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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 1910s
19th Century Chinese Apothecary Balance Scale Stand
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Large Chinese carved wood apothecary balance scale with stand and storage drawer cabinet. It features beautiful carved fretwork on the top and sides...
Category
19th Century Chinese Ming 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
French Regence Style Giltwood Barometer
Located in Pembroke, MA
French Regence style giltwood barometer and thermometer, surmounted with an acanthus leaf cartouche draped with flowers and swags, the dial is flanked with pillar and ribbon carvings...
Category
Late 19th Century French Régence Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
Pair of English 12-inch Globes by William Harris, London, 1832 and 1835
By William Harris
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of 12-inch table globes
William Harris
London, 1832 and 1835
Slight abrasions from use; few cracks
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 12 in in height x 16.5 in in diameter with the diameter of the spheres measuring approximately 12 in; 48 cm in height x 42 cm in diameter x 31 cm diameter of the spheres.
The 12 inch measure was 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
1830s English William IV Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper, Wood
Bavarian Pharmacy Balance
Located in New Orleans, LA
This amazing and extremely rare Bavarian Biedermeier-period pharmacy balance stand would have been at home at any apothecary’s shop during the mid-19th century. Crafted of walnut with bold giltwood accents, this stand holds eight separate sets of balances with brass beams and pointers, and weighing pans made of Horn, brass and porcelain. The balances measure out varying sizes; the largest is capable of measuring up to 500 grams, while smallest weighs up to 5 grams. Such balances would have been essential tools in the practice of compounding, or creating customized medications to suit a specific patient's needs. The delicate porcelain scales even indicate what they were used to weigh: one set is marked “Jodoform,” or iodoform, a disinfectant and antiseptic once used to treat wounds, and the other is marked “Venena,” which is Latin for “poisons.” Each scale also exhibits stamps indicating that they have been tested for accuracy. It is extremely rare to find such a large array of scales, especially those in such wonderful condition, in one collection. This intriguing piece is a must for any medical antiques enthusiast.
The units of measurement in which apothecaries worked were often minute: grains, scruples, drams and ounces. As they were typically used to measure very small amounts of ingredients, apothecary and analytical balances...
Category
19th Century Balkan Biedermeier Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
French 19th Century Black Forest Barometer
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 19th century black forest barometer.
Category
Late 19th Century French Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
Large Brass Library Telescope on Folding Tripod Base from Scotland
Located in Austin, TX
A fine large Scottish working library telescope of brass, from the 19th century, for terrestrial or astronomical use. Featuring a primary barrel with a fine focusing wheel and eye tu...
Category
19th Century Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron, Brass, Metal, Steel
French 19th Century Brass Fabric Scale on Wooden Base Signed Robert A Vienne
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French brass fabric scale from the 19th century with wooden base, signed Robert A Vienne. Created in France during the 19th century, this fabric scale, made of brass, is mounted on...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1850 Old French Map Depicting the Entire Earth's Surface Divided into Two Parts
Located in Milan, IT
Geographical map depicting the entire earth's surface divided into two parts that correspond to the two hemispheres divided into small climatic zones that depict the climatic trend f...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
George III Mahogany Mercury Stick Barometer by Henry Andrews, Royston
Located in Norwich, GB
George III stick barometer in a finely figured mahogany case with canted corners and architectural pediment surmounted by a central ivory finial. Exposed mercury tube with bulb ciste...
Category
Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
Antique Carved Burr Walnut Banjo Barometer, circa 1880
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding carved burr walnut banjo Barometer having a lovely carved burr walnut case with a thermometer and a 12 inch round silver dial. Perfect workin...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Late 19th Century Educational Human Anatomical Ear Model German manufacture
Located in Milan, IT
Ear anatomical model, plaster and papier mâché hand painted, depicting the inner and outer ear and the cochlea. German manufacture of the end of the 19th century. Good condition, som...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
19th Century Compass and Sundial Together
Located in Miami, FL
19th century compass and sundial together.
Category
Late 19th Century French Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Decorative Scientific Concave Mercury Mirror Maroon Leather Ebony
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A unusual scientific mirror, French in origin circa 1880
The mirror is mercury, with age related oxidization and pitting to the plate. Encased in a maroon leather frame with embos...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather, Mirror, Ebony
Large, Antique Telescope Tripod, English, Pine, Observatory, Rack, circa 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large, antique telescope tripod. An English, pine observatory rack dating to the late 19th century, circa 1900.
Original painted ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Pine
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
Domestic Medicine Chest by Thompson & Capper
By Thompson & Capper
Located in New Orleans, LA
An invaluable addition to the 19th century home, this domestic medicine chest contained nearly everything needed to nurse a member of the house...
Category
19th Century English Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Rabot, XIXème Siècle
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rabot, XIXème siècle.
L: 92cm, H: 21cm, P: 8cm.
Category
1890s French Country Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique Bearing, Graphite, English, Cast Iron, Ornament, Paperweight, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique engine bearing with graphite finish. An English, cast iron and bronze desk ornament or paperweight, and dating to the Victorian perio...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Zoological Lithograph Rodents 1912 on Cardboard by H Aschehoug & Co, Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 19 lithograph on cardboard made in 1912 depicting rodents. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye & Co Oslo. Made by H Aschehoug & Co. Good condition. Meas...
Category
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
French Giltwood Wall Mercury Barometer
Located in Norwich, GB
French giltwood cased diamond barometer, verre eglomise dial with seven weather indications and original pointer signed 'Fouin', circa 1830.
Category
1830s French Louis Philippe Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
Zoological Lithograph of Coelenterates 1912 Cardboard by H Aschehoug & Co Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 63 lithograph on cardboard made in 1912 depicting the family of coelenterates with jellyfish, coral and sea anemone. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye...
Category
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
French Carved Mahogany Wall Barometer
Located in Norwich, GB
French wall barometer in a finely carved mahogany case with trailing fruit and vines surmounted by a lions mask, enamel dial with seven weather indicati...
Category
1890s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Victorian Brass Clock and Barometer Set with Thermometer
Located in Norwich, GB
Late Victorian brass clock and barometer set with centrally mounted thermometer with enamel register plate.
The case stands on a raised plin...
Category
1880s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large French 19th Century Scale
Located in Atlanta, GA
A delightful 19th century large French Balance - or scale in copper, iron and wood used in the silk industry for weighing silk cocoons. A perfect kitchen island accent piece.
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper, Iron
Zoological Lithograph Teeth of some Animals 1912 by H Aschehoug & Co, Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 15 lithograph on cardboard made in 1912 depicting the teeth of some animals. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye & Co Oslo. Made by H Aschehoug & Co. Go...
Category
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
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
Zoological Lithograph of Ungulates 1912 on Cardboard by H Aschehoug & Co Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 29 lithograph on cardboard made in 1912 depicting the digestive system of the ungulates; the plate depicts 4 different ty...
Category
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Pantograph by Thomas Dunn of Edinburgh, circa 1845
Located in London, GB
An oak cased brass pantograph by Thomas Dunn of 50 North Street, Edinburgh.
Interior of case has trade label: Thomas Dunn, optician, mathematical and philosophical instrument make...
Category
Mid-19th Century Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Antique George III Mahogany Stick Barometer by Cremonino
Located in Devon, GB
A fine and well-proportioned early 19th century figured mahogany barometer signed ‘Cremonino, Fecit.’
This barometer has a broken arch pediment above a flush-glass door, enclosing ...
Category
Early 19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Zoological Lithograph Monkeys and Insectivores 1912 by H Aschehoug & Co, Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 16 lithograph on cardboard made in 1912 depicting monkeys and insectivores. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye & Co Oslo. Made by H Aschehoug & Co. Goo...
Category
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Late 19th Century Terrestrial Globe, French
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY:
No additional costs will be added to this order.
Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included).
By Charles Delagrave, Paris. On eb...
Category
1890s French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Zoological Lithograph of Ungulates 1912 on Cardboard by H Aschehoug & Co, Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 25 lithograph on cardboard made in 1912 depicting ungulates. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye & Co Oslo. Made by H Aschehoug & Co. Good condition. Me...
Category
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
American Mahogany and Leather Dental Arm Chair, Circa 1840
Located in Hollywood, SC
American mahogany and leather dental arm chair with adjustable back and head support, terminating on turned bulbous legs. Mid 19th Century
Category
1840s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
19th Century Old Study Camera in Oak Wood with Height Adjustable and Brake
Located in Miami, FL
Amazing late 19th century French oak camera from Spain.
Made in oak and gold metal and in its color.
Beautiful piece of decoration.
Measures: Adjustable height 55.11in-66.92in.
Category
Late 19th Century Spanish Art Deco Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Louis Philippe Wall Clock 8 Day Movement Tôle Enamel Bronze
Located in Munich, DE
Elegant octagonal wall clock with an eight day movement. The case of the clock is made out of painted metal. The dial is enameled and the clock ha...
Category
1830s French Louis Philippe Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze
English Brass and Wood Barrel Nautical Spyglass James Chapman, London Circa 1850
Located in Hollywood, SC
English brass and wood barrel nautical ship captain's spyglass with a single draw, polished sunshade, lense cap, and engraved focal tube by maker James Chapman St. Catherines Dock, L...
Category
1850s English William IV Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Engine Bearing, Polished, English, Cast Iron, Paperweight, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique engine bearing with polished finish. An English, cast iron and bronze desk ornament or paperweight, and dating to the Victorian perio...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Sikes Hydrometer by Riddels Limited, Belfast
By Riddels Limited
Located in Austin, TX
A boxed hydrometer (serial no.16234) with all parts, includes thermometer, ten weights and float, in fitted case.
Top plate marked: "Sikes' Hydrometer, Riddels Limited. Belfast."
...
Category
19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Copper
American Mahogany and Brass Ship Binnacle, Riggs & Brothers, Phila. Circa 1880
By Riggs & Brothers
Located in Hollywood, SC
American mahogany ship binnacle with a brass-mounted dome helmet, internal dry compass by Ritchie of Boston, flanking removable burners with the original fonts and resting on an octa...
Category
1880s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Louis XVI Style Eagle Crested Barometer, France, 1838
By D. T. Letorey
Located in Atlanta, GA
Crested double-headed eagle atop an oval giltwood and painted black frame with neoclassical borders and carved designs.
The dial with metal arms and exposed thermometer coil, and...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Paint, Giltwood
Antique German Drop-Shaped and Brass Decorated Iron, 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique German drop-shaped and brass decorated iron with wooden handle.
Category
Early 19th Century German Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Louis XVI Style Barometers and Thermometers by H. Dasson, France, Circa 1880
By Henry Dasson
Located in PARIS, FR
A companion pair of Louis XVI style barometer and thermometer finely decorated with gilt bronze acanthus leaves and seeds on green velvet, each with a polychrome decorated enamel pla...
Category
1880s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Enamel, Bronze
Bronze Mortar with Inscription, Spain, 1846
Located in Madrid, ES
Mortar with inscription. Bronze. Spain, 1846.
Mortar made of bronze with flared mouth and truncated cone body developed without discontinuity and decreasing in diameter to the base....
Category
1840s Spanish Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Still, Copper, Iron, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Still with flared copper body, cap on the top with the usual piece on these objects and a simple support to place the appliance on the fire. It has four iron handles to move it. This...
Category
19th Century European Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper, Iron
Antique Wood and Brass Protractor
Located in Norwalk, CT
A really nice example of a handmade tool, this protractor is carved wood and fitted with handmade brass fittings.
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Mahogany and Brass Skylight Ship Binnacle, T.S. & J.D. Negus NY, Circa 1860
Located in Hollywood, SC
American mahogany and brass skylight ship binnacle. T.S. and J.D. Negus company was established in 1848 in New York City. They were makers of fine scientific instruments, circa 1848-1900. This highly desirable and maritime instrument is made of carved mahogany with a brass and glass skylight...
Category
1860s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
French Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Clock and Barometer by Charpentier
Located in London, GB
Designed in the French Rococo style, this clock and barometer set have been beautifully ornamented with scrolling foliate gilt bronze forms. The two are diamond shaped, with symmetri...
Category
Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
Antique Engine Bearing, English, Cast Iron, Bronze, Desk, Paperweight, Ornament
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique engine bearing with waxed finish. An English, cast iron and bronze desktop paperweight or ornament, and dating to the late 19th centu...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
American Nautical Brass Yacht Binnacle Mounted in Mahogany Case, Circa 1890
Located in Hollywood, SC
American nautical mahogany yacht binnacle with a hinged locking oval glass viewing port, original removable brass side light burner with font, brass carrying handle, and fitted with ...
Category
1890s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
English Victorian Blue & Brass Telescope
Located in New York, NY
English Victorian brass and blue telescope on adjustable mahogany tripod base.
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Robert Merill & Sons Ship's Compass
Located in Norwell, MA
Mid-19th century ship's compass with dry card from Robert Merrrill and Sons, New York. Fitted to a timber box with sliding lid. Ornate axis. Dimensions: 10" L x 10" W x 6.5...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Rare French Childs Leather Surgical Spinal Corset
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
We have two medical items here, they both date from the mid-19th century, the full upper body corset is a child’s size, it is formed in leather with nick...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Steampunk Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather
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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