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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 1950s
Antique 14K Gold Victorian Vintage Spectacles Lorgnette Eyeglasses with Handle
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Gorgeous Victorian old fashioned antique lorgnette with a refined design on the handle. The lens glass is in excellent shape and is framed by decorat...
Category
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold
American Mahogany and Leather Dental Arm Chair, Circa 1840
Located in Charleston, 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
English Brass Telescope on Tripod Stand signed Dollond, London Circa 1890
Located in Charleston, 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
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
London Mid-19th Century Vanity Kit Set Sterling Silver
Located in Brescia, IT
Not easy to find this original box, with this kit set composed of 8 pieces for nail manicure. A piece to collect or to add in a wunderkammer.
In sterling silver, all marked.
With ce...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Crystal, Sterling Silver
$353 Sale Price / set
25% Off
Automa Tedesco Gabbia Con Uccello Cantante e Animato 1920s Karl Griesbaum
Located in Milano, MI
Automa Animato Tedesco Gabbia Con Uccellino del 1920 circa costituito da una gabbia rotonda in ottone dorato con al suo interno un uccello animato canterino su di un trespolo con un ...
Category
Early 19th Century German Art Deco Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Wrap Reel Machine, English, Factory, Cotton, John Nesbitt, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique rotary wrap reel machine. An English, brass and cast iron factory cotton skein winder by John Nesbitt of Manchester, dating to the late...
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Antique Victorian Quality Carved Oak Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Victorian quality carved oak banjo barometer having a quality carved oak shaped case with a brass bezel, porcelain dial with original hands and a thermometer
An attractive ...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
A Large 19th Century Brass Library Telescope Marked A. Bardou, Paris
By A. Bardou
Located in San Francisco, CA
A large and impressive 19th century French brass library telescope marked A. Bardou, Paris.
(Denis Albert Bardou; 1841 - 1893)
The telescope mounted on a brass and cast iron tripod ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
French Victorian Brass Opera Glasses
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian mother of pearl and brass opera glasses with handle
Category
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
19th Century Andrew J. Lloyd Boston Brass Telescope on Wooden Tripod with Case
Located in Milford, NH
A fine antique brass telescope, stamped Andrew J. Lloyd Company, a Boston, MA retailer active 1850-1875. Brass tubes and fittings, includes the original collapsible wooden tripod sta...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1800s Veterinarians Horse Gag and Cutaway Skull
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is an early medical school demonstration model. The horse skull on its own very interesting. It shows a professionally done cutaway of the skull showing the teeth below the gum ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bone
Unusual Mesmerizing Hand Built Hypnotic Wheel, by Melvin Powers, 1951
By Marilyn Powers
Located in Buffalo, NY
Melvin Powers is considered the king of hypnosis in this country. His first self published book entitled hypnotism revealed is still in print and first published in 1949, He self pub...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
French Opera Glasses
Located in Tampa, FL
A refined and elegant pair of late 19th century French opera glasses, crafted by the esteemed maker Lefils Paris. Exquisitely detailed in bronze doré and inlaid with glowing mother o...
Category
1880s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
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 Kent's Knife Cleaning, Polishing & Sharpening Wheel with Original Labels
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique Victorian knife cleaning and sharpening machine was made by Kent's of London England in circa 1880 in the period Victorian style. The machine is composed of two sharpening stones...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stone, Metal
19th Century Plaster Phrenology Bust by Vago of London, 1869
By Vago
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A tactile plaster cast phrenology head, primitively produced yet highly decorative and a obvious rare survivor. A inscribed label of the maker Vago alo...
Category
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Paper
Antique American "Bausch & Lomb" Compound Monocular Microscope, Circa 1890-1910.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique American "Bausch & Lomb" Microscope in Compound Monocular Design, Circa 1890-1910.
Rochester, NY
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century thermometer in original case
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century thermometer in original case circa 1890.
Fine quality thermometer which measures between -45 degrees centigrade and +50. In fully working condition, complete in its ori...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Paper
Early 19th Century French Barometer
Located in Charlottesville, VA
This elegant 19th-century French barometer is a beautifully crafted antique weather instrument housed in an octagonal giltwood frame. The a...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood, Paint
Galvanometer Antique Measuring Instrument Used for Telegraph Cables 1850 circa
Located in Milan, IT
Vertical mirror galvanometer made in 1850 circa, oak and glass, three adjustable screws at the base. Tool constituted by a magnet bar movable inside a coil and connected to a needle. In the absence of current the needle is positioned vertically while when the coil is crossed by the current it creates a magnetic field that moves the needle. This type of galvanometer was used for measurement of insulation of telegraph cables...
Category
1850s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Round-section brass telescope with mahogany-lined handle 1850
Located in Milan, IT
Round-section brass telescope with mahogany-lined handle, four-extension focus. English manufacture from the mid-19th century. Good condition signs of wear and tear, fully functional...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A poket sextant signed Stanley, London 1890.
Located in Milan, IT
A travel nautical instrument, sextant, to determine the ship’s position. The cover became the base of it. Signed Stanley, London, England circa 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
French Neo-Classical Style Louis XVI Style Carved Giltwood Barometer Wall Decor
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is amazing! It is a 19th century French Louis XVI style carved giltwood barometer. The crest appears to be a carved armillary of some sort with cascading laurel leaves and branc...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
19th Century Indian Brass Qibla Compass
Located in Stamford, CT
19th Century Indian etched brass Qibla compass.
The compass with brass needle and glass cover, the reverse engraved with tables.
4.2 inches high 2.3 wide
A qibla (qiblah) compa...
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Rare 12 inches terrestrial globe signed Cary, London United Kingdom 1800.
Located in Milan, IT
Large 12" terrestrial globe made by the famous Cary brothers, made with a wooden frame, refined plaster polished to perfection, and colored paper gores. The globe is supported by a f...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Late 19th century Wooden and Brass Polarimeter Antique Physic Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Wooden and brass polarimeter with cast iron tripod base from the late 1800s. It is an instrument used to determine the concentration of sucrose and glucose in raw materials and sugar...
Category
1890s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Leitz Brass Compound Microscope
By E. Leitz
Located in New Orleans, LA
Brass Compound Microscope in Case
Ernst Leitz
Dated 1897
This rare late 19th-century compound microscope was crafted by the renowned optical firm Ernst Leitz GmbH of Wetzlar, German...
Category
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Optical Glass, Wood
French Antique Petite Draw Telescope in Brass and Wood
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An antique French single draw telescope. Petite in size, its main barrel is covered with wonderful dark, veneer fruit wood, while the fixings and...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Quality Antique Victorian Brass Scales
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality antique Victorian brass scales having a quality set of brass scales with 2 circular brass pans standing on a brass tripod base
Quaint examples in...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
English Mahogany 19th Century Stick Barometer by Tarone
Located in Vero Beach, FL
English Mahogany 19th Century Stick Barometer by Tarone
Classic traditional English mahogany stick Barometer. Excellent and original feat...
Category
19th Century English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Silver
French 19th Century Gilt & Painted Barometer
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A gorgeous French 19th century painted and gold gilt barometer with thermometer. The elegantly carved giltwood surrounding the French gray-painted case is in a rococo and laurel leaf...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Gold
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 Bayliss & Co 19th Century English Brass Apothecary Counter Scale Balance
Located in Dayton, OH
An antique 4 lb mercantile balance by Bayliss & Co of Birmingham, England. Features a twisted iron stand and brass balance with tray and scoop. Makers mark engraved along top arm.
Category
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
$640 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Antique English "Bartlett & Son, " Goose Neck Merchant's Scale, Circa 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Large Antique English goose neck merchant's scale signed "Bartlett & Sons" of Bristol, England, circa 1880.
Heavy Brass Commodity Scale with Weights Included
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A paradoxical orrery that demonstrates the earth-moon system. Italy circa 1860.
Located in Milan, IT
A paradoxical orrery that demonstrates the earth-moon system and its movement. The base of the planetarium is made of fruit wood, circular in shape with three bell-shaped wood feet. ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Wooden Barometer Signed Burlinson Ripon Antique Instrument Weather
Located in Milan, IT
Wooden barometer signed Burlinson Ripon made in the mid 19th century. Silver-plated brass dial engraved with weather indications and the name of the m...
Category
1850s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Set of Late 19th Century Double Faced French Bronze and Iron Butcher's Scales
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This set of late nineteenth century French iron and bronze butcher's scales is double faced and features the coat of arms of the city of Paris flanked by the messenger god Mercury an...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Iron
Antique French Ormolu Barometer
Located in Sandwich, MA
Wonderful antique French mercury barometer. Louis XVI ormolu style with elaborate cast bronze leaves and polychrome paint. Features a large squirrel tail thermometer and decorative s...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Hand Carved Coquille Nut Egg Box 19th Century Flea Trap Pomander Needle Case
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful hand carved coquille nut egg box. Beautiful carving, great patina, unscrews at center to open.
The original use was a flea trap, things were d...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Carl Zeiss Stand IV Brass Continental Microscope W/ Case and Slides, circa 1891
By Carl Zeiss
Located in Norwalk, CT
This incredible microscope dates from the late 19th century, during which Carl Zeiss and Edward Abbe were the foremost innovators of revolutionary microscope lens technology. It is a...
Category
1890s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Antique English Georg III Mahogany Barometer
Located in VALENZA, IT
A fine quality example of a mercury wheel barometer. A mahogany case. A wider and deeper case with an opening door for the long scale thermometer with silvered dial.
A silvered engraved dial signed 'J.B.Sala, Holborn'. Circa 1820.
The banjo barometer is also known as the wheel barometer. It was invented by Robert Hooke...
Category
1810s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
$1,687 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Old Study Camera in Oak Wood with Height Adjustable and Brake
Located in Miami, FL
Amazing late 19th century French oak camera from Spain.
Made in oak and gold metal and in its color.
Beautiful piece of decoration.
Measures: Adjustable height 55.11in-66.92in.
Category
Late 19th Century Spanish Art Deco Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime, Day or Night, Richardson, Regency
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large antique 2-draw telescope. An English, terrestrial or maritime ‘Day or Night’ instrument by Richardson of London, dating to the Regency period, circa 1820.
Perfect fo...
Category
1820s British Regency Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Set of French Apothecary Pasteur Water Filters in Cream Glaze, 19th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
This set of antique ceramic water filters was crafted in Provence, France, circa 1870. Originally designed as promotional display pieces for a French pharmacy, each vessel advertises...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Large School Teaching Display Anthill of the Red Wood Ant
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large School Teaching Display Anthill of the Red Wood Ant
A vintage school teaching glass display of the anthill of the red wood ant. It shows the hill and inhabitants thereof, the ...
Category
1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
Antique Terrestrial Telescope, English, Single Draw Refractor, NSL, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique terrestrial telescope. An English, single drawer refractor with National Service League mark, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880.
Perfect for bird watch...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Induction Coil or Sled Antique Scientific Instrument by Du Bois Reymond 1870
Located in Milan, IT
Induction coil by Du Bois Reymond, also known as Sled of the Du Bois Reymond system designed around 1870 during electrophysiology studies by Emil Du Boi...
Category
1870s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Italian Height Measuring Apparatus
Located in Round Top, TX
An intriguing 19th century Italian apparatus for measuring one's height in centimeters. Soundly constructed from cast iron with a bronze measure to one side. A whimsical accent perfe...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Iron
Large 19th Century English Brass Scale with Weights and Bull Finial
Located in Atlanta, GA
This monumental 19th-century English brass scale presents a rare double-tiered configuration, combining technical function with sculptural elegance. Standing at 48 inches tall, the s...
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century Silver Wine Hydrometer in Original Turned Wood Case
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Antique cased silver hydrometer, likely English and dating to the early 19th century. This finely crafted instrument was designed to determine the density of liquids with precision, ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Biedermeier Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Silver
Early 19th century brass surveyor's level with compass
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century brass surveyor's level with telescope, compass and spirit level.
With original brass mounted pine case.
Telescope length: 18 1/4 inches. - 46.5 cm.
Fitting for tripod mount, now re-mounted on a modern brass plate for desk top display.
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$1,191 Sale Price
20% Off
Set of Late 19th Century Double Faced French Bronze and Iron Butcher's Scales
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This set of late nineteenth century French iron and bronze butcher's scales is double faced and features the coat of arms of the city of Paris flanked by the messenger god Mercury an...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Iron
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
A land surveying square, France 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
Octagonal brass land surveying square. Each side has a slot, which allows to aim the distance and evaluate 90 and 45 degrees when measuring the field. ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique German Ulmia Carpenter's Toothing Wood Plane
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique wooden carpentry toothing plane used to make trim and moldings. Lignm Vitae wood on the bottom. Original labels. Shown with life size hand mold for scale.
CREATO...
Category
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
French Louis XVI Style Gilded and Painted Wood Directoire Wall Barometer
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century French Louis XVI style gilt and painted wood barometer. While not in working order, barometer has that wonderful old 'chippy' peeling patina. The carved wood frame and g...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
English Victorian Blue & Brass Telescope
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian brass and blue telescope on adjustable mahogany tripod base.
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Pair of 19th Century Brass Scales
Located in Suffolk, GB
Pair of antique brass scales standing on a mahogany base. A brass centre column having a shaped arm to the left holding a removable brass bowl. Th...
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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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Library Telescope
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Opera Glasses Mother Of Pearl
Optician Sign
Stanley Tool
Surveyors Level
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