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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Period: Early 1900s
A wooden diptical sundial, England 1790.
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket sundial, made out of wood, with print paper element on both the internal sides and to the top. England end of XVIII cent.
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
1900s Decorative Wall Hanging „Multimeter“ Scientific Slide Rule Calculator
Located in Vienna, AT
A dekorative appr. 120-year-old, large, wall-mounted round „Multimeter“ analog slide rule calculator. Dated around 1900, made in Germany. It has a rotatable glass disc and offers multiple features like multiplication, division, interest-calculation and square root...
Category
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
An ivory diptical sundial, Italy XVII century.
Located in Milan, IT
An ivory portable diptych sundial. Italy circa 1600. (SHIP TO EU ONLY)
Category
Early 17th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ivory
Large 17th Century French Slate Octagonal Sundial
Located in Madrid, ES
A Large 17th century French Slate Octagonal Sundial
With wrought iron gnomon and profusely engraved with latin letters.Size:39x39 cm.With latter hanging ...
Category
Mid-17th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Slate
Italian 18th Century Butcher Hooks
Located in Atlanta, GA
Charming 18th century Butcher Hooks from the Piedmont region of Italy. Wonderfully crafted from hand forged iron. A perfect kitchen accessory or to s...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Italian 18th Century Butcher Hooks
Located in Atlanta, GA
Charming 18th century Butcher Hooks from the Piedmont region of Italy. Wonderfully crafted from hand forged iron. A perfect kitchen accessory or to...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
French XVIII TH box microscope for the privilege of the King
Located in Madrid, ES
French XVIII TH box microscope by Sibie a Marsella for the privilege of the King
The box microscope can be defined as a compound microscope where the optic system is
fixed by a pilar...
Category
1750s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
16th Century Cast Iron Mortar
Located in Brussels, Brussels
16th century cast iron mortar with two very beautiful handles
Beautiful original object with a great patina and in very good condition.
Category
16th Century French Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Iron Hourglass, Germany, Early 1700s.
Located in Milan, IT
The hourglass cage displays hexagonal bases. Six smooth iron columns complete the cage. Inside the glass bulbs joined in the center by a ring of fabric and rope. Germany, early 1700s.
Category
Early 18th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Set of 19th Century Dental Hygiene Tools
Located in London, GB
A set of 19th century dental hygiene tools.
A set of 19th century dental hygiene tools, encased in a faux leather red box with brass latch and lined with a worn green velour Material. Its original mirror is still in place with folding back velour cover.
Size of inches: H 0.75” x W 2.75” x D 2.5
Completely solid in structure and form, with natural wear and patination across all surfaces due to age. In overall presentable condition considering its age and years of use. The tools are worn on the edges, god knows how many mouths its been in.
The House of Antiques...
Category
Early 1900s British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Iron Hourglass, Germany Early 1700s
Located in Milan, IT
The hourglass cage displays octagonal bases, dressed in a red velvet cushion. Eight smooth iron columns complete the cage. Inside the glass bulbs joined in the center by a ring of fa...
Category
Early 18th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
18th Century French Louis XVI Period Gilded Barometer by Evangelista Torricelli
By Evangelista Torricelli
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, large antique French Louis XVI period barometer, signed by Torricelli in gilded wood and of oval shape with original scientific illustrations, in good condition. The detailed wall décor piece is consisting its original glass. Framed with gilt foliate trim and important pediment. Minor fading, due to age. Wear consistent with age and use, circa 1750, France.
The Italian scientist Evangelista Torricelli...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
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
Ebonized Fruitwood and Brass-Mounted Siphon Tube Barometer
Located in Folkestone, GB
A rare unsigned ebonised fruitwood and brass-mounted siphon tube barometer. The barrel-shaped cistern base has the brass adjustment knob in the base and a gilt-brass collet at the to...
Category
Early 18th Century European Queen Anne Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Lacquer
Antique Thermometer, Inlaid with Marquetry, Vienna Austria, 1907
Located in Vienna, AT
antique thermometer, inlaid with marquetry, Vienna Austria 1907, mahogany, good original condition
On the back is the composition of the material...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Fossilized Horse Leg. Equus Sp., Pleistocene, Florida, USA
Located in Madrid, ES
A fossilized horse leg. Equus sp., Pleistocene, Florida, USA
This set of fossil horse bones dates from an extinct equine. The inter-locking bones are eleg...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bone
Portable Cube Sundial David Beringer circa 1780–1821 Beringer Is Best Known
Located in Madrid, ES
Portable cube sundial David Beringer circa 1780–1821
Beringer is best known for portable wooden sundials with scales printed on paper glued to the wood. These included cube dials an...
Category
1770s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
18th Century Gold French Gilded Wood Barometer, Antique Parisian Thermometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A rare antique finely worked French barometer with lyre shaped crest thermometer above a large hexagonal framed barometer. The Parisian décor piece is m...
Category
Late 18th Century French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
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
18th Century Italian Bronze Pestle for a Mortar, 9 Inches Long
Located in Stamford, CT
If you've got the mortar, I have the pestle! There are so many mortars out there, and so few pestles. It's nice to have both. Here is your opportunity to marry this large scale pestl...
Category
18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
17th Century Norther European Wrought Iron Pestle, 8.5 Inches
Located in Stamford, CT
Unusual wrought iron pestle, most are bronze like most mortars. This one is at least 17th century, quite possibly dating to the Gothic period. I have owned two iron mortars in my ti...
Category
Early 17th Century German Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wrought Iron
Antique Edwardian Quality Carved Oak Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Edwardian quality carved oak banjo barometer having a quality carved oak shaped banjo barometer with a circular porcelain dial with original hands, brass bezel and a thermome...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Ant. Victorian Carved Oak Aneroid Barometer, Scotland 1900, H764
Located in Vancouver, BC
Ant. Victorian carved oak Aneroid Barometer, "Admiral Fitzrays Indicators", Scotland 1900, H764
Scotland 1900
Solid Oak
Original Finish
Barometer has a thermometer which is held in an oak glass fronted case...
Category
Early 1900s Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
16th century Spanish Bronze Mortar with Letters M on the Sides
Located in Marbella, ES
16th century Spanish Bronze Mortar with Letters M on the Sides
Category
16th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
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
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
Antique Engraving of Constructing Sun Dials, 1769
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print of Ferguson's method of constructing sun dials. This print originates from 'The Gentleman's Magazine'.
Artists and Engravers: The Gentleman'...
Category
18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
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
Louis XIV marble herbalist, France 17th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare Marble herbalist to hold salt, moon and stars carved on the wavy front. The lid is lead, with the image of the sun and lions. Louis XIV period, France 1600.
Category
Early 17th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Pewter
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
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
Antique Print of Two Balances for Weighing Fire and Air, c.1780
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Balance for weighing air - Balance for weighing fire'. Copper engraving of two balances. Source unknown, to be determined.
Artists and Engravers: Anonymous
...
Category
18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
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
18th Century Indigo Blue Glazed Ceramic Jar
Located in Marbella, ES
18th century Indigo blue glazed ceramic jar.
Category
18th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Print of a Scientific Instrument, 1769
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'A curious Instrument which shews the Hour of the Day (..)'. Print of a scientific instrument. This print originates from 'The Gentleman's Magazine'.
Artists a...
Category
18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Bronze Pharmacy Mortar Italy-17° Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant bronze mortar from the 17 century from Italy dated 1630.
Really rare mortar due to his big size.
In very good condition and beautiful patina.
Category
17th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Louis XVI Period Signed Carcano Wall Barometer
By Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent nearly 250 year old Louis XVI period (1774–1793) hand carved and painted parcel gilt French wall thermometer and barometer signed Carcano.
Exquisitely hand-crafted in Paris, France in the second half of the 18th century, exceptionally executed in Neoclassical inspired opulent period King Louis 16th taste. Impressive large size and fine quality craftsmanship, richly detailed, sculpted, polychrome decorated wooden case, surmounted by an ornate carved pineapple topped urn finial, garnished with a single garland swag, over a contoured and rounded solid wood frame creating a most elegant elongated banjo cartel clock silhouette, adorned with brilliant water gilded running ornamentation, outlining the beautifully aged light and airy muted pale green paint finish.
Featuring the original hand decorated enamel dial signed Antonio Carcano (1755-1820) a distinguished scientific instrument inventor.
The dial is signed:
"Jofeph"
"Carcano"
"Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis"
"Fripiere au phenix"
Having a hand-blown glass thermometer retaining remnants of the hand-painted paper label inscribed with atmospheric condition details, over an early barometer with hand painted dial and metal hands, protected behind convex glazed glass face.
Mechanical:
The wooden planked verso is fitted with an open channel that retains the original mechanical components, including a pair of liquid metal mercury filled glass tubes, vacuum mechanism, long column blown glass tube, stringing, and more. It does not appear to be working / operational, the string/rope deteriorating with age, etc.. but having the original parts is an exceptionally rare occurrence and highly unusual, as workings were commonly damaged and lost centuries ago.
Dimensions (approx):
43" High, 12" Wide, 2.5" Deep
History:
Antoine Carcano (c. 1755-1820)
An early maker of barometers, thermometers, and an inventor of various scientific instruments. Of Italian descent, he became famous in Paris, first at 37 rue de la Roquette and then at Place Dauphine. He supplied barometers and other scientific instruments to the Ecole Militaire in 1786; the following year he supplied a tube barometer to British optical instruments manufacturer Peter Dollond (1731-1821). During the Empire his clientele included Sir Benjamin Thompson...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Blown Glass, Giltwood, Paint, Wood
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
Very Rare Wind Vane Dial in the Manner of Whitehurst
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A George III period carved mahogany wind vane dial. The silvered engraved dial with all the points of a compass housed in the finely carved mahogany frame, ...
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
18th Century Silver Pocket Compass by J&W Watkins
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
An 18th century silver pocket compass signed by Watkins Charing cross, London
The enamel compass rose finely segmented
Marked TH and dated 1787.
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Silver
Ant. Victorian Carved Oak Aneroid Barometer, Scotland 1900, H854
Located in Vancouver, BC
Ant. Victorian carved oak aneroid barometer, Scotland 1900, H854
Scotland 1900
Solid oak
Original finish
Oak carved floral carving on top and bottom
Barometer has a thermometer which is held in an oak glass fronted case...
Category
Early 1900s Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Tripod Apothecary Skillet Late 17th-Early 18th Century, England
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Apothecary tripod skillet from the end of the 17th century beginning of the 18th century From England.
The skillet is in superb condition and has not undergone any restorations.
Br...
Category
Early 18th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
18th Century Stick Barometer by Nairne London
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
An elegant 18th century satinwood and ebony stick barometer by Edward Nairne, London.
Nairne was a famous 18th century scientific instrument and barometer...
Category
18th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ebony, Satinwood
Tripod Apothecary Skillet from the 18th Century England
Located in Brussels, Brussels
18th Century tripod Apothecary skillet From England.
The skillet is in superb condition and has not undergone any restorations.
Bronze with a very beautiful patina.
Category
Early 18th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
17th Century Tripod Apothecary Skillet Dated 1698 from The Ward Rvmens Family
Located in Brussels, Brussels
17th century tripod apothecary skillet dated 1698 by Ward Rymens.
The skillet is in superb condition and has had a restoration on one of the feet.
bronze with a very beautiful patina.
Category
17th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
18th Century Diptych Portable Sundial And Compass by German Beringer
Located in Milan, IT
Antique 18th Century Diptych Sundial and Compass a portable wooden boxwood sundial with compass, of German origin, by David Beringer, Nuremberg, dating back to the 1790 circa, in good age related condition, with signs of wear consistent with age and use.
David Beringer (1756 – 1821) was a German scientific instrument maker and craftsman active in Nuremberg and famous for his cubic wooden sundials visible in Metropolitan Museum of Art di New York.
A portable sundial...
Category
Late 18th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century French Carved Black Forest Hunting Barometer and Thermometer
Located in Birmingham, AL
A stunning early 20th century French black forest barometer with thermometer, circa 1900. Found in a hunting lodge in Lyon, this antique weather station...
Category
Early 1900s French Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
1900s French Wooden Black Board
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden black board from France, produced circa 1900. Stretching four feet wide and standing nearly as tall, this scholastic rectangle will stir memories ...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Bronze Mortar with Pestle, Spain, 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Mortar with hand. Bronze. XVII century.
Mortar with a circular base, cylindrical body and slightly outwardly flared mouth, decorated with a series of smooth horizontal moldings arranged both in the lower and upper areas and with simple vertical elements (which still maintain slight balustraded shapes) derived from of the ribs that these specimens used to have in the medieval Spanish...
Category
17th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Other
18th Century Ring Dial by Gilbert, London
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A good example of a 18th century brass ring dial by John Gilbert, London.
The well engraved 6" dial is complete with sliding suspension ring and peep hole sight moving over calendar and zodiac signs.
John Gilbert was a mathematical instrument maker at Tower Hill...
Category
18th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 18th Century Italian Large Weight Scale 1715
Located in Milan, IT
Standing at nearly 51 inches in height, this large Italian scale from the 18th century features its original copper pans and crosspiece stamped by the I...
Category
Early 18th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper, Iron
Apothecary Traveling Set, England 1790
Located in Milan, IT
Mahogany and brass box, with a drawer in the front. The upper part opens and inside a group of glass bottles ( some with labels), placed in comp...
Category
Late 18th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Ventilatore Marelli, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
L'azienda nasce nel 1891 a Milano come ditta individuale per iniziativa di Ercole Marelli, operaio in gioventù alla Tecnomasio Italiana di Milano. Inizialmente l'azienda produceva di...
Category
1650s Italian Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Sundial with Compass and Case, Bronze, Bion, Nicholas, Paris, 18th Century
By Nicholas Bion
Located in Madrid, ES
Sundial with compass and case. Bronze. BION, Nicholas. Paris, 18th century.
Polygonal sundial with a bird-shaped gnomon and engraved triangular piece, which presents, on one side, ...
Category
18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Other
18th Century English Mahogany Cased Stick Barometer by Dolland of London
By Dolland
Located in Dublin, IE
An exceptional late 18th century mahogany cased stick barometer by Dolland of London, The mahogany case of a very solid construction and with a superbly made turned mahogany cistern ...
Category
1790s English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Wax Anatomic Model Depicting an Human Organ Thyroid, Germany 1780
Located in Milan, IT
Colored wax anatomic model depicting a human organ: Thyroid mounted on black painted wooden base. Germany end of XVIII sec.
Category
Late 18th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Original Engraving of Seasons by Le Bas, C.1780
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique astronomy print titled 'L'inégalité des Saisons et des Jours'. Interesting print explaining why there is an inequality in the length of days and seasons. Source unknown, to b...
Category
18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
George III Pocket Globe After Herman Moll
By Herman Moll
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A 3 inch George III pocket globe after Herman Moll, the terrestrial globe inscribed in a cartouche ‘A correct globe with the new discoveries’ and fitted within a hinged black shagreen case, the concave interior of the case applied with the engraved celestial charts...
Category
1770s English George III 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.
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French Mercury Barometer
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