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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 1910s
English 19th Century Brass Herbalist Scale with Central Column and Lyre Motif
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English brass herbalist scale from the 19th century, with column and lyre details, mounted on a wooden base. Used to measure herbs, this exquisite scale features a brass structure presenting a central column adorned with a capital topped with a lyre, supporting the two brass scoop...
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Signed, Christopher Eberhardt, Circa 1830
Located in Hollywood, 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
Antique Clock and Barometer
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Victorian clock and barometer adorned with medieval weaponry.
Category
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Antique Bow Front Barometer by J. Somalvico & Co of London
Located in Devon, GB
A good William IV period rosewood and mother-of-pearl bow fronted stick barometer with its original bowed glass thermometer by this fine London make...
Category
19th Century English William IV Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rosewood
Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock and Barometer
Located in London, GB
In their elaborate use of C-scrolls, putti figures, stylised acanthus leaves and flowers, this clock and barometer are clearly Rococo in their style. The Rococo came into fashion in ...
Category
19th Century French Rococo Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel
19th Century Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock and Barometer by Dasson
Located in London, GB
This fine set comprises a cartel clock and barometer, each of which are crafted entirely in gilt bronze. The clock and barometer cases are identical, and take the form of a lyre. The...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
2-Piece Victorian Gothic Revival Barometer/Thermometer Set
Located in New York, NY
2-Piece French Victorian Gothic Revival (3rd Quarter 19th Century) mahogany barometer/thermometer & wall clock set (Signed L. LEROY & CIE/ 13 & 15 Palais Royal, Paris) (PRICED AS SET...
Category
19th Century French Gothic Revival Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Giltwood Thermometer & Perpetual Calendar Attributed to F.Linke, France, c. 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
Elegant Louis XVI style set comprising a thermometer and a perpetual calendar attributed to F. Linke. Each consisting of a metal plaque, painted with floral motifs on a beige backgro...
Category
1880s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Sheet Metal
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
19th Century Italian Height Measuring Apparatus
Located in Atlanta, GA
An intriguing 19th century Italian apparatus for measuring one's height in centimeters. Soundly constructed from cast iron with a bronze measure to one side. A whimsical accent perfe...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Iron
French Louis XVI Style Gilded and Painted Wood Barometer from the Early 1800s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This French Louis XVI style barometer and thermometer features an exquisite carved giltwood crest with delicate foliage motifs. Below the crest, the thermometer, encompassed in a black painted body, sits atop the round barometer...
Category
Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Glass
Tunbridge Wells Ruler, 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The ruler with differing scales on each side.
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Napoleon III Period Gilt Bronze Clock and Barometer, Attributed to Raingo Frères
Located in London, GB
This stunning gilt bronze clock and barometer pair was created in circa 1860 in France. The two have been attributed to Raingo Frères, the prestigious, ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
19th Century French musical automaton clock
Located in London, GB
This fine, antique mantel clock is constructed in ebonised wood by the renowned Parisian maker of automata, Xavier Tharin (French, active mid 19th Century). The clock face is set onto a curled, stylized pediment atop the clock case. The face is of white enamel, featuring black Roman numerals and signed 'Tharin a Paris', and is bordered in beaded ormolu. The pediment in which the face is set is decorated with ormolu mounts of stylized acanthus leaf form. The pediment is set onto a rectangular frame of ebonised wood, inside which is set a musical automaton...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu
English Mahogany Prince of Wales Banjo Barometer, Circa 1820
Located in Hollywood, SC
English mahogany four dial banjo barometer with broken arch pediment, steel engraved face with Prince of Wales motif, and original rotating bone dial. Barometer can be restored to wo...
Category
1820s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
English Mahogany Banjo Barometer. Circa 1830
Located in Hollywood, SC
English mahogany banjo barometer with centered brass finial in scrolled pediment, glass encased thermometer, ebonized reeded mirror, original ...
Category
19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Binoculars and Elegant Old French Theatre Set for Ladies
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/431 - Pretty old French theatre set: Binoculars, fan and mirror. Delicious and useful also for Your summer nights or for a gift.
that's my cost !
Category
Late 19th Century Argentine Belle Époque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather
Charpentier French Victorian Brass Scale
By P. Charpentier a Paris 1
Located in New York, NY
French Victorian brass scale with 2 round trays on square wooden base (signed CHARPENTIER with hallmark)
Category
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
18th Century French Barometer in Giltwood Frame
Located in Buchanan, MI
18th century French barometer in giltwood frame.
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood, Glass
Pair of Louis XVI Ormulu Wall Clocks & Barometers
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Louis XVI-style (Mid-19th Century) ormolu wall clock and barometer set each of banjo form with Apollo mask above putti and circular dial over bearded mask (Signed RAIN...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Ormolu
English Brass Telescope on Tripod Stand signed Dollond, London Circa 1890
Located in Hollywood, SC
English brass telescope on tripod stand with slipper feet. Telescope has the original carrying case with lens covers. Late 19th Century
Category
19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Empire Painted and Lacquered Spyglass, Early 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The adjustable spyglass with gilt brass trim and original leather case.
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Lacquer
English Brass Bankers Balance Scale from the 19th Century with Circular Pans
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English brass bankers balance scale from the 19th century. Born in England during the 19th century, this elegant brass bankers scale features a centra...
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th c. Giltwood Barometer
Located in New Orleans, LA
Carved and Giltwood Louis XVI Style Barometer
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
Mid-19th Century English Cast Iron Commodities Scale, Marked Birmingham
Located in Charleston, SC
A large 19th century English cast iron scale, circa 1840, marked Birmingham, England and features scrolling decorative and organic elements. It was purchased in the U.S. and would ha...
Category
19th Century British Gothic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
English Brass Urn & Marble Base Scale . Circa 1815
Located in Hollywood, SC
English brass scale with centered urn , feather pointer , brass pans, marble base , and terminating on brass ball feet. All original . Early 19t...
Category
1810s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Brass
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Barometer
Located in New York, 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
Antique Scottish Regency Verre Églomisé Barometer by John Russell of Falkirk
Located in Devon, GB
A fine and extremely rare early 19th Century Regency period wheel barometer by John Russell of Falkirk, barometer maker to the Prince Regent. This e...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Old Theatre Set for Ladies
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/432. Pretty old theatre set: Binoculars, fan and mirror. a wonderful gift for any lady, young or in mature age. With a good price also, because I'm clos...
Category
Late 19th Century Argentine Belle Époque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather
18th Century Antique Georgian Mahogany Wheel Barometer by E. Bates of Kettering
Located in Devon, GB
A late Georgian mahogany wheel barometer with satinwood marquetry inlay by Bates of Kettering.
The mahogany case has satinwood stringing and marquetry shell...
Category
Early 19th Century English George IV Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Victorian Ormolu Clock and Barometer Desk Set, of Maritime or Naval Interest
Located in London, GB
Each in the form of a ship's wheel with 2.5 inch silvered dial, contained in cases, one with seven turned banded agate handles, the other with eight banded agate handles, each on ova...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Agate, Ormolu
French 19th Century Brass Fabric Scale on Wooden Base by the Maison Piat
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French brass fabric scale from the 19th century with wooden base, from the Maison Piat. Created in Paris during the 19th century, this fabric scale, made of brass, is mounted on a ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Saccharimetre a Penombres by J Duboscq
Located in London, by appointment only
Numbered No 25 and signed by J Duboscq a Paris.
Louis Jules Duboscq was a French instrument maker, inventor and pioneering photographer. He was known in his time and is remembered t...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Antique French Neoclassical style Ormolu Clock and Barometer Set by Mottheau
Located in London, GB
Manufactured in the Louis XVI style, both clock and barometer are encased within an ormolu case and flanked on either side by trumpet wielding cherubs, each surmounted with a patinated bronze sphere that is topped with a crown, the bases terminating in a pine cone finial.
The barometer face signed 'E. Mottheau Paris', the clock movement signed 'LEMERLE CHARPENTIER' and 'LESIEUR'.
This beautiful antique French clock and barometer...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Commercial Scale, Sweden 1867
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fully functional scale bears the inspection stamp from the City of Hälsingborg and the date 1867. The stamp certifies that the scale was approved for trade. A great decorative i...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Tortoiseshell Clock and Barometer Set by Gleizes
Located in London, GB
Gilt-bronze and Tortoiseshell Clock and Barometer set by Gleizes
French, 19th Century
Height 115cm, width 30cm, depth 7cm
In the Louis XV style, t...
Category
19th Century French Rococo Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ormolu
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Barometer
Located in New York, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Century) walnut wall mounted thermometer/ barometer with strap-work cartouche hung with an elaborate carved hunting trophy.
Category
19th Century German Rustic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Trussel of Brighton Clock and Barometer
Located in New York, NY
Handpicked by buyers Ann-Morris, Inc.
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Louis XVI Style Giltwood Thermometer/ Barometer
Located in Montreal, QC
The Louis XVI style giltwood case with ribboned crest flanked by trailing garlands above the wood cased painted wheel barometer
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood, Glass
Late 19th Century Physics Teaching Wheel
Located in Santa Monica, CA
These educational wheels, with copper and black painted surfaces, were used by Physics teachers in the late 19th century.
Please note we have two of these wheels available. One i...
Category
19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper, Brass
Pair of French Walnut Clocks & Barometers
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French (Mid-19th Century) clock and barometer inset into carved walnut pendant frames. Crowned bearded male heads with decorative swags, scrolls, and floral wreaths. (PRICED ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Walnut
Brass Italian Yacht Binnacle by M. Salimieri of Genoa, 19th Century
Located in Hollywood, SC
Brass Italian yacht binnacle with gimbaled compass and original side light oil burner. Signed M. Salimieri, Genoa. 19th Century
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Antique French "Chevalier Paris" Mother-of-Pearl Opera Glasses, Circa 1890.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French "Chevalier Paris" Mother-of-Pearl Opera Glasses, Circa 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl
Cased Map or Chart Magnifying Glass by J P Cutts c.1870
Located in Bath, GB
A wonderful Victorian brass map or charge magnifying glass complete with it's original brass case.
The lid of the case is signed by the maker using the anchor trademark together wit...
Category
1870s British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique English Folding Brass Linen Thread Counter - Magnifying Glass
Located in Bath, GB
Dating to the early twentieth century, c.1900/1920, this is an antique cast brass linen thread counter, of course usable to magnify whatever you wish.
Heavy solid cast brass with a ...
Category
1910s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Maco Braga Brass Apothecary Balance Scale
Located in San Mateo, CA
Brass apothecary style balance scale. This is marked J.A.L Portugal in numerous places. The scale retains all of it's original weights. The scale trays do not sit level without anyth...
Category
Late 19th Century Portuguese Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Pair WW1 Binoculars and Case, British Officer's Issue, 1918, Colmont, Paris
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous pair of World War 1 British Officers Military binoculars made in France, the bridge engraved M G (Ministere de la Guerre) created for the British Military for use during W...
Category
1910s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique English Brass Coddington Magnifying Glass c.1880
Located in Bath, GB
An unusual late nineteenth century Coddington magnifying glass made from English brass having been professionally polished.
Excellent condition measuring 3" x 1" x 1".
Item ID: 443...
Category
1880s British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century T Walker’s Patent Harpoon Ship Log a 1 London Antique Maritime Tool
Located in Milan, IT
Brass log in the shape of a harpoon, signed T. Walker’s Patent Harpoon Ship Log A 1 London, from the second half of the 19th century. It is an ancient nautical instrument, very rare and with a characteristic shape, which measured the distance and speed of a ship. He was thrown overboard and dragged behind the ship itself; rotating thanks to its propeller, it transmitted the number of revolutions made on itself to the three dials made on an enameled metal plate placed in the center of the log; the quadrants reported measurements in miles from 0 to 100 in tens, from 0 to 10 in units, from 0 to 1 in quarters.
The data was then read every hour to also derive the speed.
In good condition, fully functional and mounted on a custom-made brass wooden base. Length 50 cm – 19.7 inches, propeller width 14 cm - 5.5 inches, log body diameter 4,5 cm - 1.7 inches.
Shipping is insured by Lloyd's London; our gift box is free.
In the past centuries the attempt to measure the speed of the ships was especially hindered by the lack of tools for the measurement of time of sufficient precision: throwing a piece of wood into the sea from the bow of a ship and measuring the time it took to get at the stern, it was possible to obtain some information on the speed of the ship, but with many errors and inaccuracies.
The principle of mechanical patent log was shown to the Royal Society in 1699 by Robert Hooke, but the first model produced for commercial use was patented just in 1802 by Edward Massey, uncle of Thomas Walker, that succeeded him in business.
Thomas Walker patented his first Walker log...
Category
1860s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses by LeMaire, Paris
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A beautiful pair of miniature binoculars, or opera glasses, crafted from brass and clad in iridescent mother of pearl inlaid panels. Dating from the late 19th century, these were mad...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Antique Three Draw English Brass Telescope with Handle Leather
Located in Milan, IT
Brass telescope with leather handle, made at the end of the nineteenth century, focusing with three extensions. English manufacture of the second half of the 1800s. Maximum length 99...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French 1820s Restauration Period Carved Giltwood Barometer Signed Gohin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Restauration period carved giltwood barometer from the early 19th century, signed Gohin Ingénieur-Opticien on the face. Created in France during the Restauration period, thi...
Category
Early 19th Century French Restauration Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
Quality Black Forest Carved Walnut Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality Black Forest carved walnut barometer having a quality carved walnut shaped case with a carved stag's head to the top, carved leaves and foliag...
Category
1880s English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
19th C Wax Anatomical Models Human Heart Growth Scientific Medical F.Ziegler
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A very rare and compete collection of ten labeled wax models of the human heart, showing the fetal development form early in the fourth week, to complete fetal growth.
The hand colo...
Category
1890s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Mortar or Grinder
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Charming 19th century folk art boat-shaped mortar or grinder, perfect for the coffee today ;) ca 1830 Sweden.
Category
19th Century European Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Fine French Carved Giltwood Barometer
Located in Westwood, NJ
An unusual and fine French carved giltwood barometer with military theme of carved instruments ad weaponry.
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Late 19th-Early 20th Century Model by Marcus Sommer
By Marcus Sommer
Located in London, GB
A late 19th early 20th century medical model on a wooden stand with removable plaster organs, by Marcus Sommer of Sonnerberg, Germany. With original label.
Category
19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, 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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