Scientific Instruments
to
138
936
593
1,565
5
3
151
144
136
51
46
37
27
23
16
15
15
6
6
6
4
3
1
1
134
602
829
8
384
299
58
28
43
36
39
32
55
38
21
10
917
663
451
252
143
1,105
382
265
234
181
1,573
1,569
1,570
8
6
5
4
4
Scientific Instruments For Sale
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
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
Bronze Bronze Armillary Sphere With Zodiac Base With Zodiac Base
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Vintage bronze armillary sphere featuring classic interlocking rings, arrow axis, and a detailed circular base adorned with zodiac motifs. The patinated finish adds depth and charact...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
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
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
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
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
$1,080 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Navigational Instrument, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 2-draw telescope, an English terrestrial or maritime navigational instrument, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
Perfect for bird watching, landscap...
Category
Early 20th Century British Late Victorian 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
Wood and glass wall barometer station signed Lufft 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Table or wall-mounted wood and glass barometer station signed Lufft from the 1950s, made for the Italian market and consisting of aneroid barometer, thermometer and hygrometer.
Buono...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Set of 2 Brass Furniture Leg Embellisher, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of two brass decorative embellishers imitating feline paws. Designed by unknown manufacturer, circa 1930. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use...
Category
1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Cardboard round section telescope with four extensions and brass ferrules
Located in Milan, IT
Rare round cardboard scope with four extensions and brass ferrules, german manufacture from the early 19th century. Excellent state of conservation.
Maximum length cm 95 - 37.4 in,...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
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
Genuine Old Apothecary Medical Bottles Jars Set Brown Amber Glass
Located in Poperinge, BE
Beautiful set of 9 authentic apothecary bottles or jars, in brown amber blown glass with thick glass stoppers, circa 1960s-70s.
This set is very characterful and is full of nice old...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Torricellian mahogany barometer signed Davis 65 Bold St. Liverpool 1839/1841
Located in Milan, IT
Torricellian mercury barometer in mahogany wood, signed Davis 65 Bold St. Liverpool active at this address from 1839 to 1841, complete with reading nonius for checking pressure varia...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Set of 9 Antique Brass Scale Weights in Wood Block Apothecary 1920s
Located in Dayton, OH
1920's brass apothecary scale weight set including nine weights (one 50 gram, three 100 grams, one 200 grams, one 500 grams, one 1 kilo, and one 2 ki...
Category
1920s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$280 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Signed Marquise Paris Art Deco Period French Leather & Chrome Binoculars
By Louis Vuitton, Hermès
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 English Folding Brass Linen Thread Counter c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
Dating to the early twentieth century, c.1900/1920, this is an antique cast brass linen thread counter, of course usable to magnify whatever you wish.
Heavy solid cast brass with a ...
Category
1920s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
German Vintage Leather Tape Measure, Orange Brown 1940s, Germany
By Hermès
Located in Andernach, DE
Highest quality and minimalistic design tape measure in a solid leather casing.
Around the late 1930s to 1940s, Germany.
Sturdy seams and leather remind of Hermès and is decorative i...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Pair WW1 Binoculars and Case, British Officer's Issue - A Tubeuf, Paris
Located in Bath, GB
The binoculars are clad in a lovely embossed leather remaining in excellent condition, now over 100 years old and a true antique. They have integral sun shades. When closed up they ...
Category
1910s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English Brass, Leather, Newton & Co, Victorian, C.1870
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3 draw telescope. An English, brass and leather dressed refractor by Newton & Co, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1870.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape...
Category
1870s British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Henry Troemner Apothecary Cast Iron & Metal Balance Scale #1, Circa 1890s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Henry Troemner Apothecary Cast Iron & Metal Balance Scale #1—Circa 1890s
This Henry Troemner balance scale #1 is a remarkable antique cast iron scale, likely manufactured between th...
Category
Late 19th Century American High Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Iron
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
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 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
$5,600 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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 Veterinarian Syringe c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique metal veterinarian serum syringe with two needle attachments and original box and label. Engraved on both sides.
CREATOR O.M. Franklin Serum Company.
DATE O...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
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
Mid-Century Brass Wall Barometer, 1950s
Located in Palermo, IT
Mid-Century Brass Barometer, 1950s
Working and in good condition.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage 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
$110 Sale Price
60% Off
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
Large Mid-Century Italian Giorgio Armani Eye Glasses Factice Shop Display Piece
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is a rare and unique item! The Armani Eyeglasses Factic for display in a shop comes with its original cardboard packaging and is made of metal a...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage 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
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
19th Century French Iron Balance - Antique Brass Scale
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique French intricate brass balance with different weights in solid brass, in good condition. The iron scale is topped with the original polished brass plates. The scale reads ...
Category
19th Century French Mid-Century Modern Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Iron
Large Antique Library Telescope, English, Starboy, Astronomical, Broadhurst & Co
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique library telescope. An English, brass 'Starboy' astronomical mounted refractor by Broadhurst, Clarkson & Co, dating to the early 20...
Category
Early 20th Century British 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
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
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
Early 19th Century French Barometer
Located in Charlottesville, VA
This elegant 19th-century French barometer is a beautifully crafted antique weather instrument housed in an octagonal giltwood frame. The a...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood, Paint
Antique 18th Century Diptych Portable Sundial And Compass by 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
1900s Decorative Wall Hanging „Multimeter“ Scientific Slide Rule Calculator
Located in Vienna, AT
A dekorative appr. 120-year-old, large, wall-mounted round „Multimeter“ analog slide rule calculator. Dated around 1900, made in Germany. It has a rotatable glass disc and offers multiple features like multiplication, division, interest-calculation and square root...
Category
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
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
Traveler's pocket compass, Victorian-era turned brass
Located in Milan, IT
Traveler's pocket compass, Victorian-era turned brass, late 19th century England, rose on sixteen-twenty copperplate engraving paper complete with goniometric circle.
Conservation s...
Category
1890s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th c. Bock-Steger Anatomical Brain Model, Germany
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A hand crafted and painted plaster anatomical model of the human brain. Franz Josef Steger and pathological anatomist Carl Ernst Bock collaborated at the University of Leipzig...
Category
19th Century German Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
A botanic model Brendel, Germany 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical model of the Brendel, Conium maculatum N.60 (Umbelliferae). The round base in ebonized wood holds the botanical model which reveals the flower of the Hemlock. Brende...
Category
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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
Siebe Gorman Fire Fighter Smoke Mask
By Siebe Gorman & Co.
Located in Stockholm, SE
This is an early Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd. smoke mask. These full face helmets are very rare and found mostly in museum collections. This example looks and feels like it´s never have ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Wrap Reel Machine, English, Factory, Cotton, John Nesbitt, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique rotary wrap reel machine. An English, brass and cast iron factory cotton skein winder by John Nesbitt of Manchester, dating to the late...
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Antique EH Sargent Labratory Precision Orsat Gas Analyzer Apparatus Case 21"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 19th - early 20th century Orsat gas analyzer apparatus with absorption pipettes and hardwood case, produced by E.H. Sargent & Company.
An Orsat gas analyser or Orsat apparatus ...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Rubber, Hardwood
$1,440 Sale Price
20% Off
Carl Zeiss binocular Design Collection 8x56B T*P* Black Forest
By Carl Zeiss
Located in Delft, NL
Carl Zeiss binocular Design Collection 8x56B T*P* Black Forest, Germany
Zeiss 8x56B T*P* Black Forest Edition binocular, model number 525661
Made of shock-absorbing, non-slip and ru...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber
Antique Drawing Instrument Set in Rosewood Box 1900
Located in Meer, VAN
Antique Drawing Instrument Set in Rosewood Box, France, 1900.
A wonderful set of drawing instruments / calipers / compasses to draw and dr...
Category
Early 20th Century French Arts and Crafts Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Impressive Antique Brass Dolland & Co. Telescope With Case for Restoration
By Dolland
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Large antique Dolland & Co brass telescope with labeled wood box with accessories as shown. Engraved brass lens G. Dollond, London. Comes with tall wooden stand or smaller brass tri...
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large Vintage Scientific Botanical Plant 3d Educational Leaf Cross-Section Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
1940's leaf cross-section model by Denoyer-Geppert of Chicago, Illinois. Model stands 19" tall and features Hand-painted details with excellent original...
Category
1940s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber
$375 Sale Price
74% Off
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
Luxury Victorian French Lorgnette Opera Glasses Marked "La Roi, Paris" Ca. 1895
By Le Roi
Located in Incline Village, NV
Absolutely exquisite pair of operable mother of pearl high quality luxury French Opera Glasses with fancy lorgnette style handle and metal mounts. Premium mother of pearl and only th...
Category
1890s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl
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
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Library Telescope
Opera Binoculars
Antique Microscope Slide
Antique Planer Tools
Opera Glasses Mother Of Pearl
Optician Sign
Stanley Tool
Surveyors Level
Torricelli Barometer
Antique Butcher Hook
Antique Cast Iron Weighing Scales
Antique Medical Box
Antique Medical Devices
Antique Metal Wood Planes
Antique Syringes
Antique Wooden Grinder
Avery Scales
German Sundial