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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
1870 Antique Burnished Brass W F Stanley Level Surveyor Measurement Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Topographic level signed W.F Stanley of burnished brass, from the second half of the 19th century. In excellent condition and complete with original mahogany box with brass hinges an...
Category
1870s British 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
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
19th Century French Paper Mâché Mussel or Clam Anatomy Model by Louis Auzoux
Located in Haarlem, NL
This papier mâché or papier-mâché model on wood of a clam is made in France by the Dr. Louis Auzoux workshop.
The people from Dr. Auzoux's workshop in Paris were the best and most f...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
19th Century French Painted Iron and Brass Paris Crest Scale with Set of Weights
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate your kitchen counter with this elegant, colorful antique scale. Crafted in Versailles, France circa 1880, the scientific instrument is uniquely decorated with a Paris coat o...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
London Mid-19th Century Vanity Kit Set Sterling Silver
Located in Brescia, IT
Not easy to find this original box, with this kit set composed of 8 pieces for nail manicure. A piece to collect or to add in a wunderkammer.
In sterling silver, all marked.
With ce...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Crystal, Sterling Silver
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
19th Century Antique Hardwood Inlaid Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
This is a 19th century antique hardwood inlaid banjo barometer with a thermometer and a 10' silvered dial, brass bezel with convex glass. It is a very...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Hardwood
Rosewood Watch Holder, Small Pocket Watch Stand with Applied Decoration
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Rosewood watch holder.
Small pocket watch stand with applied decoration. A must have item for those who have a pocket watch. Not only is the pocke...
Category
1840s English Regency Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Stick Barometer Mahogany Board Antique Weather Measuring Instrument J. Ramsden
By Jesse Ramsden
Located in Milan, IT
Stick barometer mounted on a mahogany board complete with vernier reading the variation of atmospheric pressure signed by Jesse Ramsden, end of the 18th century.
Very good condition...
Category
1780s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Folding Boxwood & Brass Shoe Size Measure, circa 1880
Located in London, GB
A late 19th century folding cobbler's boxwood and brass shoe size measure, for the French market.
With folding heel rest and slinging toe marker, with brass hinge.
Paris point shoe...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Boxwood
Framed Engraving By Matthaus Seutter Of Sphaerae Artificiales
Located in Essex, MA
Cartographer from Germany 1678-1757. Hand colored. Gilt wood frame. Estate of William Hodgins.
Category
Early 1700s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
19th Century Wooden Barometer Signed Burlinson Ripon Antique Instrument Weather
Located in Milan, IT
Wooden barometer signed Burlinson Ripon made in the mid 19th century. Silver-plated brass dial engraved with weather indications and the name of the m...
Category
1850s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Collection of French Opaline Apothecary Jars
Located in Copenhagen, K
Collection of 20 opaline apothecary jars from the 19th century.
Collection consists of 14 larger jars and 6 smaller jars.
Category
19th Century French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Opaline Glass
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
Antique Japanese Iron Mortar Yagen Grinder Crushing Tool
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Old Japanese iron boat shaped mortar or grinder crushing tool (called Yagen)
Tool used to grind medicine
21.5 W x 7H x 5.5 W disk 12.5 W x 9 in diameter
Unrestored worn aged vintag...
Category
1890s Japanese Anglo-Japanese Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
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 Mahogany Barometer F Somalvico Antique Weather Measuring Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Barometer complete with clock signed F. Somalvico N ° 11 Brook Str. Holborn London datable between 1810 and 1820. Finely crafted mahogany wood case with cedar wood edges. Large silve...
Category
1810s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
1870s Genitourinary Instruments of Bougies Oak Box Antique Medical Device
Located in Milan, IT
Set of genitourinary instruments of Bougies, medical instruments placed in a box made of oak, made second half of the nineteenth century. Box measures 5.5x14.1x2.4 inches. On the low...
Category
1870s Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Danish 19th Century Brass Surveying or Level Tool on Tripod
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Surveyors tripod level tool from the late 19th century. The tripod is made of wood and the level is brass. The wood tripod is 39.75in high.
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Pair 17th Century Medical Anatomy Engravings by Francesco Valesio, 1627
Located in Rochester, NY
Two anatomical copper engravings by Francesco Valesio. From De humani corporis fabrica libri decem
Evangelista Deuchino, Venice: 1627. Laid paper.
Category
1620s European Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
19th Century French Patinated Copper Rooster Weather Vane with Cardinal Points
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique weather vane was created in Normandy, France, circa 1860. The traditional copper sculpture features a classic swivel French c...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Country Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
Antique Watchmaker's Lathe, Swiss, Brass, Copper Precision Instrument circa 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a fantastic antique watchmaker's lathe. A Swiss, quality brass, copper and stainless steel precision instrument, dating to the late 19th century, circa 1900.
An exquisite and rare antique lathe...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss 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
19century English Balancing Scale
By G. None
Located in Tarrytown, NY
19century English balancing scale.
Category
19th Century European Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
19th Century English Globe by Renowned Cartographers John Newton and Son
Located in Southall, GB
An extremely rare and important 21 inch English globe by renowned cartographers John Newton and Son, one of the most important globe makers of early 19th century England. Representin...
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Hardwood
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
Antique 18th Century French Bronze Scientific Silk-Weighing Instrument 1789-1795
Located in New Orleans, LA
Rare antique 18th century French Lyonnaise bronze scientific Instrument used for weighing Silk, in anchor form, 1789-1795. Made by "J. Berthaud et Cie...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
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
Real Tennis Print, Ed Barre by W. Bromley
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
A wonderful and extremely rare real tennis, Royal Tennis, Jeu de Paume, Court Tennis Picture, J. Edmond Barre By W. Bromley.
An exceptionally rare mid-19t...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Sporting Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Swiss Hand Carved Black Forest Figure of a Fox with Thermometer, circa 1880
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Swiss hand-carved Black Forest figure of a fox with thermometer, Brienz, Switzerland, circa 1880 in linden wood, with the original antique thermometer...
Category
1880s Swiss Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Dutch 19th Century Carved Wooden Barometer
Located in Delft, NL
A Dutch carved wooden barometer with copper and facet cut glass housing.
The carved wood has a scene of fruits and scrolls
A barometer is a scien...
Category
Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
1880s Iron And Brass Balancing Scale
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1880s iron and brass balancing scale.
Category
1880s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
18th Century French Louis XVI Giltwood Barometer
Located in Sheffield, MA
A stunningly beautiful 18th century French gold gilt barometer is a weather instrument with mercury-filled glass thermometer still in working order...
Category
1790s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Brass Balance Shop Scales with Eagle Crest
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Brass balance shop scales with eagle crest
Decorative large brass balance shop scales
I super looking set, the slightly dished pans are hung on brass...
Category
Late 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Pantograph Signed Lennel, Paris, 1780
Located in Milan, IT
Brass and ebony pantograph, in its original mahogany box. Bone wheels. The instrument shows the signature of the maker Lennel à La Sphére à Paris. France, 1780.
Category
1780s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French 18th Century Mortar and Pestle
Located in Atlanta, GA
A sensational 18th century mortar and pestle in iron with its base constructed from a solid block of walnut. A stunning sculpture for any tradition...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Antique Kent's Knife Cleaning, Polishing & Sharpening Wheel with Original Labels
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique Victorian knife cleaning and sharpening machine was made by Kent's of London England in circa 1880 in the period Victorian style. The machine is composed of two sharpening stones...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stone, Metal
19th Century French Polished Iron Scale with Brass Trays from Lyon
Located in Dallas, TX
Add some European flair to your kitchen counter with this elegant antique scale. Crafted in France circa 1870 and rectangular in shape, the iron scale features the original pair of polished brass...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
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 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 the original removable brass plateaus...
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Spanish 18th Century Mortar and Pestle
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very handsome 18th century mortar and pestle hand carved from a solid block of wood. Sensational patina. A wonderful object for table top, bookca...
Category
18th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
19th Century, J. Florenz Wien Chrome Steel Austrian Balance, 11 Brass Weights
Located in Vigonza, Padua
19th century, chrome steel Austrian balance, by J. Florenz Wien, 11 brass weights, 5 kg.
This precious antique table scale was from the famous Caffè Florian in Venice
Caffè Florian is a historic café in the city of Venice, located under the arcades of the Procuratie Nuove in Piazza San Marco.
It is the oldest Italian coffee and the oldest coffee in the world. It was inaugurated on December 29, 1720 by Floriano Francesconi with the name of Alla Venezia Trionfante, but immediately the Venetians simply said “andemo da Florian-let's go to Florian”, from the name of the owner in the Venetian dialect. Since then it has continued its daily coffee business uninterruptedly to the present day, becoming a favorite destination for Venetians, Italians and foreigners. Floriano Francesconi inspired the character of Ridolfo in Carlo Goldoni's coffee shop.
Giacomo Casanova courted the ladies there and Carlo Goldoni entered as a boy. Famous people such as Gasparo Gozzi, Giuseppe Parini, Silvio Pellico, Lord Byron, Ugo...
Category
1850s Austrian Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
19th Century Distortion Optical Mirror Concave Curio Fairground Circus
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A rare late 19th century distortion mirror, with a concave plate
Housed in its original softwood well carpentered frame with faux rosewood finish
The thick plate has some pitti...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mirror, Pine
Late 19th Century Architecture Game Constructions Germany Dr. Richter Rudolstadt
Located in Milan, IT
Architecture game constructions with 56 colored stones inside a wooden box made in the laboratory of Dr. Richter Rudolstadt Thüringe in the late nineteenth century. The box is comple...
Category
1880s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stone
George III Mahogany Stick Barometer by Noted London Makers
By William Jones
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A fine George III mahogany stick barometer by noted London makers William & Samuel Jones.
The mahogany-veneered case has an austere form with only the moulded caddy top and the u...
Category
Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
1893 Antique Lippich Brass Polarimeter Antique Physic Analysis Instrument
By Societé Genevoise
Located in Milan, IT
Lippich polarimeter, scientifi instrument made in 1893 signed Societé Genevoise Genève, brass and black metal. It is an optical instrument of analysis used to determine the concentra...
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Military Meter for National Service, Italy, 19th Century
Located in Milan, IT
The military meter was used during the campaign of military conscription visits for military national service in Italy. The base, made out of cast iro...
Category
1860s Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Antique English Wood and Brass Postal Scale
Located in Port Chester, NY
A small antique brass and wood postal scale. It stands on an oak base with serpentine edge with attractive bun feet. There are 6 weights which measure 16 oz, 8 oz, 4 oz 2 oz, 1 oz, 1...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Lovely Victorian Boy Chasing a Cat Met Aneroid Barometer Painted Cast Iron
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Victorian boy chasing a cat cast iron aneroid barometer
Dimensions:
Height 27cm
Width 23cm
Depth 9.5c...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Large Victorian Carved Architectural Mercurial Barometer
Located in Lincoln, GB
Large Victorian carved architectural mercurial barometer, with Corinthian column sides with a broken arched pediment top, with a large decorated porcelain enamel dial, with two adjustable sweeping fingers, with a cased thermometer...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Enamel
Late 18th Century Lacquered Brass Table Telescope
Located in New York, NY
Late 18th century lacquered brass table telescope.
Category
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Box Wood and Iron Paper Guillotine
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th century box wood and iron paper guillotine
Well used and still working well, the makers name in the centre of the chopping platform is too wo...
Category
Late 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Boxwood
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
English Pocket Globe, London, Circa 1775-1798
By Herman Moll
Located in Milano, IT
Pocket globe
London, between 1775 and 1798
Re-edition of the globe of Hermann Moll (1678-1732) dated 1719
The globe is contained in its original case, which itself is covered in sh...
Category
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shagreen, Paper
Pair of American Brass Nautical Taffrail Log Spinners, Negus, NY, Circa 1880
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of American brass nautical taffrail log spinners, Late 19th century. Stamped by brothers Thomas Shufeldt Negus, Jr. (1828-1894) & John Davidson Negus (1833-1890) manufacturers and merchants of chronometers and other fine marine instruments...
Category
1880s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Original Patina, Italy, Pharmacy or Herbalist
Located in Roma, IT
Antique bronze mortar. Handmade with pestle. Original patina
Italian bronze mortar and pestle
Measures: Pestle height 7.5 in.
Category
Mid-19th Century European Grand Tour Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Dutch Carved Wooden Barometer with Horse Motif by Gebroeders Caminada, Rotterdam
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Dutch carved wooden barometer from the late 19th century, with horse motif, signed by Gebroeders Caminada, Rotterdam. Hand carved in the Netherlands...
Category
Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
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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