Scientific Instruments
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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Surveyor's Level or Theodolite by W.F. Stanley, London, in Original Fitted Box
Located in Austin, TX
A fine working English surveyor's theodolite or transit instrument (aka a dumpy level or surveyors level) of brass, No.80148, by W.F. Stanley (Great Turnstile, Holborn, London), circ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Opera Glasses, Binoculars by G.Rodenstock
Located in Miami, FL
Opera glasses, binoculars by G. Rodenstock.
Category
Late 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
Brass and Iron "KEKUATAN" Hanging Beam Scale
Located in London, GB
A brass and iron beam scale, marked with KEKUATAN 110 kg. along with various proof and numeral markings.
Indonesian, KEKUATAN meaning strength.
The m...
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Early 20th Century Cast Iron Sack Weighing Scales Produced by W&T Avery Ltd
Located in Manchester, GB
An early 20th century cast iron sack weighing scales produced by W&T Avery Ltd. First patented in 1879.
In untouched condition with excellent patina and grain pattern to the wooden...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
English Pocket Globe, London, Circa 1775-1798
By Herman Moll
Located in Milano, IT
Pocket globe
London, between 1775 and 1798
Re-edition of the globe of Hermann Moll (1678-1732) dated 1719
The globe is contained in its original case, which itself is covered in sh...
Category
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shagreen, Paper
Antique English Wood and Brass Postal Scale
Located in Port Chester, NY
A small antique brass and wood postal scale. It stands on an oak base with serpentine edge with attractive bun feet. There are 6 weights which measure 16 oz, 8 oz, 4 oz 2 oz, 1 oz, 1...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Bearing, Graphite, English, Cast Iron, Ornament, Paperweight, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique engine bearing with graphite finish. An English, cast iron and bronze desk ornament or paperweight, and dating to the Victorian perio...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Large Victorian Carved Architectural Mercurial Barometer
Located in Lincoln, GB
Large Victorian carved architectural mercurial barometer, with Corinthian column sides with a broken arched pediment top, with a large decorated porcelain enamel dial, with two adjustable sweeping fingers, with a cased thermometer...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Enamel
19th Century Box Wood and Iron Paper Guillotine
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th century box wood and iron paper guillotine
Well used and still working well, the makers name in the centre of the chopping platform is too wo...
Category
Late 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Boxwood
Large Mid-Century Modern Didactic Resin Anatomical Model Jaw
Located in Weesp, NL
Big 1960s anatomical jaw teaching model in perfect condition. This beautiful resin jaw can be taken apart as shown in the images. It was made in the 1960s by Rudiger Anatomie in Berl...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Resin
1938 Pull Down Anatomy Chart, Denoyer-Geppert, Artist P.M. Lariviere
Located in Buffalo, NY
1938 pull down anatomy chart, Denoyer-Geppert. Artist P.M. Lariviere. KL3 circulatory system. Stunning image, screenprint on linen.
Category
1930s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Linen
Dutch Carved Wooden Barometer with Horse Motif by Gebroeders Caminada, Rotterdam
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Dutch carved wooden barometer from the late 19th century, with horse motif, signed by Gebroeders Caminada, Rotterdam. Hand carved in the Netherlands...
Category
Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
1855 Astronomical Plate of Distance of the Planets by FJ Huntington New York
Located in Milan, IT
Plate of the distance of the planets “Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1855 by F.J. Huntington in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for th...
Category
1850s American Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Imperial Sand & Ballast Measure by De Grave Short & Co Ltd of London
By De Grave Short, Fanner & Co.
Located in London, GB
A rare sand and ballast measure by De Grave Short & Co Ltd of London, circa 1940.
Measures one, three-quarters, and half cubic foot.
Made for Monmouthshire County Council.
P...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Late 18th Century Lacquered Brass Table Telescope
Located in New York, NY
Late 18th century lacquered brass table telescope.
Category
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Cooke Troughton & Simms Theodolite
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Cooke Troughton & Simms Theodolite in fitted mahogany case.
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Apothecary Balls in Cobalt Blue Cut Crystal
Located in Brussels, BE
Apothecary balls in cobalt blue cut crystal - ten available.
Category
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
Vintage Telescope Tripod, English, Oak, Bronze, Support Stand, 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage telescope tripod. An English, oak and bronze support Stand, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1940.
Displays a desirable aged...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Original Patina, Italy, Pharmacy or Herbalist
Located in Roma, IT
Antique bronze mortar. Handmade with pestle. Original patina
Italian bronze mortar and pestle
Measures: Pestle height 7.5 in.
Category
Mid-19th Century European Grand Tour Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
German Anatomical Muscular Bust Model
Located in Brooklyn, NY
German, anatomical, plaster model of a cross-section of a bust, depicting the muscular and circulatory systems.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Anatomic Model, Bones, circa 1950
Located in Madrid, ES
Anatomical model of the bone system, circa 1950.
On a square base and held upright with a metal rod stands the skeleton, an anatomical model of human ...
Category
20th Century European Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Other
Early 19th Century Watkins and Hill Model Beam Engine
By Watkins & Hill
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A rare early 19th century demonstration model of a steam driven beam engine made by Watkins and Hill, London standing on a mahogany and ebony stung base
A similar example can be ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Cell Counting Slide, German, Glass, Hemacytometer, Franke and Heidecke
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage cell counting slide. A German, glass hemacytometer and carry case by Franke and Heidecke, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930.
...
Category
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Telescope with Tripod, Metal, Decorative Object
Located in Madrid, ES
Telescope with tripod. gold metallic antique finish
Decorative use, not functional.
Gilt metal telescope decorated with a dark band standing on...
Category
20th Century Unknown Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Other
Early 1900s Oyster House Gallon Tin Cup Baltimore Rare Chesapeake Antique
By George H. Wahmann
Located in Hyattsville, MD
An rare gallon cup for shucked Oyster measurement. Marks: 8 PT. LIQ. GEO. H. WAHMANN MFG. CO. BALTIMORE, M.D.
Category
Early 1900s American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Tin
Botanical Ceramic Educational Blooming Hazelnut Intersection
By Osterloh Modell
Located in Weesp, NL
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern hand painted ceramic intersection of a blooming Hazelnut, Corylus Avellana. This rare sculptural piece is in great condition as can be seen in the images. Made in Leipzig, German Democratic Republic...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic
Brass, Bardou and Son Telescope Badged James W. Queen and Co.
By Bardou & Son
Located in Baltimore, MD
Table top, brass refracting telescope on folding cabriole leg base. Objective lens is 3 possibly 3.25" diameter with additional solar viewing eyepiece, and lens cap. The telescope fu...
Category
1910s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Working English Cast Iron Cheese Press Thomas Corbett of Shrewsbury 1880
Located in Portland, OR
A rare antique and all original fully functioning cast iron English cheese press, by Thomas Corbett of Shrewsbury, circa 1880. This cheese press has just ...
Category
1880s English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Old Mobile Sulphating Machine to Treat the Vine, Ets Perras, France, 1920-1930
Located in Paris, FR
Interesting old mobile machine for treating vines, built by the Perras establishments in Belleville sur Saône (Dpt 69. France).
This sulphating machine is the work of the Perras C...
Category
1920s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper, Iron
Rare Antique English Mammoth Map or Library Magnifying Glass, circa 1930
Located in Bath, GB
Wow, you need to hands to lift this mammoth magnifying glass, a great look for the library and a real talking point.
The handle is made from cast brass and the frame for the glass...
Category
1930s English Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Apothecary Bottle Stand English Air Ministry Stamped, Early 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique apothecary bottle stand. An English, Air Ministry stamped stand dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920.
A rare su...
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Beech
Set of Nine 19th C English Victorian Treen Ware Boxwood Medicine Bottle Holders
Located in Haarlem, NL
A set of nine 19th century Victorian treen turned boxwood medicine bottle holders.
These containers were used for protecting delicate items such as glass apothecary bottles, perfume bottles, syringes, powder, ointment bottles, thermometers and other medical or vanity items.
In two of the containers are glass bottles.
Measurements:
Large 18.5cm high, 8.5cm diameter, empty
Large 18cm high, 8cm diameter, empty
Medium 14.5cm high, 5.5cm diameter, glass bottle without stopper (wood chipped)
Medium 13cm high, 6cm diameter, empty (crack in wood)
Medium 12cm high, 5cm diameter, perfumed oil in glass bottle
Medium 11cm high, 5cm diameter, empty
Small 10cm high, 4cm diameter, talcum powder...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Boxwood
French 19th Century Culinary Scale
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An antique French counter or grocer scale in ebonized hardwood and mahogany inlay with white marble top, circa 1880. The scale is made of hardwo...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Copper
Zoological Lithograph of a Cockroach 1925 Cardboard by H Aschehoug & Co Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 64 lithograph on cardboard made in 1925 depicting an enlarged cockroach with the digestive and reproductive system. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye ...
Category
1920s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Lignum Vitae Treen Vices Pair of Minature Tree of Life
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
- Collector's specimens
- Lignum vitae is sought after for the beauty of its grain, coloring, patina, density and toughness
Translated from Latin, vignum vitae means “wood of lif...
Category
1750s English George II Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique Foldable Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting Human Musculature
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Foldable Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting Human Musculature
The rare 19th century anatomical wall chart depicts the human musculature and inter...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
1731 Original German Engraving Print Chart of European Distances by T. Mayer
Located in Milan, IT
Tabula Poliometrica Germaniae ac Praecipuorum quorundam locorum Europae Nuremberg, 1731.
Author: T. Mayer; publisher: Homman.
Chart printed by engraving on copper plate, coeval color...
Category
1730s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
1850 Old French Map Depicting the Entire Earth's Surface Divided into Two Parts
Located in Milan, IT
Geographical map depicting the entire earth's surface divided into two parts that correspond to the two hemispheres divided into small climatic zones that depict the climatic trend f...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Late 19th Century J. H. Stewar Barometer and Thermometer Antique Weather Misure
Located in Milan, IT
English barometer with thermometer and double Vernier reading the variation of atmospheric pressure. Signed J.H. Steward 406 Strand London in the late 19th century.
arometer mounted...
Category
1880s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Louis XVI Style Barometers and Thermometers by H. Dasson, France, Circa 1880
By Henry Dasson
Located in PARIS, FR
A companion pair of Louis XVI style barometer and thermometer finely decorated with gilt bronze acanthus leaves and seeds on green velvet, each with a polychrome decorated enamel pla...
Category
1880s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Enamel, Bronze
Vintage Stereoscope Bar Parallax, Scientific Instrument, JM Glauser, London
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage stereoscope bar parallax. An English, brass scientific instrument for measuring depth in aerial photographs or maps, by JM Glauser & Sons of London, dating to the m...
Category
1950s English Other Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Set of 2 Didactic Dr. Auzoux Molding, Internal Organs + Starfish Transversal Cut
Located in Leuven , BE
Moldings labeled "Auzoux 9 rue de l'Ecole de Médecine Paris 6e".
Dimensions:
Internal organs 54 x 36
Starfish 42 x 43.5.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
French 19th Century Black Forest Barometer
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 19th century black forest barometer.
Category
Late 19th Century French Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Victorian Aneriod Wall Barometer
Located in Norwich, GB
Victorian Aneriod Barometer with gilded and chased outer casing mounted on a mahogany board.
Beautifully engraved silvered dial with seven weather indications, the scale reading f...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Late 19th Century Terrestrial Globe, French
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY:
No additional costs will be added to this order.
Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included).
By Charles Delagrave, Paris. On eb...
Category
1890s French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Vintage American Brass Gooseneck Magnifying Glass, circa 20th Century
Located in Napa, CA
Freestanding vintage gooseneck magnifying glass on a scalloped black metal base.
Metal with brass finish; a few dents; wear according to...
Category
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Zoological Lithograph of Coelenterates 1912 Cardboard by H Aschehoug & Co Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 63 lithograph on cardboard made in 1912 depicting the family of coelenterates with jellyfish, coral and sea anemone. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye...
Category
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Binoculars Opera Glasses with Leather Case
Located in Miami, FL
Binoculars opera glasses with leather case.
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
Eames Office radio for Emerson
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A nice radio design by the Eames office. Model 578A.
Mahogany veneer case with plastic face and dials.
Category
1940s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Late 18th Century Silver Dutch Perpetual Calender
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A rare late 18th-early 19th century silver Dutch perpetual calendar.
Category
Early 18th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Silver
Domestic Medicine Chest by Thompson & Capper
By Thompson & Capper
Located in New Orleans, LA
An invaluable addition to the 19th century home, this domestic medicine chest contained nearly everything needed to nurse a member of the house...
Category
19th Century English Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French Regence Style Giltwood Barometer
Located in Pembroke, MA
French Regence style giltwood barometer and thermometer, surmounted with an acanthus leaf cartouche draped with flowers and swags, the dial is flanked with pillar and ribbon carvings...
Category
Late 19th Century French Régence Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
Early 20th Century Walnut Cased Barometer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early 20th century walnut cased barometer
Beautiful barometer. Dimensions 43" long x 13" wide x 5.5" at the crown x 5" at the bottom.
The door on the back reveals the inner wor...
Category
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Barograph by R Fuess
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany framed barograph by R Fuess Berlin. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum, fitted with a seven-day chart which covers one full rotation of the drum. The in...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Portable Copying Machine by James Watt & Co.
By James Watt
Located in New Orleans, LA
Considered the first step into the world of modern photocopying, the copying machine was among the first widely used devices to successfully produce an ex...
Category
18th Century English Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Analytical Beam Balance Scientific Scale in Glass Case
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Hand built analytical beam balance scientific scale. The scale is used to measure both solid and liquid masses (10/100g capacity). Highly sensitive silver cylinders dampen the harmon...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Rare Neoclassical Style French Giltwood Clock and Barometer Set
Located in London, GB
Rare neoclassical style French giltwood clock and barometer set
French, 19th century
Measures: Height 90cm, width 38cm, depth 12cm
This du...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Enamel
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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