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Surveying Instrument

1910s French Brass Telescope on Tripod, Maison Luenette de B. 1910
1910s French Brass Telescope on Tripod, Maison Luenette de B. 1910

1910s French Brass Telescope on Tripod, Maison Luenette de B. 1910

Located in Marbella, ES

Marked “Lunette de B… Mle 1897–1906, N° 136, APX 1910,” it suggests a military or scientific context, likely as an observation or surveying instrument. Its robust and functional desi...

Category

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Holland Circle by Baumann and Kinzelbach
Holland Circle by Baumann and Kinzelbach

Holland Circle by Baumann and Kinzelbach

$6,850

H 16.75 in W 8.13 in D 8.13 in

Holland Circle by Baumann and Kinzelbach

Located in New Orleans, LA

This intriguing item is almost certainly a Holland Circle by German scientific instrument makers Baumann & Kinzelbach. The Holland Circle, sometimes referred to as a Dutch Circle...

Category

Antique 19th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Carl Zeiss 'Theo 010' Theodolite & Tripod & Case mid 20th Century
Vintage Carl Zeiss 'Theo 010' Theodolite & Tripod & Case mid 20th Century

Vintage Carl Zeiss 'Theo 010' Theodolite & Tripod & Case mid 20th Century

Located in London, GB

Complete with a fitted oak case and oak tripod, dating from the mid 20th Century, This vintage Zeiss Theodolite THEO 010 A is a rare find for collectors of engineering and surveying...

Category

Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

A land surveying square, France 1880.
A land surveying square, France 1880.

A land surveying square, France 1880.

$1,645

H 6.5 in W 2.7 in D 2.7 in

A land surveying square, France 1880.

Located in Milan, IT

Equipped at the base with a sleeve which is used to fix the instrument to a pole or tripod. Original case. France circa 1880.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Danish 19th Century Brass Surveying or Level Tool on Tripod
Danish 19th Century Brass Surveying or Level Tool on Tripod

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

Fine Circular Protractor by William Cary, London c.1810
Fine Circular Protractor by William Cary, London c.1810

Fine Circular Protractor by William Cary, London c.1810

By Cary

Located in Norwich, GB

William Cary was an important scientific instrument maker, he trained under Jesse Ramsden (1735-1800) he produced numerous scientific instruments including mechanical calculators, me...

Category

Antique 1810s English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Reclaimed Red Granite Sundial with Negretti & Zambra Dial Plate
Reclaimed Red Granite Sundial with Negretti & Zambra Dial Plate

Reclaimed Red Granite Sundial with Negretti & Zambra Dial Plate

By Negretti & Zambra

Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire

Negretti & Zambra Negretti and Zambra (active 1850-1985) were one of Britain’s leading manufacturers of scientific, mathematical and surveying instruments. Established in 1850 by f...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Sundials

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Granite, Metal, Bronze

Original Antique Map of the Duchy of Luxembourg by De Wit, Amsterdam circa 1680
Original Antique Map of the Duchy of Luxembourg by De Wit, Amsterdam circa 1680

Original Antique Map of the Duchy of Luxembourg by De Wit, Amsterdam circa 1680

Located in Langweer, NL

The upper right features two cherubs holding surveying instruments, symbolizing cartographic science, while the lower right corner shows a female figure representing Luxembourg besid...

Category

Antique Late 17th Century Dutch Maps

Materials

Paper

Small Portrait Engraving of Sir Hugh Myddelton after 1632 Portrait, ca.1750
Small Portrait Engraving of Sir Hugh Myddelton after 1632 Portrait, ca.1750

Small Portrait Engraving of Sir Hugh Myddelton after 1632 Portrait, ca.1750

Located in Langweer, NL

Around the portrait appear surveying instruments, mathematical devices, maps, engineering tools, wheels, flowing water, and industrial motifs, all referring to Myddelton’s pioneering...

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century British Prints

Materials

Paper

Chinese Musical Instruments – Set of Three Hand-Colored Engravings, 1815
Chinese Musical Instruments – Set of Three Hand-Colored Engravings, 1815

Chinese Musical Instruments – Set of Three Hand-Colored Engravings, 1815

Located in Langweer, NL

This finely detailed plate presents a visual survey of traditional Chinese musical instruments, combining artistic refinement with documentary intent and reflecting Europe’s growing ...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Italian Prints

Materials

Paper

Russian Imperial Silver Punch Set From Czar Alexander III
Russian Imperial Silver Punch Set From Czar Alexander III

Russian Imperial Silver Punch Set From Czar Alexander III

Located in New Orleans, LA

In fact, the British government refused his modest request for surveying and observational instruments. Even so, the Czar was impressed, and chose to honor Wiggins with this exceptio...

Category

Antique 19th Century Russian Other Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver

Recent Sales

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

I've seen another very early and crude surveying instrument, and that instrument was made and used by a surveyor.

Category

Antique Early 18th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique J.C. Ulmer Co. Survey Transit & Compass in Bergen & Sons Box
Antique J.C. Ulmer Co. Survey Transit & Compass in Bergen & Sons Box

Antique J.C. Ulmer Co. Survey Transit & Compass in Bergen & Sons Box

Located in Milan, OH

Introducing the Exquisite J.C. Ulmer & Co. Transit and Compass in Bergen & Sons Box Discover a rare treasure from the past with this remarkable antique J.C. Ulmer & Co. Transit an...

Category

Antique Early 1900s American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

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

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. Ginza, Tokyo for Ishikura & Co.

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Enamel, Steel

1890 Antique Brass Level Watts & Sond London Mahogany Box, Surveyor Instrument
1890 Antique Brass Level Watts & Sond London Mahogany Box, Surveyor Instrument

1890 Antique Brass Level Watts & Sond London Mahogany Box, Surveyor Instrument

Located in Milan, IT

Watts & Sond London, manufacturers of theodolites and other surveying instruments, active in London since 1856 and marketed by the Clarkson London company.

Category

Antique 1890s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Mining Topographic Compass Davis & Son London First Half of the 1800s
Mining Topographic Compass Davis & Son London First Half of the 1800s

Mining Topographic Compass Davis & Son London First Half of the 1800s

Located in Milan, IT

Mining diopter topographic compass of brass signed Davis & Son London & Derby, first half of the 1800s. It is a survey instrument, for measurement of horizontal and vertical angles a...

Category

Antique 1840s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Topographic Compass, Wooden and Brass, of the Late 19th Century
Topographic Compass, Wooden and Brass, of the Late 19th Century

Topographic Compass, Wooden and Brass, of the Late 19th Century

By W. & L.E. Gurley

Located in Milan, IT

Gurley was a company active since 1852 in Troy (New York) and one of the largest manufacturers of engineering and surveying instruments in the United States. Very good condition.

Category

Antique 1880s American Scientific Instruments

Salmoiraghi Antique Brass Tacheometer, Surveying Measuring Instrument, 1860
Salmoiraghi Antique Brass Tacheometer, Surveying Measuring Instrument, 1860

Salmoiraghi Antique Brass Tacheometer, Surveying Measuring Instrument, 1860

Located in Milan, IT

La Filotecnica Ing A. Salmoiraghi Milan Centesimal tacheometer 133 b normal N. 55858 Catasto Italiano model of the second half of the 19th century, of burnished brass, complete with ...

Category

Antique 1860s Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Important Charles C. Hutchinson Telescope
Important Charles C. Hutchinson Telescope

Important Charles C. Hutchinson Telescope

Sold

H 69 in Dm 60 in L 69 in

Important Charles C. Hutchinson Telescope

By Charles C. Hutchinson

Located in Peekskill, NY

Hutchinson Nautical Instruments. The business imported and sold nautical and surveying instruments, charts, marine glasses, telescopes, and flags.

Category

Antique 19th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Important Charles C. Hutchinson Telescope - 69 Inches Long
Important Charles C. Hutchinson Telescope - 69 Inches Long

Important Charles C. Hutchinson Telescope - 69 Inches Long

By Charles C. Hutchinson

Located in Peekskill, NY

Hutchinson Nautical Instruments. The business imported and sold nautical and surveying instruments, charts, marine glasses, telescopes, and flags.

Category

Antique 19th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

American Mahogany Wood Antique Magnetic Binnacle Nautical Compass, circa 1896
American Mahogany Wood Antique Magnetic Binnacle Nautical Compass, circa 1896

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, telescopes and flags.

Category

Antique 1890s American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Survey Compass, made of Brass, 1932
Survey Compass, made of Brass, 1932

Survey Compass, made of Brass, 1932

Sold

H 1.19 in Dm 3.94 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.

Category

Vintage 1930s Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1920 Dietz Adjustable Drafting Table
1920 Dietz Adjustable Drafting Table

1920 Dietz Adjustable Drafting Table

Sold

H 42 in W 42 in D 32 in

1920 Dietz Adjustable Drafting Table

By A. Lietz Co.

Located in Surrey, BC

In 1947, after 65 years of production, the firm discontinued the manufacturing of surveying instruments.     

Category

Vintage 1920s American Machine Age Industrial and Work Tables

Materials

Iron

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

Steward Ltd: James Henry Steward (1817-1896) established his business in London in 1852 as a maker and retailer of optical, scientific, military and surveying instruments. J.H. Stewa...

Category

Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Bulkhead Clock and Barometer Set by Heath & Co
Bulkhead Clock and Barometer Set by Heath & Co

Bulkhead Clock and Barometer Set by Heath & Co

By Heath & Co.

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

Footnote: Heath & Co (also known as Hezzanith) was founded 1845 and specialised in nautical and surveying instruments. The breadth of production was advertised in 7 different catalog...

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Wall Clocks

Materials

Wood

Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps
Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps

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 U.S. Engineer Corps. This is a small compass, diameter 5.3 cm - 2 inches, height 1...

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1915 for U.S. Engineer Corps
Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1915 for U.S. Engineer Corps

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 for U.S. Engineer Corps. This is a small compass, diameter 5.3 cm - 2 inches, heigh...

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Keuffel & Esser Co Survey Transit Tripod Stand with Case Stick and Accessories
Keuffel & Esser Co Survey Transit Tripod Stand with Case Stick and Accessories

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 Accessories Pictured including Telescoping Surveying Stick. Circa Early 20th Century. Measur...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps
Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps

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, 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

Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent graphically in scale a part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...

Category

Antique 1870s 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

Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent graphically in scale a part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...

Category

Antique 1870s Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent graphically in scale a part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...

Category

Antique 1870s Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

American Brass Surveying Transit Signed F. E. Brandis, Sons & Co. NY, Circa 1890
American Brass Surveying Transit Signed F. E. Brandis, Sons & Co. NY, Circa 1890

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 during the period 1890-1916, they described this instrument as an engineers' transit ...

Category

Antique 1890s American American Empire Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Cased Antique Protractor 360 Degree Scientific Instrument Navigation, circa 1900
Cased Antique Protractor 360 Degree Scientific Instrument Navigation, circa 1900

Cased Antique Protractor 360 Degree Scientific Instrument Navigation, circa 1900

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a mahogany cased antique protractor, a 360 degree scientific instrument possibly for surveying or navigational purposes.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

1918 Survey Magnetic Compass for U.S. Engineer Corps Antique Nautical Objects
1918 Survey Magnetic Compass for U.S. Engineer Corps Antique Nautical Objects

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

1870s Brass Cathetometer Signed G. Coradi Zurich Antique Scientific Instrument
1870s Brass Cathetometer Signed G. Coradi Zurich Antique Scientific Instrument

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 part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...

Category

Antique 1780s 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

Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent graphically in scale a part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...

Category

Antique 1870s Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Campbell Stokes Sunshine Recorder Instrument by Lawrence and Mayo, London
Campbell Stokes Sunshine Recorder Instrument by Lawrence and Mayo, London

Campbell Stokes Sunshine Recorder Instrument by Lawrence and Mayo, London

By Lawrence and Mayo

Located in Nantucket, MA

Its reputation as high grade opticians and makers of best quality survey, scientific and meteorological instruments was well known.

Category

Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Early 20th C. Keuffel & Esser Co. Drafting Table
Early 20th C. Keuffel & Esser Co. Drafting Table

Early 20th C. Keuffel & Esser Co. Drafting Table

By Keuffel and Esser Co. 1

Located in Surrey, BC

In 1876, K & E started selling surveying instruments. The four-story Keuffel and Esser Manufacturing Complex in Hoboken, New Jersey, was completed four years later.

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Pine

1820s Rare Cittelli Milan Brass Wood Praetorian Tablet Antique Surveyor Tool
1820s Rare Cittelli Milan Brass Wood Praetorian Tablet Antique Surveyor Tool

1820s Rare Cittelli Milan Brass Wood Praetorian Tablet Antique Surveyor Tool

Located in Milan, IT

Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent graphically in scale a part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...

Category

Antique 1820s Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Early 1900s Telescope Diopter Praetorian Tablet Secretan Paris Antique Surveyor
Early 1900s Telescope Diopter Praetorian Tablet Secretan Paris Antique Surveyor

Early 1900s Telescope Diopter Praetorian Tablet Secretan Paris Antique Surveyor

Located in Milan, IT

Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent graphically in scale a part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1870s Brass Clisigonimeter F. Miller Innsbruck Surveyor Measurement Instrumemt
1870s Brass Clisigonimeter F. Miller Innsbruck Surveyor Measurement Instrumemt

1870s Brass Clisigonimeter F. Miller Innsbruck Surveyor Measurement Instrumemt

Located in Milan, IT

Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent graphically in scale a part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...

Category

Antique 1870s Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Campbell Stokes Sunshine Recorder by Lawrence and Mayo, London
Campbell Stokes Sunshine Recorder by Lawrence and Mayo, London

Campbell Stokes Sunshine Recorder by Lawrence and Mayo, London

By Lawrence and Mayo

Located in Nantucket, MA

Its reputation as high grade opticians and makers of best quality survey, scientific and meteorological instruments was well known.

Category

Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Large Antique Dietzgen Wood and Cast Iron Drafting Table, circa 1930
Large Antique Dietzgen Wood and Cast Iron Drafting Table, circa 1930

Large Antique Dietzgen Wood and Cast Iron Drafting Table, circa 1930

By Dietzgen

Located in San Francisco, CA

In 1893, Eugene Dietzgen Drafting Company began manufacturing drawing boards, T-squares, surveying instruments, and other engineering supplies.

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Industrial and Work Tables

Materials

Steel, Iron, Brass

1900s English Antique Brass Tacheometer, surveying instrument
1900s English Antique Brass Tacheometer, surveying instrument

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 used in terrestrial observations for the measurement of horizontal and vertical ang...

Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Signed American Brass Surveyor's Compass, New York, Circa 1840
Signed American Brass Surveyor's Compass, New York, Circa 1840

Signed American Brass Surveyor's Compass, New York, Circa 1840

Located in Charleston, SC

He ran a small shop in New York City where he manufactured surveying instruments from 1825 until his death in 1850.

Category

Antique 19th Century American Scientific Instruments

Antique Field Sextant, English, Brass, Military Instrument, Stanley, Victorian
Antique Field Sextant, English, Brass, Military Instrument, Stanley, Victorian

Antique Field Sextant, English, Brass, Military Instrument, Stanley, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

An English, brass military surveying instrument, by Stanley of London, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Survey Compass, Brass with Leather Case, Signed Troughton & Simms Ltd
Survey Compass, Brass with Leather Case, Signed Troughton & Simms Ltd

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. Measure: Diameter of compass cm 11.5, height cm 3.2. Very good condition and in order.

Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps
Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps

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. Engineer Corps. This is a small compass, diameter 5.3 cm - 2 inches, height 1.8 cm - 0...

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Scientific Instruments

Antique English London-Made Brass Surveying Compass in Original Case, circa 1880
Antique English London-Made Brass Surveying Compass in Original Case, circa 1880

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

1940s Vintage Industrial Aluminum & Brass Apothecary Scale Balance with Weights
1940s Vintage Industrial Aluminum & Brass Apothecary Scale Balance with Weights

1940s Vintage Industrial Aluminum & Brass Apothecary Scale Balance with Weights

Located in Lafayette, IN

The success of the Brunton Pocket Transit may have contributed to the decision of Ainsworth Company to build and market surveying instruments. In any event, the work was started on s...

Category

Vintage 1940s American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Aluminum, 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

Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent graphically in scale a part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...

Category

Antique 1780s Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Antique Theodolite Burnished Brass Signed Pietro Sbisà OMS Florence
19th Century Antique Theodolite Burnished Brass Signed Pietro Sbisà OMS Florence

19th Century Antique Theodolite Burnished Brass Signed Pietro Sbisà OMS Florence

Located in Milan, IT

Topography studies instruments, surveying techniques, calculus and plans to represent graphically in scale a part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...

Category

Antique 1860s Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vtg David White Instrument Co Surveying Equipment Plane Utility Level Oak Case
Vtg David White Instrument Co Surveying Equipment Plane Utility Level Oak Case

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.

Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Vintage Civil War Era Field Glasses by Queen & Co.
Vintage Civil War Era Field Glasses by Queen & Co.

Vintage Civil War Era Field Glasses by Queen & Co.

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

By 1888, the company had six departments: physical and chemical, engineering, ophthalmic, microscopical, magic lantern, photographic. Among the instruments and apparatus made were ai...

Category

Antique 1860s American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Brass

Early Boston Made Hourglass or Sand Glass
Early Boston Made Hourglass or Sand Glass

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: Regal Art Press. 1962).

Category

Antique Late 18th Century American American Colonial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Blown Glass, Wood

Beautiful Circa 1830s Lewis Michael Surveyors Compass
Beautiful Circa 1830s Lewis Michael Surveyors Compass

Beautiful Circa 1830s Lewis Michael Surveyors Compass

Located in Placerville, CA

Like all nearly 200 year old surveying instruments, this compass has a few flaws worth noting.

Category

Antique 1830s American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Rare 19th C English Octant by Spencer & Barrett
Rare 19th C English Octant by Spencer & Barrett

Rare 19th C English Octant by Spencer & Barrett

Sold

H 13.13 in W 10.5 in D 3.5 in

Rare 19th C English Octant by Spencer & Barrett

Located in Essex, MA

Hutchinson, Nautical, Surveying instruments Commercial St. Boston". Photos show 1/2 of box which is complete.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Small Size French Brass Sector by Hugé à Versailles, 18th Century
Small Size French Brass Sector by Hugé à Versailles, 18th Century

Small Size French Brass Sector by Hugé à Versailles, 18th Century

Located in Paris, FR

The sector is a classic surveying/military instrument engraved with 8 scales : Poid des boules, Les cordes, Les solides, Les metaux, les parties egales, Les plans, Les poligones and ...

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Imperial Japanese Army Weather Vane
Imperial Japanese Army Weather Vane

Imperial Japanese Army Weather Vane

Located in New York, NY

Asakichi of Tokyo (which also produced surveying, weather, and drafting instruments, as well as instruments for sea voyages, such as sextants, telescopes, and binoculars), this combi...

Category

Vintage 1940s Japanese Metalwork

Materials

Brass, Aluminum, Steel

People Also Browsed

A beautiful Celestial Table Globe produced by Gerard & Leonard Valk
A beautiful Celestial Table Globe produced by Gerard & Leonard Valk

A beautiful Celestial Table Globe produced by Gerard & Leonard Valk

By Gerard and Leonard Valk

Located in ZWIJNDRECHT, NL

A magnificent and very rare early 18th century celestial table globe produced by Gerard and Leonard Valk. Established at the end of the previous century by Gerard Valk, and assisted ...

Category

Antique Early 18th Century Dutch Dutch Colonial Globes

Materials

Other

Koch Bergfeld Silver 800 Cutlery Baroque Design 264-Pieces Bremen Germany 1900
Koch Bergfeld Silver 800 Cutlery Baroque Design 264-Pieces Bremen Germany 1900

Koch Bergfeld Silver 800 Cutlery Baroque Design 264-Pieces Bremen Germany 1900

By Koch & Bergfeld

Located in Vienna, AT

Silver 264-piece flatware (cutlery set) for 18 persons, Made by Koch & Bergfeld, Germany / Bremen, circa 1900 Gorgeous German cutlery set / flatware / dinnerware consisting of 2...

Category

Antique Early 1900s German Baroque Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

19th Century Walnut Pair of Bookcases Boiserie de Bibliothèque
19th Century Walnut Pair of Bookcases Boiserie de Bibliothèque

19th Century Walnut Pair of Bookcases Boiserie de Bibliothèque

Located in Vosselaar, BE

A rare pair of heliocodal French Directoire library bookcases in solid walnut. This type of bookcases is also known as 'boiseries de Bibliothèque' as they often, together with pannel...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Antique Sterling Silver Canteen of Cutlery for Twelve Persons
Antique Sterling Silver Canteen of Cutlery for Twelve Persons

Antique Sterling Silver Canteen of Cutlery for Twelve Persons

By Viners 1

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A magnificent, fine and impressive, comprehensive antique George V English sterling silver Sandringham pattern flatware service for twelve persons - boxed; an addition to our canteen...

Category

20th Century English Georgian Tableware

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Rare Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim & Pauly Cie Et Venice Antique Carved Armoire
Rare Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim & Pauly Cie Et Venice Antique Carved Armoire

Rare Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim & Pauly Cie Et Venice Antique Carved Armoire

By Guggenheim Museum, Pauly et Cie

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare one of a kind Pauly CIE Et stamped hand carved walnut armoire made by the genius that was Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim 1837-1910 W...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Victorian Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Walnut

Mother-of-Pearl Sewing Nécessaire
Mother-of-Pearl Sewing Nécessaire

Mother-of-Pearl Sewing Nécessaire

$18,850

H 4.25 in W 6.63 in D 4.88 in

Mother-of-Pearl Sewing Nécessaire

By Palais Royal

Located in New Orleans, LA

This captivating Palais Royal sewing nécessaire is crafted of engraved mother of pearl mounted in rich doré bronze. The hinged box contains a removable tray lined with velvet that ho...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Other Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Louis XVI Style Bunk Beds/Matching Pair of Single Beds Made by La Maison London
Louis XVI Style Bunk Beds/Matching Pair of Single Beds Made by La Maison London

Louis XVI Style Bunk Beds/Matching Pair of Single Beds Made by La Maison London

By La Maison London

Located in London, Park Royal

Louis XVI style bunk beds, exclusive to La Maison London: Hand carved featuring a band of intricate laurel leaves along the side bars and hand finished to order (picture shows a pale...

Category

2010s British Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Terrestrial Globe by W. & A.K. Johnston
Terrestrial Globe by W. & A.K. Johnston

Terrestrial Globe by W. & A.K. Johnston

$168,500

H 47 in W 38 in D 38 in

Terrestrial Globe by W. & A.K. Johnston

By W. & A.K. Johnston

Located in New Orleans, LA

Measuring a monumental 30 inches in diameter, this impressive globe was crafted by the renowned firm W. & A.K. Johnston. Founded in 1825, the Johnston firm is considered the fore...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Globes

Materials

Brass

Antique Pharmacy Cabinet, Walnut Bookcases and Glass Doors with Sign, '800 Italy
Antique Pharmacy Cabinet, Walnut Bookcases and Glass Doors with Sign, '800 Italy

Antique Pharmacy Cabinet, Walnut Bookcases and Glass Doors with Sign, '800 Italy

$61,117Sale Price|20% Off

H 104.34 in W 153.55 in D 19.69 in

Antique Pharmacy Cabinet, Walnut Bookcases and Glass Doors with Sign, '800 Italy

Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)

Complete antique pharmacy cabinet, with 3 open bookcases on the sides, 1 bookcase with drawers and 2 original doors with glass and enameled mirror sign. Built in the mid-19th century...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Apothecary Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Fabergé Style Bejewelled and Enamelled Gold Egg by Asprey
Fabergé Style Bejewelled and Enamelled Gold Egg by Asprey

Fabergé Style Bejewelled and Enamelled Gold Egg by Asprey

By Garrard & Co. Ltd., Asprey International Limited

Located in London, GB

This exceptional, 18 carat gold Easter egg was crafted by the famous London-based royal jewellers, Asprey & Co. The piece was then retailed by Garrard & Co, who once worked i...

Category

1990s English Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold

19th Century Watch Winding Display Cabinet
19th Century Watch Winding Display Cabinet

19th Century Watch Winding Display Cabinet

$42,500

H 42.5 in W 49.57 in D 28.25 in

19th Century Watch Winding Display Cabinet

Located in New Orleans, LA

This incredible, one-of-a-kind watch display cabinet brings together the beauty of an antique with the functionality of modern technology. Crafted of mahogany, this 19th century jewe...

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Louis XVI Style Panelling with Fireplace and a Marine Scene, Oil on Canvas
Louis XVI Style Panelling with Fireplace and a Marine Scene, Oil on Canvas

Louis XVI Style Panelling with Fireplace and a Marine Scene, Oil on Canvas

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

This paneled room is composed of a stone fireplace, a large glass door with four leaves, a single door (both with their frame) and a large oil on canvas depicting a marine scene sign...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Panelling

Materials

Stone

Exclusive Oak Staircase with Carving and Balustrade 19th Century
Exclusive Oak Staircase with Carving and Balustrade 19th Century

Exclusive Oak Staircase with Carving and Balustrade 19th Century

Located in Udenhout, NL

This is a very beautiful unique stairs. It is hand carved and comes out of a mansion Near Paris, France.

Category

Antique 1880s French Stairs

Materials

Oak

19th Century English Cased Drawing Set Length of Longest Tool
19th Century English Cased Drawing Set Length of Longest Tool

19th Century English Cased Drawing Set Length of Longest Tool

Located in Buchanan, MI

An 19th century English cased drawing set length of longest tool. Measures: 6 1/4 inches.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

French Nécessaire de Voyage
French Nécessaire de Voyage

French Nécessaire de Voyage

$78,500

H 6.5 in W 17 in D 11.75 in

French Nécessaire de Voyage

Located in New Orleans, LA

This exceptional and rare French nécessaire de voyage is almost certainly the work of the highly respected Parisian manufacturer Pierre-Dominique Maire and the silversmith Jacques-Br...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Crystal, Silver

Rococo Style Hand Carved 4 Poster & Bunk Bed
Rococo Style Hand Carved 4 Poster & Bunk Bed

Rococo Style Hand Carved 4 Poster & Bunk Bed

$19,053

H 84.65 in W 71.26 in D 83.86 in

Rococo Style Hand Carved 4 Poster & Bunk Bed

By La Maison London

Located in London, Park Royal

A unique design of master carving from La Maison London. A hand carved Four Poster bed frame, in the Rococo style, which also doubles as bunk bed. The top section has been designed t...

Category

2010s British Baroque Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

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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 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.