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Scientific Instruments For Sale
19th c. Wooden Carpentry Moulding Plane c.1850-1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique wooden carpentry plane with iron blade used to make trim and moldings. Shown with life size hand mold for scale.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1850-...
Category
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
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
Carved Wooden Antique French Barometer with Thermometer, Number 9432 1910s
By Black Forest
Located in Verviers, BE
Carved wooden antique French barometer with thermometer
Unusual antique carved wooden barometer in a lovely carved case, working order.
Number 9432
...
Category
1910s French Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
English Brass Bankers Balance Scale from the 19th Century with Circular Pans
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English brass bankers balance scale from the 19th century. Born in England during the 19th century, this elegant brass bankers scale features a centra...
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
American Victorian Brass Scale
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian green painted iron and brass scale with 2 brass trays.
Category
19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Embark on a journey through time with this exquisite 19th Century French Metal Scale, a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of a bygone era. Designed with the precision deman...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
German Globe by C. Abel-Klinger, Nuremberg, circa 1860
Located in Milano, IT
Terrestrial globe
Artistic company C. Abel - Klinger
Nuremberg, circa 1860
H cm 31 x 22 cm (12.20 x 8.66 in); sphere 14 cm (5.51 in) in diameter
lb 2.30 (kg 1.04)
State of conservation: good. On the sphere there are slight visible signs of accidental bumping at the poles, as well as on New Guinea and England (vertical and more visible); some ink stains, especially at the South Pole and on the meridian that crosses North America.
The globe is composed of twelve whole gores of printed paper, juxtaposed and glued on a sphere made with a chalky base mixture.
The circle of the meridian, made of brass...
Category
1860s German Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
19th Century Optician or Optometrist Test Glasses Lens Kit in Cabinet
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Optician or Optometrist Test Glasses Lens Kit in Cabinet
This beautiful Mahogany cabinet was used by a traveling optometrists to treat patients in their homes.
Th...
Category
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Art Deco Motorized Store Display / ETALAGE-RECLAME CORP. New York City
By Advertising Metal Display Co. Inc.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Art Deco Motorized Store Display made by the ETALAGE-RECLAME CORP. New York City,, Truly ingenious design, The base has a spinning triangle that moves using a toothed pin that rides...
Category
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Chrome, Metal
Italian Midcentury Anatomical Educational Torso
Located in Weesp, NL
Educational midcentury Italian anatomical torso produced in the 1940s by Produzione Scientifica Paravia known for its accurate anatomy models.
Measures: H. 67 x W. 34 x D. 26 cm.
...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Composition
1964 Ray Simpson Original Teakwood Tool Rake Grate
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Vintage Rake Tool Brush in Teakwood Modern Aluminum Grate
Stamped Ray Simpson Original 1964
22.13 long x 3.88 w x 1.25
Preowned original vintage co...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
19th Century Antique Hardwood Inlaid Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
This is a 19th century antique hardwood inlaid banjo barometer with a thermometer and a 10' silvered dial, brass bezel with convex glass. It is a very...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Hardwood
Large 1920's Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Educational Ear Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
Large 1920's Vintage scientific anatomical human 3D ear model. Large 16" scale and wonderful antique patina!
Category
1920s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber, Wood
Antique Yacht Or Boat Binnacle Compass by Polaris
By Polaris
Located in Norwell, MA
Boat compass in binnacle with hinged lid, sidelight, brass hook, etc. Very fine condition. Gimballed compass is by Polaris. Great piece.
Overall dimensions: 11"H x 7"D x 8"L. 5 po...
Category
1890s American Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique French Cast Iron Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This cast iron scale was made in France, circa 1900. A ubiquitous classic in the home or the market, scales of these dimensions were commonly used to weig...
Category
Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
18th Century French Louis XVI Giltwood Barometer
Located in Houston, TX
Lovely period French Louis XVI giltwood barometer with beautiful patina. This antique French Louis XVI gilt wood barometer will add a touc...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
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
Vintage Ken A Vision Microprojector In Aluminium, 1950s
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful vintage microprojector from 1950s. Produced by Ken-A-Vision company. Original labels still attached. The item is in pure aluminium which looks really great. The flowing des...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
19th c. I. Hick Carpentry Molding Plane
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique wooden carpentry plane used to make trim and moldings. Stamped "I. Hick' on the side. Shown with life size hand mold for scale.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANU...
Category
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Bronze Apothecary Mortar & Pestle, Circa 1800
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The cup shaped cast body decorated with incised ring-turned detail, rising from a waisted & stepped circular foot, together with its original pestle.
Combined weight, 3.75 lbs.
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
19th Century English Molding Plane
Located in High Point, NC
19th century molding plane made from beech wood. The plane is stamped with the name MIKE. Imagine the moldings this plane was used to make.....
Category
19th Century English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Beech
Large Early 20th c. French Medical Hand Model c.1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Early 20th century large French plaster hand model used as a medical teaching device. Lacquered plaster custom heavy steel stand.
Shown with life size hand model.
CREA...
Category
Early 20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Anatomical model for class: an animal stomach, Italy 1890.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomic model for class, didaptic purpuse, depicting an animal’s stomach, made out of painted paper machè. Italy end of 19th century.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
A Brass Butterfield Type Dial French Early 18th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
signed Buterfield A Paris., the octagonal dial with hinged gnomon and bird pointer, inset compass and engraved with hour scales, the reverse engraved with towns and their latitudes, ...
Category
Early 18th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Anatomical model for class: an animal intestine, Italy 1890.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomic model for class, didactic purpuse, depicting an animal’s intestine, made out of painted paper machè. Italy end of 19th century.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Nineteenth Century Ships Octant
Located in Norwell, MA
Ships octant from circa 1850 with an engraved scale to 100 degrees. With peepsight, mirrors, colored lenses, etc. Fitted to a step up box. Some old repairs and replacement wood to li...
Category
1850s North American Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
British Admiralty Pattern Clinometer Inspectors Level
Located in Norwell, MA
World War II Bristish inspectors Mark III admiralty pattern clinometer by Watts and Son, London, England. The heavy brass relic is in a fitted hardwood case. The instrument consists ...
Category
1940s European 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
Pair 17th Century Medical Anatomy Engravings by Francesco Valesio, 1627
Located in Rochester, NY
Two anatomical copper engravings by Francesco Valesio. From De humani corporis fabrica libri decem
Evangelista Deuchino, Venice: 1627. Laid paper.
Category
1620s European Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Red Decorated Lacquer Hour Glass
Located in Queens, NY
Red decorated lacquer four unit hour glass
One hour glass is missing
Category
20th Century Unknown Renaissance Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Super Rare 1880s Spoon Top Conformatore
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a wonderful example of 1800s inventiveness. We believe this is American made and ie signed and dated 1888. This is only the second example we have ever found. We will only se...
Category
Late 19th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Antique Ophthalmoscope Gowllands ‘May ophthalmoscope improved’. England, 1940.
Located in Milan, IT
Antique Gowllands Ophthalmoscope "May's Improved Ophthalmoscope". Wooden box covered with paper. The top is stamped in gold 'MAY'S OPHTHALMOSCOPE'. Inside the box is divided into com...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
French 19th Century Brass Fabric Scale on Wooden Base Signed Robert A Vienne
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French brass fabric scale from the 19th century with wooden base, signed Robert A Vienne. Created in France during the 19th century, this fabric scale, made of brass, is mounted on...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Wall-Mounted Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Walnut 1910s
By A. de Lambert
Located in Verviers, BE
Wall-mounted weather station in carved walnut made in Belgium by A. de Lambert. High quality mechanism with jeweled movement barometer and thermometer (in centigrade)
Unusual design ...
Category
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Italian Mid-Century White Metal Vertical Medical Scale by Salus, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century White metal Vertical medical scale by Salus, 1960s
Vertical medical scale in white painted metal. In the upper part it has a metal b...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Inlaid Mahogany Barometer, with Silvered Dial, Signed Vecchio & Co
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century inlaid mahogany barometer, with 8" silvered dial, signed Vecchio & Co, Shaftsbury, and red alcohol thermometer.
Thermometer scale in degrees Fahrenheit, and ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Cell Counting Slide, German, Glass, Hemacytometer, Franke and Heidecke
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage cell counting slide. A German, glass hemacytometer and carry case by Franke and Heidecke, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930.
...
Category
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Vintage Industrial Foundry Wooden Block Mold Architectural Valcor Engine Corp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Industrial Foundry Wooden Block Mold Architectural Salvage from Valcor Engine Corp (Single Mold), Approx 20 lbs. Great to use as a unique decorative object or convert for use...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Anatomical model of the lower limb, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, didactic use, depicting the lower limb, tilting on a fork supported by a black lacquered wooden base.
Made in scagliola and finished entirely in colour....
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Scagliola, Wood
1950s Vintage Weight Plumb Bob Tool Level Iron & Wood
By Stanley
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Plumb Tool
Mid Century Modern Vintage Weight Plumb Bob Tool Instrument Level
Collectible level made in Iron and Wood
5.25 x 1.5 diameter
Fair Condition in Or...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
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
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
Large Vintage Mongolian Wooden Math Abacus with Painted Wooden Balls
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Large Vintage Mongolian Wooden Math Abacus with Painted Wooden Balls. Item features Painted wooden balls in red, pink, gray, orange, blue, yellow, green and brown. Circa Mid 20th Cen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique 19th Century Human Anatomical Leg Model, By Bock Steger, Leipzig c.1890
By Bock Steger
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century life-sized plaster model of a human leg, attributed to Bock Steger, Leipzig. Made for medical instruction, it displays muscle, tendon, and bone in detail. Number...
Category
20th Century German Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Antique Apothecary Bottle Stand English Air Ministry Stamped, Early 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique apothecary bottle stand. An English, Air Ministry stamped stand dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920.
A rare su...
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Beech
Late 18th Century French Giltwood Barometer
Located in Essex, MA
Period late 18th century giltwood barometer. Original gilding. Carved overall with globe, and navigation instruments. Foliate and neoclassical motifs. Maker signed.
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
A botanic scientific specimen of Spruce, Paravia & co, Milan, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
A rare example of a botanical maquette for didactic use by Professor T. Ferraris, depicting a (natural) strobilus and a scale with ovules (about 12 times enlarged) of Spruce (Picea e...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique Decorative Butcher's Steelyard, English, Iron, Weighing Instrument, 1800
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Early 19th Century Butchers Steelyard for Weighing Scale
A good original industrial piece, the balance has blacksmith made sliding hook for adjustment of balance weight
The Steel...
Category
Early 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
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
National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition
National Geographic
This is a beautiful large library or hardcover coffee table book.
Title: National Geographic Atlas of th...
Category
Early 2000s Maltese Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
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
Antique colored stick hemometer in bakelite, Germany, 1930.
Located in Milan, IT
Antique colored stick haemometer. Inside its original box, with ‘Haemometr’ stamped on the lid, two hinges allowed it to be opened. Inside the blue satin padded lid a transverse ribb...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
19th Century Compass and Sundial Together
Located in Miami, FL
19th century compass and sundial together.
Category
Late 19th Century French Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Hand Turned Wood Mortar and Pestle 1950
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Mid-Century Modern mortar and pestle hand turned from one piece of dense wood. It is in wonderful vintage condition. Please see photos, circa 1950-1960.
Whether you need or...
Category
1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Rare Yacht Binnacle with Compass
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid brass gimballed boat compass fitted to a hinge front wood binnacle. Brasses include carry handle, side light, brass hooks, etc. Circa 1920.
Overall Dimensions: 7"H x 7" L x ...
Category
1920s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1980s Chocolate Brown Touchtone Desk Phone
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage chocolate brown touchtone desk phone. Circa 1980s
Features a bright chocolate brown body with contrasting gray buttons.
The base has rubber feet ...
Category
1980s South Korean Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Antique English Victorian Brass Postal Scale, Circa 1880-1890.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Victorian Brass Postal Scale, Circa 1880-1890.
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
American Country Style Weather Vane
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style (19th Century) wrought iron weather vane with serpent with arrow tongue
Category
19th Century American Country Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
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.