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Scientific Instruments

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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Color:  Brown
Color:  Pink
19th Century English Victorian Brass Merchants Scale
Located in New York, NY
English Victorian brass merchants scale with square glass tray, round brass tray, and inset oval mirror.  
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Mid Nineteenth Century Ships Octant
Located in Norwell, MA
Navigators octant with ebony frame, brass arm, filters and peep sight. Bone Vernier scale. Kidney shaped box. Split to box. Circa 1860. This is a good genuine example of an early American marine...
Category

1860s European Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Anatomical Model for Class: an Heart, France 1890
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical removable model for school of a heart made out of painted papier mache’ mounted on an ebony wooden base. France, circa 1890.
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category

Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

19th Century French Patinated Copper Rooster Weather Vane with Cardinal Points
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique weather vane was created in Normandy, France, circa 1860. The traditional copper sculpture features a classic swivel French c...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Country Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper

Antique French Louis XVI Period Signed Carcano Wall Barometer
By Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent nearly 250 year old Louis XVI period (1774–1793) hand carved and painted parcel gilt French wall thermometer and barometer signed Carcano. Exquisitely hand-crafted in Paris, France in the second half of the 18th century, exceptionally executed in Neoclassical inspired opulent period King Louis 16th taste. Impressive large size and fine quality craftsmanship, richly detailed, sculpted, polychrome decorated wooden case, surmounted by an ornate carved pineapple topped urn finial, garnished with a single garland swag, over a contoured and rounded solid wood frame creating a most elegant elongated banjo cartel clock silhouette, adorned with brilliant water gilded running ornamentation, outlining the beautifully aged light and airy muted pale green paint finish. Featuring the original hand decorated enamel dial signed Antonio Carcano (1755-1820) a distinguished scientific instrument inventor. The dial is signed: "Jofeph" "Carcano" "Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis"  "Fripiere au phenix" Having a hand-blown glass thermometer retaining remnants of the hand-painted paper label inscribed with atmospheric condition details, over an early barometer with hand painted dial and metal hands, protected behind convex glazed glass face. Mechanical: The wooden planked verso is fitted with an open channel that retains the original mechanical components, including a pair of liquid metal mercury filled glass tubes, vacuum mechanism, long column blown glass tube, stringing, and more. It does not appear to be working / operational, the string/rope deteriorating with age, etc.. but having the original parts is an exceptionally rare occurrence and highly unusual, as workings were commonly damaged and lost centuries ago. Dimensions (approx): 43" High, 12" Wide, 2.5" Deep History: Antoine Carcano (c. 1755-1820) An early maker of barometers, thermometers, and an inventor of various scientific instruments. Of Italian descent, he became famous in Paris, first at 37 rue de la Roquette and then at Place Dauphine. He supplied barometers and other scientific instruments to the Ecole Militaire in 1786; the following year he supplied a tube barometer to British optical instruments manufacturer Peter Dollond (1731-1821). During the Empire his clientele included Sir Benjamin Thompson...
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Blown Glass, Giltwood, Paint, Wood

End 19th Century Antique Magnetic Topographic Compass Made in Brass and Oak
Located in Milan, IT
Magnetic topographic compass, of oak and brass; instrument consisting of a magnetized needle free to rotate on a horizontal plane, marking with the tip of the needle the direction of magnetic north, compass card with eight winds complete with goniometric circle divided into 360 °, complete with the compass needle lock. Italian manufacture of the late 19th century. Very good condition. Measure 3.1x3.1 height 1. Shipping is insured by Lloyd's London; our gift box is free (look at the last picture). The invention of the compass is mysterious but it is well known that magnetite was discovered in Magnesia, a city of Asia Minor. We can find the first indications about the use in Europe of the magnetic force for orientation at the end of the XII century...
Category

1890s Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

Carl Auböck Magnifier, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck bowl, Austria 1960s. The measurements given apply to the magnifier. The cover measures 1-7-14cm.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Horn, Leather, Glass

Estate American Surveyor's Transit Level in Original Fitted Oak Box, 1930s-1940s
Located in New Orleans, LA
Estate American surveyor's transit level in original fitted oak box and signed "BOSTROM- BRODY mf6, Atlanta GA.", circa 1930-1940s. Model #4, Serial #47....
Category

Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Hand Painted and Gilt Iron Scale with Paris Coat of Arms
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate your kitchen counter with this elegant colorful antique butcher scale. Crafted in France, circa 1880, the double face scientific instrum...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Iron

French 19th Century Barometer
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French 19th painted and gold gilt barometer and thermometer. It is a recognizable ‘banjo’ shaped scientific instrument with all the carved details in gold ...
Category

19th Century French Other Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood, Giltwood, Paint

‘Royal’ Barometer by John Russell, Watchmaker to the Prince Regent
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
This superbly crafted wheel barometer and thermometer has a mahogany case surrounded by twisted brass stringing and central panels of foliate tendrils above Russell’s signature thistle motif in black and gilt verre églomisé. It is surmounted by a brass Prince of Wales feather finial. The long, rectangular thermometer plate is inscribed ‘Thermometers: Beaumar, Fahrenheit, Royal Society of London’, the latter being an early attempt to standardise temperature measurement. The circular dial is inscribed ‘Changeable, Fair, Settled Fair, Much Rain’ and ‘Rain’ and signed across the centre ‘J Russell, Falkirk, Invt et Fecit, Watch Maker to his R.H the Prince Regent’. The reverse has a paper label ‘Russell, Iden Collection Inventory 1896’. Scottish, circa 1815. Provenance: Mr Walter Iden. Published: Percy G. Dawson, The Iden Clock Collection, Woodbridge, 1987. No.125, p.280. These ‘royal barometers’ were so named because John Russell of Falkirk...
Category

1810s Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Bow-Front Marine Barometer by John Dollond
By Dollond, London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A bow-front marine barometer by John Dollond It is of slender cylindrical form with a silvered register plate enclosed by a hinged thermometer flap an...
Category

1820s English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

Anatomical Model of the Lungs and Heart, Germany 1920
Located in Milan, IT
Rare anatomical model for class, depicting human lungs and heart, made out of painted plaster, mounted on a black wooden base. By Louis M. Meusel, Germany circa 1920.
Category

Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Automata, Italy, 1850
Located in Milan, IT
The automata is house shaped. The front part shows a clock, A semi circular window as a door. The top flue of the fire place is the place where drop the weigh...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Tin

Antique Cast Metal Figural & Mechanical Robed Woman Dinner or Service Bell
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique dinner or service counter bell is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from England and date to approximately 1900 and done in the period Edwardian style. The bell features a cast metal robed female holding up and two piece plated bell. The bell functions by turning the knob at the top which spins back and forth. This sculptural bell stands...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate, Steel

Antique George III Quality Mahogany Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique George III quality mahogany banjo barometer having a quality mahogany shaped case with a swan neck pediment and satinwood stringing, circular silvered engraved dial with orig...
Category

Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Gorgeous Edwardian Inlaid Barometer by George Odell
Located in Dublin, IE
A gorgeous quality Edwardian inlaid mahogany barometer by George Odell, with beautiful marquetry detail of fan and shell motifs.
Category

Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

American Victorian Walnut Cased Standing Magnifying Glass
Located in Hudson, NY
This large American Victorian standing magnifying glass is encased in a carved and turned walnut frame and is adjustable to height with a wooden screw set device. Made circa 1880 the...
Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Walnut

18th Century Parisian Giltwood Barometer Thermometer
Located in Dallas, TX
This lovely giltwood barometer and thermometer was hand-carved during the Louis XVI period in Paris, France. During the late 1700’s, barometers were typically only owned by wealthy f...
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

French Brass and Leather Three Draw Telescope, Late 19th Century
Located in Barntrup, DE
Late 19th century French brass and leather 3 draw telescope spyglass. The spyglass is made from brass. The base is wrapped with leather. Comes with the...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

George III Pocket Globe After Herman Moll
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A 3 inch George III pocket globe after Herman Moll, the terrestrial globe inscribed in a cartouche ‘A correct globe with the new discoveries’ and fitted within a hinged black shagreen case, the concave interior of the case applied with the engraved celestial charts...
Category

1770s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Inlaid Mahogany Barometer, with Silvered Dial, Signed Vecchio & Co
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century inlaid mahogany barometer, with 8" silvered dial, signed Vecchio & Co, Shaftsbury, and red alcohol thermometer. Thermometer scale in degrees Fahrenheit, and ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Napoleon III Gilt Bronze & Boulle Barometer & Thermometer Gervais Durand
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite Pair of fine Antique Gilt Bronze Mounted Tortoiseshell Inlaid Ebonized Boulle Marquetry Instruments by Gervais-Maximilien-Eugene Durand. Originals featuring exquisite bronz...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze, Brass

Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Terrestrial, Davis of London, Victorian, 1860
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3 draw telescope. An English, brass terrestrial or astronomical refractor by Davis of London, dating to the mid Victorian period, cir...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Set of 2 Herbalist Pharmacy Wooden Jars, Italy, circa 1850
Located in Milan, IT
Set of 2 small wooden herbalist-apothecary jars (Natriam, Arnica), in the purest neoclassical style. The surface is finished with black and gold colored pads a cream background in th...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Coral

Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category

Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

Curiosity Cabinet Collection of Shell, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category

Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

Late 18th Century French Giltwood Barometer
Located in Essex, MA
Period late 18th century giltwood barometer. Original gilding. Carved overall with globe, and navigation instruments. Foliate and neoclassical motifs. Maker signed.
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Giltwood

Antique Cased Optometrist's Set, English, Optical Instrument, Boxed, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique cased optometrist's set. An English, mahogany optical instrument box, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Fine display ...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

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

1950s Anatomical Teaching Model of Normal Size Depicting Flat Foot "Pes Planus"
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical teaching model of normal size depicting flat foot "pes planus" the model highlights the alteration of the foot characterized by valgus and a reduced plantar vault. The s...
Category

1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shells, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category

Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

Antique Master Craftsman's Spirit Level, English, Brass, Desk, Victorian, 1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This an antique master craftsman's spirit level. An English, rosewood and brass ornamental desk tool, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. ...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Ross
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique officer of the watch telescope. An English, leather and nickel silver single draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use, by Ross of London, circa 1920. ...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Leather

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

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

Brass Ashcroft Ships Revolution Counter
Located in Norwell, MA
Ships Revolution Counter by Ashcroft Mfg. Co New York. 8 inch face inscribed New York Ship building Co. Camden, N.J. USA. Nickel plated over brass with n...
Category

1920s American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

Vintage, Handheld Bearing Compass, English, Oak, Maritime, Navigation, Sestrel
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage hand-held bearing compass. An English, oak, marine navigation aid with Sestrel dial, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950. A fascinating maritime set Displays a desirable aged patina Oak handle and walnut deck box...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

Large School Teaching Display Anthill of the Red Wood Ant
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large School Teaching Display Anthill of the Red Wood Ant A vintage school teaching glass display of the anthill of the red wood ant. It shows the hill and inhabitants thereof, the ...
Category

1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood

Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

Antique Terrestrial Globe Published in 1940s by Girard Barrère et Thomas, Paris
Located in Milan, IT
Terrestrial globe published in the 1940s by Girard Barrère et Thomas 17, Rue de Buci Paris. Turned wooden base, papier mâché sphere covered with paper printed by engraving on copper ...
Category

1940s French Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Vintage Taper Maker, English, Brass, Shipwright's Woodworking Tool, circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage taper maker. An English, brass shipwright's woodworking tool, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950. Midcentury crafting to...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Globemaster Brass & Bronzed Metal Floor Globe by Replogle 20th C
Located in Big Flats, NY
A globemaster floor globe by Replogle offers globe on brass and bronzed metal base having swivel carriage on column with circular foot, 20th c...
Category

20th Century American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

Wood and Brass English Spirit Level, 1860s Antique Measurement Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Large spirit level made of wood, brass and glass manufactured in the second half of the nineteenth century. Excellent condition fully functional. Measures: Length 35.5 cm, width 4 cm...
Category

1860s British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Terrestrial Refractor, Victorian, 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3 draw telescope. An English, brass terrestrial or astronomical refractor, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Perfec...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

American Terrestrial Globe on Gilt Tripod Stand, Gilman Joslin, Boston C. 1850
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Terrestrial Brass Meridian Globe mounted on a turned bulbous gilt ringed and red stenciled tripod stand, Gilman Joslin, Boston. Mid 19th Century Globe is 39" Tall / 16" Diam...
Category

1850s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

Antique Barometer Altimeter, English, Explorer's Instrument, Hicks, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pocket barometer altimeter. An English, oak cased explorer's instrument by Hicks of London, dating to the late Victorian pe...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

19th Century English Chrome Plated Brass Cross-Legged Reduction Compass
Located in Milan, IT
Cross-legged reduction compass, of chrome plated brass and steel, English manufacture from the end of the 19th century. Fixed or mobile center, whose opposite points form simple re...
Category

1890s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Lucite Hourglass Sand Timer Sculpture After Charles Hollis Jones 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing midcentury hourglass in bubble lucite with straight external lines. This fantastic item was produced in Italy during the 1970s in the manner of Charles Hollis Jones. The 15-minute sand timer...
Category

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

Materials

Lucite

Vintage Human Body Educational Model / Anatomical Model, circa 1940s
Located in Lucenec, SK
Fantastic looking vintage anatomical model of a full human body on a black granite base. The height of the model with base (4 cm) is 82 cm. Unfortunately, removable parts are missing.
Category

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

Materials

Granite

Travel Aphotecary, England, 1880
Located in Milan, IT
Small travel aphotecary with oak wooden case, glass bottles and bone little spoon. England 1880 ca.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bone, Glass, Oak

Large Antique Arts & Crafts Wall Barometer w. Hand Carved Roses & More Flowers
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning design and top quality executed Arts & Crafts barometer. This early 1900s, hand carved out of one piece of nutwood, wall barometer has everything that makes an antique wort...
Category

Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, 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.

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