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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Antique Teaching Aid - Median Incision of the Human Head by PHYWE
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Teaching Aid - Median Incision of the Human Head by PHYWE
A great antique hand-painted and hand lettered anatomical model. A median incision of the head for class. It is mad...
Category
Early 20th Century German Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
Art Deco Magnifying Glass in Mother of Pearl and Silver Plate 1930s
Located in Meer, VAN
Art Deco Magnifying Glass in Mother of Pearl and Silver Plate 1930s
Sometimes, the only quality an item really needs is beauty - and this art deco magnifying glass has it all. Age, ...
Category
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Silver Plate
Huger West Germany Meteobar skeleton design years '60 rare real fine barometer
Located in Biella, IT
Huger West Germany meteobar design in years '60 rare and real fine skeleton barometer
the barometer is in brass and is perfect vintage and original, working condition
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A pharmacy mushroom model: Boletus Chrysenteron, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Boletus Chrysenteron mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Chinese Hanging Opium Scale in Wooden Case
Located in Chicago, IL
This curious keepsake is a hanging opium scale with brass pans, used to measure opium and other goods by weight. The scale is held in a wooden case that folds to a half-moon shape an...
Category
20th Century Chinese Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Surgical instrument: a scalpel, late 19th century, United States 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
A surgical instrument from the late 19th early 20th century. An iron scalpel. With brass handle. Tiemann & Co, American manufacturing. New York, United States circa 1900.
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
20th Century English Scale
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century English scale is a captivating piece of industrial design and functional history. Crafted from cast iron with a sturdy base and a brass beam, this scale embodies du...
Category
20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel, Iron
Ceramic Thermometer by Mithé Espelte with Bird Decor
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Beautiful wall thermometer in ceramic by Mithé Espelt. Typical decors of birds, flowers and leaves in different shades of pink glaze.
Marie Thérèse Espelt, aka. Mithé Espelt (1923-2...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Victorian Magnifying Glass, Mother of Pearl, 18k Gold Filled, ca. 1890
Located in Petaluma, CA
This magnifying glass is top of the line. The body is mother of pearl with segments of 18k gold filled decorations. There is a small marking on the body that reads "18GF. 18K Gold ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold, Brass
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
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...
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Pair of Steampunk Brass Industrial Architectural Pressure Gauges
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A super cool pair vintage General Electric pressure gauges. Each brass and glass gauge houses an aluminum faced dial marked for the General Electric Co.
Perfect for a steam punk set...
Category
Early 20th Century American Steampunk Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage S&S X-Ray Products X-Ray Film Illuminator Model 460A
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage S&S X-Ray Products X-Ray Film Illuminator Model 460A. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 19" H x 14" W x 6.5" D.
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Surgical instrument: forceps, late 19th century, United States 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
A surgical instrument from the late 19th early 20th century. An iron tong. SS White Maker, H.C. distributor Kern. American manufacturing. Philadelphia, United States circa 1900.
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Brass Surveyors Level by Troughton & Simms, London
By Troughton & Simms London
Located in Norwich, GB
Brass Surveyors Level by Troughton & Simms, London
Sixteen inch extending telescope with original lacquer finish and spirit level.
The compass ha...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large Antique Double Barel Victorian Brass Tripod Telescope London 1915
Located in Sofia, BG
20th Century large antique double barel Victorian brass telescope raised on a foldable wooden tripod made in London in 1915.
Very good original condition.
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Seldom seen Industrial Military "Field" Dental Chair , Canadian War Museum
By Metal Art
Located in Buffalo, NY
Seldom seen Industrial Military "Field" Dental Chair , as seen in the Canadian War Museum .. Amazing industrial design, great color , patina. Retains original label (see photo) dated...
Category
1940s Canadian Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Marconi-Newton type constant speed windmill propeller, dated 1926.
Located in London, GB
A twin bladed aluminum Marconi-Newton type 182S constant speed windmill dated 1926.
MARCONI-NEWTON CONSTANT SPEED WINDMILL PAT. No 262558/1926
3500 R.P.M. 85/300 M.P.H TYPE 182S N...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Antique 20th Century Edwardian Large Brass Magnifying Glass c.1905
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early 20th Century Edwardian English oak and brass magnifying glass. A practical desk or household accessory, ideal for reading.
CONDITION
In Great Condition - Wear expected...
Category
20th Century British Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1980s Chocolate Brown Touchtone Desk Phone
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage chocolate brown touchtone desk phone. Circa 1980s
Features a bright chocolate brown body with contrasting gray buttons.
The base has rubber feet ...
Category
1980s South Korean Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
English George III Mahogany Barometer by C. Cusack, Southampton
Located in Charlottesville, VA
George III period barometer with thermometer, housed in a finely shaped mahogany case with satinwood and inlaid shell motifs. The silvered dial is engraved “C. Cusack, Southampton” a...
Category
19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
English Mahogany Stick Barometer Signed T. Taylor London
Located in Savannah, GA
Stick Barometer signed T. Taylor London featuring mahogany case with bone plinth, inlay and knob. Broken arch pediment above a flush-glass door, enclosing register plate and thermometer. Fully restored and calibrated by Julian Gibbard, Harpers Ferry...
Category
Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique stereoscopic table for brothels, Germany, late 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Antique stereoscopic table viewer used in brothels, to view erotic images printed on paper for a fee. This device consists of a parallelepiped in fruit wood painted black, with the s...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
English Brass & Leather Hand Held Telescope
Located in Queens, NY
English (19th Century) brass and leather hand held telescope
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Substantial Antique Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Substantial antique Italian bronze mortar and pestle, finely cast with shell and floral band, complete with 12" x 1.5" D pestle. The base of t...
Category
18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Early 19th Century Giltwood Barometer "Selon Toricelli"
Located in Madrid, ES
Barometer end of the 18th century, Directorie, in carved and gilded wood, by Selon Toriceli, with allegory music wing on the top, beautiful patina, and decorative barometer...
Category
19th Century French Directoire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Olivetti lettera DL by Sottsass Ettore design in years '70
Located in Biella, IT
Olivetti lettera DL by Sottsass Ettore design in years '70 working
very good vintage with her original box
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Walnut cased Barograph
Located in Cheshire, GB
John Trotter walnut-cased Barograph, having five beveled glazed removable lid, and a drawer below to house the charts. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum, fitted...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Wall-Mounted Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Oak By R. Krengel 1910s
Located in Verviers, BE
Wall-Mounted Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Oak By R. Krengel 1910s Eupen Belgium
High quality mechanism with jeweled movement barometer and thermometer (in centigrade)...
Category
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Early 20th Century Brass Electric Fan, by Frost & Co
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Early 20th century brass electric fan, by Frost & Co
A very stylish good looking piece, with aluminium blades and metal cage
This piece looks to be...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
18th Century Louis XVI Giltwood Wall Barometer
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A beautifully carved and giltwood 18th century Louis XVI wall barometer having its original mercury tube and mechanism but presently with the mercury missing.
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
Wall-Mounted Large Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Walnut Belgium
Located in Verviers, BE
Wall-mounted weather station in carved walnut made in Spa Belgium by Valentine Engel
High quality mechanism with Jeweled movement barometer and thermometer (in centigrade)
Unusual de...
Category
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Italian Height Measuring Apparatus
Located in Round Top, TX
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
Mid-Twentieth Century Aluminum Gyroscope Compass Scientific Tool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Manually manipulated blue and silver anodized aluminum gyroscope composed of two gimbal rings, a central rotor, spine axle, frame and base (ca. late 1940s/early 1950s, USA).
The rotor in this case is a cube representing azimuth - the angle between North, measured clockwise around the observer's horizon, and a celestial body (sun, moon). Hence, the presence of both "N" and "E" compass directions on the rotor.
The gimbals denote "elevation" and "roll."
Interesting piece which serves as both scientific tool and modernist decorative object...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
19century English Balancing Scale
By G. None
Located in Tarrytown, NY
19century English balancing scale.
Category
19th Century European Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Bronze Weight, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Weight of the 18th century. Bronze.
Bronze weight, incomplete, with the container glass and two of the smallest, all decorated in cold with incised and...
Category
18th Century European Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Antique American Iron Balance Weighing Scale with Weights
Located in Queens, NY
"American (early 20th Century) balance weighing scale Set on a concave rectangular cast iron beveled base with twist mid-section topped by a pointed finial. One chain beam balance fi...
Category
Early 20th Century American American Colonial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
18th Century Parisian Giltwood Barometer Thermometer
Located in Dallas, TX
This lovely giltwood barometer and thermometer was hand-carved during the Louis XVI period in Paris, France. During the late 1700’s, barometers were typically only owned by wealthy families. Over time, barometers began to be viewed as works of art and could be found in middle class homes throughout Europe.
The highly detailed crown of our apparatus depicts a footed vase bursting with a floral display. The garland trails down in an arch shape until it reaches an angular platform adorned with molding and vertical fluting. The flowered swag continues behind the platform, transitioning into a pair of gadrooned leaves. Each gadrooned leaf terminates in a husked cornucopia overflowing with laurel leaves. A large circular barometer dial is positioned in between the cornucopias.
Under the barometer is a looping lambrequin that borders the top half of the thermometer. A pair of gadrooned leaves runs behind and through the lambrequin, flanking the lower half of the thermometer. A fluted base beneath the thermometer sits in a gadrooned cup.
The detail of the carvings on this late 18th century Parisian...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
VINTAGE Optometrist Eye Chart Light Box Cabinet, eye exam
Located in Buffalo, NY
VINTAGE Optometrist Eye Chart Light Box Cabinet, eye exam .. Tested and working, could use re-wiring..
Category
1940s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
A barometer signed jecker, Paris 1800.
Located in Milan, IT
Antique mahogany wall barometer composed of a glass tube containing mercury with its reserve. On the upper part a gable-shaped pediment and a screwed brass plate with a small alcohol...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Rope Twist Carved Oak Nautical Barometer
Located in Norwell, MA
Early twentieth century barometer with porcelain face with merchants name A Black & Co., Nautical Optician, Glasgow. Carved rope twist case with brass bezel. Brass hanging tab. Nice ...
Category
1930s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1950s Russian Military PAB-2M Periscope Artillery Aiming Circle Theodolite 9"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage circa 1950s Russian military periscope artillery aiming circle - PAB-2M/7A919. Includes instruction booklet and hardwood base for sculpture mount display.
Designed to determ...
Category
1950s Russian Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Signed 19th Century Mahogany and Brass Telescope on Custom Oak Wall Mount
Located in San Francisco, CA
An English mahogany and brass single draw telescope made and signed by William Bruce, Kings Head Court Shoe Lane London, circa 1830. This handsom...
Category
1830s English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Oak cased weather station
Located in Cheshire, GB
Oak-cased Weather station by James Brown Glasgow. with silvered dials comprising a clock set with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds dial, barometer, and central barograph over th...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
A pharmacy mushroom model: Rhodocollybia Butyracea, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Rhodocollybia Butyracea mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
George III Banjo Mahogany Barometer by R. Taylor, Chepstow, England c. 1820
By R. Taylow
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Four-dial Barometer/Thermometer in Mahogany, dating from the George III period, and English in origin. Signed at the base "R. Taylor Chepstow". The barometer with swan neck pedim...
Category
Early 19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1930s Hand-carved Pharmacy Stone Mortar
Located in Marbella, ES
1930s Hand-carved Pharmacy Stone Mortar
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stone
Bronze Mortar, Tuscany, Second Half of 16th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Bronze mortar with garlands, flowers and putti - Tuscany , second half of 17th century.
Measures: height 10
diameter : 13 cm
Artisans and healers used mortars for grinding food...
Category
16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
1880s French Carved Wood Barometer
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1880s French carved wood barometer. Does not work.
Category
1880s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
An anatomical plaster model of the section of the head, Austria 1870.
Located in Milan, IT
An anatomical model of the section of the head, cast out of plaster, signed “ K.K.S.T.G.S.C.H Innsbruck, in a very good condition and with original patina. Anatomical study purpose. ...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Antique English Brass-Mounted Rosewood Complete Apothecary Case, Circa 1880.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Rare complete antique English London-made apothecary case, circa 1880.
Rosewood with Brass Mounts.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Imperial standard Avoir weights by De Grave of London for Lancashire dated 1906
Located in London, GB
A set of three Imperial standard Avoir weights by De Grave of London, for Lancashire County Council, dated 1906.
5, 10, & 20 lbs.
Indenture number: 2757.
Stamped with Royal Cipher...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Napoleon lll Style Wood Marble Scale
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Napoleon lll Style Scale. It depicts a rectangular wood case with brown marble top. There is one “X” shaped holder at each side of the mar...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Napoleon III Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Brass
Ship's Binnacle by Baker Lyman of New Orleans, Louisiana
Located in Norwell, MA
Ship's binnacle with maker's plate from Baker Lyman Company of New Orleans, Louisiana. Wonderfully restored binnacle with gimballed compass and interior lighting.
Overall dimensio...
Category
1930s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
A wooden and ivory stethoscope, France 1850.
Located in Milan, IT
A medical instrument from the first half of the 19th century. A Piorry stethoscope, indivisible, in ebony wood and ivory. Pierre Adolphe Piorry was inspired by the invention of René ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ivory, Wood
Gold Ceramic Thermometer by Mithé Espelte
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Beautiful wall thermometer in ceramic by Mithé Espelt. Abstract decors with gold glaze and pockets of molten glass
Marie Thérèse Espelt, aka. Mithé Espelt (1923-2020)
Born in...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic
Art Deco Styled Industrial General Electric Medical Sun Floor Lamp
By Canadian General Electric
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This Art Deco Industrial floor sun lamp was made by General Electric of Canada is approximately 1940, most likely for the medical industry. The lamp is done with a heavy stepped meta...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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.