Antique 18th Century Diptych Pocket Sundial and Compass by German Beringer
Located in Firenze, IT
With hinged gnomon, hour ring and latitude arc, silvered compass rose with two inset bubble levels, raised on three levelling screws, in velvet lined and shaped leather covered case,...
Brass
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.
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 and Westley” and it measures 5 by 5 and stands 3 cm high.
Brass
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 pocket watch, signed Dennison Birmingham V 101639.
Brass
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H 0.6 in Dm 1.78 in
1916 Old Pocket Brass Compass for a Royal Air Force Officer Signed Short & Mason
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass for a Royal air force officer signed Short & Mason Ltd London 1916 V 110312 made of chromed brass in the shape of a pocket watch.
Brass
WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1942
Located in Nantucket, MA
A working brass pocket compass marked London, 1942 on the back.
Brass
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 Second World War, compass card with eight winds complete with goniometric circle.
Brass
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 World War, complete with compass card with eight winds with a goniometric circle and...
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.
Brass
Pocket Compass English, Manufacture 1920s
Located in Milan, IT
Brass pocket compass in the shape of a pocket watch, complete with lid.
Brass
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 direction of a ship, beautiful compass card with eight winds on paper complete with goni...
Brass
1917s Brass Nautical Pocket Compass Antique Marine Navigation Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Brass nautical travel compass complete with leather case signed Barnes & Morris London n.13844 from 1917. It is a small compass used away from magnetic fields to check the ship's c...
Brass
Small Pocket Compass Made of Brass with Magnifying Glass, 1930s
Located in Milan, IT
Small pocket compass made of brass with magnifying glass.
Brass
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H 0.6 in Dm 2.15 in
1907s Pocket Magnetic Crome Plated Brass Compass Antique Scientific Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass chrome plated brass with the shape of a pocket watch, with lid engraving K.F.
Brass
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H 0.99 in W 1.58 in D 1.58 in
Vintage Pocket Compass, English, Brass, Navigation Instrument, Late 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage pocket compass. An English, brass navigation instrument in the manner of Stanley of London, dating to the late 20th century.
Brass
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H 0.71 in Dm 1.78 in
WWI UK Avation Brass Pocket Compass Raf Officers Antique Scientific Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass used during the First World War by RAF officers of chromed brass in the shape of an onion clock.
Brass
WWI Antique American Chromed Brass Pocket Compass by Wittnauer Army Officers
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass for an American army officer of the First World War of chromed brass in the shape of a pocket watch, signed WITTNAUER.
Brass
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H 0.7 in Dm 1.77 in
1916s Chromed Brass Pocket Compass by British Aviation Officers Signed Dennison
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass used by Britihs aviation officers made of chromed brass in the shape of a pocket watch, signed Dennison Birmingham V 104766 of 1916.
Brass
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H 0.6 in Dm 1.97 in
1900s French Manufacture Antique Pocket Magnetic Compass Made of Turned Brass
Located in Milan, IT
Small travel compass made of turned brass with lid, eight winds compass card of engraved and chromed brass, complete with needle block for calculating horizontal angles. French manuf...
Brass
1930s Made in UK Small Brass Pocket Compass Antique Scientific instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Small brass travel compass, eight winds compass card on paper complete with goniometric circle. English manufacture from the 1930s. Excellent condition, fully functional. Diameter cm...
Brass
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H 3.13 in W 2.13 in D 0.75 in
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 polished brass and the ring being made from English sterling silver.
Sterling Silver, Brass
Antique English Brass Cased Floating Card Explorers Pocket Compass, circa 1880
Located in Bath, GB
A very attractive Victorian explorers compass dating to circa 1880. The floating card dial pivots on a bearing and is housed under a glass crystal which is clean and free from any...
Brass
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 on a bearing and is housed under a glass crystal which is clean and free from any ...
Brass
Sold
H 0.5 in Dm 1.63 in
Antique English Brass Cased Floating Card Explorers Pocket Compass, circa 1880
Located in Bath, GB
A very attractive Victorian explorers compass dating to circa 1880. The floating card dial pivots on a gemstone bearing and is housed under a glass crystal which is clean and free...
Brass
Sold
H 0.63 in Dm 2.38 in
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 on a gemstone bearing and is housed under a glass crystal which is clean and free fr...
Brass
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 former glory. The face signed Short & Mason / London together with the brand name "...
Brass
1918s Small Pocket Nautical Brass Magnetic Compass Signed F.L French Limited
Located in Milan, IT
Prismatic bearing bush in brass; it is a small compass, signed F-L (French Limited) N. 246378 produced in 1918. It can also be held in the hand and therefore away from magnetic field...
Brass
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.
Brass
Pocket Compass for a British Officer, Early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Officer pocket compass of chromed brass shaped like a pocket watch.
Brass
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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Produced in 1843, the well-preserved volume is evidence of the author's exacting specifications.
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Get into the games! These items celebrate the events, athletes, host countries and sporting spirit.
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Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.