Skip to main content

Pocket Brass Compass

Recent Sales

Dutch Brass Compass Pocket Dial, circa 1650
Dutch Brass Compass Pocket Dial, circa 1650

Dutch Brass Compass Pocket Dial, circa 1650

Unavailable

H 0.5 in Dm 1.5 in L 0.5 in

Dutch Brass Compass Pocket Dial, circa 1650

Located in Houston, TX

This is a Dutch brass compass pocket dial with elevations of major European cities. Including a

Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Scientific Instruments

Victorian 1870 Pocket Compass and Barometer
Victorian 1870 Pocket Compass and Barometer

Victorian 1870 Pocket Compass and Barometer

Unavailable

H 1.19 in Dm 1.97 in

Victorian 1870 Pocket Compass and Barometer

Located in Windsor, Berkshire

Victorian 1870 pocket compass and barometer, the compass is in working condition it’s “Carpenter

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Pocket Brass Compass Used by the Royal Air Force Officers of 1916
Pocket Brass Compass Used by the Royal Air Force Officers of 1916

Pocket Brass Compass Used by the Royal Air Force Officers of 1916

Located in Milan, IT

Pocket compass used by the Royal Air Force officers of 1916 made of chromed brass in the shape of

Category

Vintage 1910s British Aviation Objects

Materials

Brass

WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1942
WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1942

WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1942

Sold

H 1 in W 3.25 in D 2.25 in

WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1942

Located in Nantucket, MA

A working brass pocket compass marked London, 1942 on the back. Nickel dial. With hinged glass

Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass Chromed Brass USA Aviation WWII
Pocket Compass Chromed Brass USA Aviation WWII

Pocket Compass Chromed Brass USA Aviation WWII

Sold

H 0.2 in Dm 1.78 in L 0.2 in

Pocket Compass Chromed Brass USA Aviation WWII

By Wittnauer

Located in Milan, IT

Pocket compass, chromed brass, in the shape of a pocket watch, used by American aviators during the

Category

Vintage 1940s American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Small Pocket Compass, Mahogany Wood and Brass, WWI
Small Pocket Compass, Mahogany Wood and Brass, WWI

Small Pocket Compass, Mahogany Wood and Brass, WWI

Located in Milan, IT

Small pocket compass, mahogany wood and brass, used by British aviation officers during the First

Category

Vintage 1910s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass Signed by Pathfinder Japan Made of Brass
Pocket Compass Signed by Pathfinder Japan Made of Brass

Pocket Compass Signed by Pathfinder Japan Made of Brass

Located in Milan, IT

Pocket compass signed by Pathfinder Japan, made of brass with the shape of a pocket watch. The

Category

Vintage 1930s Japanese Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass English, Manufacture 1920s
Pocket Compass English, Manufacture 1920s

Pocket Compass English, Manufacture 1920s

Located in Milan, IT

Brass pocket compass in the shape of a pocket watch, complete with lid. Six-winds compass card

Category

Vintage 1920s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1920s Antique Brass Magnetic Pocket Compass Antique Nautical Objects
1920s Antique Brass Magnetic Pocket Compass Antique Nautical Objects

1920s Antique Brass Magnetic Pocket Compass Antique Nautical Objects

Located in Milan, IT

Brass nautical pocket compass, equipped with a lid with glass and viewfinder for checking the

Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Small Pocket Compass Made of Brass with Magnifying Glass, 1930s
Small Pocket Compass Made of Brass with Magnifying Glass, 1930s

Small Pocket Compass Made of Brass with Magnifying Glass, 1930s

Located in Milan, IT

Small pocket compass made of brass with magnifying glass. The lens is placed inside a case made

Category

Vintage 1930s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Brass and Sterling Silver "Pocket Watch" Compass, circa 1890
Antique English Brass and Sterling Silver "Pocket Watch" Compass, circa 1890

Antique English Brass and Sterling Silver "Pocket Watch" Compass, circa 1890

Located in Bath, GB

A most unusual pocket compass created in the form of a pocket watch, the case being made from

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Sterling Silver, Brass

Antique English Brass Cased Floating Card Explorers Pocket Compass c.1890
Antique English Brass Cased Floating Card Explorers Pocket Compass c.1890

Antique English Brass Cased Floating Card Explorers Pocket Compass c.1890

Located in Bath, GB

A very attractive Victorian explorers compass dating to around 1890. The floating card dial pivots

Category

Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Brass Cased Floating Card Explorers Pocket Compass, circa 1880
Antique English Brass Cased Floating Card Explorers Pocket Compass, circa 1880

Antique English Brass Cased Floating Card Explorers Pocket Compass, circa 1880

Located in Bath, GB

A very attractive Victorian explorers compass dating circa 1880. The floating card dial pivots

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Fine Brass Cased Pocket Compass by Short & Mason Ltd., London c.1910
Fine Brass Cased Pocket Compass by Short & Mason Ltd., London c.1910

Fine Brass Cased Pocket Compass by Short & Mason Ltd., London c.1910

By Short & Mason

Located in Bath, GB

A very fine English brass cased compass, professionally cleaned and polished restoring it to it's

Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass Made in France in the 1920s
Pocket Compass Made in France in the 1920s

Pocket Compass Made in France in the 1920s

Located in Milan, IT

Brass pocket compass in the shape of a pocket watch, complete with lid. Six-wind compass card

Category

Vintage 1920s French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass for a British Officer, Early 1900s
Pocket Compass for a British Officer, Early 1900s

Pocket Compass for a British Officer, Early 1900s

Located in Milan, IT

Officer pocket compass of chromed brass shaped like a pocket watch. Made in England in the early

Category

Early 20th Century British Aviation Objects

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass Used by British Aviation Officers, 1917
Pocket Compass Used by British Aviation Officers, 1917

Pocket Compass Used by British Aviation Officers, 1917

Located in Milan, IT

Pocket compass used by British aviation officers made of chromed brass in the shape of a pocket

Category

Vintage 1910s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage Pocket Compass, English, Terrestrial, Marine, Navigation, Instrument
Vintage Pocket Compass, English, Terrestrial, Marine, Navigation, Instrument

Vintage Pocket Compass, English, Terrestrial, Marine, Navigation, Instrument

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a vintage pocket transit compass. An English, brass terrestrial or marine navigation

Category

Mid-20th Century British Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

18th Century Gilt Brass and Silver Pocket or Miniature Sundial Compass with Case
18th Century Gilt Brass and Silver Pocket or Miniature Sundial Compass with Case

18th Century Gilt Brass and Silver Pocket or Miniature Sundial Compass with Case

Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

A Fine 18th century gilt brass and silver pocket sundial with Travelling case, c. 1750. A

Category

Antique 18th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver, Brass

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

A J. H. Steward Singer's Patent-type Pocket Military Compass, dating from c.1890 - 1910. This

Category

Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass Used by RAF Officers in the WWI
Pocket Compass Used by RAF Officers in the WWI

Pocket Compass Used by RAF Officers in the WWI

Located in Milan, IT

Pocket compass used by RAF officers in the WWI of brass in the shape of a pocket watch. The compass

Category

Vintage 1910s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass for an Officer English Manufacture, Early 1900s
Pocket Compass for an Officer English Manufacture, Early 1900s

Pocket Compass for an Officer English Manufacture, Early 1900s

Located in Milan, IT

Officer's pocket compass of chromed brass in the shape of a pocket watch. English manufacture from

Category

Antique Early 1900s British Aviation Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique c.1910 English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass
Antique c.1910 English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass

Antique c.1910 English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass

Located in Bath, GB

A charming little folding loop or magnifying glass made from brass, dating to the early twentieth

Category

Vintage 1910s European Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop with Compass, c.1910
Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop with Compass, c.1910

Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop with Compass, c.1910

Located in Bath, GB

A charming little folding loop or magnifying glass made from brass, dating to the early twentieth

Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass c.1920
Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass c.1920

Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass c.1920

Located in Bath, GB

A charming little folding loop or magnifying glass made from brass, dating to the early twentieth

Category

Vintage 1920s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass c.1910
Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass c.1910

Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass c.1910

Located in Bath, GB

A charming little folding loop or magnifying glass made from brass, dating to the early twentieth

Category

Vintage 1910s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass c.1910
Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass c.1910

Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass c.1910

Located in Bath, GB

A charming little folding loop or magnifying glass made from brass, dating to the early twentieth

Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass for a RAF Officer Signed Terrasse W. Co 1918
Pocket Compass for a RAF Officer Signed Terrasse W. Co 1918

Pocket Compass for a RAF Officer Signed Terrasse W. Co 1918

Located in Milan, IT

Pocket compass for a RAF officer signed Terrasse W. Co VI n. 70065 from 1918, made of brass in the

Category

Vintage 1910s British Aviation Objects

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass Used by the Royal Air Force Officers in 1915
Pocket Compass Used by the Royal Air Force Officers in 1915

Pocket Compass Used by the Royal Air Force Officers in 1915

Located in Milan, IT

of chromed brass in the shape of a pocket watch. The compass is equipped with a lid with snap closure

Category

Vintage 1910s British Aviation Objects

Materials

Brass

18th Century German Equinoctial Pocket Sundial and Compass by Ludwig Theodor
18th Century German Equinoctial Pocket Sundial and Compass by Ludwig Theodor

18th Century German Equinoctial Pocket Sundial and Compass by Ludwig Theodor

Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

From the first quarter of the 18th century - a German brass equinoctial pocket sundial by Ludwig

Category

Antique 18th Century German Grand Tour More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass for a US Army Officers Signed Keuffel & Esser Co NY WWI
Pocket Compass for a US Army Officers Signed Keuffel & Esser Co NY WWI

Pocket Compass for a US Army Officers Signed Keuffel & Esser Co NY WWI

Located in Milan, IT

War of chrome-plated brass in the shape of a pocket watch. The compass is equipped with a lid with

Category

Vintage 1910s American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century English Small Wood Pocket Travel Compass Card with 16 Winds
19th Century English Small Wood Pocket Travel Compass Card with 16 Winds

19th Century English Small Wood Pocket Travel Compass Card with 16 Winds

Located in Milan, IT

Small pocket compass, wood and brass, compass card with 16 winds with goniometric circle on printed

Category

Antique 19th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1942
WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1942

WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1942

Sold

H 1 in W 3.25 in D 2.25 in

WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1942

Located in Nantucket, MA

A working brass pocket compass marked London, 1942 on the back. Nickel dial. With hinged glass

Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1942
WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1942

WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1942

Sold

H 1 in W 3.25 in D 2.25 in

WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1942

Located in Nantucket, MA

A working brass pocket compass marked London, 1942 on the back. Nickel dial. With hinged glass

Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1944
WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1944

WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1944

Sold

H 1 in W 3.25 in D 2.25 in

WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1944

Located in Nantucket, MA

A brass World War II pocket compass marked London, 1944 on the back. Nickel rim with mother of

Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

People Also Browsed

Antique German Figural Renaissance Revival Solid Silver Table Box or Casket
Antique German Figural Renaissance Revival Solid Silver Table Box or Casket

Antique German Figural Renaissance Revival Solid Silver Table Box or Casket

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A very fine Renaissance Revival table box or casket. In solid silver (likely 800 fine). Likely by Gebrüder Neumann or Storck & Sinsheimer of Hanau, Germany. (Storck & Sinsh...

Category

Early 20th Century German Renaissance Revival Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver

Waltham 1886 Riverside Size 0s Hunting Pocket Watch In 18Kt Gold With Diamond
Waltham 1886 Riverside Size 0s Hunting Pocket Watch In 18Kt Gold With Diamond

Waltham 1886 Riverside Size 0s Hunting Pocket Watch In 18Kt Gold With Diamond

By American Waltham Watch Co.

Located in Miami, FL

Pocket watch designed by Waltham. Beautiful hunting pocket watch, created in Massachusetts United States by the A.W Waltham Watch Company, circa 1886-1887. This piece is one of the ...

Category

Antique 1880s American Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Floral Crystal Tiara 1990s
Vintage Floral Crystal Tiara 1990s

Vintage Floral Crystal Tiara 1990s

$522

H 1.38 in W 5.52 in

Vintage Floral Crystal Tiara 1990s

Located in Wilmslow, GB

A beautiful Vintage Floral Tiara. A delightful array of fancy cut crystals adorn the design of this timeless floral tiara. An unsigned beauty. A rare treasure. Just because a jewel d...

Category

1990s Vanity Items

Victorian Opal and Diamond Crown Tiara Haircomb Necklace, circa 1880s
Victorian Opal and Diamond Crown Tiara Haircomb Necklace, circa 1880s

Victorian Opal and Diamond Crown Tiara Haircomb Necklace, circa 1880s

Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE

Victorian Opal and Diamond Crown Haircomb Necklace, ca. 1880s A very unusual and stunning Victorian crown, set with fiery opal cabochons and old-mine cut diamonds, from the 1880s. T...

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, Silver

Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vanity Case 279 Grams, Art Deco, 279 Gm Gold, Rare
Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vanity Case 279 Grams, Art Deco, 279 Gm Gold, Rare

Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vanity Case 279 Grams, Art Deco, 279 Gm Gold, Rare

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

A beautifully crafted Vanity case by Cartier in 18-karat yellow gold from the Art Deco period of the 1930s Cartier - Art Deco 18-karat yellow gold vanity or compact box with diamonds...

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Boxes and Cases

Materials

18k Gold

An early 20th century diamond-set tiara by Skinner & Co
An early 20th century diamond-set tiara by Skinner & Co

An early 20th century diamond-set tiara by Skinner & Co

Located in London, GB

An early 20th century diamond-set tiara/necklace by Skinner & Co, the five principal old-cut diamonds estimated to weigh a combined total of 2 carats, each rub over millegrain-set to...

Category

20th Century English Modern Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown  1955 Iconic Gown Dress
Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown  1955 Iconic Gown Dress

Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown 1955 Iconic Gown Dress

By Pierre Balmain

Located in Berlin, BE

'La Robe Broderie À Ramages' PIERRE BALMAIN PARIS Made In France, ca.1955 Majestic evening gown in silk and cream satin with the most astonishing embroiderery by PIERRE BALMAIN Haut...

Category

1950s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Foliate Scroll Tiara in Silver and Gold
Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Foliate Scroll Tiara in Silver and Gold

Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Foliate Scroll Tiara in Silver and Gold

Located in London, England

A truly elegant Edwardian old cut diamond tiara set in silver and gold, circa 1910. This beautifully handcrafted tiara is composed of a number of elegant foliate scroll motifs, com...

Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Edwardian Vanity Items

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Elegant 18K White Gold, Turquoise and Diamond Encrusted Crown, Fit for a Queen
Elegant 18K White Gold, Turquoise and Diamond Encrusted Crown, Fit for a Queen

Elegant 18K White Gold, Turquoise and Diamond Encrusted Crown, Fit for a Queen

Located in Palm Beach, FL

This very important 18k white gold vintage crown is set with a total of exactly 60.08ct of round brilliant cut and baguette diamonds, and with thirty four panels of vintage turquoise...

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vanity Items

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold, 18k Gold

Boucheron 1940s Lady's Ruby and Sapphire vanity case "Minaudiêre Bag"
Boucheron 1940s Lady's Ruby and Sapphire vanity case "Minaudiêre Bag"

Boucheron 1940s Lady's Ruby and Sapphire vanity case "Minaudiêre Bag"

By Boucheron

Located in OVIEDO, AS

Boucheron 1940s Lady's Ruby and Sapphire vanity case "Minaudiêre Bag" The rectangular case decorated to the front with a pierced design of birds amongst flowering vines, accented wi...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Aesthetic Movement Vanity Items

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, Silver, 18k Gold

Scott Gauthier Diamond Scalloped Tiara with Dangling Pearls 14 Karat White Gold
Scott Gauthier Diamond Scalloped Tiara with Dangling Pearls 14 Karat White Gold

Scott Gauthier Diamond Scalloped Tiara with Dangling Pearls 14 Karat White Gold

By Scott Gauthier

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

This regal tiara, designed by Scott Gauthier, is a breathtaking composition of elegance and grace. Scrolling diamond-set ribbons weave across the crown in an openwork silhouette, wit...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Vanity Items

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Late Victorian Opal and Diamond Tiara
Late Victorian Opal and Diamond Tiara

Late Victorian Opal and Diamond Tiara

$53,638

W 1.58 in L 5.71 in

Late Victorian Opal and Diamond Tiara

Located in London, GB

A late Victorian opal and diamond tiara/necklace, consisting of seven knife-edge gold bars graduating from the centre, each set with two round cabochon-cut opals and an old-cut diamo...

Category

Antique 1890s European Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver

1884 Antique Austrian Hungarian solid 813 Silver Vanity Snuff Pill Box / 50gr.
1884 Antique Austrian Hungarian solid 813 Silver Vanity Snuff Pill Box / 50gr.

1884 Antique Austrian Hungarian solid 813 Silver Vanity Snuff Pill Box / 50gr.

Located in SE

Antique Vienna Silver box with floral decorations, both machine and hand - engraved elements. Internal gilding . Size: 75 mm x 41 mm at axes x 13,5 mm thick. Weight: 50 grams Used,...

Category

Antique 1880s Austrian Aesthetic Movement Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver

17th Century Four Bulp Hourglasses
17th Century Four Bulp Hourglasses

17th Century Four Bulp Hourglasses

Located in Firenze, IT

A very rare church hourglasses from the 17th Century. These were fitted on the pulpit with a wrought iron basket. Visitors could see from the hourglass how much speaking time was lef...

Category

Antique 17th Century German Baroque Boxes and Cases

Materials

Copper

Victorian Diamond Tiara
Victorian Diamond Tiara

Victorian Diamond Tiara

$86,637Sale Price|20% Off

H 2.17 in L 5.12 in

Victorian Diamond Tiara

Located in London, GB

A Victorian diamond set tiara. This striking handmade Victorian yellow gold and silver diamond tiara is of scrolling floral design set to its centrepiece with four larger old cut di...

Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Fabergé Spring Egg, 18k Yellow Gold, Pink Guilloche Enamel, Diamonds, Bowenite
Fabergé Spring Egg, 18k Yellow Gold, Pink Guilloche Enamel, Diamonds, Bowenite

Fabergé Spring Egg, 18k Yellow Gold, Pink Guilloche Enamel, Diamonds, Bowenite

By Fabergé

Located in Pforzheim, DE

Fabergé Spring Egg, 18k Yellow Gold, Translucent Pink Guilloché Vitreous Enamel, 79 Diamonds 1.06 ct G VS, Bowenite, Rose Quartz, Citrine, Rock Crystal, Amethyst, Topaz The Spring E...

Category

1990s German Belle Époque Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Diamond, Amethyst, Citrine, Rock Crystal, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, ...

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Pocket Brass Compass", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Pocket Brass Compass For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the pocket brass compass you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each pocket brass compass for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using brass, metal and glass. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect pocket brass compass — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. A pocket brass compass made by Victorian designers — as well as those associated with Industrial — is very popular. A well-made pocket brass compass has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Ceebynite Short & Mason Taylor, Wittnauer and Butterfield Paris are consistently popular.

How Much is a Pocket Brass Compass?

Prices for a pocket brass compass can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $226 and can go as high as $6,500, while the average can fetch as much as $673.

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.

Read More

Dickens Fan on Your List? This First Edition of ‘A Christmas Carol’ Is a Treasure

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.