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Scientific Instruments

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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Style: Victorian
Style: Rococo
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 The antique apothecary scale...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Decorative Antique Victorian 1890 James Beall Morrison Treadle Dentist Drill
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Victorian, circa 1890 James Beall Morrison Treadle Dentist drill Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international. Dental treadle drill, English manufacture, 1890-1940 The foot pedal is pushed up and down to power this dental drill. It is also known as a ‘treadle drill’. The drill removed areas of tooth decay. These can become infected and painful if untreated. The treadle drill was invented in 1871 by American dentist James Beall Morrison (1829-1917). He also designed dental chairs. His drill was popular with dentists throughout Europe and America. It is an example of the first mechanically powered drill. These sped up dental treatments This one seems to be in fully working order from what I can see, it’s a real survivor but then that’s not surprising, things made in the Victorian era were made to last Dimensions Height:- 144cm Width:- 52.5cm Depth:- 38cm Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements please ask Any questions please feel free to ask before you bid This item is available for collection from our Pulborough warehouses RH20 1DF. We can have it delivered nationwide to include Scotland Wales and Ireland. Please contact me via email or my contact information...
Category

1890s English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Antique English Aneroid Barometer & Thermometer
Located in Seguin, TX
Antique circa 1900 aneroid barometer and thermometer. Made in England, carved oak case, banjo shaped with white porcelain dials, beveled glass cover, on barometer. Thermometer works...
Category

Early 20th Century English Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Walnut

19th Century London Knife Sharpener and Cleaner
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Very nice 19th century knife sharpener and cleaner from London Kent. Very nice object where we can find a ceramic plate with probably the name of th...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Pine

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

19th Century inlaid mahogany banjo barometer by L Casatelli of Liverpool
Located in Martlesham, GB
19th century inlaid mahogany banjo barometer by L Casatelli of Liverpool, having an architectural top with a central brass finial, the shaped mahogany case having decorative shell in...
Category

1840s British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Victorian Brass & Scottish Agate Postal Scale & Weights, Circa 1865-1870
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Victorian Brass and Scottish Agate Postal scale with Weights, Circa 1865-1870.
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Agate, Brass

19th Century Mahogany Banjo Barometer by P Nolfi of Taunton
Located in Martlesham, GB
19th century mahogany banjo barometer by P Nolfi of Taunton, having a swan neck pediment with a central brass finial above a shaped mahogany case decorated with boxwood stringing, th...
Category

1840s British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Late 19th French Mahogany & Brass Balance Scale, c.1870
Located in San Francisco, CA
About A late 19th century balance scale. The body is Mahogany with two brass trays, brass and glass window and bronze inner mechanism. ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Antique 19th Century English Market Scales by JH PIPER of Wolverhampton
Located in Charlotte, NC
An antique 19th century Victorian period market scale by J.H. Piper & Co. of Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England, UK. Cast iron base, bowl rest, interio...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble, Brass, Iron

Antique Pluviometer Set, English, Copper, Meteorological, Rain Gauge, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pluviometer set. An English, copper and glass meteorological rain gauge, dating to the Victorian period and later, circa 1900. ...
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper

Antique Brass Scottish Surveyor's Compass in Fitted Wooden Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique surveyor's compass originates from Scotland and dates to approximately 1880 and made in the period Victorian style. The compass case is composed of solid brass with a me...
Category

Late 19th Century Scottish Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

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

RARE SUITE OF ORIGINAL NATURAL HiSTORY MUSEUM CASED IN PERSPEX SPECIMENS
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for this amazing suite of original natural history museum cased specimens A very rare find, these are old examples and some very interesting pieces, the list is as follows 1:- POM 17615 PINGUICULA 2:- POM 17600 VENUS FLYTRAP...
Category

20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

Antique Victorian Quality Mahogany Banjo Barometer by James H Kelly of Glasgow
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Victorian quality mahogany banjo barometer by James H Kelly of Glasgow Having a quality mahogany shaped banjo barometer with scroll shaped carving ci...
Category

1880s Scottish Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Other

John Cary Travel Celestial Globe in Box Marked Cary & Co London, No. 21540
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely John Cary Travel Celestial Globe in Box marked Cary & Co London, No. 21540 This globe I believe is classed as a 14 inch which is the...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Kitchen 40 Pound Scale Cast Iron Balance w/ Ironstone Plate
By Young Son & Marlow
Located in Hyattsville, MD
No chips or cracks to the Stoneware tray. Heavy item about 60 lbs. Seems to be working, but you will need counterweights to use it, that will go on the metal tray. Ironstone stone...
Category

19th Century American High Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th C. Scientific Optical Mirror in Black Hardwood Frame on Tripod Brass Stand
Located in Haarlem, NL
A large 19th Century scientific optical mirror in round blackened hardwood frame on brass articulated tripod stand. The mirror looks concave or convex shaped, but if you look closely...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Sterling Silver Case Containing Two Lancets Birmingham, 1853
Located in East Geelong, VIC
This very attractive and well made sterling silver case with a hinged lid, contains two steel bladed lancets which were used by doctors for bloodletting, applying vaccines or drainin...
Category

1850s English Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Sterling Silver

W.& T. Avery Brass/ Cast Iron Beam Scale
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a W & T Avery makers brass and cast iron beam scale. The top of the pillar, is adorned with cast iron scrolls and a heart. There is one brass pan a...
Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Victorian Stick Barometer, circa 1880
Located in Lincoln, GB
Victorian Stick Barometer circa 1880 Finely Carved and inlaid with satinwood decoration. Possible Scottish provenance.
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Mahogany, Satinwood

Antique Richter's Anchor Box, German, Stone, Anker Baukasten, Number 15, Set
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Richter's Anchor Box. A German, stone Anker Baukasten No. 15 or construction set, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1890. Highly collectible German construction set from Friedrich Richter Displays a desirable aged patina — lovingly play worn Sought after stone pieces, with few, minor chips to corners Aged box with fine paper lithography to both sides This 'grosse kaliber' set comprises 296 pieces at 25mm scale Pieces imitate the red brick, limestone and blue slate of contemporary European architecture Create a wide range of architectural styles including Baroque influenced buildings Several instruction manuals included to help create fantastic scenes This is a wonderful, lovingly played with antique Richter's Anchor Box. In sought after stone, this number 15...
Category

Late 19th Century Albanian Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Cast Stone

Brass Surveyors Level by Troughton & Simms, London
By Troughton & Simms London
Located in Norwich, GB
Brass Surveyors Level by Troughton & Simms, London Sixteen inch extending telescope with original lacquer finish and spirit level. The compass ha...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century R. & J. Beck Stereoscope
By R.&J. Beck 1
Located in Norwood, NJ
Museum quality tabletop Stereoscope by British maker R. & J. Beck London. It is fitted with with adjustable rack and pinion focusing and elevation adjustment for ease of viewing. Eac...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Boxwood Tailor's and Dressmaker's Square by John T Johnson of Birmingham
Located in London, GB
A boxwood 24 x 18 inch tailor's and dressmaker's square, by John T Johnson of Birmingham, circa 1900. Marked: JOHN T. JOHNSON - UNION PASSAGE. BIRMm.
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Boxwood

Victorian Marquetry Wall Barometer and Thermometer
Located in London, GB
Victorian marquetry wall barometer and thermometer. English, 19th century Measures: height 98cm, width 25cm, depth 7cm. This elegant piece is a fin...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

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

19th Century English Victorian Brass Merchants Scale
Located in New York, NY
English Victorian brass merchants scale with square glass tray, round brass tray, and inset oval mirror.  
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

American Victorian Walnut Cased Standing Magnifying Glass
Located in Hudson, NY
This large American Victorian standing magnifying glass is encased in a carved and turned walnut frame and is adjustable to height with a wooden screw set device. Made circa 1880 the...
Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Antique French Barometer with Original Mercury Mechanism, 19th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
A very fine and palatial French 19th Louis XV style green painted with polychrome flower decor and gilt bronze-mounted barometer in the manner of La Maison Cam Opticien. Surmounted w...
Category

1860s French Rococo Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Ornate 19th Century Agricultural Sack Scales by Bartlett & Son, Bristol.
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Ornate 19th Century Agricultural Sack Scales by Bartlett & Son, Bristol. This is a very ornate set of Scales in cast iron they would have been used for weighing sacks of many agr...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Antique Master Craftsman's Spirit Level, English, Brass, Desk, Victorian, 1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This an antique master craftsman's spirit level. An English, rosewood and brass ornamental desk tool, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. ...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Charming Vintage Gentleman's Library Telescope
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage gentleman's library telescope Not sure exactly of it's age. Estimated Mid Victorian Period ( 1860-1880). Uncertain to maker and origin. ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Wood Frame Hour Glass or Sand Timer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Over 20 inches tall, a wonderful wood framed hour glass or sand timer. A compliment to the library, console table, shelves or as a bookend - a great piece t...
Category

20th Century Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood

19th c. Optometrist Eye Testing Kit c.1890
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original Victorian optometrist eye testing kit. The interior of the kit is lined in velvet with the name and number of the lenses. The optical tes...
Category

19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver

Early Victorian Walnut with Mother of Pearl Inlayed Stick Barometer
Located in New York, NY
Early Victorian walnut with mother of pearl inlayed stick barometer, 19th century.
Category

Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Parlor Kaleidoscope by C.G. Bush & Co. of Providence, RI
By Charles G. Bush & Co
Located in Nantucket, MA
C.G. Bush & Co. parlor kaleidoscope on a turned mahogany pedestal with splayed legs, the cylindrical body of black colored textured cardstock with ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Ornamental Turning Lathe, No. 1906 by Holtzapffel & Co
Located in New Orleans, LA
An essential tool in the creation and finishing of furniture, this 19th-century English ornamental lathe is an object of beauty in and of itself. The extraordinary machine...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Large Antique Shipwright's Set Square, English, Rosewood, Tool, Victorian, 1880
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large antique shipwright's set square. An English, rosewood and brass right-angled tool, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880. Quality, antique craftsman's tool Displaying a desirable aged patina Rosewood stock with brass capping Square blade shows pleasing weathering commensurate with age Attractive brass shield with pegged bonding to both sides Engraved with the names Woates and A. Clarke This is a fine, large antique set square...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Émile Deyrolle Anatomical Lithograph Poster
Located in London, GB
Émile Deyrolle Anatomical poster A wonderfully rare and decorative curio medical French (Paris) original lithograph on board anatomical poster in ...
Category

1880s French Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

19th Century Victorian Scale Model Of A Gas Meter, Crystal Palace Expo, c.1851
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique mid-19th Century Victorian very rare cast iron scale model of the original meter used to measure the amount of gas used at the Crystal Palace, in Hyde Park during the Great E...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Antique Victorian Nautical Gilt Bronze Clock and Barometer Pair
Located in London, GB
Antique Victorian nautical gilt bronze clock and barometer pair English, 19th Century Measures: height 25 cm, width 22 cm, depth 13.5 cm This elega...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Agate, Ormolu

Pike and Elliman English Brass Scale
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pike and Elliman brass shop scale, dating to the 1880's. Nice original condition. Class b to weigh up to 12oz. Stamped on brass tray pike & E 14 new, 32 Gi ...
Category

1880s English Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Large, Good Condition and Stylish Antique English Victorian Oak Wall Barometer
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning design and top quality executed antique barometer. This late 19th-early 20th century, English manufactured wall barometer has everything that makes an antique worthwhile. F...
Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Scientific Visual Aid, Bone Cut of the Human Elbow
Located in Berghuelen, DE
An antique visual aid of a longitudinal bone cut of the elbow. Genuine bone mounted on cardboard with hand-painted structure of muscles, bursae and tendons. With German explanation. ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Early Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bone

Lovely Victorian Boy Chasing a Cat Met Aneroid Barometer Painted Cast Iron
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Victorian boy chasing a cat cast iron aneroid barometer Dimensions: Height 27cm Width 23cm Depth 9.5c...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Antique Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting the Human Skeleton
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A rare 19th century anatomical wall chart depicting the human skeleton. On the sides On the sides are detailed description in German language. The wall...
Category

Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Antique Victorian Carved Oak Banjo Barometer by Maple & Co
Located in London, GB
A wonderful antique Victorian banjo barometer in carved solid oak. This was made in London by Maple and Co, it dates from around the 1860-1880 period. It is of amazing quality, beau...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

18-inch Globe, Cary's, London, 1840
Located in Milano, IT
John and William Cary Updated by George and John Cary Terrestrial Globe London, 1840 lb 22 (kg 10) Slight surface abrasions due to use. A small crack on the horizon circle. The globe rests in its original Dutch style stand with four supporting turned wood columns. It measures 26 in in height x 23.6 in in diameter with the diameter of the sphere measuring 18 in; 66 cm in height x 60 cm in diameter with the diameter of the sphere measuring 45.72 cm. The 18 inch...
Category

1840s English Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Victorian Brass Novelty Clock by Elkington & Co
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Victorian brass novelty clock by Elkington & Co., in the form of a double steering-wheel, one wheel enclosing a clock and the other a barometer, with ...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Pluviometer, English, Udometer, Ombrometer, Rain Recorder, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pluviometer. An English, copper udometer, ombrometer or rain recorder, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Fasc...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper

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

Antique American Mother-of-Pearl and Silver Overlay Magnifying Glass
Located in New York, NY
Antique magnifying glass, circa 1900. Tapering mother-of-pearl handle overlaid with silver scrollwork. Circular lens in metal frame. Handle ma...
Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver

Dairy Balance Scales by Parnall of Bristol
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Dairy balance scales by Parnall of Bristol Superb large brass and iron dairy balance scales by Parnall of Bristol This very large and attractive beam balance scale is set on a cast Iron base the central upright column is in brass and it is topped with a very decorative wrought iron finial...
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Decorative Fancy Victorian Barometer, 19th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Fancy Victorian barometer, 19th century Mahogany veneer with inlay. Historical condition. The barometer may need to be checked for accuracy. Ple...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Set of Nine 19th C English Victorian Treen Ware Boxwood Medicine Bottle Holders
Located in Haarlem, NL
A set of nine 19th century Victorian treen turned boxwood medicine bottle holders. These containers were used for protecting delicate items such as glass apothecary bottles, perfume bottles, syringes, powder, ointment bottles, thermometers and other medical or vanity items. In two of the containers are glass bottles. Measurements: Large 18.5cm high, 8.5cm diameter, empty Large 18cm high, 8cm diameter, empty Medium 14.5cm high, 5.5cm diameter, glass bottle without stopper (wood chipped) Medium 13cm high, 6cm diameter, empty (crack in wood) Medium 12cm high, 5cm diameter, perfumed oil in glass bottle Medium 11cm high, 5cm diameter, empty Small 10cm high, 4cm diameter, talcum powder...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Boxwood

Antique Glass Display Dome
Located in Norwalk, CT
A wonderful glass display dome great to keep sculpture or collections safe and look more interesting than just on a shelf.
Category

Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Victorian Aneriod Wall Barometer
Located in Norwich, GB
Victorian Aneriod Barometer with gilded and chased outer casing mounted on a mahogany board. Beautifully engraved silvered dial with seven weather indications, the scale reading f...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

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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