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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Smalll Victorian Monocular Field Microscope
Located in Norwich, GB
Small Victorian monocular field microscope
Brass framed monocular field microscope house in it’s original mahogany box with hinged brass carrying...
Category
1890s English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
c. 1899 NOS Complete Japanned Copper Dental Drill
Located in Dekalb, IL
This immaculate and incredibly rare piece of dental history originates from the office of Dr. Harry Wood - formerly located at 205 Huron Street in Berlin, WI. This complete dental drill set comes with everything - including the ornate japanned copper swing arm...
Category
1890s American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
Antique Cylinder Sundial Late 19th Century
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).
A boxwood cylinder sundial...
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
19th Century Parlor Kaleidoscope by C.G. Bush & Co. of Providence, RI
By Charles G. Bush & Co
Located in Nantucket, MA
C.G. Bush & Co. parlor kaleidoscope on a turned mahogany pedestal with splayed legs, the cylindrical body of black colored textured cardstock with ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
English Stick Barometer by Loftus, London, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
A late 19th century rosewood stick barometer by Loftus of London.
3 ¼ inches wide by 36 inches tall; 3 inches deep
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rosewood
Collection of 19th c. Mortise Marking Guages
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Collection of 19th century Rosewood and Boxwood mortise marking gauges with bronze knobs and accents. One is stamped "Pat. Oct. 22, 1872".
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF M...
Category
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy ca.1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy ca.1900s
A rare 19ct anatomical brochure illustrating the female human anatomy. Very detailed multicoloured depiction of human ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Antique Pocket Poco by the Rochester Optical Co. Folding Camera c.1903
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
The original Pocket Poco was manufactured by the Rochester Optical Co. from approximately 1893 to 1905. Designed as a small compact camera, the camera took 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 (qu...
Category
Early 20th Century American Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Nickel
Machine Age bakelight Ribbonaire Fan Designed by W.O. Langille for Singer, 1931
By W. O. Langille, Singer Sewing Machine Co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Ribbonaire Bakelite Electric Fan designed by W.O. Langille in 1931 for the Singer Sewing Machine Company. Aerodynamic Design that pivots front to back to angle the breeze. Unique des...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fabric, Bakelite
Antique Pluviometer Set, English, Copper, Meteorological, Rain Gauge, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pluviometer set. An English, copper and glass meteorological rain gauge, dating to the Victorian period and later, circa 1900.
...
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
Vintage Stereoscope Bar Parallax, Scientific Instrument, JM Glauser, London
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage stereoscope bar parallax. An English, brass scientific instrument for measuring depth in aerial photographs or maps, by JM Glauser & Sons of London, dating to the m...
Category
1950s English Other Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century French Laboratory Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Made in early 20th Century France, this mechanical wonder was crafted with an eye for aesthetics, the richly polished wood and meticulously crafted mechanism elevate this piece with ...
Category
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Rare Favre Leuba Bathy 160 US Divers Aqualung Dive Watch w/ Orange Dial & Bezel
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A stunning Rare Dive watch, this Favre Leuba Bathy 160 has a great orange dial and bezel. It model 53253. It has the Aqualung US Divers seal on the dial. Included is the original ban...
Category
1970s Swiss Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stainless Steel
18th Century Gregorian Brass Telescope By Springer Of Bristol
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A fine 3" Gregorian telescope by Springer of Bristol, although signed this model is very similar to examples we have had by George Adams and could have been made by him for Springer ...
Category
18th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Set of four imperial fuel standard measures by Gaskell & Chambers in case
Located in London, GB
A set of four copper and brass CHEKPUMP imperial fuel standard measures, by Gaskell & Chambers, dated 1931 made for the County Borough of Wallasey.
Three gallon, Two gallon, One gallon & Half gallon.
Marked: GASKELL & CHAMBERS Ltd. MAKERS. DALE END WORKS BIRMINGHAM
Serial number: 252.
In original fitted oak case, with rope handles, with brass escutcheon, dated 1930, with corresponding serial number and markers mark.
Gaskell and Chambers...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Copper
English Edwardian Prosthetic Leg
Located in London, GB
Edwardian Prosthetic leg
We share what we love, and we love this unusual fully articulated Edwardian prosthetic leg. With leather hip support sprung...
Category
1910s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Ernst Plank Steam Engine
Located in Madrid, ES
The Ernst Plank steam engine is a fascinating and remarkable piece, especially the Union model with dimensions of 43x14x14 cm. Manufactured by the Ernst Plank brand, this steam engin...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical Blue Refractor Phoropter Medical Eye Exam Machine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical Blue Refractor Phoropter Medical Eye Exam Machine. Early 20th Century. Measurements: 11" H x 12.5" W x 4" D.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
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
A jaw with teeth made of painted papier-maché, Italy 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools for educational use depicting a jaw with teeth, made of painted papier-mâché, all placed with the support of a cylindrical iron rod on a round base in bl...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Large Impressive 1800s Kalidoscope
Located in Peekskill, NY
This scope is unsigned and was acquired from a European collector. It could be American but I'm guessing its not. The eyepiece and turning mechanism are brass. The tube is canvas wra...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
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
Art Nouveau Waterman 'Ideal' 14 Karat Gold Fountain Pen, circa 1910
By Waterman
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An early 1900s Waterman 'Ideal' fountain pen in 14 karat gold pierced and engraved filigree design, with a lever filling system. Missing its original bladder but otherwise intact. No...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold
George III Gallery Magnifying Glass
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A George III gallery magnifying glass, the circular glass within a mahogany frame, the baluster handle screwing into a brass bracket in the rim, the handle with a brass collar. Engli...
Category
19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Double Bronze/Brass Apothecary Scale
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a gilt bronze/brass double apothecary scale. It depicts an upside down bronze Corinthian column that holds two different set of balance brass ...
Category
20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Brass
Vintage Sun Lite II Speed Flash and Portable Battery Pack in Brown Leather Case
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Sun Lite II Speed Flash and Portable Battery Pack in Brown Leather Case. Listing includes all the accessories in the photos. The brown leather case alone is very nice. Circa ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather
Spanish 18th Century Mortar and Pestle
Located in Round Top, TX
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
Swid Powell Magnifying Glass in Original Box
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stunning Richard Meier designed magnifying glass for Swid Powerll, having ebony wood handle, silver plate and glass, plus original sleeve and box.
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Silver Plate
Antique Rustic Wood Zig Zag Folding Ruler Extension
By Stanley
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Extension Ruler Rustic Wood Folding Decorative Item
Attributed to Lufkin or Stanley
Closed .75 h x 1.75 d x 8 w, fully extended 55 fully extended
Antique vintage un...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Vintage Reichert Austria Microscope 241 653 in Wooden Box with Accessories
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Reichert Austria Microscope Number 241 653 in Wooden Box with Accessories as Pictured. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: Box: 14.5" H x 9" W x 10.5" D.
Category
Late 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
19th Century Anatomical Model of Dissected Wax Head Mounted on Framed Board
Located in London, GB
Antique Anatomical Model, Anatomical Wax Model, Antique Wax Head, Medical Antique, Anatomical Antique, Vintage Anatomical Model, Antique Cabinet of Curi...
Category
Late 19th Century German Gothic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
A Set of 19th c. Carpenter's Molding Wood Planes
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique wooden carpentry planes used to make trim and moldings. Stamped "Ohio Tool Co." on the side. Shown with life size hand mold for scale.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE ...
Category
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Male anatomical model in painted stuccoed fiber. First half of the 20th century.
Located in Leuven , BE
Male anatomical model in painted stuccoed fiber. First half of the 20th century. Beautiful patina. Height: 30 cm.
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Natural Fiber, Parchment Paper
Vintage Telescope Tripod, English, Oak, Bronze, Support Stand, 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage telescope tripod. An English, oak and bronze support Stand, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1940.
Displays a desirable aged...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Scandinavian Modern Ericsson Mint Green COBRA Vintage Rotary Dial Phone 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern Ericsson "COBRA" mint green vintage rotary phone 1950s. This phone was made in Ohio and is in very good condition with no issues. It does dial out but does not ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
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
Very Large Ophtalmotrope
Located in Peekskill, NY
What is an ophthalmotrope? An ophthalmotrope is an apparatus for demonstrating the movements of the eye and the action of the different muscles which produce them, consisting essentially of a model eyeball to which are attached strings and pulleys to duplicate the line force of the muscles.
We think this example is most likely French from the early 20th century. The base is marble with paw feet. It’s also quite large at well over 3 foot tall. This instrument is very complete. It also includes additional parts to set the mechanics up in a different way. In the pictures above the strings are attached to a keyboard. The alternative replaces the keyboard with string guide with a dozen hanging tubular weights. This is one of the largest and most decorative examples we have seen. I have only seen pictures of ophthalmotropes and never one this fine and complete. It’s as rare and impressive show piece.
This item was also used in the movie Knives Out,
Category
Early 20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A 19th-Century dental elevator.
Located in Milan, IT
A dental instrument. A 19th-Century iron elevator. A baluster-turned shank with double claw, fitted with a horn handle and screwdriver. British manufacturer. London circa 1850.
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
1911, The Lady Claire Dress Form, Very Rare
Located in Peekskill, NY
I've had an example of this dress form in my personal collection. It's an amazing piece of engineering and one of my favorite items... something I decided to never sell it. The Lady Claire...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Art Deco Kodak Senior Six-16 Folding Camera c.1937-1939
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An Art Deco Kodak Senior Six-16 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome and black accents and flip out view finder.
Shown with life size hand. Sold as decorative o...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Antique Engine Indicator, Scottish, Scientific Instrument, Dobbie McInnes, 1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique mechanical engine indicator. A Scottish, brass scientific instrument by Dobbie-McInnes of Glasgow, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920.
Presenting a gr...
Category
1920s Scottish Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Cast Iron Pharmacy Scale from Spain, 19th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
A unique piece of scientific equipment, this antique cast iron scale would have been used in a Spanish pharmacy during the 1800s. The main cast...
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
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
Aircraft Design Wind Tunnel Scale Model of a Late 1960s GAC-100 Airliner
Located in London, GB
A 1/10 scale wind tunnel model of a GAC-100 Commuter airliner.
Wingspan: 7ft (214 cm)
The model is constructed out of laminated mahogany, and is built to the highest standards,...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
British Royal Navy Ship’s Binnacle Compass
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid brass ship’s compass on gimbal mounted into a brass binnacle housing. The nameplate reads pattern 0183, and serial number 14313-B. The compass car...
Category
1940s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century English Telescoping Surveyors Measure
Located in Burton, TX
Telescoping surveyors measuring staff made of wood with brass fittings. Marked 'Houghton-Butcher Mfg. Co. Ltd., London 1918 No. 1.173'. Lovingly care...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Plaster Anatomical Skull Model
Located in Houston, TX
Interesting vintage plaster anatomical skull model. This great plaster skull bust model is in very good condition and dates to the 1940s.
Perfect in an ...
Category
1940s Other Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
French Baker's Scale
Located in Houston, TX
French Baker's scale. This antique cast iron baker's scale includes original weights.
Great Kitchen Accessory!
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Small herbalist pharmacy wooden jars, Italy 1870.
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two small wooden herbalist's apothecary vases (Thistle flowers, Myrtle berries) in the purest neoclassical style. The surface is finished with cream-white pastiglia with saffr...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
French 19th Century Bronze Wall Thermometer Attrib. to François Linke
Located in North Miami, FL
Original 19th Century wall mounted thermometer measuring in centigrade in the Louis XVI style. All bronze and very elegant thermometer attributed to François Linke. All weather m...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
1920's Gladstone Bag
Located in Eindhoven, NL
1920's Gladstone Bag in perfect condition. The bag closings are in perfect shape and condition and everything works perfectly. The bag has some minor spots but for the age of the bag...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather
Telescope with Adjustable Wooden Legs and Patinated Brass Hardware
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Telescopes are a terrific decorative addition to any den, library or study. A compliment to any Ralph Lauren, rustic or studious environment, ours has all wooden adjustable legs with...
Category
20th Century Rustic Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
English 1930s Philips Challenge Terrestrial Globe With Turned Walnut Base
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English Philips Challenge globe from the second quarter of the 20th century mounted on a walnut base. Journey through time with this English Philips Challenge globe from the secon...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut, Paper
Double Sided Standing Dutch Chalk Board
Located in Stamford, CT
A very large 1900-1910 century chalk board from the Netherlands. The solid wood stand is substantial and easy to move on its antique casters. Great in a kid's room, a restaurant, or ...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
19th Century German Brass “Magic Lantern” Image Projector
Located in Middleburg, VA
Magic lanterns are early types of image projectors (17th-19th century) that used paintings, prints, or photos on glass plates, one or more lenses and a light sources to entertain or educate its users. This 19th century "magic" oil lamp light projector...
Category
Late 19th Century German 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.