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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: Early 20th Century
Fine Pair French Abalone & Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses
Located in Bath, GB
A stunning pair of French Opera glasses made from gilded brass, all intact and original. The glasses are clad in alternating Mother of Pearl or Nacre shell and Abalone shell, creati...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French 19th Century Freestanding Brass Tea Scale Mounted on Wooden Base
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French brass freestanding tea scale from the 19th century mounted on a wooden base. Born in France during the politically dynamic 19th century, this tea scale features a central sh...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Cut Tobacco Enterprise MFC Co. Philadelphia, USA
Located in Roma, IT
Size Tobacco Enterprise MFC Co. Philadelphia, USA in good condition mounted on a solid chestnut wood board
Category
1880s American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Rare 1800s Andrews’ Lunar Tellurian
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a rare Weber Costello Scientific Globe Tellurian that dates to around 1880. This is a handsome globe made by, "Weber Costello Co. Chicago Heights, Illinois." The globe sits o...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
A scale weighs travel letters, France 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
A scale weighs travel letters of gilt brass, S-shaped round plate of gilt brass. Ring to hold it between the fingers of one hand and pliers to insert the travel letters to be weighed...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Aluminum Teaching Dental Phantom Head Skull on Stand Gold Tooth 1920's
Located in Portland, OR
Antique aluminum dental phantom teaching head model with a gold tooth, 1920's.
A wonderful fun sculptural dental phantom, the aluminum head with lower...
Category
1920s German Brutalist Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Gold, Steel
Antique Weber Costello 12 Inch Globe - Rare Tall Base
Located in Peekskill, NY
I checked the globe and its signed Weber London but could not find a date of printing. This is an 12 inch desk globe is a bit different because of the extra tall decorative stand. I ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Antique 19th Century Scottish Mahogany with Satinwood Inlay Barometer.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique 19th Century Scottish Mahogany with Satinwood Inlay Barometer.
Category
19th Century Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
Monumental Gilded Iron and Brass Italian Apothecary Scale on Marble Base
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent 19th-century Italian apothecary scale, with dimensions of 27" x 43" x 44", is a testament to the era's exceptional craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities. Crafted...
Category
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Iron
Wall-Mounted Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Oak 1910s
Located in Verviers, BE
Wall-Mounted Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Oak 1910s Belgium
High quality mechanism with jeweled movement barometer and thermometer (in centigrade)
Unusual design wit...
Category
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
U.S. Army officer's pocket compass during WW1 signed WITTNAUER
Located in Milan, IT
U.S. Army officer's pocket compass during World War I made of chrome-plated brass in the shape of an onion clock, signed WITTNAUER.
The compass is equipped with a snap-lock cover wi...
Category
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Medical Science Surgical Specimen
Located in London, GB
Early 19th Century Medical Science Surgical Human Skull Specimen
An example of a 19th Century medical science surgical human skull specimen. This specimen is of the top section onl...
Category
1850s Unknown Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Natural Fiber
Wall-Mounted Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Oak By Grand Bazar
Located in Verviers, BE
Wall-Mounted Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Oak By Grand Bazar 1910s Liege Belgium
High quality mechanism with jeweled movement barometer and thermometer (in centigrade...
Category
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
19th Century French Iron Balance - Antique Brass Scale
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique French intricate brass balance with different weights in solid brass, in good condition. The iron scale is topped with the original polished brass plates. The scale reads ...
Category
19th Century French Mid-Century Modern Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Iron
Large 1920's Globe on Wood Base
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Vintage Globe on Wood Base, circa 1920's
Decorate an office or a desk with this beautifully preserved antique globe. Crafted in Europe, circa 1920's this piece is mounted on a...
Category
1920s European Biedermeier Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Laboratory Trebuchet Balance By Maison Mabille In Paris.
Located in BARSAC, FR
Pharmacy/laboratory trebuchet scale in its all-sided glass case, a vertical sliding door on the front, a storage drawer at the bottom.
Complete with its original accessories, functi...
Category
Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
Terrestrial globe published by Ernst Schotte & co, Germany 1890.
Located in Milan, IT
Terrestrial globe in watercolored paper, fixed with an inclined axis through a small brass arm, mounted on a black turned fruit wood base. Published by Ernst Schotte & Co. Berlin, Ge...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Chrome-plated brass and leather telescope signed W. OTTWAY from the first war 1915
Located in Milan, IT
Chrome-plated brass and leather telescope signed W. OTTWAY & Co Ltd Ealing London A49 in use by British Army officers during World War I.
Single-length focus, focal diameter cm 3...
Category
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French Restauration Period Cast Brass Double Scale & Weights, ca. 1825
Located in Atlanta, GA
In complete and original condition and retaining bright patina this set of scales has a main scale and a smaller upper scale, both supported by dolphin forms hanging on a reeded stan...
Category
1820s French Restauration Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
English Pathologist Box Made of Mahogany with Brass, Including Instruments
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Curious antique English box made of mahogany with brass details, inside which are the working instruments of a pathologist. The division of the interior of the box is covered in red ...
Category
19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Vintage Specimen Collector's Chest of Drawers, French, Walnut Desk Box, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage specimen collector's chest of drawers. A French, solid walnut four drawer executive desk box, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930.
Exceptional figuring and f...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Brass Framed Monumental Sized Magnifying Glass with Natural Horn Handle
Located in Savannah, GA
This monumental sized horn handled magnifying glass with brass framework and stem, is of heavy weight and fine quality. The horn is quite substantial and supports this very large gla...
Category
Early 1900s German Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Mahogany Cased Barograph
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany cased barograph, having five glazed removable lid, and a drawer below to house the charts. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum, fitted with a seven-day c...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Solid Brass Ships Telephone On Pedesta
Located in Norwell, MA
Highly polished brass ships telephone on pedestal. Meticulously polished andl lacquered head by Hose-McCann Telephone Co, Inc., Brooklyn New York. Type A, model WTP, with phone insid...
Category
1920s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Sailing ship's pulley fiddle block
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century Naval oak fiddle pulley block, with two wood sheaves.
Marked with Roman Numerals: XXVIIII
In sailing, a block is a single or multiple pulley. One or a number ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Italian Artist's Mannequin from the 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
This elegant Italian artist's mannequin from approximately 1900 is a beautiful representation of craftsmanship from the 19th century. Crafted from solid fruitwood, it stands as a tes...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
Early 19th Century Negretti and Zambra Bakelite Weather Forecaster
Located in Norwich, GB
19th century Negretti and Zambra Bakelite Weather Forecaster.
Housed in a black metal case with a cream coloured bakelite front plate.
The dial with barometer scale, hand turned ind...
Category
1910s English Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
Italian Artist's Mannequin from the 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
This elegant Italian artist's mannequin from approximately 1900 is a beautiful representation of craftsmanship from the 19th century. Crafted from solid fruitwood, it stands as a tes...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
Anatomical Model an External and Inner Ear, France 1890
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for class, depicting an external and inner ear, made out of painted papier mache’ mounted on black painted wood. France circa 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Fruitwood
Italian Artist's Mannequin from the 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
This elegant Italian artist's mannequin from approximately 1900 is a beautiful representation of craftsmanship from the 19th century. Crafted from solid fruitwood, it stands as a tes...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
Late 19th C Gemstone Mineral & Semi Precious Stone Specimens Display Case Curio
Located in Lowestoft, GB
Just the most wonderful collection of mineral specimens, housed in there original birds eye maple case.
Each specimen is encased in a hand blown glass convex vial, along with a corr...
Category
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Natural Fiber, Birdseye Maple, Pine
1920's Gladstone Bag
Located in Eindhoven, NL
1920's Gladstone Bag in perfect condition. The bag closings are in perfect shape and condition and everything works perfectly. The bag has some minor spots but for the age of the bag...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather
Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Walnut C. Engel & Cie Verviers
Located in Verviers, BE
Wall-mounted weather station in carved walnut made in Verviers Belgium by C. Engel & Cie Opticiens Verviers
High quality mechanism with jeweled movement barometer and thermometer (in...
Category
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
c.1800 Portable English Orrery by W. Robinson
Located in Greenlawn, NY
c.1800 Portable English Orrery by W. Robinson
The circular base is covered with a brightly decorated polychrome paper that shows the astrological houses, the months, visual displays...
Category
Early 1800s English Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Medical Specimen
Located in London, GB
A 19th Century medical specimen, with articulated jaw and removable mandible and cranium cap. This example is of an old, aged female specimen as witho...
Category
1860s Unknown Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Natural Fiber
Antique Emergency Survival Multi Tool Axe Hammer Hatchet
By Stanley
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Swordfish emergency survival tool
Tomahawk Crate Hammer Hatchet Axe
Use as Pry Bar Nail Puller Multi-function implement
13.25 h x 4.75 w x 1....
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Large Estate Solid Iron Mortar And Pestle, Circa 1930's-1940's.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Large Estate Solid Iron Mortar And Pestle, Circa 1930's-1940's. Very heavy and substantial piece.
Mortar
H = 10.25 inches
Dia = 6.5 inches
Pestle
H = 10.25 inches
Dia = 2 inches
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Brass and Bakelite telescopic acoustic cornet England early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Telescopic acoustic cornet made of brass and Bakelite , English manufacture of the early 1900s.
The principle of its operation is based on the reflection of sound on the inner walls,...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large Antique Double Barel Victorian Brass Tripod Telescope London 1915
Located in Sofia, BG
20th Century large antique double barel Victorian brass telescope raised on a foldable wooden tripod made in London in 1915.
Very good original condition.
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 19th c.Medical Teaching Device- Shadowboxed Wax Fetus Models c.1800-1850
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Two early 19th century British wax models of a fetuses with attached placenta. Used as a medical teaching device. Numbered and attached to a velvet background. In a sealed woo...
Category
Early 19th Century Mid-Century Modern Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Velvet
Antique Victorian Art Nouveau Cast Brass Wall Hanging Alcohol Thermometer 8.5"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 19th century Victorian brass wall hanging thermometer. Simple art nouveau styling with scallops and flowers. Indicates temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 degrees C...
Category
Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Small brass compass supplied to the US army during ww2
Located in Milan, IT
Small brass travel compass, issued to the U.S. Army during World War I, shaped like an onion pocket watch, an instrument consisting of a magnetized needle free to rotate in a horizon...
Category
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Field Artillery Theodolite by Srb & Stys of Prague, 1930s
Located in Doylestown, PA
Field artillery theodolite by Srb & Stys of Prague, signed, 1930s.
Spectacular precision optical instrument of bronze, brass and steel utilized by the Czech military for artillery s...
Category
Early 20th Century Czech Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Steel
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 ful...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
19th Century Brass and Wooden Jewelry Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Loyally underhand for quickly weighing out gemstones and precious medals, this trustworthy sidekick was once the prized tool for the detailed work of the jeweler. Made in France in t...
Category
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Monumental Floor Standing Brass Butcher Scale
Located in Cheshire, GB
A large set of floor standing brass balance scales and graduated weights with bullhead terminal above the circular column, to the platform base with fourteen graduated compartments f...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Oak barometer
Located in Cheshire, GB
Carved oak barometer, the shaped carved oak frame with rectangular thermometer above the silvered dial inscribed J. Durkin, Middlesbrough, encased in copper frame.
Dimensions
Height ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Small Antique Pharmacist's Measuring Cup, English, Glass, Apothecary, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a small antique pharmacist's measuring cup. An English, glass and leather apothecary measure, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 190...
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Oversize steelbridge scale for butcher's use, Kingdom of Sardinia 1800.
Located in Milan, IT
Figurative brass Butcher’s weighbridge. Weighs up to 44 pounds. Complete of main “ Romano” principal weight and additionals “Romanos” for detailed weight. Pedimont and Sardinia King...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Grande Bilancia Italiana in Ferro su Capitello Scolpito 1800 a Due Piatti
Located in Milan, IT
Alta quasi 51 inches, questa grande bilancia italiana del XIX secolo è realizzata con un capitello corinzio intagliato a motivi folgiati, scolpito con foglie di acanto e laccato, u...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron, Metal
19th Century Carpenters Pine Tool Chest and Tools The chest is in pine
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th Century Carpenters Pine Tool Chest and Tools
The chest is in pine with metal banding, it is set on wheels and has layers of trays
We have left the contents of the chest with i...
Category
Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Pine
A pair of celestial and terrestrial globes, E.Pini, Gussoni & Dotti, Italy 1892.
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of Italian globes. On an ebonized wooden base, worked on the lathe, with a circular foot and perfect patina, are placed: a celestial globe of 9,2 inches, compiled by the enginee...
Category
1890s Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Charles X Eglomise Barometer
Located in Charlottesville, VA
This is a pretty French barometer with pretty decoration. Made in the Late 19th Century.
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A rare celestial globe edited by J. Wyld, Charing Cross East London 1860.
Located in Milan, IT
Celestial globe over a wheel turned wooden base, with round foot, moved profile and tall leg, with a perfect patina, is placed this celestial globe, edited by J. Wyld, Charing Cross ...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
Transparent blown glass laboratory retort from the early 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Transparent blown glass laboratory retort from the early 19th century, used for distillation, has a spherical body and long neck in the center.
Very Good Condition. Measures length ...
Category
1820s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Chromed Brass, Terrestrial, Astro, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 2 draw telescope. An English, chromed brass terrestrial or astronomical refractor, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky. Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass 'Captain's Stand' for display.
Of generous proportion when fully drawn, and neatly stowed in its own case
Displaying a desirable aged patina, some light marks commensurate with use
Leather covered primary barrel tanned in dark green with some light colour wear
Polished draw tubes show bright silvered tones, lightly marked from gentle use
Presenting a clear optical performance, with a 34mm (1.25") primary objective lens
Lift-off dust cap to the objective, the flared eye cup...
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Leather, Terrestrial, Astro, Great War
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3-draw telescope. An English, brass terrestrial spotter's refractor in leather case, dating to the Great War period, circa 1915.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky
An attractive telescope with quality leather protective case
Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order
Rich tan coloured leather dresses the primary barrel and sun shade
Of 3 draw type, opening with a reassured action to each tube
Clear, bright objective lens with a diameter of 48mm (2")
Quality, matching leather dust cup present for the objective and eyepiece
The eyepiece finished with concentric ring turning
Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass Captains Stand...
Category
Early 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern 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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