knoll sofa?

Whether you’re looking for a way to showcase your passion for chemistry or aviation or are making room in your foyer for a breathtaking industrial-style electronic time tower manufactured by Patek Philippe, 1stDibs offers a collection of vintage, new and antique scientific instruments that includes topographic tools, laboratory equipment and more.

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