Scientific Instruments
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Scientific Instruments For Sale
19th century thermometer in original case
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century thermometer in original case circa 1890.
Fine quality thermometer which measures between -45 degrees centigrade and +50. In ful...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Antique Victorian Art Nouveau Cast Brass Wall Hanging Alcohol Thermometer 8.5"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 19th century Victorian brass wall hanging thermometer. Simple art nouveau styling with scallops and flowers. Indicates temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 degrees C...
Category
Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Mortaio in bronzo, Veneto, XVI° secolo
Located in Brescia, IT
Mortaio in bronzo fuso a cera persa con corpo delineato da un gran numero di cornici parallele e susseguenti che ne delimitano la circonferenza; e ornato con motivi vegetali di deriv...
Category
16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Seldom Seen Authentic Exploding Skull, Medical, After Claude Beauchêne
By Claude Beauchene
Located in Buffalo, NY
Authentic Exploding Skull
Originally created by Edmé François Chauvot de Beauchêne (ca.1780-1830), a French anatomist and
surgeon, developed this disarticulation method to comprehensively show all the
cranial bones and their connections.
The exploded skull...
Category
Early 20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
19th Century Brass and Wooden Jewelry Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Loyally underhand for quickly weighing out gemstones and precious medals, this trustworthy sidekick was once the prized tool for the detailed work of the jeweler. Made in France in t...
Category
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1900s European Glass Beaker Stand
Located in High Point, NC
An intriguing and unique accent, this vintage lab-ware stand holds various vintage technical glassware. Industrial, utilitarian, and scientific, yet also playful and curious, this vi...
Category
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Small Antique Pharmacist's Measuring Cup, English, Glass, Apothecary, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a small antique pharmacist's measuring cup. An English, glass and leather apothecary measure, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 190...
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
20th Century Czech Set of 3 Wooden Decoration
Located in High Point, NC
This striking set of three wooden decorations from the 20th century is a fine example of Czech craftsmanship. Each piece, unique in height, features a minimalist design that showcase...
Category
20th Century Czech Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
20th Century Central European Glass Beaker Stand
Located in High Point, NC
An intriguing and unique accent, this vintage lab-ware stand holds various vintage technical glasswares. Industrial, utilitarian, and scientific, yet also playful and curious, this v...
Category
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Oak barometer
Located in Cheshire, GB
Carved oak barometer, the shaped carved oak frame with rectangular thermometer above the silvered dial inscribed J. Durkin, Middlesbrough, encased in copper frame.
Dimensions
Height ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
20th Century Central European Glass Beaker Stand
Located in High Point, NC
An intriguing and unique accent, this vintage lab-ware stand holds various vintage technical glasswares. Industrial, utilitarian, and scientific, yet also playful and curious, this v...
Category
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Rummy Grapefruit Soda Advertising Tin Thermometer Sign
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage "Rummy Grapefruit Soda" advertising sign / thermometer, circa 1950s. The piece is in very good working condition with great color and graphics. A rare piece of soda memorabil...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
20th Century Central European Glass Beaker Stand
Located in High Point, NC
An intriguing and unique accent, this vintage lab-ware stand holds various vintage technical glasswares. Industrial, utilitarian, and scientific, yet also playful and curious, this v...
Category
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Mortar with pestle. Bronze. Spanish school, 17th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Mortar with pestle. Bronze. Spanish school, 17th century.
Bronze mortar with a convex mouth, a raised base facing outwards and a cylindrical body decorated on the outside with relie...
Category
17th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Antique 1897 Wooden Eastman Kodak Bulls Eye Camera Tripod
Located in San Carlos, CA
Fantastic antique wooden Bulls-Eye tripod made by Eastman Kodak in Rochester, New York.
With over 100+ years of life, this tripod is in surprisingly good ...
Category
1890s American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Vintage Steel Laboratory Beaker Stand
Located in High Point, NC
An intriguing and unique accent, this vintage lab-ware stand holds three round-bottomed flasks. Once used as a tool for conducting laboratory analysis or experimentation, the globe-l...
Category
20th Century Belgian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Steel Laboratory Beaker Stand
Located in High Point, NC
An intriguing and unique accent, this vintage lab-ware stand holds three round-bottomed flasks. Once used as a tool for conducting laboratory analysis or experimentation, the globe-l...
Category
20th Century Belgian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
French 18th Century Louis XVI Gilt Barometer
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A 18th Century Louis XVI French gold-gilt barometer circa 1780. This early instrument of meteorology was used to measure atmospheric pressure and air temperature. The barometer is adorned with hand carved details; a large bow, flowers, a flaming heart, laurel leaves and scrolls. The dial face is hand-painted and has been repaired over time. The barometer is no longer in working order and is now purely decorative. Be sure to view the detailed images to see this interesting antique up...
Category
18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Gold Leaf
Small brass compass supplied to the US army during ww2
Located in Milan, IT
Small brass travel compass, issued to the U.S. Army during World War I, shaped like an onion pocket watch, an instrument consisting of a magnetized needle free to rotate in a horizon...
Category
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Copper & brass fuel measures by Sutherland Astell
Located in London, GB
Two copper and brass metric "Checkpump" fuel measures by Sutherland Astell, circa 1950.
Made for the County Borough of Blackpool.
Marked: 10 and 20 litres, at 20°.
20L, Height: 23...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Copper
Mid-Century Functional Tesla AS20 Phone 1979, Československo
By Tesla
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition
- Fully functional
- Tesla manufacturer
- Scratched, see photo-
Category
1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Oversize steelbridge scale for butcher's use, Kingdom of Sardinia 1800.
Located in Milan, IT
Figurative brass Butcher’s weighbridge. Weighs up to 44 pounds. Complete of main “ Romano” principal weight and additionals “Romanos” for detailed weight. Pedimont and Sardinia King...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large Set of 8 Vintage Lab Sieves, English, Brass, Stacking, Scientific, C.1965
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large set of 8 vintage laboratory sieves. An English, brass stacking scientific apparatus, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1965.
Fascinating set with superb period a...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Mid-century Dental Phantom Head Model on Custom Stand c.1960s (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A mid-century dental school practice head, known as a dental phantom head, with aluminum skull, articulating mouth and solid steel custom sta...
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
20th Century Czech Glass Decoration on Metal Stand
Located in High Point, NC
This 20th Century Czech glass decoration presents a unique blend of industrial and delicate aesthetics. Resting on a tripod metal stand with a...
Category
20th Century Czech Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Luxury Victorian French Lorgnette Opera Glasses Marked "Iris, Paris", circa 1885
By Iris, Paris
Located in Incline Village, NV
Absolutely exquisite pair of operable mother of pearl high quality luxury, top of the line, French Lorgnette Opera Glasses; with fancy mother o...
Category
1880s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl
Phantom Dental Training Simulator on Custom Steel Stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A phantom dental training simulator used in dental school with removable rubber shroud. Mounted on a custom steel stand. The aluminum jaws have a magnetic quick disconnect sys...
Category
Late 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
CURTA Type II Mechanical Calculator
Located in Mexico City, MX
An important CURTA Type II mechanical calculator by Cortina Ltd. Mauren. Made in Liechtenstein, manufactured in april 1954. Serial number 503108. Black body with 11 digits for data e...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Anatomical model of a chiken, Germany 1930.
Located in Milan, IT
A life-size anatomical model of a chicken, with separable anatomical parts, for educational use. Made of painted plaster, wooden and metal base. Somso, Germany circa 1930.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Saunders Rota Trim Mastercut II Rotary Paper Cutter Trimmer
Located in Dayton, OH
1996 Rota Trim Mastercut II rotary guillotine paper cutter / trimmer with self-sharpening tungsten steel cutting blade. Saunders Catalog No. 890-015. Blade marked UF-11-95. Made in...
Category
Late 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Composition, Metal
Transparent blown glass laboratory retort from the early 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
An early 19th-century transparent blown glass laboratory retort used for distillation, it has an ovoid body and long downward-bent neck that gradually narrows toward the mouth.
Very...
Category
1820s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Antique Scholar's Microscope, English, Brass, Scientific Instrument, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique scholar's microscope. An English, brass and enamelled metal scientific instrument by Henry Crouch, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
Appealing micr...
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1950s Wall Unit Vornado Grey Electric Window Fan
By Vornado
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Vintage Wall Unit Vornado Gray Electric Window Fan
18 h 37 w (open) 25.5 w closed x 9.5 d
Preowned unrestored vintage condition.
Tested and working.
Refer to all images please.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
18th Century French Louis XVI Carved Giltwood Wall Barometer & Thermometer
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wall with this elegant, antique barometer with attached thermometer. Crafted in Paris, France, circa 1760 and hexagonal in shape, the scientific instrument features its or...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Giltwood, Parchment Paper
Primitive Antique Hand Carved Stone Water Filter Mexico
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Rustic hand carved stone water filter
14 h x 11.5
Unrestored original antique vintage condition
See all images for details.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Rustic Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stone
Vintage 1970s Vexilar Zoom Video Sonar Model 990 Nautical Ice Fishing 11"
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare vintage 1970s Vexilar Video-Sonar Model 990X. Serial Number 90430. Manufactured by BH Electronics for Vexilar Inc. The 990 was the top model, following the 330 and 660.
"Model 990 zoom video sonar presents data on a cathode ray tube with a feature that allows the operator to zero in on any target between the surface and bottom or on the bottom itself. The operator can select and expand it to any one of the zoom sizes: 7.5, 15, 45, 90, and 180, each expressed in feet, fathoms, or meters. If, for example, the 15 ft zoom size is selected the full screen will show just that 15 ft. Model 990 reads depths to 1400 ft in five ranges and draws 12 watts in continual usage on 12v to 32v DC. A freeze-action feature allows the operator to hold a particular view on the screen indefinitely and a sea bed discrimination feature distinguishes fish and schools of fish from the bottom surface, according to the manufacturer. Measuring 10" by 7" by 8", the solid state unit weighs 12 lbs and has light intensity control and a sun screen...
Category
1970s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
20th Century Czech Electroscope
Located in High Point, NC
Step into the fascinating world of antique science with these 20th-century Czech Electroscopes. Each electroscope is a testament to the bygone era of scientific exploration. With a design that blends functionality and aesthetics, these instruments harken back to a time when the pursuit of knowledge was a visually captivating affair. Whether you're a collector, a history enthusiast, or simply drawn to the allure of vintage scientific instruments...
Category
20th Century Czech Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1800s Veterinarians Horse Gag and Cutaway Skull
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is an early medical school demonstration model. The horse skull on its own very interesting. It shows a professionally done cutaway of the skull showing the teeth below the gum ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bone
French Metamorphic Opera Glasses, 18K Gold
Located in New Orleans, LA
These unique 18K metamorphic gold French opera glasses are the epitome of both elegance and luxury. Exquisitely engraved with delicate floral motifs, these glasses fold up perfectly ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold
A pair of celestial and terrestrial globes, E.Pini, Gussoni & Dotti, Italy 1892.
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of Italian globes. On an ebonized wooden base, worked on the lathe, with a circular foot and perfect patina, are placed: a celestial globe of 9,2 inches, compiled by the enginee...
Category
1890s Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Terrestrial globe apres Mr. Rizzi Zannoni, Paris 1762.
Located in Milan, IT
Designed to be hanged to the ceiling, terrestrial globe, made out of paper machè and wood, brass hook. It is reported in the cartouche of the globe: globe terrestre d’après Mr. Rizz...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Transparent blown glass laboratory retort from the early 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Transparent blown glass laboratory retort from the early 19th century, used for distillation, has a spherical body and long neck in the center.
Very Good Condition. Measures length ...
Category
1820s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Leather, Terrestrial, Astro, Great War
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3-draw telescope. An English, brass terrestrial spotter's refractor in leather case, dating to the Great War period, circa 1915.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky
An attractive telescope with quality leather protective case
Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order
Rich tan coloured leather dresses the primary barrel and sun shade
Of 3 draw type, opening with a reassured action to each tube
Clear, bright objective lens with a diameter of 48mm (2")
Quality, matching leather dust cup present for the objective and eyepiece
The eyepiece finished with concentric ring turning
Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass Captains Stand...
Category
Early 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Laboratory Trebuchet Balance By Maison Mabille In Paris.
Located in BARSAC, FR
Pharmacy/laboratory trebuchet scale in its all-sided glass case, a vertical sliding door on the front, a storage drawer at the bottom.
Complete with its original accessories, functi...
Category
Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
Transparent blown glass laboratory retort from the early 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
An early 19th-century transparent blown glass laboratory retort used for distillation, it has a pyriform body and long neck bent downward that gradually narrows toward the mouth.
Bo...
Category
1820s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Kilgore Authentic Anatomical Preparation Human Skull
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Prepared by legendary medical supply company Kilgore International, this is an advanced anatomical reference human skull!
An exceptional authentic vint...
Category
1950s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bone
A rare celestial globe edited by J. Wyld, Charing Cross East London 1860.
Located in Milan, IT
Celestial globe over a wheel turned wooden base, with round foot, moved profile and tall leg, with a perfect patina, is placed this celestial globe, edited by J. Wyld, Charing Cross ...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
20th Century British Solid Silver Magnifying Glass & Ruler, Asprey, c.1929
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early-20th Century British solid silver magnifying glass & ruler, with engraved silver mounts and a handle terminating with a finger loop. Hallmarked English silver (925 stan...
Category
20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Silver
Grande Bilancia Italiana in Ferro su Capitello Scolpito 1800 a Due Piatti
Located in Milan, IT
Alta quasi 51 inches, questa grande bilancia italiana del XIX secolo è realizzata con un capitello corinzio intagliato a motivi folgiati, scolpito con foglie di acanto e laccato, u...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron, Metal
Rare 12 inches terrestrial globe signed Cary, London United Kingdom 1800.
Located in Milan, IT
Large 12" terrestrial globe made by the famous Cary brothers, made with a wooden frame, refined plaster polished to perfection, and colored paper gores. The globe is supported by a f...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Late 19th Century Charles X Eglomise Barometer
Located in Charlottesville, VA
This is a pretty French barometer with pretty decoration. Made in the Late 19th Century.
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1950s Vintage Vornado Gray Electric Window Wall Fan
By Vornado
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Vintage Wall Unit Vornado Industrial Gray Electric Window Fan
18 h 37 w (open) 25.5 w closed x 9.5 d
Preowned unrestored vintage condition.
Missing circle with label in center
...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Chromed Brass, Terrestrial, Astro, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 2 draw telescope. An English, chromed brass terrestrial or astronomical refractor, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky. Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass 'Captain's Stand' for display.
Of generous proportion when fully drawn, and neatly stowed in its own case
Displaying a desirable aged patina, some light marks commensurate with use
Leather covered primary barrel tanned in dark green with some light colour wear
Polished draw tubes show bright silvered tones, lightly marked from gentle use
Presenting a clear optical performance, with a 34mm (1.25") primary objective lens
Lift-off dust cap to the objective, the flared eye cup...
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Storta da laboratorio in vetro soffiato trasparente dei primi del XIX sec.
Located in Milan, IT
Storta da laboratorio in vetro soffiato trasparente dei primi del XIX sec., utilizzata per la distillazione, presenta corpo ovoidale e lungo collo piegato verso il basso che si restr...
Category
1820s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Antique Aluminum Teaching Dental Phantom Head Skull on Stand Gold Tooth 1920's
Located in Portland, OR
Antique aluminum dental phantom teaching head model with a gold tooth, 1920's.
A wonderful fun sculptural dental phantom, the aluminum head with lower...
Category
1920s German Brutalist Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Gold, Steel
Field Artillery Theodolite by Srb & Stys of Prague, 1930s
Located in Doylestown, PA
Field artillery theodolite by Srb & Stys of Prague, signed, 1930s.
Spectacular precision optical instrument of bronze, brass and steel utilized by the Czech military for artillery s...
Category
Early 20th Century Czech Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Steel
1964 Ray Simpson Original Teakwood Tool Rake Grate
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Vintage Rake Tool Brush in Teakwood Modern Aluminum Grate
Stamped Ray Simpson Original 1964
22.13 long x 3.88 w x 1.25
Preowned original vintage co...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
1960s Nautical Rangefinder Signed Kelvin Hughes Antique Marine Navigation Tool
Located in Milan, IT
Nautical rangefinder signed Made in Great Britan by Kelvin Hughes a divison of Smiths Industries Limited made in the 1960s, complete with original mahogany box. AP 498 Stuats Marine Distance Meter very good working condition. Box size cm 21 x 13 H 6. It is an ancient nautical instrument used to measure...
Category
1960s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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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