Scientific Instruments
to
169
907
596
1,539
5
4
146
140
136
53
45
36
27
23
16
15
15
6
6
6
4
3
1
1
136
577
826
9
384
293
59
27
44
35
38
32
54
38
22
9
905
646
446
246
142
1,087
373
261
222
181
1,548
1,544
1,545
8
4
4
4
4
Scientific Instruments For Sale
Art Deco Kodak Compur Model Six-20 Folding Camera c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An Art Deco Kodak Compur Model Six-20 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome accents and flip out view finder. Black and silver Art Deco design on both sides
Show...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Vintage Underwood Champion Portable Typewriter c.1946
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A vintage portable Underwood Champion Four bank typewriter in grey finish and original case. This typewriter is very clean and in good working order. It has smooth typing and ...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
$260 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Sheaffer Fountain Pen, circa 1950
By Montblanc
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sheaffer fountain pen, circa 1950. Manufactured by Sheaffers In original condition, with some visible signs of previous use and age, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials...
Category
1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Wood and glass wall barometer station signed Lufft 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Table or wall-mounted wood and glass barometer station signed Lufft from the 1950s, made for the Italian market and consisting of aneroid barometer, thermometer and hygrometer.
Buono...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique French Style Chased Repoussé Gilt Telephone with Carved Jade Inset
Located in Rochester, NY
Antique French style telephone. Decorated in the Asian style. Hand chased gilt brass. Inset with carved jade moth plaque. Bakelite and brass handset. Signed. Circa 1920's. Made by Be...
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Jade, Metal, Brass
Vintage Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses
Located in Tampa, FL
A glam throwback to evenings at the theatre—these vintage opera glasses by TASCO are as chic as they are collectible. Likely dating to the 1970s, this pair features a luminous mother...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
18th Century French Louis XVI Period Gilded Barometer by Evangelista Torricelli
By Evangelista Torricelli
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, large antique French Louis XVI period barometer, signed by Torricelli in gilded wood and of oval shape with original scientific illustrations, in good condition. The detailed wall décor piece is consisting its original glass. Framed with gilt foliate trim and important pediment. Minor fading, due to age. Wear consistent with age and use, circa 1750, France.
The Italian scientist Evangelista Torricelli...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
Antique maritime navy compass
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Antique maritime navy compass in very nice original condition.
Category
19th Century European Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Large Brass Hourglass
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century large brass hourglass with white sand
Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Curiosity Cabinet Collection of Shells, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
1970s Ariante Electric Fan by Marco Zanuso for Vortice Elettrosociali
By Vortice Elettrosociali, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An icon of 1970s radical and early postmodern Italian design, the Ariante fan takes the normally boring square box fan to new design heights. With 45 degree diagonal slats on a brig...
Category
Mid-20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century Walnut Cased Barometer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early 20th century walnut cased barometer
Beautiful barometer. Dimensions 43" long x 13" wide x 5.5" at the crown x 5" at the bottom.
The door on the back reveals the inner wor...
Category
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Large Studio Portrait Camera
Located in Peekskill, NY
Cameras are not my expertise but we could not pass up on this beauty. The camera is signed ANSCO and the large lens reads DARLO OPTICIEN, PARIS 35436. I'm told that this lens is the most valuable...
Category
Early 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Curiosité Cabinet Collection of Shell Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
19th Century Italian Carved Louis XVI Style Giltwood Barometer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous late 19th century gilt wood barometer thermometer made in Italy in the Louis XVI or baroque taste. The large barometer features a large carve...
Category
19th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Antique Eastman Kodak "No. 2 Folding Pocket Brownie" Camera c.1909
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An original "No. 2 Folding Pocket Brownie" camera with leather wrapped body, brass and chrome accents. Autographic film window in back with iron stylus for writing notes dir...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Rare Early 8x10 Double Bellows Double Exposure Camera
Located in Peekskill, NY
When have you ever seen one of these? This is a first for me. This very unique camera came out of an important 2 generation New York Collection. This was a custom built double exposu...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shells Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Mid-20th Century Dow Jones Wall Street Journal Broad Tape Ticker Tape Machine
Located in Stamford, CT
This antique Dow Jones News Wire Broad Tape Ticker Tape machine from the 1930s-1940s. With its beautifully crafted design and historical significan...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Pair of Antique Opera Glasses, English, Leather, Brass, Binoculars, Ross London
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of antique opera glasses. An English, leather and brass binocular by Ross of London, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920.
A charming and original example of ...
Category
1920s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Set of French Apothecary Pasteur Water Filters in Cream Glaze, 19th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
This set of antique ceramic water filters was crafted in Provence, France, circa 1870. Originally designed as promotional display pieces for a French pharmacy, each vessel advertises...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
London Mid-19th Century Vanity Kit Set Sterling Silver
Located in Brescia, IT
Not easy to find this original box, with this kit set composed of 8 pieces for nail manicure. A piece to collect or to add in a wunderkammer.
In sterling silver, all marked.
With ce...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Crystal, Sterling Silver
$359 Sale Price / set
25% Off
Male anatomical model in painted stuccoed fiber. First half of the 20th century.
Located in Leuven , BE
Male anatomical model in painted stuccoed fiber. First half of the 20th century. Beautiful patina. Height: 30 cm.
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Natural Fiber, Parchment Paper
Navy Binoculars
Located in Paris, FR
Binoculars Navy with polished steel adjustable tripod base.
With polished aluminium and steel binoculars with clear glass
lens, magnifying x8 times. Adjust...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
$7,124
Curiosity Cabinet Collection of Shell, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Galvanometer Antique Measuring Instrument Used for Telegraph Cables 1850 circa
Located in Milan, IT
Vertical mirror galvanometer made in 1850 circa, oak and glass, three adjustable screws at the base. Tool constituted by a magnet bar movable inside a coil and connected to a needle. In the absence of current the needle is positioned vertically while when the coil is crossed by the current it creates a magnetic field that moves the needle. This type of galvanometer was used for measurement of insulation of telegraph cables...
Category
1850s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Gustavian brass box with perpetual calender based on the rune staff
Located in Knivsta, SE
Gustavian brass box with perpetual calender based on the rune staff. The box is from the late 18th Century and was used as a perpetual calendar and...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Steel and Brass Pruning Shears c1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Vintage steel parrot beak pruning shears with brass spring-loaded handle and lock.
CREATOR P.S. & W. Co. Pexto, Cleveland, OH.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1920.
MATER...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
Rare 18th Century Equatorial Sundial And Compass By Johann Nepomuk Schrettegger
Located in Bilzen, BE
"Rare 18th Century Equatorial Sundial And Compass By Johann Nepomuk Schrettegger,"
Rare 18th-Century Equinoctial Sundial & Compass by Johann Nepomuk Schrettegger, Augsburg
Maker: Joh...
Category
18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Greta Garbo Limited Edition Mont Blanc Ballpoint Pen with Pearl
By Montblanc
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Greta Garbo Limited Edition Mont Blanc Ballpoint Rollerball pen with pearl.
Montblanc honors Greta Garbo in the form of another mystical writing i...
Category
Late 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Resin
French Wooden and Iron Cheese Press, circa 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having a double trestle base and a threaded press, the surface with a raised edge and a drain spout.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Vintage Illuminated Magnifying Glass Eagle Hong Kong
By Eagle Tool and Metal Mfg.
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Eagle Magnifying Glass Hong Kong
2.75 h x 4.5 diameter x 9.5 long
reading magnifying glass with light by EAGLE
stamped by maker
Preowned vintage condition
Refer to images
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Laboratory Microscope, German, Scientific Instrument, Carl Zeiss Jena
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage laboratory microscope. A German, enamelled metal scientific instrument by Carl Zeiss Jena, dating to the late 20th century, circa ...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
French Louis XVI Style Bronze Barometer
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XVI-style bronze wall barometer with an urn finial top with a head above the round dial and draped with a ribbon design.
Category
20th Century French Louis XVI Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Original Patina, Italy, Pharmacy or Herbalist
Located in Roma, IT
Antique bronze mortar. Handmade with pestle. Original patina
Italian bronze mortar and pestle
Measures: Pestle height 7.5 in.
Category
Mid-19th Century European Grand Tour Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Antique Technical Drawing Set, German, Architect, Cartography, Wichmann
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique technical drawing set. A German, architect's or cartographer's instrument case by Wichmann, dating to the early 20th c...
Category
Early 20th Century German Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Nickel
French 19th Century Gilt & Painted Barometer
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A gorgeous French 19th century painted and gold gilt barometer with thermometer. The elegantly carved giltwood surrounding the French gray-painted case is in a rococo and laurel leaf...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Gold
Antique Estwing Geological Rock Hammer Leather Handle
By Stanley
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Antique Rock Hammer Leather Handle Geology Pick Hammer
Vintage Tool attributed to Estwing.
12.5 long x 7 w x .75
unsigned
Original vintage condition
Refer to all im...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Working English Cast Iron Cheese Press Thomas Corbett of Shrewsbury 1880
Located in Portland, OR
A rare antique and all original fully functioning cast iron English cheese press, by Thomas Corbett of Shrewsbury, circa 1880. This cheese press has just ...
Category
1880s English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
$3,680 Sale Price
20% Off
Bronze Imperial Gallon Measure, Calcutta Mint
Located in Essex, MA
British controlled India weights and measures Imperial Gallon Measure. F.70 #78. With cover.
Measures were used by municipalities to assure and check for fair and accurate product pa...
Category
Mid-19th Century Indian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
19th Century German Miniature Pocket Terrestrial Globe
Located in Essex, MA
A miniature 19th century 3.5 inch diameter pocket terrestrial globe by C. Abel-Klinger, Nuremberg, Germany, in English for the English speaking markets. Signed with cartouche reading...
Category
1880s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$1,230 Sale Price
50% Off
1930s Educational Model Depicting the Belly of the Woman Immediately After Birth
Located in Milan, IT
Educational model depicting the belly of the woman immediately after birth with a part of the placenta. 1930's, sold by the Hygiene Museum in Dresden...
Category
1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Pair of English 12-inch Globes by William Harris, London, 1832 and 1835
By William Harris
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of 12-inch table globes
William Harris
London, 1832 and 1835
Slight abrasions from use; few cracks
lb 11 each (kg 5)
The two terrestrial and celestial globes rest in their original Dutch style stands with four supporting turned wood columns.
Each one measures 12 in in height x 16.5 in in diameter with the diameter of the spheres measuring approximately 12 in; 48 cm in height x 42 cm in diameter x 31 cm diameter of the spheres.
The 12 inch measure was the most frequently used by British manufacturers of globes of this period.
Each globe is composed of two series of twelve printed paper gores, aligned and glued onto plaster spheres.
The brass circle of the meridian bears engravings...
Category
1830s English William IV Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper, Wood
Antique, Pair of Binoculars, German, Neo Universal, CP Goerz, Berlin, circa 1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pair of binoculars. A German, 4.5x magnification Neo Universal by CP Goerz of Berlin, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920.
Delightful binocular from a sought-after German specialist
Displaying a desirable aged patina - optical elements in clear order
Elegantly milled brass with painted black finish
Complete with black leather carry pouch
CP Goerz Berlin logo present on left barrel; Neo Universal model name to the right
Knurled central focus wheel encased within pleasingly formed, folding bridge
Smaller adjustment wheel with marking range from 64-72
Serial number of 580854 engraved into front fascia
Turned eyecups, adjustment wheel to the right
Hand grips dressed in quality textured leather
Carry pouch in original condition - clasp not situated
Interior dressed with smooth, dark blue velour
This is a wonderful pair of vintage binoculars...
Category
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Wooden Barometer Signed Burlinson Ripon Antique Instrument Weather
Located in Milan, IT
Wooden barometer signed Burlinson Ripon made in the mid 19th century. Silver-plated brass dial engraved with weather indications and the name of the m...
Category
1850s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
1920s Whiting Sculptoscope Coin Op Stereo Card Viewer
Located in Peekskill, NY
Original whiting sculpt scope coin-operated stereo card viewer from the 1920s. Deposit a penny, pull trigger and look through the viewer to flip through st...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English Brass, Terrestrial Instrument, Victorian, 1880
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky.
This is an antique 3-draw telescope. An English, ...
Category
1880s British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Brass and Leather Coast Guard Telescope By Ottway London
Located in Dublin, IE
A stunning early 20th Century telescope brass and leather coast guard telescope of exceptional quality and with excellent optics. The finely cast polished brass and leather telescop...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French Neo-Classical Style Louis XVI Style Carved Giltwood Barometer Wall Decor
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is amazing! It is a 19th century French Louis XVI style carved giltwood barometer. The crest appears to be a carved armillary of some sort with cascading laurel leaves and branc...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
Old Compass reproduction 1944 London, brown Color
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Old Compass reproduction 1944 London, brown Color
Category
20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
$134 Sale Price
20% Off
Art Deco Kodak Senior Six-16 Folding Camera c.1937-1939
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An Art Deco Kodak Senior Six-16 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome and black accents and flip out view finder.
Shown with life size hand. Sold as decorative o...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Antique Vineyard Setter's Compass, French, Brass, Surveyor's Instrument, C.1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique vineyard setter's compass. A French, brass surveyor's instrument with mahogany case and stand, dating to the late Victorian period, c...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Rare Microscope "Neopan" by Carl Aubock 1963, Reichert Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare award-winning microscope, model Neopan, designed in 1963 by the Viennese architect and designer Carl Aubock. Executed by Reichert Austria. In good condition, fully workin...
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Automa Tedesco Gabbia Con Uccello Cantante e Animato 1920s Karl Griesbaum
Located in Milano, MI
Automa Animato Tedesco Gabbia Con Uccellino del 1920 circa costituito da una gabbia rotonda in ottone dorato con al suo interno un uccello animato canterino su di un trespolo con un ...
Category
Early 19th Century German Art Deco Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique French Lorgnette Binoculars or Opera Glasses in Brass & Mother of Pearl
By LeRoy
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of antique lorgnette opera glasses were made by LeRoy of France in approximately 1880 in the period Victorian style. These bi...
Category
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Huge Decorative Scientific Induction Coil
Located in Peekskill, NY
We were told that this coil was originally from West Point but there is no paperwork to back that up. We also guessed at its age. But it looks to be over 100 years. We have owned many coils over the years but nothing of this Size or quality. The wood furniture surrounding the coil is beautiful showing turned wood ends. In almost ll cases these Induction coils...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Early 20th-Century English Sovereign Balance Scale by Harrison
Located in Atlanta, GA
This early 20th-century English sovereign balance scale, marked “Harrison”, was designed to verify the weight and authenticity of full and half sovereign gold coins. A finely crafted piece of precision engineering, it features a brass balance arm with two coin slots labeled “Sovereign Warranted” and “Sovereign ½”, ensuring accurate weight measurement. The base, also inscribed with “Harrison” and adorned with a crowned hallmark, reflects its quality craftsmanship.
These compact, mechanical scales were widely used by bankers, jewelers, and traders during the early 1900s to prevent fraud and counterfeit currency circulation. Their simple yet effective design remains a testament to the ingenuity of the time.
A rare and collectible piece of British numismatic history, this scale is perfect for collectors of antique measuring...
Category
20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French 18th Century Balance Scale
Located in Round Top, TX
A handsome French 18th century balance scale in iron and brass. The balance mechanism is in iron. The foot and the plates are in brass. The...
Category
18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, 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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Library Telescope
Opera Binoculars
Antique Microscope Slide
Antique Planer Tools
Opera Glasses Mother Of Pearl
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