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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Victorian French Opera Glasses Marked "Lemaire Fab, Paris" With Orig Case C.1880
Located in Incline Village, NV
Fine quality Victorian precision made and fully functional "French Opera Glasses" (about 2 1/2 power); in excellent and all original condition; ready for use to attend your next conc...
Category

1880s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Antique English Brass Cased Compass Reg. No. For 1903
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome cased late Victorian or Edwardian compass with hinged lid, the little button on the top used to open; just like a full hunter pocket watch. The dial is lucky enough to ha...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pair of Rare Life-Sized Pilz Anatomical Flap Manikins, Germany, c. 1890
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Rare Life-Sized Pilz Anatomical Flap Manikins, Germany, c. 1890 Imported by American Thermo-Ware Co., New York An extraordinary and exceedingly rare pair of life-sized anat...
Category

Late 19th Century German High Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Exquisite Pair French Enamel Opera Glasses c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
A truly superb pair of blue enamel opera glasses with intricate inlay and polished Mother of Pearl trim. The metalware retains it's original gilding. They have a telescopic lorgnet...
Category

1920s French Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Tacheometro model Soldati late 19th c. signed La Filotecnica Milano
Located in Milan, IT
Tacheometer model Soldati from the late 19th century signed La Filotecnica Ing. A Salmoiraghi Milan serial no. 18865. Construction site surveying and tracking tool used for calculati...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th c. Cast Iron Sea Serpents Book Press c.1890
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original cast Iron book binding press with bronze plated mythical serpents flanking the central pillar. Cast iron handle with cast number "4" on a molded base. (Books not ...
Category

Late 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Theater / Opera glasses, 19th Century Binocular
Located in Bilzen, BE
Old telescopic theater opera glasses. Model in gilded brass and mother-of-pearl Optical perfect working In perfect condition. Period 19th century 3.6cm in diameter, 8cm in lengt...
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Late 19th Century Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Large Vintage WWII Telescope, English, Brass, Military Broad Arrow, Ottway & Co
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large vintage WWII telescope, an English brass terrestrial instrument by Ottway & Co of London, dated 1945 and marked with the military broad arrow. Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky. A striking and substantial example of British wartime optical engineering Crafted in brass, displaying bright golden tones throughout the draw tube and sun shade Single draw tube design with smooth motion and pleasing tactile presence Main barrel dressed in a later textured outer cover, adding visual distinction and grip Engraved with 'Ottway & Co – London – 1945' to the main draw Clearly marked with the military broad arrow and original serial number Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass 'Captain's Stand' for display Ideal for collectors of WWII memorabilia...
Category

1940s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A Very Rare 19th Century Gadget Walking Cane with Brass Telescope
Located in Dublin, IE
A very rare 19th Century well figured gadget walking cane with a hidden brass telescope. This exceptional item is stamped with the Manchester Regiment crest, is finely hand carved w...
Category

19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Cold War Japanese Defence Agency 15x80 Binoculars with Illumination Control
By Kowa
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Japanese Type 65 Naval Binoculars (1984) by Kowa – With Full Illumination Controls This outstanding set of Type 65 8cm twin-eye naval binoculars, manufactured by Kowa Co., Ltd. in Ap...
Category

1980s Japanese Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Bronze

Antique Toledo 8400A American Art Deco Green Enameled Porcelain Penny Coin Scale
Located in Dayton, OH
Toledo Scale Company Model 8400A. Features an enameled green porcelain finish and tiled station. Features the iconic Art Deco Skyscraper design with a ...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Torricellian barometer French manufacture from the second half of the 19th century
Located in Milan, IT
Torricellian mercury barometer, French manufacture from the second half of the 19th century, made of mahogany veneer wood with cedar wood edge threading complete with rare thermomet...
Category

1870s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Antique Telescope, English, 6-Draw, Brass, Leather, Terrestrial, Victorian, 1860
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique telescope, an English six-draw terrestrial or maritime instrument, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1860. Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, ...
Category

1860s British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1930s Educational Model Depicting the Belly of the Woman Immediately After Birth
Located in Milan, IT
Educational model depicting the belly of the woman immediately after birth with a part of the placenta. 1930's, sold by the Hygiene Museum in Dresden...
Category

1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Sputnik Space Age Table Weather Station, Relative Hygrometer, West Germany, 60s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Midcentury Modern Space Age Weather station made by Huger in the 60s, consisting of a thermometer, hygrometer and barometer made in West Germany the weather station is made of a chro...
Category

1960s German Space Age Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel, Chrome

1930s Educational Model Papier Maché and Plaster Decipting a Baby Borning
Located in Milan, IT
Educational model, papier maché and plaster, decipting a baby borning. 1930s-1940s, sold by the Hygiene Museum in Dresden. Very good condition. Measu...
Category

1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Unusual Antique Telescopic Gadget Cane with Ebonized Walking Stick
Located in Shippensburg, PA
TELESCOPE GADGET CANE 20th century 38 1/4" H An ingenious gentleman’s gadget cane, the handle crafted of polished chromed nickel and designed to cleverly conceal a fully functional...
Category

20th Century Unknown Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Nickel

Wooden compass box with rosewood veneer circa 1870s
Located in Milan, IT
Box of compasses wood with rosewood veneer from the second mid-19th century, complete with key. In the center of the lid a rhombus-shaped brass medallion is engraved with the name...
Category

1870s Antique 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 Thornton of Manchester, dating to the Edwardian perio...
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Rare Sikes’ Hydrometer (Alcohol Proof Tester) Set Atkey & Son, Cowes, C. 1830
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Sikes’ Hydrometer Set by Atkey & Son, Cowes, Circa 1830 A superb and complete 19th-century Sikes’ hydrometer set, by Atkey & Son of Cowes, a noted English maker of fine scientific i...
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Real Chinese Abacus
Located in Somis, CA
This is an authentic, original Chinese abacus that was actually used in the early 20th century. The abacus, an ingenious calculator, has been a vital tool in China for over a thousan...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Antique Real Chinese Abacus
Antique Real Chinese Abacus
$110 Sale Price
60% Off
Vintage 16 Gallon Pegasus Mobil Oil/Grease Drum Barrel
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage 16 Gallon Pegasus MOBIL Oil/Grease Drum Barrel. Vintage unrestored condition. Dimensions: 27.63 H x 15 Diameter. Delivery within 200 miles from...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Rare 18th Century Equatorial Sundial And Compass By Johann Nepomuk Schrettegger
Located in Bilzen, BE
"Rare 18th Century Equatorial Sundial And Compass By Johann Nepomuk Schrettegger," Rare 18th-Century Equinoctial Sundial & Compass by Johann Nepomuk Schrettegger, Augsburg Maker: Joh...
Category

18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Brass Cased Folding Magnifying Glass c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
A lovely shaped little folding / pocket magnifying glass which folds into a shaped brass case, marked "Made In England". Dating to c.1920, remaining in excellent condition measuring...
Category

1920s British Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Pocket Poco by the Rochester Optical Co. Folding Camera c.1903
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT The original Pocket Poco was manufactured by the Rochester Optical Co. from approximately 1893 to 1905. Designed as a small compact camera, the camera took 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 (qu...
Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Nickel

XIX Century English Mahogany Apothecary Set Cabinet Medicines J Hexam Chymist
Located in Milan, IT
English apothecary cabinet dated to the first half of the nineteenth century, mahogany box, brass handle and hinges and complete with key. The cabinet with a rectangular base is form...
Category

19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Military Terrestrial Telescope, Canadian, Officer Of The Watch, CKC, WW2
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage military terrestrial telescope. A Canadian, chromed brass naval Officer of the Watch refractor by the Canadian Kodak Company, dating to the WWII period, circa 1940...
Category

Early 20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Post War Japanese Opera Glasses With Mother of Pearl; in Orig. Carry Case C.1955
Located in Incline Village, NV
Very well precision made mid 20th century opera glasses manufactured in Japan (marked); they are still very operable today and working very well. Although categorized as "opera glass...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Milan 1920/30 Antique Microscope by F.lli Koristka Wooden Box with Accessories
Located in Milan, IT
Optical microscope signed F.lli Koristka Milano n. 42870 produced between 1920/30, of chromed and black painted brass, three-magnification turret, consisting of a stand and a plate w...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Brass and Bakelite telescopic acoustic cornet England early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Telescopic acoustic cornet made of brass and Bakelite , English manufacture of the early 1900s. The principle of its operation is based on the reflection of sound on the inner walls,...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage Wood Geloso Television GT1014, 1950s, Italy
Located in Rome, IT
This GTV1014 was one of the first 21-inch b / w televisions produced by Geloso. It uses the intercarrier system as an audio-video medium frequency. The chassis is mounted inside th...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Plastic, Wood

Art Deco Copper German Perpetual Desk Calendar c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original German perpetual desk calendar. Change the day of the week and date by pressing the Bakelite handle on the side. A knob in the back allows you to adjust the date t...
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble, Copper

Antique Tabletop Press, English, Cast Iron, Rotary, Flower Pressing, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique tabletop press. An English, cast iron rotary flower pressing machine, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Relive t...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Antique Hand-Crafted Solid Bronze Mortar with Pestle and Great Original Patina
Located in Lisse, NL
Decorative and tactile, late 18th century mortar set. Mortars have been used for centuries by private people and by people in certain trades. In the kitche...
Category

Late 18th Century European Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Planispheric Astrolabe – Equinoctial Dial, late 16th–early 17th century
Located in Madrid, ES
Origin: Probably Southern Germany (Nuremberg or Augsburg) or the Flemish region (Louvain or Antwerp). Date: circa 1580–1620 Material: finely engraved brass Diameter: 9 cm A beautifu...
Category

16th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Large, Good Condition and Stylish Antique English Victorian Oak Wall Barometer
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning design and top quality executed antique barometer. This late 19th-early 20th century, English manufactured wall barometer has everything that makes an antique worthwhile. F...
Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Box of mid-19th century compasses housed in their tuia burl box
Located in Milan, IT
Box of mid-19th century compasses, housed in their original tuia burl box, nickel-plated brass and ivory instruments, velvet and satin interior, lock and hinges in brass. Embossed ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Vintage Laboratory Microscope, German, Scientific Instrument, Carl Zeiss Jena
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage laboratory microscope. A German, enamelled metal scientific instrument by Carl Zeiss Jena, dating to the late 20th century, circa ...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Superb Pair Antique Opera Glasses c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
A truly stunning pair of French Opera glasses made from polished brass and clad with shell. This pair comes with a telescopic lorgnette handle and folds away nicely when not if use....
Category

1910s French Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Small Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Terrestrial Spyglass, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a small antique three draw telescope. An English, brass terrestrial spyglass, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Compact yet elegant, this diminutive instrument...
Category

Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Dentist Chair Type III, Series 3266 by J. Corno, Union Frimor, France, ca 1920
Located in Delft, NL
A dentist chair Type III, series 3266 by J. Corno, Union Frimor, France ca. 1920 The heavy chair has the color in a mahogany look with gold line. The chair has leather headrests a...
Category

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Antique 18th Century Diptych Portable Sundial And Compass by Beringer
By David Beringer
Located in Bilzen, BE
Antique 18th Century Diptych Sundial and Compass a portable wooden sundial with compass, of German origin, by David Beringer, Nuremberg, dating back to the 1780 circa, in good age re...
Category

Late 18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

1950s Olympic Tape Measure Peoples Republic of China
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Tricle Bakelite Olympic Tape Measure made Peoples Republic of China Cover made from dappled rich dark tricle bake-lite includes gilt brass fittings and cloth tape. 5.25 dia...
Category

1950s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Mechanical planetarium representative of the solar system with Sun Earth and Moon
Located in Milan, IT
Mechanical planetarium, or representative model of the solar system, from the second half of the 19th century. The cartouche of the globe reads: GlobusVydal J. Felkl at Syn Roztok ...
Category

1860s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Antique Rosewood Stanley No. 12 1/2 Veener Plane c.1904-1943
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Cabinet makers veneer scraper plane with Rosewood handles and bronze knobs. CREATOR Stanley Tools Inc. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1904-1943. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Antique Victorian Quartersawn Oak Hand Crank Candlestick Phone Wall Telephone
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Victorian Quartersawn Oak Hand Crank Candlestick Phone Wall Telephone. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 20" H x 9" W x 12" D.
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

Antique Rosewood and Mahogany Putty Knives
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A set of antique putty knives with Rosewood, Mahogany and brass handles. CREATOR Embee, Red Devil DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1920-1950. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Steel...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Italian antique mechanical tellurium in brass and cast iron, mid 1800s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian antique mechanical tellurium in brass and cast iron, mid 1800s Mechanical tellurium made of brass and cast iron. This scientific instrument ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Engine Indicator, Scottish, Scientific Instrument, Dobbie McInnes, 1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique mechanical engine indicator. A Scottish, brass scientific instrument by Dobbie-McInnes of Glasgow, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. Presenting a gr...
Category

1920s Scottish Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Culinary Scale from Lyon
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A large kitchen / culinary scale made in Lyon, France, circa 1880. This wonderful antique instrument was used to measure various ingredients and product...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble, Brass

Antique Schaeffer & Budenberg Stationary Steam Engine Model w Copper Boiler
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 19th century Schaeffer & Budenberg stationary steam engine model. Made of cast iron featuring copper boiler The Budenberg Gauge Company was founded in 1918. The original pa...
Category

Late 19th Century English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Copper

Antique Carved Burr Walnut Banjo Barometer, circa 1880
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding carved burr walnut banjo Barometer having a lovely carved burr walnut case with a thermometer and a 12 inch round silver dial. Perfect workin...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Antique 19th century pewter hourglass
Located in Bilzen, BE
A 19th century 4-column hourglass made entirely of pewter. Height 17.5 cm, base 10 x 10 cm.
Category

19th Century German Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Pewter

19th Century Mother of Pearl and Gold Handle Fountain Pen with 14k Eversharp Tip
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful vintage Fountain Pen - a lovely decorative piece for the desk, but also still fully functional. The handle is Mother of Pearl that leads into an elegant Gold design and ...
Category

19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Gold

Vintage Westinghouse Shortwave Radio in French Polished Mahogany Case
Located in San Francisco, CA
A handsome Westinghouse combination shortwave radio, the French polished mahogany case housing a tube movement with multiple radio settings, made and s...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Mahogany Barometer F Somalvico Antique Weather Measuring Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Barometer complete with clock signed F. Somalvico N ° 11 Brook Str. Holborn London datable between 1810 and 1820. Finely crafted mahogany wood case with cedar wood edges. Large silve...
Category

1810s British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Signed Marquise Paris Art Deco Period French Leather & Chrome Binoculars
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stylish pair of antique binoculars. By Marquise of Paris. With relatively low-power magnification, chromed brass, curved eye cups, and leather ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Chrome

Antique American Ransom & Randolph # 65 Carved Oak Dental Cabinet Toledo OH 1900
Located in Portland, OR
Antique American carved oak dental cabinet manufactured by The Ransom & Randolph C., Toledo Ohio, Circa 1899. Arguably one of the best dental cabinets ever made, with so many unique features (and forgive the pun) cutting edge technology of the late 19th century. This cabinet was patented in 1899 and made of solid quarter sawn oak throughout, with carved accents above the beveled shaped mirror and carved & pierced brackets to the base with turned ribbed column supports. The cabinet has a removable travel drawer case for making house calls, to the top of the case is a brass carrying handle and a brass plaque with the manufacturers name and "Patent applied for", making this one of the earliest manufactured of this model. The cabinet has paneled sides and a paneled back, the front is fitted with cupboard with two adjustable swing out arms with revolving circular trays. Below, the cabinet is fitted with serpentine shaped drawers to the front, a lift up mirror to the top right hand-side enclosing a stepped...
Category

1890s American American Craftsman Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mirror, Oak

Antique World Globe From Fleet Street London 1923 on Wooden Stand
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Antique Terrestrial Geographia of Fleet Street London 12"inch World Globe on handcrafted Wooden Three Legged Base 1923 Made 55 Fleet Street, London Beautiful desktop globe, showcas...
Category

1920s British Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

1920s 35 Zeiss-Ikon 35 Cm Cinema Projector
Located in London, GB
A late 1920s 35 mm Zeiss-Ikon cinema projector. Lens: Neokino 52.5/110 by Emil Busch A.-G. Rathenow. Original black paint. Lamp house contain...
Category

Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel, Iron

Vintage, New and Antique Scientific Instruments

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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