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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 1950s
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
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
Old Japanese Yagen Iron Mortar Grinder Crushing Tool
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Old Japanese Yagen Iron Mortar Grinder Crushing Tool
Tool used to grind medicine
7 h x 5.5 w x 21.75
Unrestored Worn Aged Vintage Distressed Condition.
Review images please.
Category
1890s Japanese Anglo-Japanese Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Negretti and Zambra Aneroid Barometer, 19th Century
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
19th century Negretti & Zambra aneroid barometer.
Large English oak, Gothic style barometer.
Free shipping within the United States and Canada.
Category
19th Century Great Britain (UK) Gothic Antique Scientific Instruments
$1,995 Sale Price
20% Off
1950s Vintage Heat Therapy by Sperti Faraday UV Infared Sun Lamp Cincinnati OH
By Sperti 1
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage 1950s
Vintage 1950s
1950s Sperti Faraday UV Infared Sun Lamp for Heat Therapy and Sunshine Benefits Untested
Sometimes deemed a medical science...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Large French 19th Century Brass and Steel Scale with Weighing Pans and Column
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French brass and steel scale from the 19th century with central column and two weighing pans. Embrace the charm and sophistication of the 19th century with this exquisite French br...
Category
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
A Boxed 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 a fitted wooden case.
Top plate marked: "Sikes' Hydrometer, Riddels Limited. Be...
Category
19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Copper
Early Nineteenth Century French Thuya Wood Thermometer
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century French Thuya wood thermometer, with brass plate inscribed with 'Thermometre par Mouyer Nancy’. The thermometer tube is sat behind a br...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Other
19th Century English Victorian Brass Merchants Scale
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian brass merchants scale with square glass tray, round brass tray, and inset oval mirror.
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Two Large Magnifiers With 19th Century Gilded and Mother-of-Pearl Handles
Located in San Francisco, CA
Two Large Magnifiers With 19th Century Gilded and Mother of Pearl Handles
Largest: 4"w x 2"d. x 12.75"h
smallest: 3.5" x 1.25"d x 10.25"h
Category
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Glass
Antique Zoological Wall Chart
Located in Oakville, CT
Antique Pfurtscheller wall chart
Overall Dimensions: 53" x 56"
Chart Dimensions: 50 1/2" x 56
Materials: Paper & Linen.
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Linen, Paper
A terrestral globe signed Périgot, published by Delagrave, Paris 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. T...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
$3,808 Sale Price
25% Off
Anatomical model: a decomposable eyeball, Italy end of 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a decomposable eyeball, complete in all its parts, made of plaster, glass and painted paper mache, metal hooks. Italy ci...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Early 19th Century Butchers Steelyard for Weighing Scale
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Early 19th Century Butchers Steelyard for weighing scale
A good original industrial piece, the balance has blacksmith made sliding hook for adjustme...
Category
Early 19th Century Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
A 19th Century, French Dairy Cheese Press
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A 19th Century, French Dairy Cheese Press
This is an attractive press from France it is designed to press a small round cheese, like a Camembert it is made in fruitwood and it is in...
Category
19th Century Country Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Nutwood
Fine Circular Protractor by William Cary, London c.1810
By Cary
Located in Norwich, GB
William Cary, London Circular Protractor. C.1810
The protractor with geared knob turn for full diameter bar, double hinged scribe arms with shaped frame. Main wheel with four spokes and glass sight cross centre, full circumference inscribed divider to 360 degrees signed Cary, London to the bar. Adjustment screws to the arms and housed in it’s original mahogany case with hinged lid.
William Cary is listed as working in Strand, London from 1801 to 1825.
William Cary was an important scientific instrument maker, he trained under Jesse Ramsden (1735-1800) he produced numerous scientific instruments including mechanical calculators...
Category
1810s English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large French 19th Century Scale
Located in Round Top, TX
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
19th Century Arnold & Son Veterinary Operation Key Table "Canine Table"
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A wonderful late 19th century operation table also known as the "canine table"
Made by Arnold & Son who where established in 1819 as a chemist and dru...
Category
1890s English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
$5,636 Sale Price
29% Off
Rope Barometer. French Work by Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet, circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very unusual barometer is made of rope. This is a French work by Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet. circa 1950.
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rope
$1,608 Sale Price
30% Off
English Regency Red Lacquer Barometer
Located in Queens, NY
English Regency-style (19/20th Century) red lacquer small chinoiserie wall barometer.
Category
19th Century British Regency Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Lacquer
Brass Balance Shop Scales with Eagle Crest
Located in Godshill, 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
Anatomical model for class: an animal stomach, Italy 1890.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomic model for class, didaptic purpuse, depicting an animal’s stomach, made out of painted paper machè. Italy end of 19th century.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Two Large Wood Sterling Handled Magnifiers
Located in San Francisco, CA
Two Large Wood Sterling Handled Magnifiers
One is marked Hull
4.25" x 1" x 17.5
4" x 1" x 17
Category
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique English Oak and Brass Postal Scale
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English oak and brass postal scale.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Victorian Weighing Scales By J White & Son, c.1880
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century Victorian grocers scales consist of a cast iron base with a ridged brass column supporting a cast iron balancing arm from which white glazed stoneware plate is s...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Signed, Christopher Eberhardt, Circa 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
Italian bronze mortar and pestle. Christopher Eberhardt, Anno J667 Grabavw, Early 19th Century. Measures: 7.25" diameter at top, 5.75" diamete...
Category
1830s Italian Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Bronze Apothecary Mortar & Pestle, Circa 1800
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The cup shaped cast body decorated with incised ring-turned detail, rising from a waisted & stepped circular foot, together with its original pestle.
Combined weight, 3.75 lbs.
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Set of Three Victorian Set Squares, C. 1880
Located in High Point, NC
This is a set of three antique shipwright's set squares. The squares are made from rosewood and have brass caps. They are right-angled tools, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
Clitograph level by Jules Lefebvre, Paris
Located in London, GB
Clitograph level by Jules Lefebvre, Paris, France, circa 1870.
Rare tripod mounted model. With original tripod and case.
Steel frame marked: NIVEA...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
A botanic model of a fern Pteris serrulata, A. Dall’Eco, Italy 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical model by A. Dall'Eco di Pteris serrulata N.66 (Ferns. Sporangium and Spore). The round boxwood base contains 4 elements, components of a model of fern Pteris serrula...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Boxwood
Exquisite Boat Binnacle with Compass
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid brass yacht compass fitted to a very fine varnished binnacle box with brass hinges and glass door. Also fitted with a varnished brass sidelight wit...
Category
1890s American Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Barometer
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (Late 19th Century) walnut wall barometer/thermometer with carved bird, deer and floral carving.
Category
19th Century German Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
$700 Sale Price
22% Off
American Country Style Weather Vane
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style (19th Century) wrought iron weather vane with serpent with arrow tongue
Category
19th Century American Country Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Large Wrought Iron Mid-19th Century Scale from Catalonia
Located in Dallas, TX
Known as an “equal arm scale”, this large wrought iron scale has the traditional “T-form” associated with weighing devices of this nature. Stabilized by a tripartite stand with curve...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
19th C. German Stag Horn Thermometer and Barometer
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A remarkable German Folk Art Weather Station in the Black Forest Style. Elaborate and sinuous construction with stag horns of various sizes, boar tusk...
Category
19th Century German Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Antler, Horn
Lithographic print on paper, depicting the atlas of the hand, France 1850 ca.
Located in Milan, IT
An anatomical lithographic print on paper, depicting the anatomical atlas of the hand. Black lacquered fir wood frame with golden ramin wood batting. N. H. Ja...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
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
Iron pharmacy mortar. 18th-19th centuries.
Located in Madrid, ES
Iron pharmacy mortar. 18th-19th centuries.
Old mortar for pharmaceutical use, made of cast iron. It follows the usual structure for this type of utensil between the 15th and 19th ce...
Category
19th Century Spanish Neoclassical Revival Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
19th C Scientific James DeVille L N Fowler Phrenology Plaster Bust Head Curio
By L. N. Fowler
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A larger than the normal plaster cast phrenology head, with its original painted finish and paper labels.
The original makers label is partially missing leaving it a bit of a myster...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
A seed scale model, France 1830.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare model of scale for seeds. Wooden and iron. France 1830 ca.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Antique Victorian Kitchen 40 Pound Scale Cast Iron Balance w/ Ironstone Plate
By Young Son & Marlow
Located in Hyattsville, MD
No chips or cracks to the Stoneware tray. Heavy item about 60 lbs. Seems to be working, but you will need counterweights to use it, that will go on the metal tray.
Ironstone stone...
Category
19th Century American High Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Wood Moulding Plane Wooden Carpenter's Tool 1800
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an antique wood moulding plane wooden carpenter's tool. Circa the 1800s.
Dimensions: 9.38 W x 3.25 H x 1.5 D
Please visit take a look at our listings, we ha...
Category
1880s American American Classical Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
19th Century Optician or Optometrist Test Glasses Lens Kit in Cabinet
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Optician or Optometrist Test Glasses Lens Kit in Cabinet
This beautiful Mahogany cabinet was used by a traveling optometrists to treat patients in their homes.
Th...
Category
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
A precision brass scale, France 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
Precision scale made out on brass. France circa 1880.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large Painted Plexiglas Terrestrial Globe, France circa 1950
Located in Paris, FR
Important relief earth globe representing the oceans and the continents.
The globe is made of painted plexiglas, fixed to the marble base by a brass axis. France around 1950.
Category
1950s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Brass
Industrial Copper Fluid Level Instrument
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid copper industrial ship or factory tube with clear view glass. Mounted to a round base that looks original. Tell us what this is! 62" H x 15" D. 92 lbs.
Category
1950s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
Set of W T Avery 10 LB Bankers Balance Scales and Weights
By W & T Avery
Located in London, by appointment only
Magnificent set of very large bankers 10lb balance scales together with a contemporary set of stamped W T Avery weights 7, 4, 2, 1 lb. Fully restored, po...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century R. & J. Beck Stereoscope
By R.&J. Beck 1
Located in Norwood, NJ
Museum quality tabletop Stereoscope by British maker R. & J. Beck London. It is fitted with with adjustable rack and pinion focusing and elevation adjustment for ease of viewing. Eac...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique French Country Primitive Carved Marble Mortar and Pestle on Wood Base
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote.
Antique French Country Primitive Carved Marble Mortar and Pestle on Solid Wood Primit...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble
An oversized brass silk scale with wooden stand, Italy 1850.
Located in Milan, IT
Ancient scale for weighing silk. Over a square wooden base weighted with lead with brass plaque and connecting element rise the tall wooden central part, made out of wood, with moved...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Emile Deyrolle 19th Century Plaster, Wire and Wood Didactic Germination Models
Located in Buffalo, NY
Les Fils D'Emile Deyrolle, Paris. Extremely rare set of five 19th century French painted plaster, wire and wood Didactic models depicting progression, Anatomie Vegetalf, beautifully ...
Category
19th Century French Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wire
Ornate 19th Century Agricultural Sack Scales by Bartlett & Son, Bristol.
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Ornate 19th Century Agricultural Sack Scales by Bartlett & Son, Bristol.
This is a very ornate set of Scales in cast iron they would have been used for weighing sacks of many agr...
Category
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Victorian Brass Cased Aneroid Barometer by Stanley, London
By Stanley
Located in Norwich, GB
Victorian brass cased Aneroid barometer by Stanley, London.
Brass cased aneroid barometer housed in the original leather fitted case.
Silvered dial with original ‘blued’ st...
Category
1890s English 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
Barograph by R Fuess
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany framed barograph by R Fuess Berlin. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum, fitted with a seven-day chart which covers one full rotation of the drum. The in...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
$1,300 Sale Price
34% Off
Rare anatomical model: an external and inner ear, Italy end of 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a separable external and internal ear, complete in all its parts, made of plaster and painted paper mache, metal hooks. ...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Botanic Model Brendel, Germany, 1890
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical model of the Brendel, Syringa vulgaris N. 37 (Uleaceae). The round base in ebonized wood holds the botanical model which reveals the flo...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
Pair of American Brass Nautical Taffrail Log Spinners, Negus, NY, Circa 1880
Located in Charleston, 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
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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Optician Sign
Stanley Tool
Surveyors Level
Torricelli Barometer
Antique Butcher Hook
Antique Cast Iron Weighing Scales
Antique Medical Box
Antique Medical Devices
Antique Metal Wood Planes
Antique Syringes
Antique Wooden Grinder
Avery Scales
German Sundial