Surveying Instrument
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
Category
Antique 19th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Carl Zeiss 'Theo 010' Theodolite & Tripod & Case mid 20th Century
Located in London, GB
A is a rare find for collectors of engineering and surveying instruments. Made in Germany, this item
Category
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
$857
H 51.19 in W 28.35 in D 28.35 in
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
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
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.
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Danish Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique J.C Ulmer Co. Survey Transit & Compass In Original Mahogany Box
Located in New York, NY
Brass and steel survey transit and compass in the original mahogany box. Made by J.C Ulmer Co. Good
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
$1,400
H 14.75 in W 9.5 in D 9.5 in
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
Category
Antique 1810s English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
$150
H 5 in W 11.5 in D 5.25 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
Category
Antique Late 17th Century Dutch Maps
Materials
Paper
$2,034
H 20.67 in W 23.75 in D 0.01 in
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
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Sundials
Materials
Stone, Limestone, Granite, Metal, Bronze
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
Category
Antique 19th Century Russian Other Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver
Recent Sales
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
Category
Antique Early 18th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Category
Antique Early 1900s American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Category
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze
H 12.41 in W 7.09 in D 10.44 in
Fine Vintage Japanese Surveyor's Transit Theodolite by Fuji Surveying Instrument
Located in Forney, TX
Surveying Instrument Co. Ginza, Tokyo for Ishikura & Co. Fukuoka, Japan. circa 1950s
Constructed in brass
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Enamel, Steel
H 17 in W 11 in D 9 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
Category
Antique 1890s British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 4.73 in W 11.62 in D 6.3 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
Category
Antique 1840s British Scientific Instruments
Materials
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
Category
Antique 1880s American Scientific Instruments
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
Category
Antique 1860s Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 23.82 in W 8.08 in D 8.08 in
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
Category
Antique 19th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
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
Category
Antique 19th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Category
Antique 1890s American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 9.06 in W 11.82 in D 7.49 in
Survey Compass, made of Brass, 1932
By F.B. & S. 1932 Ltd.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare survey compass, brass with leather case, signed F.B. & S. 1932 ltd. Diameter of compass cm 10
Category
Vintage 1930s Scientific Instruments
Materials
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
Category
Vintage 1920s American Machine Age Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
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
Category
Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
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
Category
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Wall Clocks
Materials
Wood
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
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
H 40 in W 12 in D 5 in
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
Category
Vintage 1910s Swiss Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Category
Vintage 1910s Swiss Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
Vintage 1910s Swiss Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Category
Antique 1870s Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 17.7 in W 9.1 in D 16 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
Category
Antique 1870s Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 18.5 in W 10.3 in D 10.6 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
Category
Antique 1890s American American Empire Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1870s Theodolite Troughton & Simms Antique Scientific Instrument of Measurement
Located in Milan, IT
1922.
Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent
Category
Antique 1870s Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 18.5 in W 13.6 in D 15 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...
Category
Vintage 1910s Swiss Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
H 0.79 in W 10.83 in D 10.83 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
Category
Antique 1780s Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 13 in W 16.5 in D 5.1 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
Category
Antique 1870s Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 9.8 in W 4.4 in D 10.15 in
Campbell Stokes Sunshine Recorder Instrument by Lawrence and Mayo, London
By Lawrence and Mayo
Located in Nantucket, MA
, Colombo, Rangoon and Singapore. Its reputation as high grade opticians and makers of best quality survey
Category
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
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
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Pine
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
Category
Antique 1820s Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 61 in W 17.8 in D 27.5 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
Category
Antique Early 1900s Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 5.9 in W 4 in D 8.15 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
Category
Antique 1870s Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 2.8 in W 7.5 in D 8.2 in
Campbell Stokes Sunshine Recorder by Lawrence and Mayo, London
By Lawrence and Mayo
Located in Nantucket, MA
, Colombo, Rangoon and Singapore. Its reputation as high grade opticians and makers of best quality survey
Category
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
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
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
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
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
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
Category
Antique 19th Century American Scientific Instruments
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
Category
Antique Late 19th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 2.96 in W 4.73 in D 4.93 in
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
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
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
Category
Vintage 1910s Swiss Scientific Instruments
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
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 4 in W 12 in D 8 in
1940s Vintage Industrial Aluminum & Brass Apothecary Scale Balance with Weights
Located in Lafayette, IN
surveying instruments. In any event, the work was started on surveying instruments around 1903 or 1904, but
Category
Vintage 1940s American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
H 20 in W 18 in D 10 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
Category
Antique 1780s Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 7.5 in W 7.9 in D 7.9 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
Category
Antique 1860s Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
H 5 in W 11.5 in D 5.25 in
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
Category
Antique 1860s American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
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
Category
Antique Late 18th Century American American Colonial Scientific Instruments
Materials
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
Category
Antique 1830s American Scientific Instruments
Materials
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
Category
Antique 19th Century English Nautical Objects
Materials
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
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Imperial Japanese Army Weather Vane
Located in New York, NY
Made by A.N. Asakichi of Tokyo (which also produced surveying, weather, and drafting instruments
Category
Vintage 1940s Japanese Metalwork
Materials
Brass, Aluminum, Steel
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Impressive three-Tier Murano SMOKED Glass Tube Chandeliers - 52 glasses
By Mazzega
Located in Budapest, HU
Italian vintage chandeliers in Murano glass and nickel-plated metal structure. The armor polished nickel supports 52 large SMOKED glass tubes in a star shape.
Period: late XX century...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$4,595 Sale Price / set
20% Off
H 34.26 in Dm 23.63 in
French 18th Century Louis XV Painted & Gilt Queen Bed
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A quality Louis XV Period carved and gold gilt queen bed frame. The four piece frame has classic carvings of Rococo influenced Louis XV style with flamboyant carvings and gold gilt c...
Category
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Gold
Scandinavian Modern Napkin Ring Holders in Brass, Set of 8
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A well-made set of napkin rings cast in brass and featuring motifs of a knife, a fork and a spoon. Made in Scandinavia during the 1960s and originally sold through Illums Bolighus in...
Category
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Tableware
Materials
Brass
Industrial Aluminum Airplane Step Stool, New York Airways
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Industrial, aluminum, airplane step stool features the stamp New York Airways, (1949-1968) on one side, a perforated top and rubber glides with all original, work-worn patina. It's a...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Stools
Materials
Aluminum
Restoration Period Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Sofa Bed, 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Restoration period mahogany veneered boat-shaped bed with a slightly overturned bedside. The front is soberly dressed with an ormolu plaque with scrolls and flowers framing a female ...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century French Restauration Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Bronze
$6,581
H 49.22 in W 77.56 in D 33.86 in
Mid-century modern Murano glass pendant light by Maestri Muranesi, 1970s
Located in Palermo, PA
This elegant pendant light features Murano glass with a striking deep purple border along the edge. The transparent glass is adorned with a distinctive tiger stripe pattern throughou...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Early 20th-C. French Gilt Bronze And Malachite Desk Pen Inkwell / Inkstand
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an early 20th century highly decorative French gilt bronze, malachite and faux malachite inkstand with dual inkwells. The base is a mix of faux malachite and malachite veneer...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Inkwells
Materials
Malachite, Bronze
$1,795
H 6 in W 15 in D 7.5 in
Early 19th century brass surveyor's level with compass
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century brass surveyor's level with telescope, compass and spirit level.
With original brass mounted pine case.
Telescope length: 18 1/4 inches. - 46.5 cm.
Fitting f...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French Empire Style Green Glass Inkwell with Gilt Mounts
Located in Nashville, TN
Second Empire green glass inkwell circa 1870 .rare color .Encased in gilt metal Empire styled mounts ,swans drinking from a fountain. The lid shows a woman with bust . The ovoid gree...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Empire Inkwells
Materials
Glass
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shells, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Nautical Objects
Materials
Shell
$153 Sale Price
20% Off
H 14.18 in W 9.85 in D 0.99 in
Ferrari telephone , 80s Miami Vice Era Phone , Vintage Telephone , Collectible
Located in Milano, IT
Rare Ferrari Telefone / Decorative Object / Limited Edition piece of the 80's
It may not be white, but Miami Vice vibes are guaranteed with this funny and rare "Ferrari Testarossa" ...
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Vintage 1980s Hong Kong Modern Toys and Dolls
Materials
Plastic
$153 Sale Price
20% Off
H 2.76 in W 4.34 in D 9.45 in
19th Century Chinese Altar Table
Located in New York, NY
Imperial 19th Century Carved Wine Table raised on stand with three drawers. Exceptional table having scalloped apron with carved spandrels and carved Rams legs front set on stand of...
Category
Antique 19th Century Chinese Console Tables
Materials
Elm
Cased Architectural Model with House and Property
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine detailed model diorama made for a potential client possibly in Florida or California. A white washed four part house with gable roofs, and an openwork frame for the lanai cove...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Architectural Models
Materials
Lucite
Antique Chinese Cabinet in Elm with Carved Scenes of Four Seasons & Ebonizing
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A lovely Chinese cabinet in elm with four doors whose panels show a carved scene of vegetation representing each of the four seasons in relief. The amber color of the wood, as well a...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Materials
Elm
$3,375 Sale Price
50% Off
H 70 in W 52 in D 24.5 in
Curiosity Cabinet Collection of Shells circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Nautical Objects
Materials
Shell
Chinese Craved Hardwood Coffee Table, Early 20th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome Chinese carved hardwood coffee table with a design of dragons, Republic Period, early 20th century, circa 1920, China.
The table well-proportioned and well-carved. The to...
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Early 20th Century Chinese Furniture
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Hardwood
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Surveying Instrument For Sale on 1stDibs
Find many varieties of an authentic surveying instrument available at 1stDibs. A surveying instrument — often made from brass, metal and wood — can elevate any home. Your living room may not be complete without a surveying instrument — find older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. A surveying instrument is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Folk Art styles are sought with frequency. Brandis and Son, E. Vion Paris and F.B. & S. 1932 Ltd. each produced at least one beautiful surveying instrument that is worth considering.
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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