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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 1910s
1890s Hand Painted Life Size Anatomical of Head
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is an early and high quality hand-painted plaster antique anatomical model of an adult human head. I would date this to 1900. The detail...
Category

Late 19th Century German Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Late 19th Century Wooden Viennese Pharmacy Containers in the Set of 22 Pieces
Located in Vienna, AT
Wooden Viennese pharmacy containers of the late 19th century, in a set of 22 pieces. The containers with lids are made of boxwood and printed with the names of various spices in ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Boxwood

Engraved boxwood sun clock English manufacture mid-19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Engraved boxwood diptych sun clock with brass hinges and locking hooks, book-shaped, mid-19th-century English manufacture. The clock has an orientation compass inserted in the base w...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Antique Canada Post Office Balance Scale with Cast Metal Base and Brass Accents
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique postal scale is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Canada and date to approximately 1952 and done in the Late Victorian ...
Category

Late 19th Century Canadian Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Hand Carved Coquille Nut Egg Box 19th Century Flea Trap Pomander Needle Case
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful hand carved coquille nut egg box. Beautiful carving, great patina, unscrews at center to open. The original use was a flea trap, things were d...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Ptolemaic Armillary Sphere Charles-François Delamarche Paris, 1805-1810 Circa
Located in Milano, IT
Charles-François Delamarche Ptolemaic armillary sphere Paris, circa 1805-1810 Wood and papier-mâché covered with printed and partly hand-coloured paper It measures 15.74” in height, ...
Category

Early 1800s French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper, Wood

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

19th Century Glazed Specimen Box Containing Wheat Agricultural Scientific Curio
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A rustically produced 19th century glazed specimen box containing wheat and grain hybrids. The pine hinged box opens to reveal two glazed and segmented sections, with a painted blue...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Natural Fiber, Glass, Pine

Edwardian Oak Cased Barograph by Negretti & Zambra, London
Located in Norwich, GB
Negretti & Zambra Fine Edwardian oak cased barograph with hinged lid, bevelled glass panels and central chart drawer. Seven vacuum ...
Category

1910s English Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Mortar, Wabi Sabi Style, Scandinavia 1800s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Wooden Wabi Sabi Mortar from Scandinavia, circa 1800s. In good vintage condition showing beautiful patina from age and use.
Category

19th Century Swedish Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Pewter enema syringe with piston action, 19th century
Located in Delft, NL
Pewter enema syringe with piston action, 19th century Five enema syringes made of pewter, one of which has a wooden handle. Two pieces marked with the German brand Hauptner of 30 gr...
Category

19th Century European Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Pewter

Set of Nine 19th C English Victorian Treen Ware Boxwood Medicine Bottle Holders
Located in Haarlem, NL
A set of nine 19th century Victorian treen turned boxwood medicine bottle holders. These containers were used for protecting delicate items such as glass apothecary bottles, perfume bottles, syringes, powder, ointment bottles, thermometers and other medical or vanity items. In two of the containers are glass bottles. Measurements: Large 18.5cm high, 8.5cm diameter, empty Large 18cm high, 8cm diameter, empty Medium 14.5cm high, 5.5cm diameter, glass bottle without stopper (wood chipped) Medium 13cm high, 6cm diameter, empty (crack in wood) Medium 12cm high, 5cm diameter, perfumed oil in glass bottle Medium 11cm high, 5cm diameter, empty Small 10cm high, 4cm diameter, talcum powder...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Boxwood

Theater / Opera glasses, 19th Century Binocular
Located in Bilzen, BE
Old telescopic theater opera glasses. Model in gilded brass and mother-of-pearl Optical perfect working In perfect condition. Period 19th century 3.6cm in diameter, 8cm in lengt...
Category

Late 19th Century Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

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

Antique Chemist's Mortar & Pestle, English Brass Apothecary Aid, Victorian, 1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique chemist's mortar and pestle. An English, brass apothecary aid, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1850. Graced with a bright appearance and pleasingly tactile...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pocket Watch In 18 Carat Gold, Dating From Around 1900 with calendar
Located in Madrid, ES
Discover a piece of timeless elegance with our exquisite 18K gold pocket watch from circa 1900! ⌚️ Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this elegant timepiece boasts a classic enamel dial on one side for traditional timekeeping and a monthly and weekly calendar...
Category

1890s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Gold

Decorative Antique Victorian 1890 James Beall Morrison Treadle Dentist Drill
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Victorian, circa 1890 James Beall Morrison Treadle Dentist drill Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international. Dental treadle drill, English manufacture, 1890-1940 The foot pedal is pushed up and down to power this dental drill. It is also known as a ‘treadle drill’. The drill removed areas of tooth decay. These can become infected and painful if untreated. The treadle drill was invented in 1871 by American dentist James Beall Morrison (1829-1917). He also designed dental chairs. His drill was popular with dentists throughout Europe and America. It is an example of the first mechanically powered drill. These sped up dental treatments This one seems to be in fully working order from what I can see, it’s a real survivor but then that’s not surprising, things made in the Victorian era were made to last Dimensions Height:- 144cm Width:- 52.5cm Depth:- 38cm Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements please ask Any questions please feel free to ask before you bid This item is available for collection from our Pulborough warehouses RH20 1DF. We can have it delivered nationwide to include Scotland Wales and Ireland. Please contact me via email or my contact information...
Category

1890s English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Original Patina, Italy, Pharmacy or Herbalist
Located in Roma, IT
Antique bronze mortar. Handmade with pestle. Original patina Mortar from pharmacy or herbalist. Italian bronze mortar and pestle Measure: Pe...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Other Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

1890 Small Antique Nautical Brass Pelorus Boyce-Meyer Pelorus Bronxonville N.Y
Located in Milan, IT
Antique small brass Pelorus, signed Boyce-Meyer Pelorus Bronxonville N.Y., made in the late of the XIX century. It has a sight system with a compass card with eight winds and goniome...
Category

1890s American Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Fassamano French Tortoise antique Eyeglasses second half 19th Century
Located in Milan, IT
Fassamano (from the French face-a-main) eyeglasses with handle that turns into a case shaped like the lenses; dark tortoise eyeglasses, oval lenses...
Category

1860s French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bakelite

Hand Carved Coquille Nut Egg Box 19th Century Flea Trap Pomander Needle Case
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful hand carved coquille nut egg box. Beautiful carving, great patina, unscrews at center to open. The original use was a flea trap, things were d...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Cast Iron Mortar With Pestle
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French cast iron mortar with pestle is a compelling relic of traditional apothecary and culinary practices. Cast in a classic tapered form, the mortar features a wi...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Pair of Louis XVI Ormulu Wall Clocks & Barometers
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Louis XVI-style (Mid-19th Century) ormolu wall clock and barometer set each of banjo form with Apollo mask above putti and ...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Ormolu

19th Century French musical automaton clock
Located in London, GB
This fine, antique mantel clock is constructed in ebonised wood by the renowned Parisian maker of automata, Xavier Tharin (French, active mid 19th Century). The clock face is set onto a curled, stylized pediment atop the clock case. The face is of white enamel, featuring black Roman numerals and signed 'Tharin a Paris', and is bordered in beaded ormolu. The pediment in which the face is set is decorated with ormolu mounts of stylized acanthus leaf form. The pediment is set onto a rectangular frame of ebonised wood, inside which is set a musical automaton...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

French enamel, brass and mother of pearl Opera Glasses
Located in London, GB
A fine pair of French enamel, brass and mother of pearl opera glasses, pink enamelled and jewelled barrels, with mother of pearl caps. Go...
Category

1880s French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Hand Carved Coquille Nut Egg Box 19th Century Flea Trap Pomander Needle Case
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful hand carved coquille nut egg box. Beautiful carving, great patina, unscrews at center to open. The original use was a flea trap, things were d...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Spyglass round section brass and leather focus 3 extensions 1850
Located in Milan, IT
Round-section brass telescope with leather-covered handle and three-extension focus, complete with sunshade extension and dust cover tabs. English manufacture of the mid-19th centur...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Decorative Butcher's Steelyard, English, Iron, Weighing Instrument, 1800
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Early 19th Century Butchers Steelyard for Weighing Scale A good original industrial piece, the balance has blacksmith made sliding hook for adjustment of balance weight The Steel...
Category

Early 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

19th Century Set of 3 Victorian Set Squares
Located in High Point, NC
This is a set of three antique shipwright's set squares. The squares are made from oak and have brass caps. They are right-angled tools, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880. ...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Ornamental Turning Lathe, No. 1906 by Holtzapffel & Co
Located in New Orleans, LA
An essential tool in the creation and finishing of furniture, this 19th-century English ornamental lathe is an object of beauty in and of itself. The extraordinary machine...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Victorian Bronze Imperial Standard Bushel Measure
Located in Essex, MA
Impressively large bushel measure for the County Of Gloucester, England. Inscribed "Imperial Standard Bushel". "County Of Gloucester". Made by Bate of London. Dated 1853 and 1834. ...
Category

1850s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

German Globe by C. Abel-Klinger, Nuremberg, circa 1860
Located in Milano, IT
Terrestrial globe Artistic company C. Abel - Klinger Nuremberg, circa 1860 H cm 31 x 22 cm (12.20 x 8.66 in); sphere 14 cm (5.51 in) in diameter lb 2.30 (kg 1.04) State of conservation: good. On the sphere there are slight visible signs of accidental bumping at the poles, as well as on New Guinea and England (vertical and more visible); some ink stains, especially at the South Pole and on the meridian that crosses North America. The globe is composed of twelve whole gores of printed paper, juxtaposed and glued on a sphere made with a chalky base mixture. The circle of the meridian, made of brass...
Category

1860s German Other Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Antique Late 19th Century Wooden Abacus with Brass Rods and Wood Beads
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This antique late 19th-century wooden abacus is a timeless tool of calculation, showcasing beautifully crafted natural wood beads in alternating shades of brown and black. The frame ...
Category

1890s Czech Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

English Victorian Brass Telescope
Located in Queens, NY
English (Scottish) Victorian brass tabletop telescope with 3 legged iron base.
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Box of mid-19th century compasses housed in their tuia burl box
Located in Milan, IT
Box of mid-19th century compasses, housed in their original tuia burl box, nickel-plated brass and ivory instruments, velvet and satin interior, lock and hinges in brass. Embossed ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Victorian Aneriod Wall Barometer
Located in Norwich, GB
Victorian Aneriod Barometer with gilded and chased outer casing mounted on a mahogany board. Beautifully engraved silvered dial with seven weather indications, the scale reading f...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Antique Steel and Wood Chisels
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A set of antique steel and wood chisels with bronze collars. One steel nail punch. CREATOR Stanely. Buck Brothers. E.A. Berg Eskilstuna. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1850-1...
Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze, Steel

19century English Balancing Scale
Located in Tarrytown, NY
19century English balancing scale.
Category

19th Century European Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, After Dollond, Victorian, 1890
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large antique 'officer of the watch' telescope. An English, single draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use in the manner of Dollond of London, dating to the late...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

19th C Pair of Large Optical Experimental Scientific Mirrors Concave & Convex
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A large pair of scientific optical mirrors, one concave the other convex. These where used in studies of optical sciences and in particular the study of the properties of light r...
Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Hand Carved Coquille Nut Egg Box 19th Century Flea Trap Pomander Needle Case
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful hand carved coquille nut egg box. Beautiful carving, great patina, unscrews at center to open. The original use was a flea trap, things were d...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

19th Century Bronze Skeleton
Located in Round Top, TX
A sensational 19th century skeleton in bronze originating from the Louvain University Of Medicine - Belgium. An excellent addition to any doctor...
Category

19th Century Belgian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Brass Field Binoculars by W. Watson &. Sons of London
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of wonderfully aged brass field binoculars with moveable brass eye shields, which help to give clearer views without additional light coming through the sides. This pair of bin...
Category

1910s English Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century Giltwood Barometer "Selon Toricelli"
Located in Madrid, ES
Barometer end of the 18th century, Directorie, in carved and gilded wood, by Selon Toriceli, with allegory music wing on the top, beautiful patina, and decorative barometer...
Category

19th Century French Directoire Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

19th C. Portuguese Nautical Brass Gimbal Mounted Barometer
Located in North Miami, FL
SIGNED J.J.B.L.M - 16 a 22 RN Desterro Lisbon to face, this barometer is a very Rare and unusual mid-19th century polished brass marine barometer mounted on a gimble, the steel face ...
Category

Late 19th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Black Forest Foliate Carved Walnut Barometer C1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Black Forest Foliate Carved Walnut Barometer C1890 Measures- 11.75"H x 9.75"W x 2"D
Category

Late 19th Century Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

19th Century German “Magic Lantern” Image Projector with Brass Lens
Located in Middleburg, VA
A captivating piece of pre-cinema history, this 19th-century German "magic lantern" image projector is an evocative relic from the dawn of visual storytelling. Crafted circa 1890, th...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Metal, Steel, Iron, Sheet Metal, Tin

English Late 19th Century Large Brass Table Scale and Weights
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stunning, large brass table scale, made near the turn of the century, England. The scale is no longer operational, but still makes an mighty impact on a space. The scale is made of...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble, Brass, Copper, Iron

Fassamano Tortoise Antique Eyeglasses French Manufacture XIX century
Located in Milan, IT
Double fassamano eyeglasses (from the French face-en-main), made with a double articulated eyewear, one with lenses and one without, mounted on the upper part, signed Lugene, made of...
Category

1860s French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bakelite

Antique Apothecary Mortar and Pestle, English, Brass, Chemist, Victorian, C.1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique apothecary mortar and pestle. An English, brass chemist's shop aid, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. ...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A pair of magnifyng glasses, Italy 1870.
Located in Milan, IT
A pair of Wunderkammer round shape magnifying glasses for scientific purpose with black wooden frames, mounted over a black wooden bases. Italy, circa 1870.
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood

Collection of 19th and 20th Century Spoke Shaves
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Collection of antique 19th century wood spoke shaves and early 20th century steel spoke shaves. CREATOR Stanley, Made in England. Kunz, Made in Germany. DATE OF MAN...
Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Italian Brass Land-Surveyor Instrument Made in 1860 with its Original Walnut Box
Located in Milan, IT
Land-surveyor squaring, measuring instrument made of brass, Italian manufacture, from the second half of the 19th century, complete with original walnut box. It is a topographic inst...
Category

1860s Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Feench Barometer Antique Scientific Instrument Weather Misure
Located in Milan, IT
Wooden barometer with cedar wood trim at the edges, signed Caux Opticien Rue Rivoli près du Louvre Paris, mid-19th century; dial with the meteorological indications on paper printed ...
Category

1850s French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

19th century Danish carved walnut barometer
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Danish carved walnut barometer circa 1890. Beautifully carved from a solid piece of wood. Thermometer set in the top. Barometer with paper dial in danish. Some losses ...
Category

Late 19th Century Danish Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

A barometer signed jecker, Paris 1800.
Located in Milan, IT
Antique mahogany wall barometer composed of a glass tube containing mercury with its reserve. On the upper part a gable-shaped pediment and a screwed brass plate with a small alcohol...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Richter's Anchor Box, German, Stone, Anker Baukasten, Number 15, Set
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Richter's Anchor Box. A German, stone Anker Baukasten No. 15 or construction set, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1890. Highly collectible German construction set from Friedrich Richter Displays a desirable aged patina — lovingly play worn Sought after stone pieces, with few, minor chips to corners Aged box with fine paper lithography to both sides This 'grosse kaliber' set comprises 296 pieces at 25mm scale Pieces imitate the red brick, limestone and blue slate of contemporary European architecture Create a wide range of architectural styles including Baroque influenced buildings Several instruction manuals included to help create fantastic scenes This is a wonderful, lovingly played with antique Richter's Anchor Box. In sought after stone, this number 15...
Category

Late 19th Century Albanian Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Cast Stone

Very Large George III Rosewood Gallery Magnifying Glass
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A very large George III rosewood gallery magnifying glass, the circular glass within a rosewood frame, the baluster handle screwing into a brass bra...
Category

Early 19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

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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