Scientific Instruments
to
149
940
586
1,564
5
3
144
138
135
53
45
39
28
23
18
15
15
7
6
6
3
3
1
1
140
601
823
8
385
285
63
27
45
35
36
33
54
36
23
10
898
664
441
250
152
1,108
385
270
238
176
1,572
1,568
1,569
8
5
4
4
4
Scientific Instruments For Sale
3-D Gastro Intestinal Model by CENCO
By Central Scientific Company
Located in Hanover, MA
Vintage 1960's medical office or classroom model diagram of the anatomy of the human G-I system. Wall plaque in hand painted plaster relief. Element...
Category
1960s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Glass Pharmacy Wound Syringe in Beech Case by Wm Toogood Ltd
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Glass Pharmacy Wound Syringe in Beech Case by Wm Toogood Ltd
The Glass Syringe comes in its original turned Beech case and has the Pharmacy label on the front
The box is 9” long and...
Category
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Beech
Huge JHQ Dansk Style Peppermill to End All Peppermills Restaurant Kitchen Prop
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Purchased from the family of historic Woodward avenue Detroit restaurant. Giant 29" teak peppermill. Possibly a Jens Quistgaard for Dansk promotional p...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Teak
Pair of American Brass Nautical Taffrail Log Spinners, Negus, NY, Circa 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American brass nautical taffrail log spinners, Late 19th century. Stamped by brothers Thomas Shufeldt Negus, Jr. (1828-1894) & John Davidson Negus (1833-1890) manufacturers and merchants of chronometers and other fine marine instruments...
Category
1880s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Barograph and Barometer by Negretti & Zambra
Located in Cheshire, GB
Unusual oak-cased barograph and barometer by Negretti & Zambra, having five glazed removable lid. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed i...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Vintage American Brass Gooseneck Magnifying Glass, circa 20th Century
Located in Napa, CA
Freestanding vintage gooseneck magnifying glass on a scalloped black metal base.
Metal with brass finish; a few dents; wear according to...
Category
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
A pharmacy mushroom model: Phallus Impudicus, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Phallum Impudicus mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
A seed scale model, France 1830.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare model of scale for seeds. Wooden and iron. France 1830 ca.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Binoculars and Elegant Old French Theatre Set for Ladies
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/431 - Pretty old French theatre set: Binoculars, fan and mirror. Delicious and useful also for Your summer nights or for a gift.
That's my cost !!
Category
Late 19th Century Argentine Belle Époque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather
16th Century Cast Iron Mortar
Located in Brussels, Brussels
16th century cast iron mortar with two very beautiful handles
Beautiful original object with a great patina and in very good condition.
Category
16th Century French Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Antique Cast Metal Figural & Mechanical Robed Woman Dinner or Service Bell
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique dinner or service counter bell is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from England and date to approximately 1900 and done in the period Edwardian style. The bell features a cast metal robed female holding up and two piece plated bell. The bell functions by turning the knob at the top which spins back and forth. This sculptural bell stands...
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate, Steel
Vintage American Magnifying Glass, circa 20th Century
Located in Napa, CA
Free-standing vintage magnifying glass. American, circa 20th century. Curving articulated arm on pebbled black base.
Category
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Spanish MCM Instituto L. Torres Quevedo Educational Galvanometer
Located in Mexico City, MX
A 1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern educational D'Arsonval galvanometer manufactured by the Leonardo Torres Quevedo Institute in Madrid. Model MA 54-04. The wood and glass structure s...
Category
1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Magnets
Edwardian Mahogany Cased Barograph by Negretti & Zambra, London
Located in Norwich, GB
Negretti & Zambra
Fine Edwardian mahogany cased barograph with beveled glass panels and central chart drawer.
Seven vacuum chambe...
Category
1910s English Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Anatomical Model of the Upper Limbs, Italy 1900
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, didactic use, depicting the upper limb tilting on a fork supported by a black lacquered wooden base.
Made in plaster and finished entirely in colour. F...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Scagliola
‘Royal’ Barometer by John Russell, Watchmaker to the Prince Regent
By John Russell
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
This superbly crafted wheel barometer and thermometer has a mahogany case surrounded by twisted brass stringing and central panels of foliate tendrils above Russell’s signature thistle motif in black and gilt verre églomisé. It is surmounted by a brass Prince of Wales feather finial. The long, rectangular thermometer plate is inscribed ‘Thermometers: Beaumar, Fahrenheit, Royal Society of London’, the latter being an early attempt to standardise temperature measurement. The circular dial is inscribed ‘Changeable, Fair, Settled Fair, Much Rain’ and ‘Rain’ and signed across the centre ‘J Russell, Falkirk, Invt et Fecit, Watch Maker to his R.H the Prince Regent’. The reverse has a paper label ‘Russell, Iden Collection Inventory 1896’. Scottish, circa 1815.
Provenance: Mr Walter Iden.
Published: Percy G. Dawson, The Iden Clock Collection, Woodbridge, 1987. No.125, p.280.
These ‘royal barometers’ were so named because John Russell of Falkirk...
Category
1810s Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Austrian Vintage Barometer in Heart Shape by Wippel & co
Located in Vienna, AT
rare austrian vintage barometer in heart shape by Wippel & co, rosewood, good original condition
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Trussel of Brighton Clock and Barometer
Located in New York, NY
Handpicked by buyers Ann-Morris, Inc.
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
17th Century Spanish Talavera Pharmacy Jar in Blue Glazed Ceramic
Located in Marbella, ES
17th century Spanish Talavera pharmacy jar in blue glazed ceramic.
Category
17th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This distinguished 19th Century French Metal Scale is an emblem of the rich historical past, resonating with the tales of traditional marketplaces where it once played a pivotal role...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
A precision brass scale, France 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
Precision scale made out on brass. France circa 1880.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Anatomical model of a chiken, Germany 1930.
Located in Milan, IT
A life-size anatomical model of a chicken, with separable anatomical parts, for educational use. Made of painted plaster, wooden and metal base. Somso, Germany circa 1930.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century French Carved Black Forest Hunting Barometer and Thermometer
Located in Birmingham, AL
A stunning early 20th century French black forest barometer with thermometer, circa 1900. Found in a hunting lodge in Lyon, this antique weather station...
Category
Early 1900s French Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
1800s Cast Iron Farm Well Hand Pump with Handle Piston
Located in New York, NY
1800s farmhouse and Industrial style cast iron hand pump. Unknown working condition but great look. Sold as is. Please note, this item is located in our Scranton, PA location.
Category
19th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
A pharmacy mushroom model: Amanita Virosa, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Amanita Virosa mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
A pharmacy mushroom model: Sarcoshypha Austriaca, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Sarcoscypha Austriaca mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Art Deco Nudy Lady Thermometer
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Celluloid nude lady Art Deco thermometer.
Category
20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Louis XV Period Gilded Barometer with Thermometer
Located in Pembroke, MA
An elegant French gilded wood barometer with thermometer (period Louis XV, Circa 1760). Barometer has been fitted with a new mercury tube, ...
Category
18th Century and Earlier French Louis XV Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood, Glass
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
Monumental Floor Standing Brass Butcher Scale
Located in Cheshire, GB
A large set of floor standing brass balance scales and graduated weights with bullhead terminal above the circular column, to the platform base with fourteen graduated compartments f...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Barograph by R Fuess
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany framed barograph by R Fuess Berlin. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum, fitted with a seven-day chart which covers one full rotation of the drum. The in...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
1900s French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This early 1900s French Metal Scale is an evocative piece of history that marries function with rustic charm. Featuring a robust metal frame with an aged, weathered patina, the scale...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Art Deco Oak Cased Barograph, Winter & Sin, Newcastle
Located in Norwich, GB
Art Deco Barograph, Winter & Sons, Newcastle
Art Deco barograph housed in an oak bevelled glass display case standing on a raised, moulded plinth with pad feet.
Six vacuum chambers ...
Category
1920s English Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Late 19th Century Physics Teaching Wheel
Located in Santa Monica, CA
These educational wheels, with copper and black painted surfaces, were used by Physics teachers in the late 19th century.
Please note we have two of these wheels available. One i...
Category
19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper, Brass
Almirez De Bronce Del S XIX Con Asas Y Decoraciones E Inscripción De Letras
Located in Marbella, ES
Almirez de bronce del S XIX con asas y decoraciones e inscripción de letras
El palo mide 17cm.
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Small herbalist pharmacy wooden jars, Italy 1870.
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two small wooden herbalist's apothecary vases (Althaea flowers, Ginko leaves) in the purest neoclassical style. The surface is finished with cream-white pastiglia with saffron...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Anatomical Eye Model by New York Scientific Supply Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Anatomical, composition, organ model of the eye by New York Scientific Co., Inc disassembles into six pieces deconstructing the eye and its nerves. Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Composition
A bleeding set signed Blackwell, England 1850.
Located in Milan, IT
Travelling mahogany case set for bleeding, brass apparatuses for bleeding and glass cups. Signed Blackwell London, 1850 ca.
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Terrestrial globe apres Mr. Rizzi Zannoni, Paris 1762.
Located in Milan, IT
Designed to be hanged to the ceiling, terrestrial globe, made out of paper machè and wood, brass hook. It is reported in the cartouche of the globe: globe terrestre d’après Mr. Rizz...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Glass & brass luminous world map by Paul Oestergaard for Colombus Verlag - 1950s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Glass & brass luminous world map by Paul Oestergaard for Colombus Verlag - 1950s
World map - Mid-Century - Deco Object
Measures : Ø 37cm H: 41cm
Material : Brass - Glass
Wear consis...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Rare 18th Century Waywiser By Jonathan Sissons
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A super example of an early waywiser by Jonathan Sissons with a finely engraved center of the dial and a silvered readings dial, with the original hands.
The oak and mahogany case ha...
Category
18th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Silver, Brass
Edwardian Mahogany Barograph by Hamilton and Inches, Edinburgh
Located in Norwich, GB
Edwardian Mahogany Barograph by Hamilton and Inches, Edinburgh
Edwardian mahogany Barograph housed in a bevelled glass display case with satin...
Category
1910s English Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Elevate your decor with this striking 19th Century French Metal Scale, a piece that exudes the mystique and allure of its time. Crafted with an eye for balance and precision, the sca...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Anatomical Model: the Skeletal Part of a Foot, Germany, 1970’s
By Somso
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model depicting the skeletal part of a foot, made by Somso, Sonenberg. Germany, circa 1970.
Category
1970s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Brass Ashcroft Ships Revolution Counter
Located in Norwell, MA
Ships Revolution Counter by Ashcroft Mfg. Co New York. 8 inch face inscribed New York Ship building Co. Camden, N.J. USA. Nickel plated over brass with n...
Category
1920s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique English Oak and Brass Postal Scale
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English oak and brass postal scale.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Telescopes Vintage Signed Iseli
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/2941 , vintage French telescopes with its case: for Your holidays ! Small and convenient to carry .
Signed ISELI, Paris.
Category
Early 20th Century French Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather
20th Century Large Polished Intake Fan Blade, c.1950
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A stunning mid-20th century large aluminium Industrial intake fan blade, polished to an almost mirror finish. This would be an imposing addition to any" Man...
Category
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
Oak Cased Barograph by Negretti & Zambra, London
Located in Norwich, GB
Negretti & Zambra
Fine Edwardian oak cased barograph with bevelled glass panels and central chart drawer.
Ten vacuum chambers linking ...
Category
1920s English Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
18th Century Antique Georgian Mahogany Wheel Barometer by E. Bates of Kettering
Located in Devon, GB
A late Georgian mahogany wheel barometer with satinwood marquetry inlay by Bates of Kettering.
The mahogany case has satinwood stringing and marquetry shell...
Category
Early 19th Century English George IV Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Boyle’s Patent Air Pump Ventilator, London, 1890
Located in Milan, IT
Boyle’s patent air pump ventilator mahogany wood, glass an iron, depicting architecture model. Robert Boyle & son Ventilating engineeres. London & Glasgow, end XIX century.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Apothecary glass funnels, Italy 1800.
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of apothecary glass funnels. Italy 1800 ca.
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Antique Clock and Barometer
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Victorian clock and barometer adorned with medieval weaponry.
Category
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Botanic Model of Inflorescence, the Spiga, Italy 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanic didactical model of one type of inflorescence specimen, the Spiga, made out of hand painted colored plaster gems, wooden branches and pa...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Baudot Multiple-Impression Telegraph, c. 1900 Manufactured by J Carpentier Paris
By J. Carpentier
Located in Madrid, ES
Baudot multiple-impression telegraph, c. 1900 Manufactured by J Carpentier Paris,
brass and steel, Grunewald type electric motor mounted upside down.
For the five-bit Baudot code...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Edwardian Cased Oak Barograph with Bevelled Glass Panels
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An Edwardian cased oak barograph with bevelled glass panels and a central chart drawer. Inscribed ‘Made by Short & Mason London, for A & N C S Westminster’.
A & N C S refers to the Army & Navy Co-operative Society Ltd., an army surplus...
Category
1870s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Oak
Lithographic Print on Paper, Depicting the Male Genital System, France 1850 Ca
Located in Milan, IT
An anatomical lithographic print on paper, depicting the male genital system. Black lacquered fir wood frame with golden ramin wood batting. N. H. Jacob, Pari...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
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.