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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Vintage Specimen Collector's Chest of Drawers, French, Walnut Desk Box, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage specimen collector's chest of drawers. A French, solid walnut four drawer executive desk box, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930.
Exceptional figuring and f...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Oversized Industrial Pyrex Glass Bell Jar With Small Side Arm
By Pyrex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This oversized Industrial Pyrex glass bell jar is certainly a unique and an impressive art object. At 29" height and 20.5" diameter this bell jar, dome, clouche can be used any way y...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Italian Renaissance Chrome Armillary
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Renaissance-style (20th Century) chrome armillary globe with a rust patina.
Category
20th Century American Renaissance Revival Scientific Instruments
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Draughtsman's Set, German, Drawing Instruments, Tools, Richter Pracision
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage draughtsman's set. A German, nickel silver drawing instrument set by E.O. Richter Präcision, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1930.
Five piece instrument set ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Nickel
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
1950s Russian Military PAB-2M Periscope Artillery Aiming Circle Theodolite 9"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage circa 1950s Russian military periscope artillery aiming circle - PAB-2M/7A919. Includes instruction booklet and hardwood base for sculpture mount display.
Designed to determ...
Category
1950s Russian Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
$396 Sale Price
20% Off
Botanical Model in Enlarged Section of a Moraceae Syconium, Italy, 1930s
Located in Milan, IT
Model in enlarged section of the Moraceae syconium (fig for example is a sicon). The model is made of painted plaster and almost certainly made by Paravia in the 1930s. Measures cm 3...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
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 for class: a heart, France 1890.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for class, depicting an animal’s heart, made out of painted papier mache. Ebonized wooden base, square shape. France circa 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Set of French Apothecary Pasteur Water Filters in Cream Glaze, 19th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
This set of antique ceramic water filters was crafted in Provence, France, circa 1870. Originally designed as promotional display pieces for a French pharmacy, each vessel advertises...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
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
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
Anatomical Plaque by New York Scientific Supply Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand painted, plaster, anatomical plate by New York Scientific Supply Co. depicting the musculature and circulatory systems of the face and head on a wood plaque.
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Plaster
Late 18th Century Lacquered Brass Table Telescope
Located in Huntington, NY
Late 18th century lacquered brass table telescope.
Category
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$4,368 Sale Price
20% Off
Charming Vintage Gentleman's Library Telescope
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage gentleman's library telescope
Not sure exactly of it's age. Estimated Mid Victorian Period ( 1860-1880). Uncertain to maker and origin.
...
Category
Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Original Engraving of Seasons by Le Bas, C.1780
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique astronomy print titled 'L'inégalité des Saisons et des Jours'. Interesting print explaining why there is an inequality in the length of days and seasons. Source unknown, to b...
Category
18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
$306 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage 2 Draw Telescope, English, Leather, Brass, Terrestrial Refractor, C.1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage 2 draw telescope. An English, leather on brass terrestrial refractor, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciatio...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Paravia Collection 100 Rocks, Educational Material, Italy 1950s
By Paravia
Located in Naples, IT
Collection 100 Rocks, Teaching Material, Italy 1950s
Geology teaching board "Minerals and Rocks" G.B. Paravia Scientific Collection - Turin
The ...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rock Crystal
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
Antique Camera / Enlarger Circa 1910s
Located in Newfoundland, PA
Early Wooden Antique Camera / Enlarger Circa 1910s
Please look at the photos, this has not been touched in decades. It is just the way you would like to find it, untouched. True anti...
Category
1910s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Technical Drawing Set, German, Architect, Cartographer, Riefler, 1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage technical drawing set. A German, silver nickel architect or cartographer's instrument set by Riefler of Munich, dating ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Nickel
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
Early 20th century Swedish metal telephone by Rikstelefon
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century Swedish metal telephone by rikstelefon circa 1900.
Quite possibly early than dated, here we have a sheet metal rikstelefon telephone set. Rikstelefon was the nat...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Antique Pestle & Mortar Set, English, Brass, Chemist Shop Instrument, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pestle and mortar set. An English, brass chemist shop instrument, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850.
Dashing Victori...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
MId-Century Modern Vintage PET Radio Evaporated Milk Advertising
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a vintage PET evaporated milk radio. Vintage mId-century modern advertising, Chrome plated antenna, tested and currently working.
Dimensions: 3.75" H x 3" d...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Vintage Allbrit Polar Planimeter, English, Scientific Instrument, Stanley, 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Allbrit polar planimeter. An English, adjustable scientific instrument by Stanley, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.
Comprehensive scientific instrument set
Displays a desirable aged patina
Presented in a carry case with a rich blue velour lining
Ideal for measuring on maps or drawings
Rotating measurement scales in good order
Replete with small magnifying loupe...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
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
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
1970s Vintage Sculptural Magnifying Lens Glass
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Sculptural magnifying lens glass
7.38 w x 1.5 d x 6 h
Unrestored vintage condition
Refer to images.
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
1950s German Streamline Desk Fan by Luft in Turquoise and Burgundy Metal
Located in Lisboa, PT
This striking desk fan from the 1950s is a perfect example of the streamline aesthetic that defined mid-century industrial design. Produced by Luft (Germany), as indicated by the dis...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
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
Antique "Le Jockey Club" 1930's Horse Racing Binoculars with Compass
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A French silvered brass and brown leather Horse Racing binoculars stamped "Le Jockey Club Paris" presented in their original brown leather case. ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$440 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique 20th Century Edwardian Large Brass Magnifying Glass c.1905
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early 20th Century Edwardian English oak and brass magnifying glass. A practical desk or household accessory, ideal for reading.
CONDITION
In Great Condition - Wear expected...
Category
20th Century British Other 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
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Push Button Genie Telephone in Peach
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Very sleek & cool styling in this Genie telephone. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear retains the great color of it's early days. Not tested.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Scientific tool for demonstrating the refraction of light, Italy 1920.
Located in Milan, IT
Scientific tool for demonstrating and assessing the refraction of light. Constructed in boxed metal with a square section, it consists of a horizontal tube that bends a few grids in ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Copper & brass fuel measures by Sutherland Astell
Located in London, GB
Two copper and brass metric "Checkpump" fuel measures by Sutherland Astell, circa 1950.
Made for the County Borough of Blackpool.
Marked: 10 and 20 litres, at 20°.
20L, Height: 23...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Copper
Large 1950s Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Educational Eye Eyeball Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
1950's Vintage scientific human 3d eyeball model. Hand-painted with wonderful original patina!
Category
1950s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber
$499 Sale Price
75% Off
Zoological Lithograph Water Predators 1912 Cardboard by H Aschehoug & Co Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 21 lithograph on cardboard made in 1912 depicting water predators. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye & Co Oslo. Made by H Aschehoug & Co. Good conditi...
Category
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Antique Terrestrial Telescope, English, Single Draw Refractor, NSL, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique terrestrial telescope. An English, single drawer refractor with National Service League mark, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880.
Perfect for bird watch...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Chinese Hanging Opium Scale in Wooden Case
Located in Chicago, IL
This curious keepsake is a hanging opium scale with brass pans, used to measure opium and other goods by weight. The scale is held in a wooden case that folds to a half-moon shape an...
Category
20th Century Chinese Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Nautical Double Gauge Bubble Clinometer on Teak Back Plate by Conn. Valley Ind.
Located in Nantucket, MA
A double gauge bubble clinometer with precision glass tubing and nickel face mounted on a teak back plate. These tilt gauges were used on vessels to measure the angular slant of the ...
Category
Late 20th Century North American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Chrome
Mahogany and Brass Skylight Ship Binnacle, T.S. & J.D. Negus NY, Circa 1860
Located in Charleston, 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
Antique Teaching Aid - Structure of the Human Skin, Plaster on Wood
By Somso
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Teaching Aid - Structure of the Human Skin, Plaster on Wood
An antique hand-painted anatomical wall model depicting the structure of the human skin with roots of the hair. T...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Vintage WESCO Oil Can
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage Metal Oil Can.
An automotive oil can made by Wesco, Birmingham. A fantastic piece of vintage motoring ephemera, the perfect gift for the motoring enthusiast. Who would have t...
Category
Early 20th Century British Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
A terrestral globe signed J. Lebegue & C, Paris France 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
A Medium-sized terrestrial globe, made of papier-mâché, finished with pastille and completed by the application of paper spindles imprinted with intaglio printing. Color touch-ups. F...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
Anatomical model: a human brain inserted into a sectioned skullcap, Italy 1920.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a human brain (enlarged 2 times). Model that can be dismantled into six parts which highlights both the internal and external...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Vintage Handheld Tachometer, English Tool Speed Gauge, Smiths Instruments, Decor
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage handheld tachometer. An English, enamelled alloy and glass decorative tool speed gauge by Smiths Instruments, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960.
Untested, but in fine decorative condition for the collector of vintage gauges...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Antique Painted Red Cast Iron Scale
Located in Centennial, CO
A charming cast iron antique early 1900s scale with original red paint and a large brass tray. The weight is fixed, moving from side to side. The red paint...
Category
Early 20th Century American Rustic Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
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
A fine mahogany ship’s stick barometer by Dolland & Son
By Dolland
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A fine mahogany ship’s stick barometer by Dolland & Son, of typical slender form with brass fittings, the plate engraved ‘Very dry, Set Fair, Fair, Rain, Stormy, Dolland London’. En...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
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
French Antique Contin Typewriter from the, 1940s
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French antique Contin Typewriter from the 1940s
This is a Contin Continsouza Paris, Modèle A n 24 - 1940s, the typewriter is good tidy condition, as a show piece, it all seems to...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Tellurium mechanical/electrical model of the solar system Phiwe Italian 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Tellurium, i.e., mechanical/electrical model representative of the solar system, made of metal with green and gray hammered paint, lithographed tin globe, plastic Moon, and metal bas...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Late 19th French Mahogany & Brass Balance Scale, c.1870
Located in San Francisco, CA
About
A late 19th century balance scale. The body is Mahogany with two brass trays, brass and glass window and bronze inner mechanism. Th...
Category
Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze
French Shop Wrapping Paper Dispenser, Mid Century Retro Paper Roll Cutter
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French Shop Wrapping Paper Dispenser, Mid Century Retro Paper Roll Cutter
An unusual and very useful item, it has a green tubular metal frame with broad spanned feet for stability, ...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
German Art Deco Desk Top Barometer and Weather Station
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
German Art Deco desk top barometer and weather station.
German desktop barometer, thermometer and hydrometer. This station is unsigned and made...
Category
20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
$2,795 Sale Price
20% Off
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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Used Stanley Tools
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W And T Avery Scales Antique
Wooden Instrument Case
16th Century Bronze Mortar
19Th Century Antique Cameras
3 Draw Brass Telescope
Anatomical Wax
Antique Brass Ruler
Antique Brass Scoop
Antique Brass Sundials
Antique Magnetic Compass
Antique Monocular