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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Russian Fabergé Style Silver Gilt Table Thermometer
By Karl Fabergé
Located in London, GB
The very fine table thermometer mounted in a silver-gilt frame and set with diamonds and rubies, featuring an oval shaped photograph surrounded by a ...
Category
20th Century Russian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Diamond, Silver, Enamel
Victorian Lightening Rod
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Victorian lightning rod made of a wrought iron tripod base and a slender copper rod pole with original glass ball, circa 1920s. The piece is in good vintage condition wit...
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
Vintage Silver Magnifying Glass with Antler Horn Handle
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
We love seeing this sitting atop antique books on a coffee or side table as well as functional on a desk in an office. Fantastic patina on this vintage magnifying glass.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Silver Plate
‘Royal’ Barometer by John Russell, Watchmaker to the Prince Regent
By John Russell
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
This superbly crafted wheel barometer and thermometer has a mahogany case surrounded by twisted brass stringing and central panels of foliate tendrils above Russell’s signature thistle motif in black and gilt verre églomisé. It is surmounted by a brass Prince of Wales feather finial. The long, rectangular thermometer plate is inscribed ‘Thermometers: Beaumar, Fahrenheit, Royal Society of London’, the latter being an early attempt to standardise temperature measurement. The circular dial is inscribed ‘Changeable, Fair, Settled Fair, Much Rain’ and ‘Rain’ and signed across the centre ‘J Russell, Falkirk, Invt et Fecit, Watch Maker to his R.H the Prince Regent’. The reverse has a paper label ‘Russell, Iden Collection Inventory 1896’. Scottish, circa 1815.
Provenance: Mr Walter Iden.
Published: Percy G. Dawson, The Iden Clock Collection, Woodbridge, 1987. No.125, p.280.
These ‘royal barometers’ were so named because John Russell of Falkirk...
Category
1810s Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Rare French Childs Leather Surgical Spinal Corset
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
We have two medical items here, they both date from the mid-19th century, the full upper body corset is a child’s size, it is formed in leather with nick...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Steampunk Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather
1950s Gas Station Object Gulf Oil Tin Bug Spray Can Advertising Graphics Prop
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Gulf Oil Corporation Spray Can
USA, c.1957
Spray can with red, white, green, and blue text on white label and insect graphics. Round blue removable cap. No leaks, No holes.
Dia 3 x H...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Mortar and pestle. Bronze. 15th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Mortar and pestle. Bronze. 15th century.
Bronze mortar and pestle with a circular base and a spouted mouth decorated with a band beneath the rim. The base, facing outward, features...
Category
15th Century and Earlier European Gothic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Walter Bosse Cow Figurine Table Thermometer by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming sculptural Austrian midcentury desk thermometer, displaying a cow with a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 20th century Swedish metal telephone by Rikstelefon
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century Swedish metal telephone by rikstelefon circa 1900.
Quite possibly early than dated, here we have a sheet metal rikstelefon telephone set. Rikstelefon was the nat...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Art Deco Kodak Vigilante Junior Six-20 Folding Camera c.1940-1948
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An Art Deco Kodak Vigilante Junior Six-20 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome accents and flip out view finder. Folds neatly to 1.5 i...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Barigo Germany barometer fine design in years '70
Located in Biella, IT
Barigo Germany rare barometer design in years '70 with old label of the price in disappeared italian coin "lire"
very elegant and fine design for this interesting object
Category
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Compensated brass barometric altimeter signed Stanley London from the early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Brass compensated barometric altimeter signed Stanley London No. 1581 from the early 1900s.
Diameter 7.6 x 3 cm - inches 3x1.2.
An altimeter is an instrument for measuring the heig...
Category
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Gilbert & Barker Red Self Measuring Type 208 Vintage Curbside Gas Pump
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gilbert & Barker Red Self Measuring Type 208 Vintage Curbside Gas Pump. Item featured weighs approx 180 lbs, remarkable red color, original lab...
Category
Early 1900s Art Deco Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique George III Quality Mahogany Shell Inlaid Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique George III quality mahogany shell inlaid banjo barometer having a quality mahogany banjo shaped case with satinwood shell inlay, brass bezel, silvered engraved dial, original...
Category
19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Other
Large Vintage Pantagraph, English, Brass, Scientific Mapping Instrument
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large vintage pantagraph. An English, brass scientific mapping instrument, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.
Fascinating scale and mechanical interest
Displays a...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Dancer Field Microscope in Fine Condition
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A very clean and complete Dancer field microscope designed to fit into a small case for use in the field.
This example is numbered 38 and has a Wenham prism that neatly slides into ...
Category
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early 20th century boat compass by American Maker. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrument is fitted to its origina...
Category
1940s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Chemist's Mortar & Pestle, French Bronze Apothecary Aid, Victorian, 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique chemist's mortar & pestle set. A French, bronze apothecary aid with beech and ceramic pestle, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
Delightful French ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Apothecary Balls in Cobalt Blue Cut Crystal
Located in Brussels, BE
Apothecary balls in cobalt blue cut crystal - ten available.
Category
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
Antique Painting with Barometer 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Antique table with barometer
Interesting 19th century painting painted in oil with meteorological reasons on wood and which has a barometer in the center and a thermometer in the up...
Category
1890s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
Heavy Wall Glass T Junction Tube for Pyrex, 1930s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural junction tube fashioned of laboratory-grade Pyrex glass.
Category
1930s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Antique Mineral Specimen Collection
Located in London, GB
A rare set of antique mineral specimen jars.
Some remnants of labels.
Some solid rocks others are powders.
Sourced in Holland.
Dimensions:...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
20th Century Czech Wooden Industrial Element
Located in High Point, NC
This 20th-century wooden foundry mold, repurposed as a captivating decorative piece, stands as a testament to the fusion of industrial history and artistic charm. Crafted from solid ...
Category
20th Century Czech Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Gucci attributed to Rare Barometer and Clock Year 1960 Vintage Design
By Paolo Gucci
Located in Biella, IT
attributed to Gucci rare barometer and clock year 1960 vintage design. Measure h 17 inches x L12" x deep 3".
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Walnut, Large Wooden Screw of a Wine Press, a Wooden Sculpture, Italy 1900s
Located in Roma, IT
Large wooden screw of a wine press, Italy, 1900s.
A walnut sculpture. Really nice.
Category
20th Century Italian Grand Tour Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Atomic structure for educational use of carbonic acid Czechoslovakia 1950s.
Located in Milan, IT
Struttura atomica ad uso didattico dell'acido carbonico (H2CO3) in metallo, sfere in bachelite verniciate rosso e nero. Czechoslovakian manufacture of the 1950s.
Good condition sign...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
19th Century Dental Tool Kit
Located in London, GB
19th century dental tool kit
A rare set of 19th century dental tool kit, all tools are encased in a wooden box with brass latch and lined with a worn red...
Category
19th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Oak cased barograph and barometer
Located in Cheshire, GB
Oak-cased barograph and barometer retailed by Harrods London, having five bevelled glass panelled removable lid, and a drawer below to house the charts. The mechanical eight-day move...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
17th Century Spanish Talavera Pharmacy Jar in Blue Glazed Ceramic
Located in Marbella, ES
17th Century Spanish Talavera pharmacy jar in blue glazed ceramic.
Category
17th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic
Hughes Telegraph Set Built by Siemens & Halske 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Hughes typewriting telegraph .A Printing Telegraph Set built by Siemens & Halske .This teletyper was invented by David Edward Hughes in 1856.Good condicion overall.Similar telegraph ...
Category
19th Century German Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
French 19th Century Louis XV Style Kingwood and Ormolu Barometer/Thermometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely high quality French 19th century Louis XV st. kingwood and ormolu barometer/thermometer, signed F. Linke. The barometer is centered by a fine richly chased f...
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ormolu
A pharmacy mushroom model: Tricholoma Sulphureum, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Tricholoma Sulphureum 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
Early 20th Century Teaching Aid Human Torso Model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Teaching Aid Human Torso Model
Mounted onto a newer looking wooden plaque this early example of a plaster and natural human fibre model would likely have been use...
Category
1940s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bone, Plaster
Oxidised Surveyors Level by Reid and Young
Located in Norwich, GB
Oxidised surveyors level by Reid and Young
Mounted on a circular base with threaded aperture or tripod mounting with four holding rings. Thirteen an...
Category
1920s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique 18th Century Trebuchet, Money Changer's Balance, With Its Weights
Located in Bilzen, BE
Wooden trebuchet with its weights.
These kind of scales were used by money changers to weigh golden coins in those days to avoid fraud
18th Century
The box measures 18 cm X 8.7 cm ...
Category
18th Century German Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Torricellian mahogany barometer signed Corton Lincoln mid-19th cent.
Located in Milan, IT
Torricellian mercury barometer in mahogany wood, signed Corton
Lincoln of the mid 19th cent. complete with reading nonius for checking pressure variation, alcohol thermometer, hyg...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Lovely Victorian Boy Chasing a Cat Met Aneroid Barometer Painted Cast Iron
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this Victorian boy chasing a cat cast iron aneroid barometer
Dimensions:
Height 27cm
Width 23cm
Depth 9.5c...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Vintage Bottle Capper Wine Corker Hand Press Cork
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Wine Bottle Cork Press Manual
Rustic Farmhouse
22.5 h x 4 w x 10 d
Preowned original vintage, refer to images listed.
Category
Early 20th Century Rustic Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Estate American Surveyor's Transit Level in Original Fitted Oak Box, 1930s-1940s
Located in New Orleans, LA
Estate American surveyor's transit level in original fitted oak box and signed "BOSTROM- BRODY mf6, Atlanta GA.", circa 1930-1940s. Model #4, Serial #47....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Antique Roman Bronze Rare Architects Geometrical Compass/Divider 3.AD
Located in Doha, QA
Extremely rare and one of a kind ancient Roman bronze geometrical compass/divider. It is in an excellent condition for its age. The Compass is displayed on a dark marble block with a...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stone, Bronze
Lignum Vitae Treen Vices Pair of Minature Tree of Life
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
- Collector's specimens
- Lignum vitae is sought after for the beauty of its grain, coloring, patina, density and toughness
Translated from Latin, vignum vitae means “wood of lif...
Category
1750s English George II Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Vintage WESCO Oil Can
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage Metal Oil Can.
An automotive oil can made by Wesco, Birmingham. A fantastic piece of vintage motoring ephemera, the perfect gift for the motoring enthusiast. Who would have t...
Category
Early 20th Century British Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
French Late 19th Century Barometer
By Selon Torricelli
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French late 19th century barometer.
Category
Late 19th Century French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Black Forest Style Carved Walnut Barometer, Germany, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Black Forest style carved walnut barometer, Germany, ca. 1920.
An impressive carved walnut barometer with masterfully carved flowers and leaves. A small mirror on the top of the roun...
Category
1920s German Black Forest Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Mirror, Walnut
Good 18th Century Bronze Sundial By Miller And Adie, Edinburgh
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A finely engraved 18th century, 15" diameter bronze sundial signed Miller & Adie, Edinburgh with good patina and the original gnomon.
Category
Late 18th Century Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Antique George III Quality Mahogany Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique George III quality mahogany banjo barometer having a quality mahogany shaped case with a swan neck pediment and satinwood stringing, circular silvered engraved dial with orig...
Category
Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Victorian Nautical Gilt Bronze Clock and Barometer Pair
Located in London, GB
Antique Victorian nautical gilt bronze clock and barometer pair
English, 19th Century
Measures: height 25 cm, width 22 cm, depth 13.5 cm
This elega...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Agate, Ormolu
French Late 18th Ormolu and Sèvres Porcelain Barometer, Signed Giroux
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An most elegant and extremely high quality French late 18th/ beginning of the 19th century, ormolu and Sèvres porcelain barometer, signed Giroux. The barometer has a central bottom a...
Category
18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century Mary & David Livingston Memorial Relic Heart Buried Beneath 1896
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A very odd Victorian collection of curiosity, a section of the tree that the Scottish physician, congregationalist and pioneer Christian missionary David Livingston was buried under ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Zambian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Hardwood, Natural Fiber, Glass
Carved oak wall hanging Banjo barometer
Located in Cheshire, GB
Carved oak barometer, the shaped carved oak frame with rectangular thermometer encased by glass. Above the silvered dial with silvered bezel, flanked by crisp scrolling carved decora...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
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
French 19th Century Culinary Scale from Lyon
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A large kitchen / culinary scale made in Lyon, France, circa 1880. This wonderful antique instrument was used to measure various ingredients and product...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Brass
Antique 2 French Electro Therapy Devices "Institut Electrotherapy" Dated 1905
Located in London, GB
Of scientific interest two French Electrotherapy devices, both wih plaques to the tops stamped "Institut Electrotherapy, 27 Rue Godot de Mauroy, Paris"
Complete with original instru...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Other
19th Century Victorian Scale Model Of A Gas Meter, Crystal Palace Expo, c.1851
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique mid-19th Century Victorian very rare cast iron scale model of the original meter used to measure the amount of gas used at the Crystal Palace, in Hyde Park during the Great E...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Rare Antique Engraving of Microscopes, 1749
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'A true Representation of sveral microscopes with some objects (..)'. Print of various microscopes, illustrating several microscope parts. This print originates ...
Category
18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Barometer L'Ingr. Chevallier Opticien du Roi Place du Pont Neuf No. 15 Paris
Located in Milan, IT
Torricellian mercury barometer in mahogany wood, complete with rare spiral alcohol thermometer resting on elegant brass frame of leaves and flowers from lost-wax casting with tempera...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
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.