Scientific Instruments
17
999
to
74
627
343
999
999
999
131
69
35
29
27
19
16
8
7
6
6
6
4
4
3
3
1
141
587
909
7
412
325
67
42
50
43
50
39
62
42
29
9
1
557
469
328
166
81
765
309
214
175
93
6
3
3
3
3
Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: Early 20th Century
American Mahogany and Leather Dental Arm Chair, Circa 1840
Located in Hollywood, SC
American mahogany and leather dental arm chair with adjustable back and head support, terminating on turned bulbous legs. Mid 19th Century
Category
1840s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
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
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
Bavarian Pharmacy Balance
Located in New Orleans, LA
This amazing and extremely rare Bavarian Biedermeier-period pharmacy balance stand would have been at home at any apothecary’s shop during the mid-19th century. Crafted of walnut with bold giltwood accents, this stand holds eight separate sets of balances with brass beams and pointers, and weighing pans made of Horn, brass and porcelain. The balances measure out varying sizes; the largest is capable of measuring up to 500 grams, while smallest weighs up to 5 grams. Such balances would have been essential tools in the practice of compounding, or creating customized medications to suit a specific patient's needs. The delicate porcelain scales even indicate what they were used to weigh: one set is marked “Jodoform,” or iodoform, a disinfectant and antiseptic once used to treat wounds, and the other is marked “Venena,” which is Latin for “poisons.” Each scale also exhibits stamps indicating that they have been tested for accuracy. It is extremely rare to find such a large array of scales, especially those in such wonderful condition, in one collection. This intriguing piece is a must for any medical antiques enthusiast.
The units of measurement in which apothecaries worked were often minute: grains, scruples, drams and ounces. As they were typically used to measure very small amounts of ingredients, apothecary and analytical balances...
Category
19th Century Balkan Biedermeier Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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 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
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
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
Vintage Electric Company Meter Lamp
Located in Hanover, MA
This is a wonderful piece of suburban folk art and mid-century Americana. It is a vintage 'bench made' table lamp incorporating an actual working electric company meter. When the l...
Category
1920s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Lapis Lazuli Table Clock and Barometer
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
The body of this fine table clock and barometer is veneered in lapis lazuli and supported by a hinged arm to the reverse. The clock and barometer d...
Category
Early 20th Century Russian Belle Époque Scientific Instruments
Materials
Lapis Lazuli
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
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
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
1920s Dental Paperweight Sculpture Glass Slab Temperature Gauge Thermometer
By Honeywell, S.T. Dupont
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rare item from the L.D. Caulk Co. of Milford Delaware. New old stock, New in box. A true Relic from yesteryears building technics. A beautiful desktop sculptural object. Temp rises w...
Category
1920s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
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
Scientific Handblown Glass Vacuum Dome
Located in Norwalk, CT
A really neat way to display something amazing this is a really thick quality piece of handblown glass from the early 1900s.
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
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
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
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 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
Venetian Equipment Corps. Sterilizer Cup
Located in Norwalk, CT
A cup and metal holder by Venetian Equipment Corps. The cup reads "Sterilizer" and depicts a star in red.
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Old French Barometer with Love Knot
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Old French barometer with love knot, suitable in your kitchen or study room or.....everywhere. It is useful because working and beautiful to admire.
Completely hand carved. Good pric...
Category
Early 20th Century French Arts and Crafts Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
Geometric Bakelite Art Deco Science Classroom Crystal Models Praque, 1930
Located in Almelo, NL
This set consists of 13 black Bakelite crystal models from the early 20th century with white edges that were previously used as teaching materials in schools to demonstrate crystal s...
Category
1920s Czech Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
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
Early 20th Century Dr Auzoux Paris Papier Mache Teaching Aid Tooth
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Dr Auzoux Paris Papier Mache Teaching Aid Tooth
A dated circa 1921 Dr Auzoux Paris Papier Mache Teaching Aid Tooth example. Hand crafted with painted label detail...
Category
1920s French Early Victorian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
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
Small Antique English Brass Framed Magnifying Glass c.1900
Located in Bath, GB
A small antique English magnifying glass with a polished brass handle and frame. The glass has a good magnification and remains in undamaged condition.
Dating to c.1900, it remains...
Category
Early 1900s British Edwardian 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
Shallow Water Dive Helmet
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is an early all rubber and glass shallow water diving helmet. These were used mostly in marinas for underwater ship/boat maintenance. Divers used th...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber
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
Modernist Hourglass, 1990's
By Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Modernist hourglass with silver details, 1990's.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
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
Antique Monocular Microscope, English Brass, Scientific Instrument, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique cased monocular microscope. An English brass scientific instrument, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
Neatly presented and stored microscope, ide...
Category
Late 19th Century 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
Antique Wood Fid Textile Tool Marine Rope Slicing
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Wood Tool, treen fid grooved top for rope strap.
Nautical collectible.
Measures: 8.75 long x 2 diameter
Original vintage condition.
Refer...
Category
Early 20th Century Rustic Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique German Triumph Perfekt Black Typewriter Leather Case
Located in New York, NY
Triumph Perfekt model typewriter. Made in Germany. Unknown working condition. Includes case with leather covering. This can be seen at our 400 Gilligan St location in Scranton, PA.
Category
Early 20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Vintage Electronic Instruments
Surveyor Measure
Antique North Arrow
Antique Medical Models
George Cook
Antique Scientific Microscopes Microscope Scientific Instruments
Address Numbers
Wwii German Binoculars
Optician Sign
Stick Barometer
Folding Camera
Antique Stick Barometers
Vintage Glass Barometer
Vintage French Barometer
French Mercury Barometer
German Telescope
Antique Wooden Gears
Antique Wooden Gear