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Blown glass scientific instrument, Italy 1900.
Blown glass scientific instrument, Italy 1900.

Blown glass scientific instrument, Italy 1900.

Located in Milan, IT

Blown glass scientific instrument to evaluate the expansion of the liquids with the warmth. Italy

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Blown glass scientific instrument, Italy 1900.
Blown glass scientific instrument, Italy 1900.

Blown glass scientific instrument, Italy 1900.

Located in Milan, IT

Blown glass scientific instrument to evaluate the expansion of the liquids with the warmth. Italy

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Glass scientific instrument: Crookes maltese cross tube, Italy 1900.
Glass scientific instrument: Crookes maltese cross tube, Italy 1900.

Glass scientific instrument: Crookes maltese cross tube, Italy 1900.

Located in Milan, IT

Blown glass scientific instrument. An example of the Crookes tube with Maltese Cross, in chromed

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Antique Cased Microscope, English, Scientific Instrument, Swift & Son, Edwardian
Antique Cased Microscope, English, Scientific Instrument, Swift & Son, Edwardian

Antique Cased Microscope, English, Scientific Instrument, Swift & Son, Edwardian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique cased microscope. An English, black enamel scientific instrument by J. Swift

Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Enamel

A 18th-Century scientific instrument: wooden screw dilator clamp.
A 18th-Century scientific instrument: wooden screw dilator clamp.

A 18th-Century scientific instrument: wooden screw dilator clamp.

Located in Milan, IT

A medical instrument. A brass screw clamp (dilator), with a rosewood handle. It consists of two

Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Print of a Scientific Instrument, 1769
Antique Print of a Scientific Instrument, 1769

Antique Print of a Scientific Instrument, 1769

Located in Langweer, NL

scientific instrument. This print originates from 'The Gentleman's Magazine'. Artists and Engravers: The

Category

18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

19th Century Portable Sundial in Turned Wooden Case
19th Century Portable Sundial in Turned Wooden Case

19th Century Portable Sundial in Turned Wooden Case

Located in Madrid, ES

elegant scientific instrument reflects the craftsmanship and precision of 19th-century timekeeping devices

Category

1880s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Fruitwood

17th Century German Portable Ivory Sundial — Possibly Nuremberg
17th Century German Portable Ivory Sundial — Possibly Nuremberg

17th Century German Portable Ivory Sundial — Possibly Nuremberg

Located in Madrid, ES

Rare portable sundial crafted in engraved ivory, a fine example of German scientific instrument

Category

Early 1600s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bone

18th Century German Portable Ivory Sundial — Possibly Nuremberg
18th Century German Portable Ivory Sundial — Possibly Nuremberg

18th Century German Portable Ivory Sundial — Possibly Nuremberg

Located in Madrid, ES

instruments. Dimensions: 6 × 5 × 1 cm (2.4 × 2 × 0.4 in). A rare and collectible 18th-century scientific

Category

Early 18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bone

19th Century Carved Ivory Terrestrial Globe with Hidden Sundial
19th Century Carved Ivory Terrestrial Globe with Hidden Sundial

19th Century Carved Ivory Terrestrial Globe with Hidden Sundial

Located in Madrid, ES

typical of European scientific instruments of the period. Dimensions: Height 9 cm (3.5 in), Diameter 5 cm

Category

1840s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bone

19th Century Hand Carved Oak "Military" Barometer
19th Century Hand Carved Oak "Military" Barometer

19th Century Hand Carved Oak "Military" Barometer

Located in North Salem, NY

vintage scientific instruments or military memorabilia.

Category

1880s English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

Italian antique mechanical tellurium in brass and cast iron, mid 1800s
Italian antique mechanical tellurium in brass and cast iron, mid 1800s

Italian antique mechanical tellurium in brass and cast iron, mid 1800s

Located in MIlano, IT

brass and cast iron. This scientific instrument is composed of paper-covered plaster spheres

Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique 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

instrument maker, he trained under Jesse Ramsden (1735-1800) he produced numerous scientific instruments

Category

1810s English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Rolling Ruler, English Cartographer’s Instrument, Architect, Edwardian
Antique Rolling Ruler, English Cartographer’s Instrument, Architect, Edwardian

Antique Rolling Ruler, English Cartographer’s Instrument, Architect, Edwardian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

appeal to collectors of vintage scientific instruments, militaria, or those with a passion for antique

Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Portable Wooden Sundial
19th Century Portable Wooden Sundial

19th Century Portable Wooden Sundial

Located in Madrid, ES

timekeeping instrument exemplifies the practical elegance and craftsmanship of traditional scientific tools

Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Fruitwood

19th Century Portable Wooden Sundial
19th Century Portable Wooden Sundial

19th Century Portable Wooden Sundial

Located in Madrid, ES

timekeeping instrument exemplifies the practical elegance and craftsmanship of traditional scientific tools

Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Fruitwood

Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Navigational Instrument, Victorian
Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Navigational Instrument, Victorian

Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Navigational Instrument, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

scientific instruments, Victorian optics, or nautical antiques Elegant and practical, this antique telescope

Category

Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Portable Wooden Sundial
19th Century Portable Wooden Sundial

19th Century Portable Wooden Sundial

Located in Madrid, ES

timekeeping instrument exemplifies the practical elegance and craftsmanship of traditional scientific tools

Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Fruitwood

19th Century Silvered Pocket Sundial
19th Century Silvered Pocket Sundial

19th Century Silvered Pocket Sundial

Located in Madrid, ES

characteristic of 19th-century scientific instruments, blending practicality with decorative appeal. A charming

Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Dutch 19th Century Carved Wooden Barometer
Dutch 19th Century Carved Wooden Barometer

Dutch 19th Century Carved Wooden Barometer

Located in Delft, NL

scene of fruits and scrolls A barometer is a scientific instrument used to measure air pressure in a

Category

Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Engraved Brass Portable Sundial Signed “Menant à Paris”
Engraved Brass Portable Sundial Signed “Menant à Paris”

Engraved Brass Portable Sundial Signed “Menant à Paris”

Located in Madrid, ES

precision and artistry of French scientific instrument making. This compact and beautifully detailed piece

Category

1740s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Asian Bronze Portable Sundial
19th Century Asian Bronze Portable Sundial

19th Century Asian Bronze Portable Sundial

Located in Madrid, ES

, beautifully crafted in bronze This exquisite instrument combines scientific function with artistic

Category

1880s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

18th Century Octagonal Brass Sundial Signed “Johan Schrettegger
18th Century Octagonal Brass Sundial Signed “Johan Schrettegger

18th Century Octagonal Brass Sundial Signed “Johan Schrettegger

Located in Madrid, ES

Augsburg’s scientific instrument makers, who were renowned throughout Europe during the Enlightenment for

Category

18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Portable Sundial in Wooden Case
19th Century Portable Sundial in Wooden Case

19th Century Portable Sundial in Wooden Case

Located in Madrid, ES

refined and collectible 19th-century scientific instrument, perfect for enthusiasts of antique horology

Category

1870s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Fruitwood

Grand Tour Neoclassical Gilt And Silvered Bronze Thermometer
Grand Tour Neoclassical Gilt And Silvered Bronze Thermometer

Grand Tour Neoclassical Gilt And Silvered Bronze Thermometer

Located in Norwood, NJ

scientific instruments into sculptural souvenirs inspired by classical antiquity. Well suited for display on

Category

19th Century French Grand Tour Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Portable Sundial in Wooden Case
19th Century Portable Sundial in Wooden Case

19th Century Portable Sundial in Wooden Case

Located in Madrid, ES

× 3.5 × 1.2 in). A refined and collectible 19th-century scientific instrument, perfect for enthusiasts

Category

1870s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Fruitwood

19th Century Silvered and Engraved Bronze Portable Sundial
19th Century Silvered and Engraved Bronze Portable Sundial

19th Century Silvered and Engraved Bronze Portable Sundial

Located in Madrid, ES

connoisseurs of antique horology, navigation, and scientific instruments.

Category

1810s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Large Barometer
19th Century Large Barometer

19th Century Large Barometer

Located in Dublin 8, IE

primarily being an optician, he also made and sold all types of optical and scientific instruments. He

Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Satinwood

Mid-19th Century English Iron and Copper Hanging Trade Spring Balance
Mid-19th Century English Iron and Copper Hanging Trade Spring Balance

Mid-19th Century English Iron and Copper Hanging Trade Spring Balance

Located in Dallas, TX

scientific instrument with double hooks for hanging purpose, could hold up to 250 pounds of meat. The piece

Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper, Wrought Iron

Mahogany and Brass Skylight Ship Binnacle, T.S. & J.D. Negus NY, Circa 1860
Mahogany and Brass Skylight Ship Binnacle, T.S. & J.D. Negus NY, Circa 1860

Mahogany and Brass Skylight Ship Binnacle, T.S. & J.D. Negus NY, Circa 1860

Located in Charleston, SC

1848 in New York City. They were makers of fine scientific instruments, circa 1848-1900. This highly

Category

1860s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

French 19th Century Gilt and Painted Barometer
French 19th Century Gilt and Painted Barometer

French 19th Century Gilt and Painted Barometer

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

’ shaped scientific instrument with all the carved details in gold gilt mounted to a case of painted, sage

Category

19th Century French Rococo Revival Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood, Giltwood, Paint

19th Century French Zimmerman Brass and Fruitwood Balance Scale from Dijon
19th Century French Zimmerman Brass and Fruitwood Balance Scale from Dijon

19th Century French Zimmerman Brass and Fruitwood Balance Scale from Dijon

Located in Dallas, TX

weights (smallest weight missing), this scientific instrument remains in excellent working condition and

Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century Negretti and Zambra Bakelite Weather Forecaster
Early 19th Century Negretti and Zambra Bakelite Weather Forecaster

Early 19th Century Negretti and Zambra Bakelite Weather Forecaster

By Negretti & Zambra

Located in Norwich, GB

Zambra were the leading name in the production of meteorological and scientific instruments the history

Category

1910s English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bakelite

19th Century French Champlevé Bronze Hunt-Themed Barometer
19th Century French Champlevé Bronze Hunt-Themed Barometer

19th Century French Champlevé Bronze Hunt-Themed Barometer

Located in Dallas, TX

France circa 1850 and richly decorated in the champlevé enamel technique. The scientific instrument

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Bronze

Vintage Technical Drawing Set, German, Architect, Cartographer, Riefler, 1930
Vintage Technical Drawing Set, German, Architect, Cartographer, Riefler, 1930

Vintage Technical Drawing Set, German, Architect, Cartographer, Riefler, 1930

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

desk or within a collection of scientific instruments. Delivered polished and ready for the enthusiast

Category

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Nickel

Antique Oak Barograph by Short & Mason, England
Antique Oak Barograph by Short & Mason, England

Antique Oak Barograph by Short & Mason, England

Located in Cheshire, GB

scientific instrument makers. The warm tone and grain of the oak case complement the polished brass mechanism

Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

Fine 18th-century solid brass sector, signed Butterfield, Paris, 1720-1750
Fine 18th-century solid brass sector, signed Butterfield, Paris, 1720-1750

Fine 18th-century solid brass sector, signed Butterfield, Paris, 1720-1750

By Butterfield Paris

Located in Bilzen, BE

rare and fully authentic scientific instrument from the renowned Butterfield workshop, celebrated for

Category

Early 18th Century French Other Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Brass pantograph by Thomas Dunn of Edinburgh, circa 1845
Brass pantograph by Thomas Dunn of Edinburgh, circa 1845

Brass pantograph by Thomas Dunn of Edinburgh, circa 1845

Located in London, GB

Scientific Instrument Makers, 1550-1851, London, 1995, p.90. Post Office Edinburgh & Leith directory, 1846

Category

Mid-19th Century Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

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

Category

19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Large Wrought Iron Mid-19th Century Scale from Catalonia
Large Wrought Iron Mid-19th Century Scale from Catalonia

Large Wrought Iron Mid-19th Century Scale from Catalonia

Located in Dallas, TX

wrought iron scale is a well-preserved scientific instrument from the 19th century and would make a topic

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron

A Wellington commemorative barometer retailed by Wehrle and Steuert
A Wellington commemorative barometer retailed by Wehrle and Steuert

A Wellington commemorative barometer retailed by Wehrle and Steuert

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

movement was made by the Somalvico family, barometer and scientific instrument makers from Holborn, London

Category

1850s English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Giltwood

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Antique Scientific Instruments For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of antique scientific instruments for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique antique scientific instruments was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, wood and brass. Antique scientific instruments have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Victorian, Industrial and Louis XVI antique scientific instruments are consistently popular styles. Antique scientific instruments have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by LeMaire Paris, W & T Avery and Dollond, London are consistently popular.

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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