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Scientific Instruments For Sale
19th Century French Louis XVI Carved Painted and Gilt Barometer Thermometer
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate an entryway or library with this striking antique French barometer and thermometer, crafted circa 1880. Carved in wood and hand-painted in a vivid palette of faux-malachite,...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
1963s Italy Vallardi Box With 6 Wooden Geometric Solids Scientific Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Box containing 6 dismounplate geometric solids of oak wood, height 20 cm, in their original wooden box complete with illustrative leaflet for calculating surfaces and volumes. Made for educational purposes for schools by Antonio Vallardi publisher in 1963. Box cm 24 x 40 H 12 cm.
The origins of the publisher Vallardi date back to 1750 when founder Francesco Cesare (1736-1799) acquired a small craft in the heart of old Milan. In the early nineteenth century, the publishing house was noted for the production of works of art, geography and science, including a "Tour of Italy" which took twenty-two printings between 1819 and 1835. The complete works of various maps and directions for travel, including timetables and fares for transportation of the time, can be considered the first modern tourist guide. The firm "Vallardi" was born in 1843 and the company became industrial, with the opening of branches on national...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Anatomic Model, Bones, circa 1950
Located in Madrid, ES
Anatomical model of the bone system, circa 1950.
On a square base and held upright with a metal rod stands the skeleton, an anatomical model of human ...
Category
20th Century European Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Other
Zoological Lithograph of Ungulates 1912 on Cardboard by H Aschehoug & Co Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 29 lithograph on cardboard made in 1912 depicting the digestive system of the ungulates; the plate depicts 4 different ty...
Category
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Antique Louis Philippe Wall Clock 8 Day Movement Tôle Enamel Bronze
Located in Munich, DE
Elegant octagonal wall clock with an eight day movement. The case of the clock is made out of painted metal. The dial is enameled and the clock ha...
Category
1830s French Louis Philippe Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Mahogany cased Barograph
Located in Cheshire, GB
Kelvin Bottomley mahogany-cased Barograph, having five bevelled glazed removable lid, and a drawer below to house the charts. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum,...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
$2,668
Vintage Teaching Aid Modell of An Ear - Somso ca. 1960
By Somso
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Teaching Aid Modell of An Ear - Somso ca. 1960
A folding model of an ear. Used as teaching material in German schools ca. 1960. Made of wood and plastic by Somso, Germany.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
English Victorian Ebonized Telescope
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian ebonzied metal and brass trim telescope on adjustable dark stained tripod base (signed: WOOD, late ABRAHAM & CO, LIVERPOOL)
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
20th Century Set of Vintage Surgical Seams
Located in Barcelona, ES
20th century set of vintage surgical seams By unknown manufacturer, Spain. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. M...
Category
20th Century Spanish Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
$211 Sale Price
60% Off
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
Vintage Wooden Mortar and Pestle, Italy
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wooden footed mortar and pestle hand turned and carved from one piece of dense fruitwood.
Handcrafted by artisan in Italy, vintage Mid-Century Modern hand turned wood Mortar and Pestle...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Organic Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Fruitwood
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Rare Oversized Stormoguide Barometer by Short & Mason
Located in Sandwich, MA
Rare oversized Stormoguide barometer by Short & Mason circa 1930. Possibly made as a store display, this barometer's 12-1/2" dial is over twice the size of the more commonly found St...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1950s Vintage Heat Therapy by Sperti Faraday UV Infared Sun Lamp Cincinnati OH
By Sperti 1
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage 1950s
Vintage 1950s
1950s Sperti Faraday UV Infared Sun Lamp for Heat Therapy and Sunshine Benefits Untested
Sometimes deemed a medical science...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Sears Tower Constellation Portable Typewriter W/Metal Case. Circa 1960s.
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Sears Tower Constellation Portable Typewriter W/Metal Case. Circa 1960s.
Manufactured for SEARS is the equivalent of a Smith-Corona Classic 12.
Features a stylish mid century...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Early XX Century Metal Scythe Sharpener
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique metal scythe sharpener farming tool. Made in Spain by unknown manufacturer, . In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautifu...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
$180 Sale Price
78% Off
German Anatomical Muscular Bust Model
Located in Brooklyn, NY
German, anatomical, plaster model of a cross-section of a bust, depicting the muscular and circulatory systems.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Leiden bottle second half of the 19th century accumulates preserves electrical charges
Located in Milan, IT
Leiden bottle from the second half of the 19th century is about an electrical component that accumulates and stores a high-voltage electrical charge by means of an external source ...
Category
1880s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Walter Bosse Cow Figurine with Thermometer by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian desk thermometer, consisting of a nice cow figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by H...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A Large Antique Root Bowl, "Trøys", Scandinavia 1800s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A unique and large root bowl from Norway, Scandinavia.
In Norwegian called "Trøys"
A trøys is a vessel used for transporting liquid. It is usually shaped like a bowl with a spout o...
Category
19th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Stunning Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage stunning large model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German scho...
Category
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Antique Bearing, Graphite, English, Cast Iron, Ornament, Paperweight, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique engine bearing with graphite finish. An English, cast iron and bronze desk ornament or paperweight, and dating to the Victorian perio...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
1950s Gas Station Object Gulf Oil Tin Bug Spray Can Advertising Graphics Prop
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Gulf Oil Corporation Spray Can
USA, c.1957
Spray can with red, white, green, and blue text on white label and insect graphics. Round blue removable cap. No leaks, No holes.
Dia 3 x H...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Exclusive Antique Armillary Sphere
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
An armillary sphere is a model of objects in the sky consisting of a spherical framework of rings, centred on the Earth or the Sun, that represent lin...
Category
Mid-19th Century European Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Two Large Magnifiers With 19th Century Gilded and Mother-of-Pearl Handles
Located in San Francisco, CA
Two Large Magnifiers With 19th Century Gilded and Mother of Pearl Handles
Largest: 4"w x 2"d. x 12.75"h
smallest: 3.5" x 1.25"d x 10.25"h
Category
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Glass
French Vintage Massive Culinary Scale
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This massive culinary or produce scale from Lyon, France is the perfect antique accessory to elevate any kitchen. The base is made of solid waxed pine wi...
Category
19th Century French Rustic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Copper, Iron
Mid Nineteenth Century Ships Octant
Located in Norwell, MA
Navigators octant with ebony frame, brass arm, filters and peep sight. Bone Vernier scale. Kidney shaped box. Split to box. Circa 1860. This is a good genuine example of an early American marine...
Category
1860s European Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French 19th Century Iron Pharmaceutical Corker
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An interesting part of 19th century history is brought back to life with this rare French cast iron pharmaceutical bottle corker circa 1870. We a...
Category
19th Century French Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Atomic Physicist A.G. Shenstone Princeton Gyroscope
Located in Savannah, GA
A machined gyroscope presented to Allen G. Shenstone (1893-1980) physicist and chair of the department of Princeton from 1949-1960. Presented by friends in the department.
7 inches...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
19th Century Trying or Jointer Plane
Located in High Point, NC
19th century trying or jointer plane from England. Lovely patina from age and use.
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Carved Burr Walnut Banjo Barometer, circa 1880
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding carved burr walnut banjo Barometer having a lovely carved burr walnut case with a thermometer and a 12 inch round silver dial. Perfect workin...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Brewer's Thermometer, Dairy, Scientific Instrument, Zeal of London, 1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage brewer's thermometer. An English, cased brew or dairy scientific instrument by GH Zeal of London, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1960.
Fascinating sheathed thermometer
Displays a desirable aged patina
Wooden case with beveled CAP in dark caramel hues
Long glass...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Charpentier French Victorian Brass Scale
By P. Charpentier a Paris 1
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian brass scale with 2 round trays on square wooden base (signed CHARPENTIER with hallmark)
Category
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Italy 1930s Ing Ferrero Double Strain Gauge Original Box Measuring Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Double strain gauge signed Brevetti F.lli Ingg. Ferrero Savona n.384583 mod E74 - S3, circa 1930, in its original box complete with accessories and magnifying glass.
It is an instrument used to...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Anatomical model: a woman’s human bust dissection. Italy end of 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare anatomical model for class, depicting a woman’s human bust dissection with all removable organs, complete in all its part. Made out of painted plaster and paper mache, mounted o...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
Vintage Industrial Foundry Wooden Block Mold Architectural Valcor Engine - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Industrial Foundry Large Wooden Block Mold Architectural Salvage from Valcor Engine Corp - a Pair. Approx 30 lbs each. Great to use as unique decorative objects or convert fo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Grande Bilancia Italiana Inizio 1800 in Legno Scolpito e Ferro a Due Piatti
Located in Milano, MI
Alta quasi 51 inches, questa grande bilancia italiana da terra del XIX secolo è realizzata con un capitello corinzio intagliato a motivi folgiati, scolpito con foglie di acanto e la...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron, Metal
$1,901 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Carpentry Molding Plane with Steel Blade
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique wooden carpentry plane with steel blade used to make trim and moldings. Stamped "E. Avery' on the side. Shown with life size hand mold for scale.
CREATOR Unknown...
Category
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
$75 Sale Price
21% Off
Storta da laboratorio in vetro soffiato trasparente dei primi del XIX sec.
Located in Milan, IT
Storta da laboratorio in vetro soffiato trasparente dei primi del XIX sec., utilizzata per la distillazione, presenta corpo ovoidale e lungo collo piegato verso il basso che si restr...
Category
1820s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Double Bronze/Brass Apothecary Scale
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a gilt bronze/brass double apothecary scale. It depicts an upside down bronze Corinthian column that holds two different set of balance brass ...
Category
20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Brass
$600 Sale Price
20% Off
Early Nineteenth Century French Thuya Wood Thermometer
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century French Thuya wood thermometer, with brass plate inscribed with 'Thermometre par Mouyer Nancy’. The thermometer tube is sat behind a br...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Other
Sketch of two herons Korea 1970s Acrylic on paper for an Animals Encyclopedia
Located in Milan, IT
Acrylic colors on paper depicting two herons; it is a preparatory sketch commissioned for an animals encyclopedia for children, created and signed by a Kore...
Category
1970s Korean Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
19th C Scientific James DeVille L N Fowler Phrenology Plaster Bust Head Curio
By L. N. Fowler
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A larger than the normal plaster cast phrenology head, with its original painted finish and paper labels.
The original makers label is partially missing leaving it a bit of a myster...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Industrial Design Science Vintage Black Cast Iron Dentist Machine 19th Century
Located in Vienna, AT
19th Century Industrial design black cast iron dentist machine circa 1890 Austria.
Museums worthy best Industrial design dentist machine from black cast iron body and brass details ...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Iron
Three-Dimensional Midcentury Anatomical Wall Plaster Sculpture, Germany, 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Midcentury three-dimensional anatomical plaster painting, provenance Hygiene Museum Dresden with museum sticker label, Germany 1950s.
Please note tha...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
$465 Sale Price
20% Off
Oversized Industrial Pyrex Glass Bell Jar With Large Side Arm
By Pyrex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This oversized Industrial Pyrex glass bell jar is certainly a unique and an impressive art object. At 29" height and 20.5" diameter this bell jar, dome, clouche can be used any way y...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Late 19th Century Educational Human Anatomical Ear Model German manufacture
Located in Milan, IT
Ear anatomical model, plaster and papier mâché hand painted, depicting the inner and outer ear and the cochlea. German manufacture of the end of the 19th century. Good condition, som...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
18th Century Parisian Giltwood Barometer Thermometer
Located in Dallas, TX
This lovely giltwood barometer and thermometer was hand-carved during the Louis XVI period in Paris, France. During the late 1700’s, barometers were typically only owned by wealthy families. Over time, barometers began to be viewed as works of art and could be found in middle class homes throughout Europe.
The highly detailed crown of our apparatus depicts a footed vase bursting with a floral display. The garland trails down in an arch shape until it reaches an angular platform adorned with molding and vertical fluting. The flowered swag continues behind the platform, transitioning into a pair of gadrooned leaves. Each gadrooned leaf terminates in a husked cornucopia overflowing with laurel leaves. A large circular barometer dial is positioned in between the cornucopias.
Under the barometer is a looping lambrequin that borders the top half of the thermometer. A pair of gadrooned leaves runs behind and through the lambrequin, flanking the lower half of the thermometer. A fluted base beneath the thermometer sits in a gadrooned cup.
The detail of the carvings on this late 18th century Parisian...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Large 1950s Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Educational Eye Eyeball Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
1950's Vintage scientific human 3d eyeball model. Hand-painted with wonderful original patina!
Category
1950s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber
$499 Sale Price
75% Off
1900s French Cast Iron Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This 1900s French cast iron scale is a classic example of early 20th-century craftsmanship, blending industrial utility with sculptural appeal. Composed of heavy cast iron, the scale...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Zoological Lithograph Monkeys and Insectivores 1912 by H Aschehoug & Co, Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 16 lithograph on cardboard made in 1912 depicting monkeys and insectivores. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye & Co Oslo. Made by H Aschehoug & Co. Goo...
Category
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
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
18th Century French Louis XVI Giltwood Barometer
Located in Sheffield, MA
A stunningly beautiful 18th century French gold gilt barometer is a weather instrument with mercury-filled glass thermometer still in working order...
Category
1790s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
England Early 1900 Brass Galvanometer Antique Physic Measuring Instrument
By Philip Harris Ltd.
Located in Milan, IT
Moving coil brass galvanometer with three-screw base, instrument signed Philip Harris Ltd Birmingham England n. 19402, made in the early 1900, a tool used as a detector of direct cur...
Category
Early 20th Century British 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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