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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Vintage Handmade Egg Timer Hourglass in Wooden Textile Bobbin Spool 3min Timer
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Vintage Handmade Egg Timer Hourglass in Wooden Textile Bobbin Spool 3min Timer. Crafted with precision, the hourglass features fine sand that flows smoothly, symbolizing the passage ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Spanish Moorish Mortar and Pestle 16th/17th century
Located in DELFT, NL
Spanish - Moorish Gothic bronze mortar and pestle with ribs, most likely from Andalusia.
Of conical shape, resting on a circular uneven base, the exterior decorated with a series of ...
Category
17th Century Spanish Gothic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Antique American Ransom & Randolph # 65 Carved Oak Dental Cabinet Toledo OH 1900
Located in Portland, OR
Antique American carved oak dental cabinet manufactured by The Ransom & Randolph C., Toledo Ohio, Circa 1899.
Arguably one of the best dental cabinets ever made, with so many unique features (and forgive the pun) cutting edge technology of the late 19th century. This cabinet was patented in 1899 and made of solid quarter sawn oak throughout, with carved accents above the beveled shaped mirror and carved & pierced brackets to the base with turned ribbed column supports.
The cabinet has a removable travel drawer case for making house calls, to the top of the case is a brass carrying handle and a brass plaque with the manufacturers name and "Patent applied for", making this one of the earliest manufactured of this model. The cabinet has paneled sides and a paneled back, the front is fitted with cupboard with two adjustable swing out arms with revolving circular trays. Below, the cabinet is fitted with serpentine shaped drawers to the front, a lift up mirror to the top right hand-side enclosing a stepped...
Category
1890s American American Craftsman Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mirror, Oak
Vintage Military Terrestrial Telescope, Canadian, Officer Of The Watch, CKC, WW2
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage military terrestrial telescope. A Canadian, chromed brass naval Officer of the Watch refractor by the Canadian Kodak Company, dating to the WWII period, circa 1940...
Category
Early 20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large Mid-Century Italian Giorgio Armani Eye Glasses Factice Shop Display Piece
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is a rare and unique item! The Armani Eyeglasses Factic for display in a shop comes with its original cardboard packaging and is made of metal a...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique German Barometer with Hand-Carved Oak Leaves and Acorns, 1920s
Located in Barntrup, DE
German Black Forest style barometer with fine hand-carved oak branches, leaves, and acorns.
Dimensions: height 30 cm / 11.81 in; width 24 cm / 9.44 in; depth 5 cm / 1.96 in.
In good ...
Category
1920s German Black Forest Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
19th Century Mahogany Barometer F Somalvico Antique Weather Measuring Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Barometer complete with clock signed F. Somalvico N ° 11 Brook Str. Holborn London datable between 1810 and 1820. Finely crafted mahogany wood case with cedar wood edges. Large silve...
Category
1810s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Telescope, English, 6-Draw, Brass, Leather, Terrestrial, Victorian, 1860
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique telescope, an English six-draw terrestrial or maritime instrument, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1860.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, ...
Category
1860s British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
ZEISS Ikon Novar-Anastigmat 45mm F3.5 Film Camera 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Zeiss Ikon Contina Camera with Novar-Anastigmat 45mm F3.5 Prontor SVS.
Zeiss Ikon Contina 35mm RF style camera with a 45mm f/3.5 Novar-Anastigmat prime lens.
Cosmetically in great co...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique English Folding Brass Linen Thread Counter c.1920
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
1920s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Cased Octant, Scottish, Ebony, Navigation Instrument, Sextant, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique cased octant. A Scottish, ebony navigational instrument, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1850.
Appealing navigation ins...
Category
1850s British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ebony, Walnut
19th C. Diminutive Plaster Phrenology Head, Atribb. A.L. Vago London, C.1870
By Vago
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th C. Diminutive Plaster Phrenology Head, Attributed to A.L. Vago London. C 1870
This diminutive plaster Phrenology head, attributed to A.L. Vago London circa 1870, stands as a f...
Category
19th Century English High Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
$920 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Ross
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique officer of the watch telescope. An English, leather and nickel silver single draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use, by Ross of London, circa 1920.
...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather
XIX Century English Mahogany Apothecary Set Cabinet Medicines J Hexam Chymist
Located in Milan, IT
English apothecary cabinet dated to the first half of the nineteenth century, mahogany box, brass handle and hinges and complete with key. The cabinet with a rectangular base is form...
Category
19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Box Field Camera and Tripod, English, Accessories, Ornamental, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Field Camera and tripod. An English, mahogany and brass plate camera with accessories and lens, dating to the late Victorian p...
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Rolling Ruler, English Cartographer’s Instrument, Architect, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a fine antique cased rolling ruler. An English brass cartographer's or architect's instrument, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. A superb example of precision engin...
Category
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
American Brass Telescope w/ Spotting Scope & Stabilizer Bar on Tripod Stand 1870
Located in Charleston, SC
American brass and polished steel telescope with spotting scope, adjustable stabilizer bar, and mounted on folding tripod stand, Late 19th Century. Telescope is in working condition.
Category
1870s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
Antique Rosewood Stanley No. 12 1/2 Veener Plane c.1904-1943
By Stanley
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Cabinet makers veneer scraper plane with Rosewood handles and bronze knobs.
CREATOR Stanley Tools Inc.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1904-1943.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Steel
Vintage Westinghouse Shortwave Radio in French Polished Mahogany Case
Located in San Francisco, CA
A handsome Westinghouse combination shortwave radio, the French polished mahogany case housing a tube movement with multiple radio settings, made and s...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
$683 Sale Price
29% Off
Machine Age Art Deco Doctors or Bathroom Floor Model Scale Weigh Master by Hanso
Located in New York, NY
Great Machine Age, American Art Deco floor scale, Weigh Master by Hanson. The scale is fully functional, it shows cosmetic wear to the paint finish, and th...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Impressive Antique Brass Dolland & Co. Telescope With Case for Restoration
By Dolland
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Large antique Dolland & Co brass telescope with labeled wood box with accessories as shown. Engraved brass lens G. Dollond, London. Comes with tall wooden stand or smaller brass tri...
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Pair of 19th Century Brass Parabolic Reflectors
Located in Chicago, IL
In the 19th century, parabolic reflectors such as these were employed in scientific experiments to study the behavior of light, heat, and sound. These brass parabolic mirrors, when p...
Category
19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$2,280 / set
Antique Doctors Standing Scale with Sliding Weights
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a beautiful antique FAIRBANKS Industrial stand up doctors' scale. It has a height indicator and a movable weights made in solid brass. This is all original and still shows th...
Category
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Rare Sikes’ Hydrometer (Alcohol Proof Tester) Set Atkey & Son, Cowes, C. 1830
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Sikes’ Hydrometer Set by Atkey & Son, Cowes, Circa 1830
A superb and complete 19th-century Sikes’ hydrometer set, by Atkey & Son of Cowes, a noted English maker of fine scientific i...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French Late 19th Century Bronze Armillary Sphere Depicting the Titan Atlas
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French bronze armillary sphere depicting Atlas carrying the world from the late 19th century with verdigris patina. Created in France during the last quarter of the 19th century, t...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Sinar P Expert Kit Large Format 4X5
Located in valatie, NY
Sinar p 4x5 expert kit containing:
Sinar copal f5.6 auto aperture shutter & release cable
Sinar p 4x5 camera
Regular bellows
Wide angle bellows
4x5 g...
Category
1980s Swiss Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
$9,750 / set
Olivetti Lettera 36 Portable Typewriter Designed by Ettore Sottsass. circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Olivetti Lettera 36 Portable Typewriter with the Original Case. circa early 1970s
Created by famed Italian designer/architect Ettore Sottsass...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
19th Century Antique Hardwood Inlaid Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
This is a 19th century antique hardwood inlaid banjo barometer with a thermometer and a 10' silvered dial, brass bezel with convex glass. It is a very...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Hardwood
$1,462 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Rosewood and Mahogany Putty Knives
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A set of antique putty knives with Rosewood, Mahogany and brass handles.
CREATOR Embee, Red Devil
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1920-1950.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Steel...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Italian Telegraph in Solid Brass, 1880
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Italian Telegraph in solid brass, 1880.
Category
1880s Italian Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early Eye Glass Trade Stimulator - Test Your Own Eyes Optometer
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is an early eyeglass trade stimulator... TEST YOUR OWN EYES. Its an Optometer that has a dial on the right of the device. Turn the dial and there is a double geared carousel wit...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century English Inlaid Burlwood Barometer / Thermometer
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid-Century English Inlaid Burlwood Barometer / Thermometer.
Clean vintage condition. Measures 8.5" in width, 33" in height and 2.25" in depth.
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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
Beautiful Antique Brass Scale
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Immerse yourself in the elegance and charm of yesteryear with this exquisite antique brass scale, a true testament to craftsmanship and beauty. Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Brass
Ornate Antique Gilt & Floral Hand Painted Soda Fountain Cash Register C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced Delivery Rates - See Below or Click “Ask The Seller” to Request a Quote***
Ornate & Petite Antique Gilt & Floral Hand Painted Ice Cream or Soda Fountain Country Store Cas...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
$1,160 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique English Brass Cased Compass Reg. No. For 1903
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome cased late Victorian or Edwardian compass with hinged lid, the little button on the top used to open; just like a full hunter pocket watch.
The dial is lucky enough to ha...
Category
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Solid Brass Plumb Bob with Twine c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Solid brass plumb bob.
CREATOR Gammon Reel Co.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940-1950.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Solid Brass, Plastic.
CONDITION Good. Wear consisten...
Category
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique World Globe From Fleet Street London 1923 on Wooden Stand
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Antique Terrestrial Geographia of Fleet Street London 12"inch World Globe on handcrafted Wooden Three Legged Base 1923
Made 55 Fleet Street, London
Beautiful desktop globe, sho...
Category
1920s British Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
$1,334 Sale Price
25% Off
BMT 110 mm Binoculars
By Kazan
Located in Aspen, CO
BMT-110 Soviet Marine Binocular Telescope – 20x110mm Cold War Era Optics, Circa 1950s
Step into the history of Cold War surveillance and maritime observation with this rare Soviet B...
Category
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
$35,000
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
1920s 35 Zeiss-Ikon 35 Cm Cinema Projector
By Zeiss Ikon
Located in London, GB
A late 1920s 35 mm Zeiss-Ikon cinema projector.
Lens: Neokino 52.5/110 by Emil Busch A.-G. Rathenow.
Original black paint.
Lamp house contain...
Category
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel, Iron
Culpeper Compound Microscope
Located in New Orleans, LA
Compound Monocular Microscope
Edmund Culpeper
Circa 1730
This extraordinary early 18th-century microscope is a museum-worthy example of scientific innovation and craftsmanship made ...
Category
18th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$48,500
Large Antique Apothecary Weighing Scales, English, Countertop Balance, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a fine set of antique apothecary weighing scales. An English, brass, mahogany and walnut countertop balance for the tobacconist or chemist’s shop, dating to the early Victori...
Category
1850s British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1930s Educational Model Papier Maché and Plaster Decipting a Baby Borning
Located in Milan, IT
Educational model, papier maché and plaster, decipting a baby borning. 1930s-1940s, sold by the Hygiene Museum in Dresden. Very good condition. Measu...
Category
1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shells, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Antique 16th Century Islamic Safavid Al Jazari Combination Locking Brass Casket
Located in Portland, OR
A highly important engraved Islamic combination locking brass casket, based on a design by the 12th Century Arab inventor & artist Ismail Al Jazari. Circa...
Category
16th Century Iraqi Islamic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$24,500 Sale Price
30% Off
Brass compass with mother of pearl dial from WW1 period , English circa 1914
Located in Central England, GB
This superb example of an early 20th century heavy folding brass compass is of a design and type often issued to officers in the First World War.
This fine example is not marked for...
Category
Early 20th Century British Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique The Standard Computing Scale Co Dry Goods General Store Countertop Scale
By Standard Computing Scale Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique The Standard Computing Scale Co. Porcelain Enamel Dry Goods General Store Scale with Beveled Glass Mirrors. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 30" H x 18" W x 20" D.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
"Kodak Special Model A" Sealskin Folding Camera c.1915-1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
The body of the Kodak Special, Model A incorporates several unusual design features. The most immediately obvious of these is the Bakelite panel on either side of the lens a...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
1950s Dutch Industrial Scientific Convex Lens Brass Stand Cast Iron Tripod Base
Located in Haarlem, NL
Scientific school or laboratory convex shaped lens on a brass stand with cast iron tripod base.
The heavy convex glass lens is 7 1/2 cm (2.95") th...
Category
1950s Dutch Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Iron
$760 Sale Price
20% Off
Midcentury French Anatomical Medical Teaching Display, circa 1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
About
A midcentury French anatomical medical teaching device of the human body. The organs and muscles are numbered and the skull has Roman numerals. One glass eye. The piece has re...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic, Wood
$395 Sale Price
53% Off
Italian or German anatomical bust.
Located in Lugo, IT
Italian or German anatomical bust.
The profile photos are without organs.
The measurements refer to the wooden base.
The conditions are as per the phot...
Category
1890s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gesso, Wood
Antique "No. 3 Folding Pocket Kodak, Model AB" Camera c.1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
The Kodak No.3 Model AB is an early model. The body of camera is all leather with a leather handle and unique leather covered lens. it folds smoothly closed to 1.75 inches.
...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Rare Pierre Cardin Pop Art Futuristic Ambiance Phone
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Rare and highly collectable Pop Art futuristic Ambiance phone.
Category
1980s Taiwanese Futurist Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
$750 Sale Price
40% Off
Set of Four Petite Glass Chinese Medicine Bottles
Located in Chicago, IL
A set of four petite medicine vials of hand-blown glass from an early 20th-century Chinese apothecary, likely originally used to store liquid opium known as chandu.
Additional Dime...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Scientific Instruments
Materials
Blown Glass
Large Arts & Crafts Hand-Carved Nutwood Barometer with Thermometer, Early 1900s
Located in Lisse, NL
This rare and decorative early 20th-century Arts & Crafts wall barometer and thermometer is a striking testament to Dutch craftsmanship. Hand-carved from a single solid piece of rich...
Category
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Copper & brass fuel measures by Sutherland Astell
Located in London, GB
Two copper and brass metric "Checkpump" fuel measures by Sutherland Astell, circa 1950.
Made for the County Borough of Blackpool.
Marked: 10 and 20 litres, at 20°.
20L, Height: 23...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Copper
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 French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
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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Optician Sign
Stanley Tool
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Torricelli Barometer
Antique Butcher Hook
Antique Cast Iron Weighing Scales
Antique Medical Box
Antique Medical Devices
Antique Metal Wood Planes
Antique Syringes
Antique Wooden Grinder
Avery Scales
German Sundial