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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 1910s
Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Chromed Brass, Terrestrial, Astro, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 2 draw telescope. An English, chromed brass terrestrial or astronomical refractor, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky. Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass 'Captain's Stand' for display. Of generous proportion when fully drawn, and neatly stowed in its own case Displaying a desirable aged patina, some light marks commensurate with use Leather covered primary barrel tanned in dark green with some light colour wear Polished draw tubes show bright silvered tones, lightly marked from gentle use Presenting a clear optical performance, with a 34mm (1.25") primary objective lens Lift-off dust cap to the objective, the flared eye cup...
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Add a touch of vintage charm to your decor with this exquisite 19th-century French metal scale. Crafted during a period renowned for its fine attention to detail, this scale features...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th Century German Anatomical Didactic Abdominal & Pelvis Model attr. to Sommer
By Marcus Sommer
Located in London, GB
Antique Anatomical Model, Medical Antique, Anatomical Antique, Vintage Anatomical Model, Antique Cabinet of Curiosities, Gothic Antique, Anatomical Sculpture. Antique 19th Century G...
Category

Late 19th Century German Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Paint, Paper

19th Century Antique English Mahogany Marine Barometer signed Nixon
By Nixon
Located in Devon, GB
An early 19th century mahogany marine barometer of exceptional quality and originality. The elegant carved, fluted and turned case has an inset engrav...
Category

19th Century British George IV Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

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 Parlor Kaleidoscope by C.G. Bush & Co. of Providence, RI
By Charles G. Bush & Co
Located in Nantucket, MA
C.G. Bush & Co. parlor kaleidoscope on a turned mahogany pedestal with splayed legs, the cylindrical body of black colored textured cardstock with ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A Fine Early 19th Century Marine Chronometer By Parkinson And Frodsham
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
An early 19th century 2 day marine chronometer by Parkinson and Frodsham, London. Numbered on the brass bound mahogany 3 tier box, and the dial ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

American Victorian Metal Stereoscope
Located in Queens, NY
2 American Victorian-style wood and etched metal stereoscope.(PRICED EACH)
Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This distinguished 19th Century French Metal Scale is an emblem of the rich historical past, resonating with the tales of traditional marketplaces where it once played a pivotal role...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Precision demountable scale for travel, France 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
Apothecary traveling scale entirely demountable. All the pieces fits inside the front drawer. Oak wood box, brass elements and glasses. Glass protection sides. France 1880.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Oak Cased Stick Barometer and Thermometer
Located in Cheshire, GB
Late 19th century oak cased stick barometer and thermometer by J Hicks of London with engraved scales contained in oak case having shaped and moulded p...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

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

A small mid 19th C brass telescope with an original folding brass tripod stand
Located in Central England, GB
This fine and very rare small scale brass telescope is a delightful piece of Victorian engineering with quality optics. The telescope has a fixed barrel with an unusual focusing mec...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Gold Rush Pocket Scale in an Green enameled Tin, ca 1850
Located in York County, PA
EXCEPTIONAL GOLD RUSH POCKET SCALE WITH GREEN, ENAMELED TIN, GILT EAGLE & LETTERING THAT READS: “MADE EXPRESSLY FOR CALIFORNIA,” circa 1850 “Miners' Improved Gold Scale,” made circ...
Category

1850s American Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Rare Antique 19th C Reuben Sutcliffe English Nickel Plated Hanging Balance Scale
Located in Dayton, OH
Monumental 19th century English general store balance by Reuben Sutcliffe of Manchester. Made from Iron with a rich nickel plated finish. The company traded on Thomas Street, Manches...
Category

Late 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron, Nickel

Antique German Head & Shoulders Anatomical Model by F & M Lautenschläger
Located in London, GB
Antique Anatomical Model, Medical Antique, Anatomical Antique, Vintage Anatomical Model, Antique Cabinet of Curiosities, Gothic Antique, Anatomical Sculpture. Antique German Head & ...
Category

1910s German Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Educational Mechanical Model in Bronze and Wood – 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare and fascinating educational mechanical model dating from the 19th century, made of bronze and mounted on a fine wood base. This type of object was used for educational purposes,...
Category

19th Century Other Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

English Victorian Postal Scales with Brass Weights
Located in Queens, NY
"English Victorian postal scales with brass weights consisting of two-4lb weights and a 2lb weight on a oak base (signed: S. MORDAN & CO LONDON) Some minor chipping to the veneer of...
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

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

American Nautical Brass Yacht Binnacle Mounted in Mahogany Case, Circa 1890
Located in Charleston, 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

A small telescope in paper, glass and snakewood. Golden decoration. France 1780.
Located in Milan, IT
A small pocket telescope with one extension, lens holder and ring in amoretto wood (Brosimum Guianense); objective holder body in green painted and pressed cardboard with rich decora...
Category

1870s French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shagreen, 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

Antique Book Press with 4 Drawer Stone Top Flat Art File Cabinet
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A working antique iron book press which sits atop a four drawer art storage cabinet with two brass identification card holders on each drawer. ...
Category

19th Century Rustic Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Stone, Brass, Iron

Blunt and Company Maritime Compass
Located in Norwell, MA
Mid-nineteenth century ships compass by Blunt and Company of New York. The Blunt name was involved in the maritime trade from 1824 to 1885. The name Blunt and Co. was used from 1868 to 1872 by Edmund Blunt Jr. This is a spun brass bowl compass fitted to a dovetailed wood box...
Category

1870s American Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

English Mahogany Stick Barometer Signed T. Taylor London
Located in Savannah, GA
Stick Barometer signed T. Taylor London featuring mahogany case with bone plinth, inlay and knob. Broken arch pediment above a flush-glass door, enclosing register plate and thermometer. Fully restored and calibrated by Julian Gibbard, Harpers Ferry...
Category

Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Large Bronze Imperial Standard Bushel Measure For Northumberland
Located in Essex, MA
Circular with wood bound handles and inscribed Bate London " Maker of The Original Standards For The Exchequer , City Of London " . Imperial Standard Bushel Measure for Northumberla...
Category

1820s English George IV Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

French Antique Shop Brass Counter Scale
Located in Austin, TX
Important set of scales from France. This piece has a detailed brass structure with working functionality. It is supported by a wood base. They are in excellent antique condition – t...
Category

1860s French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Carpentry Molding Plane
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Antique wooden carpentry plane used to make trim and moldings. Stamped "M. Steckel' on the side. Shown with life size hand mold for scale. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF M...
Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

19th c. D.R. Barton Smooth Coffin Plane c.1832
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Rare D handled smooth coffin plane. CREATOR D.R. Barton. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1832. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Walnut, Steel. CONDITION Good. Wear consiste...
Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

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

Regency Lane’s Pocket Globe, Dated 1818
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A 3 ½ inch Regency Lane’s pocket globe, dated 1818, the terrestrial globe with the seas in light green and the land masses outlined in darker green, contained within a hinged black shagreen case, the concave interior of the case applied with the engraved celestial charts...
Category

1810s English Regency Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

1820-35 Large Clock Barometer by Silvani Brighton Antique Forecast Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Rare large barometer complete with clock signed Silvani Brighton, dated from 1820 and 1835. Finely crafted mahogany wood case with double thread at th...
Category

1840s British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Draw Knife and Mezzaluna Knife c.1860-1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Antique 12 inch draw knife with wooden handles and one mezzaluna knife with Beech handles. Brass collars. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c. 1860-1900. MAT...
Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel, Brass

1855 Astronomical Plate of Distance of the Planets by FJ Huntington New York
Located in Milan, IT
Plate of the distance of the planets “Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1855 by F.J. Huntington in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for th...
Category

1850s American Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Beautiful set of early 1900s surgical instruments, including an amputation saw s
Located in Leuven , BE
Beautiful set of early 1900s surgical instruments, including an amputation saw stamped A. GOUGEON and a complete Renault trepan with its accessories (rare). Overall in good condition...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th c. Bronze, Rosewood and Ebony Try Squares c.1850-1890
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Collection of six 19th century try squares with bronze, Ebony, Rosewood, and steel handles. The Halsted & Ackerman is a rare combination square with a pop out bevel from the b...
Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Steel

Pair of Neoclassical Apothecary Jars by Maison A Collin Porcelaines & Cristaux
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Neoclassical Apothecary Jars by Maison A Collin Porcelaines & Cristaux France, Circa 1870s Signed : Maison A Collin Porcelaines & Cristaux a Collin paris 90 Rue de Rivoli We...
Category

19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Porcelain

Mahogany Cased Barograph
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany cased barograph, having five glazed removable lid, and a drawer below to house the charts. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum, fitted with a seven-day c...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany Cased Barograph
Mahogany Cased Barograph
$2,289 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Negretti and Zambra, 1880
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 by Negretti and Zambra of London, dating to the late V...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Didactic Flower Model German Manufacture of 1860 circa Made of Painted Plaster
Located in Milan, IT
Didactic flower, German manufacture of 1860 circa, depicting Marchantia Polymorpha L., made of painted plaster on a wooden base; the seed is removab...
Category

1860s German Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

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

A Set of 19th c. Carpenter's Molding Wood Planes
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Antique wooden carpentry planes used to make trim and moldings. Stamped "Ohio Tool Co." on the side. Shown with life size hand mold for scale. CREATOR Unknown. DATE ...
Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

J H Steward Lord Bury Brass Telescopwe with Leather Case London Ca. 1870
By steward
Located in Los Angeles, CA
J H Steward Brass Telescope. The Lord Bury Telescope comes with a leather case. The brass and leather both. are very patinated. Not only is the brass tarnished, but there are a f...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

19th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Swiss Gold and Enamel Telescope
Located in New Orleans, LA
Scientifically advanced and exquisitely crafted, this rare 19th-century gold and enamel Swiss telescope is an item of exceptional luxury. The Swiss cre...
Category

19th Century European Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Zoological Lithograph of molluscs 1925 on Cardboard by H Aschehoug & Co, Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate Pl 61, colored lithograph on cardboard made in 1925 depicting molluscs. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher Kristiania lithografiske aktielbolag. Made by H Ascheho...
Category

1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

19th Century Ships Compass From Amsterdam
Located in Norwell, MA
Antique ships compass with interesting Dutch lettering. Spun brass bowl with gimbal. Fitted to a primitive dovetailed box. Circa 1880. With compas...
Category

1880s European Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Malloch Side Casting Fishing Reel, Scottish Salmon Fishing Reel
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
A rare sized (2.5') Malloch of Perth side casting fishing reel of fine quality and in excellent condition. The reel is all brass, with optional check, exc...
Category

1910s Scottish Sporting Art Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Gold French Empire Hexagonal Giltwood Verre Églomisé Barometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold patinated, antique French hexagonal barometer made of handcrafted giltwood, in good condition. The top part of the Parisian décor piece is enhanced by flower carvings. The glass dial is particularized with Verre Églomisé. The thermometer represent the First French Empire time...
Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Giltwood

Georgian Rare Steel Cased Tuning Fork
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very unusual and rare Georgian antique steel cased tuning fork dating from around 1800. A wonderful piece of musical interest and history the tuning fork...
Category

Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Antique Cast Iron Pharmacy Scale from Spain, 19th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
A unique piece of scientific equipment, this antique cast iron scale would have been used in a Spanish pharmacy during the 1800s. The main cast...
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

1917 Waymouth Cooke Naval Rangefinder Sextant
Located in San Mateo, CA
Naval range finder made by Waymouth-Cooke of London. These were based on the principals of a sextant range finder. They were patented in 1914. The Mark II like this one came out in 1...
Category

1910s English Other Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Decorative Fancy Victorian Barometer, 19th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Fancy Victorian barometer, 19th century Mahogany veneer with inlay. Historical condition. The barometer may need to be checked for accuracy. Ple...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

1800s Cast Iron Farm Well Hand Pump with Handle Piston
Located in New York, NY
1800s farmhouse and Industrial style cast iron hand pump. Unknown working condition but great look. Sold as is. Please note, this item is located in our Scranton, PA location.
Category

19th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Émile Deyrolle Anatomical Lithograph Poster
Located in London, GB
Émile Deyrolle Anatomical poster A wonderfully rare and decorative curio medical French (Paris) original lithograph on board anatomical poster in ...
Category

1880s French Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut and Brass Scale with Set of Weights
Located in Dallas, TX
This Classic, antique scale with original plates was created in Dijon France, circa 1870. Rectangular in shape, the fruit wood scale embellished with marquetry fillet decor, features...
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Mortar and pestle. Bronze. 19th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Mortar and pestle. Bronze. 19th century. Mortar with a flared mouth and relief decoration on the exterior based on balustraded elements (reminiscent of the ribs that these objects ...
Category

19th Century European Other Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Large Antique Mid 19th Century Mahogany Magnifying Glass
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
A rare Large Victorian Magnifying or Looking Glass, Made from Mahogany Wood all in origianal condition. Known as a gallery glass it allows gentle magnification of items from variable...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Collection of 18th and 19th Century Arabic Astrolabes and Quadrant
Located in London, GB
A collection of 18th and 19th century Arabic astrolabes and quadrant Persian, 18th/19th Century Largest: height 23cm, width 13cm, depth 3cm Smallest: height 6.5cm, width 4.5cm, depth 1.5cm This excellent set of antique astronomical instruments is a selection of five Persian brass astrolabes...
Category

Early 19th Century Persian Islamic Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

English Stick Barometer by Loftus, London, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
A late 19th century rosewood stick barometer by Loftus of London. 3 ¼ inches wide by 36 inches tall; 3 inches deep
Category

19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Rosewood

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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