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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Color: Brown
Color: Pink
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
Late 19th Century Educational Human Anatomical Ear Model German manufacture
Located in Milan, IT
Ear anatomical model, plaster and papier mâché hand painted, depicting the inner and outer ear and the cochlea. German manufacture of the end of the 19th century. Good condition, som...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
French Louis XVI Carved Giltwood Mercury Barometer
Located in Norwich, GB
Louis XVI carved giltwood and painted mercury wheel barometer.
Eight inch circular painted wood register dial with central rosette within the scale calibrated from 27-28-29 and ...
Category
1780s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
Puzzle Atlas with Maps, Italy, circa 1900
Located in Milan, IT
80 little wooden cubes covered with printed paper that depending on which side they form the maps of Italy, Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Africa. Models for teaching...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Memphis Tool Kit Set by Koyo Sangyo, Japan, 1980s
By Koyo Sangyo
Located in Munich, DE
Rare tool kit designed by Koyo Sangyo, Japan, 1980s.
This complete set represents the 'Memphis' period and includes: a handsaws, a Hammer, two screwdrivers an...
Category
1980s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
French Wooden and Iron Cheese Press, circa 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having a double trestle base and a threaded press, the surface with a raised edge and a drain spout.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
19th Century Compass and Sundial Together
Located in Miami, FL
19th century compass and sundial together.
Category
Late 19th Century French Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Decorative Scientific Concave Mercury Mirror Maroon Leather Ebony
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A unusual scientific mirror, French in origin circa 1880
The mirror is mercury, with age related oxidization and pitting to the plate. Encased in a maroon leather frame with embos...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather, Mirror, Ebony
Antique Oak and Brass Lumber Caliper by E. S. Lane, Upton ME
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Turn of the 20th century, oak and handcrafted brass hardware, lumber caliper by E.S. Lane, Upton ME used to measure the amount of timber from a tree fea...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial 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
Large, Antique Telescope Tripod, English, Pine, Observatory, Rack, circa 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large, antique telescope tripod. An English, pine observatory rack dating to the late 19th century, circa 1900.
Original painted ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Pine
Bavarian Pharmacy Balance
Located in New Orleans, LA
This amazing and extremely rare Bavarian Biedermeier-period pharmacy balance stand would have been at home at any apothecary’s shop during the mid-19th century. Crafted of walnut with bold giltwood accents, this stand holds eight separate sets of balances with brass beams and pointers, and weighing pans made of Horn, brass and porcelain. The balances measure out varying sizes; the largest is capable of measuring up to 500 grams, while smallest weighs up to 5 grams. Such balances would have been essential tools in the practice of compounding, or creating customized medications to suit a specific patient's needs. The delicate porcelain scales even indicate what they were used to weigh: one set is marked “Jodoform,” or iodoform, a disinfectant and antiseptic once used to treat wounds, and the other is marked “Venena,” which is Latin for “poisons.” Each scale also exhibits stamps indicating that they have been tested for accuracy. It is extremely rare to find such a large array of scales, especially those in such wonderful condition, in one collection. This intriguing piece is a must for any medical antiques enthusiast.
The units of measurement in which apothecaries worked were often minute: grains, scruples, drams and ounces. As they were typically used to measure very small amounts of ingredients, apothecary and analytical balances...
Category
19th Century Balkan Biedermeier Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Beautifully Hand Carved Antique Dutch Arts & Crafts Barometer & Thermometer 1910
Located in Lisse, NL
Good size, highly decorative and excellent condition Arts & Crafts barometer.
This unique Arts & Crafts, banjo barometer is another great example of the beauty and the quality of ...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Opaline Glass, Wood
17th Century Lantern Alarm Clock by Johannes Quelch, Oxford
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
An English 17th century lantern clock made of brass and iron, circa 1665-1670. The clock consists of going and striking trains, as well as a...
Category
17th Century British Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Rabot, XIXème Siècle
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rabot, XIXème siècle.
L: 92cm, H: 21cm, P: 8cm.
Category
1890s French Country Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
French Giltwood Wall Mercury Barometer
Located in Norwich, GB
French giltwood cased diamond barometer, verre eglomise dial with seven weather indications and original pointer signed 'Fouin', circa 1830.
Category
1830s French Louis Philippe Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
French Carved Mahogany Wall Barometer
Located in Norwich, GB
French wall barometer in a finely carved mahogany case with trailing fruit and vines surmounted by a lions mask, enamel dial with seven weather indicati...
Category
1890s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century, Compass and Sundial Together
Located in Miami, FL
19th century, compass and sundial together.
Category
Late 19th Century French Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Large French 19th Century Scale
Located in Atlanta, GA
A delightful 19th century large French Balance - or scale in copper, iron and wood used in the silk industry for weighing silk cocoons. A perfect kitchen island accent piece.
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper, Iron
1920s Terrestrial Antique Library Globe Edited Columbus by Prof. Ernst Friedrich
Located in Milan, IT
Terrestrial globe edited by Columbus, by prof. Ernst Friedrich, 1920s. Very good condition. Measures: Height cm 110, inches 43.30, diameter of sphere cm 50, inches 19.68.
Establishe...
Category
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique Telescope, Large, Single Draw Refractor, Cary London, circa 1820
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique telescope, a large single draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An English, late Georgian piece dating to circa 1820.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky. Supplied ready to enjoy; Fully inspected and lenses cleaned by our in-house restorer.
Larger than most presenting a clear, sharp optical performance
Tapered, original painted, primary barrel in good order
Draw tube in good order with smooth action
56mm, 2.25" objective lens
Presents a good, sharp and bright image
Engraved 'Cary, London'
Complete with lens CAP and swivel dust cover
Supplied with an London Fine oak and brass 'Captain's Stand' for display
An historic, period piece as good to use today as it was two hundred years ago.
Dimensions:
Max Drawn Length: 112cm (44''
Closed Length: 76cm (30'')
Objective Glass Diameter: 5.6cm (2.25'')
About Cary, The Stand, London
William Cary was born in 1759, the third of four brothers to George and Mary Cary. The eldest, George, was a haberdasher, John a map maker and the youngest, Francis, an engraver.
William served his apprenticeship under Jesse Ramsden, arguably one of the finest instrument makers in England, and went on to produce Fine instruments himself, working alongside his brother John. They produced telescopes, microscopes, navigation and surveying equipment, mechanical calculators...
Category
Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Foldable Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting Human Musculature
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A rare 19th century anatomical wall chart depicting human musculature and internal organs. With removable multicolored human organs like lung, heart, l...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
John Bennett Georgian Barometer
By John Bennett
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptional Georgian barometer by the leading London instrument-maker John Bennett strongly reflects the prevalent furniture style and archite...
Category
18th Century English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Old Study Camera in Oak Wood with Height Adjustable and Brake
Located in Miami, FL
Amazing late 19th century French oak camera from Spain.
Made in oak and gold metal and in its color.
Beautiful piece of decoration.
Measures: Adjustable height 55.11in-66.92in.
Category
Late 19th Century Spanish Art Deco Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
English Brass and Wood Barrel Nautical Spyglass James Chapman, London Circa 1850
Located in Hollywood, SC
English brass and wood barrel nautical ship captain's spyglass with a single draw, polished sunshade, lense cap, and engraved focal tube by maker James Chapman St. Catherines Dock, L...
Category
1850s English William IV Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Engine Bearing, Polished, English, Cast Iron, Paperweight, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique engine bearing with polished 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
Rare Antique Black Forest Travel Thermometer Carved Dog, circa 1900
Located in Bath, GB
A most unusual piece of Black Forest, a travel desk thermometer in a wooden case with carved decoration and a beautifully carved Dog's head to the front, great detail and beautifully...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Sikes Hydrometer by Riddels Limited, Belfast
By Riddels Limited
Located in Austin, TX
A boxed hydrometer (serial no.16234) with all parts, includes thermometer, ten weights and float, in fitted case.
Top plate marked: "Sikes' Hydrometer, Riddels Limited. Belfast."
...
Category
19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Copper
Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting the Human Lymphatic and Blood Vessels
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A rare 19-carat anatomical wall chart depicting the human lymphatic and blood vessels. On the sides with detailed description in German language. Print...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
American Mahogany and Brass Ship Binnacle, Riggs & Brothers, Phila. Circa 1880
By Riggs & Brothers
Located in Hollywood, SC
American mahogany ship binnacle with a brass-mounted dome helmet, internal dry compass by Ritchie of Boston, flanking removable burners with the original fonts and resting on an octa...
Category
1880s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Louis XVI Style Eagle Crested Barometer, France, 1838
By D. T. Letorey
Located in Atlanta, GA
Crested double-headed eagle atop an oval giltwood and painted black frame with neoclassical borders and carved designs.
The dial with metal arms and exposed thermometer coil, and...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Paint, Giltwood
1940s Plaster Anatomical Heart Model on Wood Stand
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Instructional, anatomical, plaster, heart model on 7" diameter wood base, circa 1940s.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
Huge JHQ Dansk Style Peppermill to End All Peppermills Restaurant Kitchen Prop
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Purchased from the family of historic Woodward avenue Detroit restaurant. Giant 29" teak peppermill. Possibly a Jens Quistgaard for Dansk promotional p...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Teak
Mahogany and Brass Skylight Ship Binnacle, T.S. & J.D. Negus NY, Circa 1860
Located in Hollywood, SC
American mahogany and brass skylight ship binnacle. T.S. and J.D. Negus company was established in 1848 in New York City. They were makers of fine scientific instruments, circa 1848-1900. This highly desirable and maritime instrument is made of carved mahogany with a brass and glass skylight...
Category
1860s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Rare Barocyclonometer by Henry Hughes & Son of London
By Henry Hughes and Son Ltd.
Located in London, GB
A rare barocyclonometer by Henry Hughes & Son of London, circa 1920.
Two silvered 7 inches dials mounted on an oval backboard, the left dial is the Northern hemisphere countercloc...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Hand-Carved Gothic Revival Barometer & Thermometer w. Trefoil Symbol
Located in Lisse, NL
Excellent condition, Gothic Revival barometer.
This all handcrafted barometer in the Gothic style is definitely a rare find. This superb condition antique was entirely hand-crafted ...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Gothic Revival Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
American Nautical Brass Yacht Binnacle Mounted in Mahogany Case, Circa 1890
Located in Hollywood, SC
American nautical mahogany yacht binnacle with a hinged locking oval glass viewing port, original removable brass side light burner with font, brass carrying handle, and fitted with ...
Category
1890s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
English Victorian Blue & Brass Telescope
Located in New York, NY
English Victorian brass and blue telescope on adjustable mahogany tripod base.
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
American Brass Telegraph Mounted on Circular Mahogany Base Bendix NY, Circa 1930
By Bendix Corporation
Located in Hollywood, SC
American brass ship's double engine order telegraph mounted on circular mahogany base. E. O. T. has been electrified and has a faint bell ring when changing positions. Bendix Corpor...
Category
1930s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Wire
Model of an Early Communications Satellite
Located in London, GB
A cased model of an early British Hawker Siddeley Dynamics satellite concept, relating to the ELDO Europa rocket, circa 1966.
The model is accompanied by a Royal Aircraft Establis...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
English 19th Century Brass Herbalist Scale with Central Column and Lyre Motif
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English brass herbalist scale from the 19th century, with column and lyre details, mounted on a wooden base. Used to measure herbs, this exquisite scale features a brass structure presenting a central column adorned with a capital topped with a lyre, supporting the two brass scoop...
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Factory Barometer, English, Oak, Banjo, Official, Factory Act 1937
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage factory barometer. An English, oak banjo barometer, officially marked in compliance with the Factory Act 1937 and dating to circa 1940.
Select oak displays fine ...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Oak
German Medical or Tanning Lamp, Wood and Bakelite, 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
German medical or tanning lamp.
Transport handle and external thermometer.
Three settings of the lamps. Eight porcelain lamp holders and four light bulbs. Current 220 volt
Woo...
Category
1940s German Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Porcelain, Bakelite
Emile Deyrolle 19th Century Plaster, Wire and Wood Didactic Germination Models
Located in Buffalo, NY
Les Fils D'Emile Deyrolle, Paris. Extremely rare set of five 19th century French painted plaster, wire and wood Didactic models depicting progression, Anatomie Vegetalf, beautifully ...
Category
19th Century French Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wire
Pharmacy Height Measure Stand, Pitch Pine Measuring Stick or Somastometre
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Pharmacy Height Measure Stand, Pitch Pine Measuring Stick or Somastometre
Once these along with scales were common place in Doctors Surgeries, Chemist S...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Antique Clock and Barometer
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Victorian clock and barometer adorned with medieval weaponry.
Category
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Walnut, Large Wooden Screw of a Wine Press, a Wooden Sculpture, Italy 1900s
Located in Roma, IT
Large wooden screw of a wine press, Italy, 1900s.
A walnut sculpture. Really nice.
Category
20th Century Italian Grand Tour Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Walnut
2-Piece Victorian Gothic Revival Barometer/Thermometer Set
Located in New York, NY
2-Piece French Victorian Gothic Revival (3rd Quarter 19th Century) mahogany barometer/thermometer & wall clock set (Signed L. LEROY & CIE/ 13 & 15 Palais Royal, Paris) (PRICED AS SET...
Category
19th Century French Gothic Revival Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Giltwood Thermometer & Perpetual Calendar Attributed to F.Linke, France, c. 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
Elegant Louis XVI style set comprising a thermometer and a perpetual calendar attributed to F. Linke. Each consisting of a metal plaque, painted with floral motifs on a beige backgro...
Category
1880s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Sheet Metal
Pair of English Globes by Cary, London, 1798 and 1800
By Cary’s
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of 12-inch table globes
John and William Cary
London, 1798 and 1800
Some restored cracks and abrasions
lb 11 each (kg 5)
The two terrestrial and celestial globes rest in their original Dutch style stands with four supporting turned wood columns.
Each one measures 18 in in height x 17 in in diameter with the diameter of the spheres measuring about 12 in; 46 cm in height x 43 cm in diameter x 31 cm diameter of the spheres.
The 12 inch measure was one of the most frequently used by British manufacturers of globes of this period.
Each globe is composed of two series of twelve printed paper gores, aligned and glued onto plaster spheres.
The brass circle of the meridian bears engravings...
Category
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
19th Century Arnold & Son Veterinary Operation Key Table "Canine Table"
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A wonderful late 19th century operation table also known as the "canine table"
Made by Arnold & Son who where established in 1819 as a chemist and dru...
Category
1890s English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
French Louis XVI Style Gilded and Painted Wood Barometer from the Early 1800s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This French Louis XVI style barometer and thermometer features an exquisite carved giltwood crest with delicate foliage motifs. Below the crest, the thermometer, encompassed in a black painted body, sits atop the round barometer...
Category
Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Glass
English Mahogany Prince of Wales Banjo Barometer, Circa 1820
Located in Hollywood, SC
English mahogany four dial banjo barometer with broken arch pediment, steel engraved face with Prince of Wales motif, and original rotating bone dial. Barometer can be restored to wo...
Category
1820s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
18th Century French Giltwood Barometer
Located in Sheffield, MA
18th century French neoclassical barometer from the Louis XVI period. Now strictly a stunning decorative object with great style. It is no long...
Category
18th Century and Earlier French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
English Mahogany Banjo Barometer. Circa 1830
Located in Hollywood, SC
English mahogany banjo barometer with centered brass finial in scrolled pediment, glass encased thermometer, ebonized reeded mirror, original ...
Category
19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
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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