Scientific Instruments
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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Antique French Lorgnette Binoculars or Opera Glasses in Brass & Mother of Pearl
By LeRoy
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of antique lorgnette opera glasses were made by LeRoy of France in approximately 1880 in the period Victorian style. These bi...
Category
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A Rare 2 Day Marine Chronometer By George Hedger
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A fine example of a 2 day chronometer in the original 3 tier mahogany and brass bound case by William Hedger, the movement with the unusual layout is almost like an 8 day example mad...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Rare 17th Century Japanese Export Lacquer Medical Instrument Box
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A rare Japanese export lacquer medical instrument box
Edo-period, 1650-1700
L. 19 x W. 6 x H. 8.5 cm
This unconventionally shaped lacquer b...
Category
17th Century Japanese Edo Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold
Antique Microscope in Original Box, circa 1900
Located in Greven, DE
Antique travel microscope in unrestored found condition. The brass should be polished and the glasses cleaned.
All parts appear to be complete, no guarantee, see photos.
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Medical Laboratory Bed Brown Leather and White Metal, 1940s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Medical laboratory bed brown leather and white metal, 1940s
Medical laboratory bed with cream white painted metal structure. The backrest, footrest and seat are ...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Danish Early 20th Century Coffee Grinder by a. Jørgensen
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Danish early 20th century coffee grinder by A. Jørgensen.
Here we present a fine piece of coffee making heritage by danish maker a. Jørgensen from cop...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Shop Window Lamp Sign for an Optometrist, USA1950
Located in Milan, IT
Globe-shaped light a shop window sign for optometrist in celluloid, with painted eye, and brass base support. The electrical system has been reprogrammed.
United States of America, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique World Globe From Fleet Street London 1923 on Wooden Stand
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Antique Terrestrial Geographia of Fleet Street London 12"inch World Globe on handcrafted Wooden Three Legged Base 1923
Made 55 Fleet Street, London
Beautiful desktop globe, sho...
Category
1920s British Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Early 19th Century 2 Day Marine Chronometer by James McCabe, No. 199
By James McCabe
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
Number 199, a two day marine chronometer by James McCabe, London, beautifully signed and numbered on the dial and movement, and the number on the bottom of the bowl. In a three part ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Original vintage scale from the 20th Century 'Designed by Berkel in Belgium'
By Berkel 2
Located in Udenhout, NL
Original personal scale from 1946 designed by Berkel in Belgium.
(Made in Brussels.)
Very nice Industrial decorative object.
Category
1940s Belgian Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Large 1920's Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Educational Ear Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
Large 1920's Vintage scientific anatomical human 3D ear model. Large 16" scale and wonderful antique patina!
Category
1920s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber, Wood
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
19th Century Italian Carved Louis XVI Style Giltwood Barometer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous late 19th century gilt wood barometer thermometer made in Italy in the Louis XVI or baroque taste. The large barometer features a large carve...
Category
19th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
19th Century inlaid mahogany banjo barometer by L Casatelli of Liverpool
Located in Martlesham, GB
19th century inlaid mahogany banjo barometer by L Casatelli of Liverpool, having an architectural top with a central brass finial, the shaped mahogany case having decorative shell in...
Category
1840s British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Set of Antique Draughtsman's Rules, English, Engineer's Instrument Set, C.1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a set of antique draughtsman's rules. An English, beech engineer's instrument set in a mahogany case, dating to the mid 20th century period, circa 1920.
Charming set of me...
Category
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Beech
Vintage Spanish Analog Telephone by Telefonica, circa 1980
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vintage Analog Telephone manufactured by Telefonica from Spain, circa 1980.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
M...
Category
1980s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Scientific instrument: Crookes Maltese Cross Tube, Italy, 1900
Located in Milan, IT
Blown glass scientific instrument. A fine example of Crookes tube with Maltese cross, the precursor of the cathode tube. It demonstrates the rectilinear m...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Victorian Walnut Carved Wall Aneroid Barometer G.C. Bateman Scotland 1880, H1037
Located in Vancouver, BC
Ant. Victorian Polished Walnut Carved Wall Aneroid Barometer G.C. Bateman, South Hampton, Scotland 1880, H1037
Scotland 1880
Solid Walnut
Original ...
Category
1880s Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Baroque Style Venetian Gilt Carved Barometer by Palladio
By Palladio
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous intentionally aged Venetian barometer made in the baroque taste by Italian artisans Palladio. The diamond shaped frame is painted and embellished with gilt scrollwork and ro...
Category
20th Century Italian Baroque Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Botanic Model of a Red Grape Flower, Paravia, Italy, 1940
Located in Milan, IT
A botanical maquette for didactic use, depicting a red Grape flower, Vitis Vinifera, Anipelidee. Made of metal, paper, plaster, galalith and wood. Extremely detailed. Paravia, Milan,...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
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
Vintage Steel Laboratory Beaker Stand
Located in High Point, NC
An intriguing and unique accent, this vintage lab-ware stand holds three round-bottomed flasks. Once used as a tool for conducting laboratory analysis or e...
Category
20th Century Belgian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Botanic Model of a Carnation Flower, Paravia Italy, 1940
Located in Milan, IT
A botanical maquette for didactic use, depicting a Carnation flower, Dianthus Silvaticus, Cariofillacee. Made of metal, paper, plaster, galalith and wood. Extremely detailed. Paravia...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Brass Desk Top Lens Decorative Curio
Located in London, GB
A good quality, desk top lens.
England, c1920s,
Brass construction on a solid metal base for sturdiness/weighting.
Adjustable to some extent.
Ideal desk top or shelf decorative c...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Memento Mori by Callum Campbell
Located in Geneve, CH
Memento Mori by Callum Campbell
Objects for Self Collection
Signed
Dimensions W 3.5 x H 9.3 cm
Materials: Brass
Finish: Polished
Engraved with clients name and date of birth...
Category
2010s Australian Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Silver Magnifying Glass with a Feather Handle Letter Opener
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very nice silver magnifying glass with a feather handle, which could be used for opening letters as well. The magnification is good and works well. A compliment to any desk or work...
Category
20th Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Silver
End XIX Century Brass and Glass Hourglass Antique Time Measuring Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Sand hourglass, brass container with circular base and tapered columns in the center and blown glass cruet. Duration 45 minutes. English manufacture of the early 1900s.
Measures height 20 cm, diameter 11.5 cm – 7.9x4.5 inches.
Shipping is insured by Lloyd's London; our gift box is free (look at the last picture).
In Greece, the use of hourglasses was introduced in 325 BC, in the form of stone containers with a truncated cone shape that let water flow out of a hole in the bottom at a constant rate. Other hourglasses were cylindrical or cup-shaped and were slowly filled by a constant flow of water. Some signs on the inner surface of the container indicated the passage of hours as the liquid level rose. Another version consisted of a metal container with a hole in the bottom which, placed to float in a larger container, sank in a given time. This system remained in use until the 20th century in North Africa. These clocks were typically used at night, but not during the day, when the more accurate sundials were available.
In the first half of the III century BC. Ctesibius transformed the hourglass into the more complex water clock. Various mechanisms were introduced by him and others to increase the precision of the watch by regulating the pressure and keeping the flow of water constant, but also to offer a better display of the time. The most advanced specimens could ring bells or gongs, open windows to display images, or had movable indicators, dials or representations of celestial bodies. Among the designers of watches...
Category
1890s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Brass Frame Desk Magnifying Glass with Horn Handle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Horn Handle desk style magnifying glass with brass framework and stem. The horn is quite substantial and has good weight and presence.
The horn has a ribbed detail down a portion ...
Category
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Beautiful Antique Brass Scale
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Immerse yourself in the elegance and charm of yesteryear with this exquisite antique brass scale, a true testament to craftsmanship and beauty. Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Brass
19th Century Metal "Family Scale", circa 1899-1903
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique 24 pounds "Family Scale" with original decals and dates listed on the front: "Mar.14 '99-Mar.28 '03".
All metal. Scale works.
Category
19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
19th Century Spanish Copper Bedwarmer with Wooden Handle
Located in Marbella, ES
19th Century Spanish Copper Bedwarmer with Wooden Handle.
Category
Mid-19th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
20th Century German Field Binoculars, circa 1940
By Emil Busch
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Exceptional 20th century German polished steel observation binoculars on a later telescopic stand by D.F. This model was originally designed by Emil Busch and it has been adopted by the military in 1936. The model is suitable for both day and night time observation and the direction line of fire from artillery. Various adjustable dials in working conditions. The side is stamped D.F. 10 x 80, dkl. The piece has been professionally polished and mounted on a stunning old telescopic wooden tripod stand...
Category
20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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 Bayliss & Co 19th Century English Brass Apothecary Counter Scale Balance
Located in Dayton, OH
"An antique 4 lb mercantile balance by Bayliss & Co of Birmingham, England. Features a twisted iron stand and brass balance with tray and scoop. Makers mark engraved along top arm
The antique apothecary scale...
Category
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early twentieth century boat compass. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrument is fitted to its original hardwood bo...
Category
1950s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Anatomical Plaster Medical Torso Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century anatomical plaster medical torso figure
This early 20th century life size anatomical medical torso would have originally been used as...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
French Antique Petite Draw Telescope in Brass and Wood
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An antique French single draw telescope. Petite in size, its main barrel is covered with wonderful dark, veneer fruit wood, while the fixings and...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1800s Cast Iron Farm Well Hand Pump with Handle Piston
Located in New York, NY
1800s farmhouse and Industrial style cast iron hand pump. Unknown working condition but great look. Sold as is. Please note, this item is located in our Scranton, PA location.
Category
19th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Decorative Antique Victorian 1890 James Beall Morrison Treadle Dentist Drill
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Victorian, circa 1890 James Beall Morrison Treadle Dentist drill
Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international.
Dental treadle drill, English manufacture, 1890-1940
The foot pedal is pushed up and down to power this dental drill. It is also known as a ‘treadle drill’. The drill removed areas of tooth decay. These can become infected and painful if untreated. The treadle drill was invented in 1871 by American dentist James Beall Morrison (1829-1917). He also designed dental chairs. His drill was popular with dentists throughout Europe and America. It is an example of the first mechanically powered drill. These sped up dental treatments
This one seems to be in fully working order from what I can see, it’s a real survivor but then that’s not surprising, things made in the Victorian era were made to last
Dimensions
Height:- 144cm
Width:- 52.5cm
Depth:- 38cm
Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements please ask
Any questions please feel free to ask before you bid
This item is available for collection from our Pulborough warehouses RH20 1DF. We can have it delivered nationwide to include Scotland Wales and Ireland. Please contact me via email or my contact information...
Category
1890s English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Honne by Callum Campbell
Located in Geneve, CH
Honne by Callum Campbell
Objects for self collection
Signed and numbered
Dimensions: W 9.5 x H 19- 25 cm
Materials: Brass, LED
Finish: Polished
Note: 220-240w Australian elect...
Category
2010s Australian Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early twentieth century boat compass by American Maker. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrument is fitted to its or...
Category
1940s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Huge Decorative Scientific Induction Coil
Located in Peekskill, NY
We were told that this coil was originally from West Point but there is no paperwork to back that up. We also guessed at its age. But it looks to be over 100 years. We have owned many coils over the years but nothing of this Size or quality. The wood furniture surrounding the coil is beautiful showing turned wood ends. In almost ll cases these Induction coils...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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
Fabulous Quality Early 19th Century Mahogany Stick Barometer by Girolimo of Lo
Located in Martlesham, GB
A fabulous quality early 19th century mahogany stick barometer by Girolimo of London, having an architectural top with a central brass finial, rectangular silvered dial with a glazed and hinged door, the dial itself displays weather notations and has a mercury thermometer...
Category
1810s British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Sheaffer Fountain Pen, circa 1950
By Montblanc
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sheaffer fountain pen, circa 1950.
Manufactured by Sheaffers
In original condition, with some visible signs of previous use and age, preserving a beautiful patina.
Materials...
Category
1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Terrestrial Table Globe by Félix Delamarche, Paris, 1821
By Félix Delamarche
Located in Milano, IT
Terrestrial table globe
Félix Delamarche
Paris, 1821
It measures 20.47 in height, Ø max 14.17 in; the sphere Ø 9.44 in (h 52 cm x Ø max 36.5 cm; the sphere Ø 24 cm)
Wood, printed...
Category
1820s French Restauration Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Naudet & Co. 1915-1916 Paris World War I French Aviation Altimeter Militaire
Located in Miami, FL
World War I French aviation altimeter made by Naudet & Co.
Antique French aviation altimeter designed specifically for aviation, and dating to th...
Category
1910s French Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
Swiss Gold and Enamel Telescope
Located in New Orleans, LA
Scientifically advanced and exquisitely crafted, this rare 19th-century gold and enamel Swiss telescope is an item of exceptional luxury. The Swiss cre...
Category
19th Century European Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold, Enamel
Stich Leather Hanging Barometer Westen, Germany, 1960s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice round hanging Barometer, surrounded with stitch Brown Leather.
Made in Western Germany in the 1960s. Good working condition.
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather
Vintage Fuller's Calculator, English Scientific Instrument, Stanley, Mid Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Fuller's Calculator. An English, mahogany and brass cased scientific instrument by Stanley of London, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950.
Quality mathematical instrument of superb collector interest
Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order throughout
Brass and paper cylinders show appealing colour
Presented within a mahogany box, showing fine grain interest
Beautifully turned screw...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Botanic Model of Wallflower, Paravia Italy, 1940
Located in Milan, IT
A botanical maquette for didactic use, depicting a flower of orange Wallflower, Cheirantus Cheiris, Cruciferous. Made of metal, paper, plaster, galalith and wood. Extremely detailed....
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Supreme x Hoto Red Tool Set, 5-Piece, Spring, 2023
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Supreme x hoto red tool set, 5-piece, Spring 2023. Made exclusively for Supreme (Spring 2023), limited edition. Red, Supreme-printed case. Includes 3.6V 3-level torque adjustable scr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Vintage Montblanc Meisterstuck Classique Fountain Pen with Papers & Boxes
By Montblanc
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This fountain pen was made by the well known Montblanc factory of Germany in approximately 1990 in their classic modern style. This fountain pen is their 'Meisterstuck' model and has...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Mid-Century Globe Meat Slicer C1940 Enameled Iron & Stainless
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and powerful, 1/4hp GM Delco motor. Globe deli meat slicer from the forties. Super quiet motor with a new cord and switch. In excellent vintage co...
Category
1940s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Enamel, Steel, Chrome, Iron, Stainless Steel
Detailed Anatomical Ear Model Made in East Germany by Somso
By Somso
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the midcentury Organon Auditus Anatomical Model by Somso, a true masterpiece in the world of anatomical models! This amazing model, made in former East Germany, features ...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic, Wood
Midcentury French Anatomical Medical Teaching Display, circa 1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
About
A midcentury French anatomical medical teaching device of the human body. The organs and muscles are numbered and the skull has Roman numerals. One glass eye. The piece has re...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic, 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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