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Scientific Instruments For Sale
US Navy Mark 74 Aiming Telescope
Located in Norwell, MA
1943 United States Navy Telescope. Used primarily as part of the Mark 16 Aiming System on 50 caliber anti-aircraft gun mounts. Fitted with three sun filters...
Category
1940s North American Vintage 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
Open Scale Barograph by C F Casella & Co of London
By Casella
Located in London, GB
An open scale barograph by C F Casella & Co of London, circa 1960.
7 day clockwork "Gluck" barometer recorder.
Measures: Width: 32 cm.
Depth:18 cm.
Height: 23.5 cm.
C. F. Casella and Co:
Established in 1810 as Tagliabue and Casella.
Incorporated as a limited liability company, C. F. Casella and Co, in 1910.
AS advertised in 1930: C. F. Casella and Co Ltd., of Regent House, Britannia Walk, London, N1 7ND - Makers of anemometers, anemographs, barometers, barographs, hygrometers, hygrographs, radiation instruments, rain gauges...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Louis XIV marble herbalist, France 17th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare Marble herbalist to hold salt, moon and stars carved on the wavy front. The lid is lead, with the image of the sun and lions. Louis XIV period, France 1600.
Category
Early 17th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Pewter
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
Antique Brass Ashtray Advertising a Philadelphia Dealer in Artificial Human Eyes
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An odd obscura collectible in the form of a rare, antique brass advertising ashtray.
The ashtray is engraved with "H.E. Baldwin - Philadelphia / A...
Category
19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Carved Wooden G.Tart Liege Antique Belgium Barometer with Thermometer, 1910s
By Black Forest
Located in Verviers, BE
Carved wooden G Tart Liege antique Belgium Barometer with Thermometer, 1910s
Unusual antique carved wooden barometer in a lovely carved case, working order.
With best Wishes, Geert...
Category
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
1986 Gray and Black Enorme Telephone by Ettore Sottsass for Enorme
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfectly postmodern telephone designed by the Memphis Milano master, Ettore Sottsass, and produced in 1986. The Enorme phone was produced in another color way but this is the much rarer gray and black version. The Enorme telephone was the result of a collaboration between Sottsass and David Kelley, founder of the design firm IDEO. Sottsass created the conceptual design, and Kelley and his team were responsible for the engineering and detail design. To produce the telephone, the two formed the Enorme Corporation with Jean Pigozzi. Examples of this phone design are found in the collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, RISD Museum, and the Los Angeles County Museum.
In good vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use. Works great! Molded manufacturer's mark on handset and base: "Designed by Ettore Sottsass Enorme...
Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
System walking stick with grain measuring the function, France 1820.
Located in Milan, IT
System walking stick: stick with grain measuring function. Oak wood barrel, graduated on the outside with brass nails. Iron knob, brass ferrule. By unscrewing the knob, a graduated i...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Antique Albertus Seba Pair 18th Century Hand-Colored Engravings Butterfly
Located in Washington, DC
Rare pair of original hand-colored prints from Sir Albertus Seba's cabinet of natural curiosities. Prints come from published volumes in Amste...
Category
Mid-18th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Pair of Bronze Mortar with Mascarons
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Pair of bronze mortar decorated with a mascaron and their pestle, early 20th century.
Measures: Height mortar 4 inches
Height pestle 7 inches.
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
George III Banjo Mahogany Barometer by R. Taylor, Chepstow, England c. 1820
By R. Taylow
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Four-dial Barometer/Thermometer in Mahogany, dating from the George III period, and English in origin. Signed at the base "R. Taylor Chepstow". The barometer with swan neck pedim...
Category
Early 19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Set Four Cast Iron Wheels Phoenix Caster Co
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Metal Wheels Cast Iron Casters Phoenix Caster Co IN
Wheel 2.75 h x 3.5 w x 3 d
set of four
Preowned unrestored vintage
Refer to images for...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Iron
Set of Three Copper Moonshine Funnels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3 funnels acquired from a moonshine still in Tennessee. Due to these being used in a still we assume they are safe for food products, and most certainl...
Category
Early 20th Century American Country Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Copper
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
$1,058 Sale Price
20% Off
Botanic model depicting a Vitis vinifera flower, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
A botanic didactical specimen, depicting a Vitis vinifera flower, pale yellow green color made out of papier mache, plaster and wood hand painted. Extremely detailed. Paravia Milano,...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
EARLY 19th CENTURY MARBLE SUNDIAL
Located in Firenze, FI
Ancient sundial in carved white marble, from a historic Florentine palace. The sundial features the famous Florentine lily carved at the top right, while the sculptor's monogram is a...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, 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
Ebony, brass and ivory pantograph, signed Lennel, Paris 1780.
Located in Milan, IT
Brass and ebony wood pantograph, in its original mahogany box. The wheels are made of ivory. The instrument shows the signature of the maker Lennel à La Sphére à Paris. France 1780. ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Rosewood and Bronze Push Drill Brace
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique push drill brace with Rosewood wooden handle and bronze collar.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c. 1860-1900.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Bronze, Stee...
Category
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel, Bronze
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
Large Antique Wooden American Mortar and Pestle
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large wood antique American mortar and pestle.
Early 19th c. Americana turned wood footed mortar and pestle.
American, late 19th century wooden mortar and pestle...
Category
Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Circa 1890 French Satinwood Concave Distortion Mirror Viewer Scientific
Located in Lowestoft, GB
Circa 1890 French concave mirror card viewer, all constructed of French polished light wood, with ebonised stained elements.
Sliding card holder, hinged handle and mirror. In part...
Category
1890s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Satinwood
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
English Brass and Wood Barrel Nautical Spyglass James Chapman, London Circa 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
English brass and wood barrel nautical ship captain's spyglass with a single draw, polished sunshade, lense cap, and engraved focal tube by maker James Chapman St. Catherines Dock, L...
Category
1850s English William IV Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Belgian Black Board, Chalkboard
Located in Udenhout, NL
Early 20th Century Belgian Black Board, Chalkboard, in a good state.
Category
1940s Belgian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Slate
Danish 19th Century Brass Surveying or Level Tool on Tripod
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Surveyors tripod level tool from the late 19th century. The tripod is made of wood and the level is brass. The wood tripod is 39.75in high.
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Library Telescope from the collection of Thierry Despont
Located in New York, NY
This remarkable telescope came from the personal collection of Thierry Despont (1948 - 2023). While best known for his architectural practice—which played integral roles in the resto...
Category
20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Death Cap & Fly Agaric Model Fungi Natural History
Located in Lowestoft, GB
Very well modeled pair of Fungi's, circa 1920/30 in age, European in origins.
Mounted on turned ebonised bases, each with a moss covered ground. Modeled with a composite paper mach...
Category
1920s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
American Country Brass Coffee Grinder
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style (19th Century) brass coffee grinder with etched floral design.
Category
19th Century American Country Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Bronze Mortar, Tuscany, Second Half of 16th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Bronze mortar with garlands, flowers and putti - Tuscany , second half of 17th century.
Measures: height 10
diameter : 13 cm
Artisans and healers used mortars for grinding food...
Category
16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Distortion Optical Mirror Concave Curio Fairground Circus
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A rare late 19th century distortion mirror, with a concave plate
Housed in its original softwood well carpentered frame with faux rosewood finish
The thick plate has some pitti...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mirror, Pine
Art Deco Wood Propeller Barometer
Located in Queens, NY
Art Deco wood propeller with barometer.
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Teaching Model of the Adipose Spleen, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A great antique hand-painted anatomical model of the adipose spleen. Made of papier maché and plaster, mounted on a turned wooden base. Manufactured most probably by SOMSO or PHYWE, ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
19th Century, J. Florenz Wien Chrome Steel Austrian Balance, 11 Brass Weights
Located in Vigonza, Padua
19th century, chrome steel Austrian balance, by J. Florenz Wien, 11 brass weights, 5 kg.
This precious antique table scale was from the famous Caffè Florian in Venice
Caffè Florian is a historic café in the city of Venice, located under the arcades of the Procuratie Nuove in Piazza San Marco.
It is the oldest Italian coffee and the oldest coffee in the world. It was inaugurated on December 29, 1720 by Floriano Francesconi with the name of Alla Venezia Trionfante, but immediately the Venetians simply said “andemo da Florian-let's go to Florian”, from the name of the owner in the Venetian dialect. Since then it has continued its daily coffee business uninterruptedly to the present day, becoming a favorite destination for Venetians, Italians and foreigners. Floriano Francesconi inspired the character of Ridolfo in Carlo Goldoni's coffee shop.
Giacomo Casanova courted the ladies there and Carlo Goldoni entered as a boy. Famous people such as Gasparo Gozzi, Giuseppe Parini, Silvio Pellico, Lord Byron, Ugo...
Category
1850s Austrian Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
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
Old Japanese Yagen Iron Mortar Grinder Crushing Tool
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Old Japanese Yagen Iron Mortar Grinder Crushing Tool
Tool used to grind medicine
7 h x 5.5 w x 21.75
Unrestored Worn Aged Vintage Distressed Condition.
Review images please.
Category
1890s Japanese Anglo-Japanese Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Negretti and Zambra Aneroid Barometer, 19th Century
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
19th century Negretti & Zambra aneroid barometer.
Large English oak, Gothic style barometer.
Free shipping within the United States and Canada.
Category
19th Century Great Britain (UK) Gothic Antique Scientific Instruments
$1,995 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy
A rare 19ct anatomical brochure illustrating the female human anatomy. Very detailed multicoloured depiction of human o...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
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
A Boxed Sikes Hydrometer by Riddels Limited, Belfast
By Riddels Limited
Located in Austin, TX
A boxed hydrometer (Serial No. 16234) with all parts, includes thermometer, ten weights and float, in a fitted wooden case.
Top plate marked: "Sikes' Hydrometer, Riddels Limited. Be...
Category
19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Copper
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
Large French 19th Century Brass and Steel Scale with Weighing Pans and Column
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French brass and steel scale from the 19th century with central column and two weighing pans. Embrace the charm and sophistication of the 19th century with this exquisite French br...
Category
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
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 English Victorian Brass Merchants Scale
Located in Queens, 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
U.S. Naval Gun Factory Stadimeter
Located in Norwell, MA
Stadimeter dated 1919 from the U.S. Naval Gun Factory W. N.Y.. Mark IV No 253. Supt. A.L.W. inspector H.F. as engraved on plate. A label inside the lid of the varnished box has full ...
Category
1910s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
French Modern Painted And Giltwood Sunburst Barometer
Located in Houston, TX
French Modern Painted and Giltwood Sunburst Barometer.
This unusual French mid century modern star shaped barometer is executed in a beautiful shade of red with gilt
wood accents.
Th...
Category
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Grain Grate
Located in Berghuelen, DE
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Grain Grate
A great antique botanical model manufactured by the famous Robert Brendel manufactory for botanicals models around 1900. H...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
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
Antique Teaching Aid Modell of an Ear - Somso ca. 1900
By Somso
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Teaching Aid Modell of an Ear - Somso ca. 1900
A folding model of an ear. It was used as teaching material in German schools ca. 1900. It is made of wood and paper mache by ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Antique Zoological Wall Chart
Located in Oakville, CT
Antique Pfurtscheller wall chart
Overall Dimensions: 53" x 56"
Chart Dimensions: 50 1/2" x 56
Materials: Paper & Linen.
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Linen, Paper
An apothecary bronze mortar and pestle, Italy 1700.
Located in Milan, IT
Bronze Apothecary mortar, fitted with mortar pestle. Italy early 18th century.
Category
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Solid Brass Ships Nautical Miles Gauge
Located in Norwell, MA
Made in England by Thomas Walker and Son LTD Birmingham. Triple dial, anchor logo, nautical miles, and per mile and hundred miles gauges. Great piece of n...
Category
1970s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Rustic Wood Zig Zag Folding Ruler Extension
By Stanley
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Extension Ruler Rustic Wood Folding Decorative Item
Attributed to Lufkin or Stanley
Closed .75 h x 1.75 d x 8 w, fully extended 55 fully extended
Antique vintage un...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
A terrestral globe signed Périgot, published by Delagrave, Paris 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
A Medium-sized terrestrial globe, made of papier-mâché, finished with pastille and completed by the application of paper spindles imprinted with intaglio printing. Color touch-ups. T...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Pantograph by Thomas Dunn of Edinburgh, circa 1845
Located in London, GB
An oak cased brass pantograph by Thomas Dunn of 50 North Street, Edinburgh.
Interior of case has trade label: Thomas Dunn, optician, mathematical and philosophical instrument make...
Category
Mid-19th Century Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$3,818 Sale Price
25% Off
Anatomical model: a decomposable eyeball, Italy end of 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a decomposable eyeball, complete in all its parts, made of plaster, glass and painted paper mache, metal hooks. Italy ci...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
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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Optician Sign
Stanley Tool
Surveyors Level
Torricelli Barometer
Antique Butcher Hook
Antique Cast Iron Weighing Scales
Antique Medical Box
Antique Medical Devices
Antique Metal Wood Planes
Antique Syringes
Antique Wooden Grinder
Avery Scales
German Sundial