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...
Bronze
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...
Bronze
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...
Oak
Antique Brass Land Surveying Square, France, Circa 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.
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.
Brass
Antique Keuffel & Esser “Harvard” and “Dartmouth” Leather Tape Measures, Pair
Located in San Diego, CA
Keuffel & Esser was one of America's important manufacturers of precision drafting, surveying and engineering instruments, and these long tapes were professional working tools intend...
Leather
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...
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.
Metal
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...
Stone, Limestone, Granite, Metal, Bronze
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...
Paper
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...
Paper
Antique Blaeu Map of Berry, Bourges and Sancerre, France, 1642
Located in Langweer, NL
In the lower-right corner, a second cartouche contains the scale and is flanked by two towers, with a surveying instrument placed between them. The map centres on Bourges and includ...
Paper
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 ...
Paper
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...
Silver
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.
Brass
Unavailable
H 14 in W 10.75 in D 7.5 in
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...
Brass
Sold
H 12.41 in W 7.09 in D 10.44 in
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.
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 17 in W 11 in D 9 in
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.
Brass, Enamel, Steel
Sold
H 4.73 in W 11.62 in D 6.3 in
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.
Brass
Sold
H 9.06 in W 12.21 in D 7.88 in
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...
Brass
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.
Sold
H 23.82 in W 8.08 in D 8.08 in
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 ...
Brass
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.
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.
Brass
Sold
H 9.06 in W 11.82 in D 7.49 in
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.
Brass
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.
Brass
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.
Iron
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...
Brass
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...
Wood
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...
Brass
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...
Brass
Sold
H 40 in W 12 in D 5 in
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...
Metal
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...
Brass
Sold
H 69.5 in Dm 11 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 during the period 1890-1916, they described this instrument as an engineers' transit ...
Brass
Sold
H 17.7 in W 9.1 in D 16 in
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, ...
Brass
Sold
H 18.5 in W 10.3 in D 10.6 in
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, ...
Brass
Sold
H 18.5 in W 13.6 in D 15 in
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, ...
Brass
Sold
H 0.71 in Dm 2.09 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...
Brass
Sold
H 0.79 in W 10.83 in D 10.83 in
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.
Metal
Sold
H 13 in W 16.5 in D 5.1 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 part of the Earth surface on a map, indicating its details like streets, ...
Brass
Sold
H 9.8 in W 4.4 in D 10.15 in
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, ...
Brass
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.
Brass, Iron
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.
It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.
It’s never too early for good design. These interiors combine elevated furnishings and a youthful spirit, resulting in spaces that are at once elegant and whimsical.
Produced in 1843, the well-preserved volume is evidence of the author's exacting specifications.
New or old, the coverlets add old-time charm to any space.
Get into the games! These items celebrate the events, athletes, host countries and sporting spirit.
French trendsetter and serial collector Daniel Rozensztroch tells us about his obsession with objects related to seafaring men.
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.
Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.