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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: Early 1900s
SECOND HALF OF THE 19th CENTURY NAPOLEON III'S BAROMETER
Located in Firenze, FI
This beautiful wall barometer with room thermometer is a highly valuable craftsmanship, attributable to French manufacture and dating back to the period of Napoleon III (approximatel...
Category
1860s French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Antique Gilbert & Barker Red Self Measuring Type 208 Vintage Curbside Gas Pump
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gilbert & Barker Red Self Measuring Type 208 Vintage Curbside Gas Pump. Item featured weighs approx 180 lbs, remarkable red color, original lab...
Category
Early 1900s Art Deco Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
A Fine 19th Century Noon Day Cannon
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
A Fine 19th Century Meridian or Noon Cannon, Large Marble Base into which is carved a sundial with a bronze Gnomen, also engraved is the operational latitude 48 50 13'. Mounted cann...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Brass
Early 19th century brass surveyor's level with compass
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century brass surveyor's level with telescope, compass and spirit level.
With original brass mounted pine case.
Telescope length: 18 1/4 inches. - 46.5 cm.
Fitting for tripod mount, now re-mounted on a modern brass plate for desk top display.
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Hand Carved Coquille Nut Egg Box 19th Century Flea Trap Pomander Needle Case
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful hand carved coquille nut egg box. Beautiful carving, great patina, unscrews at center to open.
The original use was a flea trap, things were different in the old days and...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Signed 19th Century Mahogany and Brass Telescope on Custom Oak Wall Mount
Located in San Francisco, CA
An English mahogany and brass single draw telescope made and signed by William Bruce, Kings Head Court Shoe Lane London, circa 1830. This handsom...
Category
1830s English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Ernst Plank Steam Engine
Located in Madrid, ES
The Ernst Plank steam engine is a fascinating and remarkable piece, especially the Union model with dimensions of 43x14x14 cm. Manufactured by the Ernst Plank brand, this steam engin...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
English Regency Gilt Figural and Ebonized Dital Harp, Maker E. Light, Circa 1815
Located in Hollywood, SC
English Regency gilt stenciled figural and floral ebonized dital harp signed by maker Edward Light. Retailed at Srohl Foley place London, Early 19th century.
Category
1810s English Regency Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood, Ebony, Wood, String
19th Century French Glazed Porcelain Water Filter Pharmacy Display Item
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique ceramic water filter, complete with pewter spout and lid, was created in Provence, France, circa 1870. In the old days, it was used as a promotional display in a Pharmac...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
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
Aneroid wall barometer in carved wood brass and glass late 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Wall-mounted aneroid barometer made of carved wood, brass, and glass, an instrument whose pressure-sensitive organ is a metal box called a barometric capsule.
English manufacture of...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique Cast Iron & Lacquered Brass Max Kohl Type Didactic Balance Device
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
19th / 20th century didactic balance device, probably made for use in a physics laboratory or classroom. In the Style of Max Kohl (1853-1908), all in lacquered brass, a semi-circular...
Category
Late 19th Century German Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Brass barometric altimeter signed J. Hicks Maker London from the early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Brass compensated barometric altimeter complete with magnifying glass signed J. Hicks Maker London from the early 1900s. Diameter cm 7 - inches 2.8, thickness cm 3.2 - inches 1.3. Bu...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Dutch Opera glasses by J.M.Schmidt, Amsterdam, ca 1890
Located in Delft, NL
Dutch Opera glasses by J.M.Schmidt, Amsterdam, ca 1890
Mother of pearl Opera glasses with brass adjustable in degrees and length for visibility. The name and address of the optician...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Pair of Neoclassical Apothecary Jars by Maison A Collin Porcelaines & Cristaux
By Old Paris
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Neoclassical Apothecary Jars by Maison A Collin Porcelaines & Cristaux
France, Circa 1870s
Signed : Maison A Collin Porcelaines & Cristaux a Collin paris 90 Rue de Rivoli
W...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Trade Scale Brass and Cast Iron, France, circa 1880
Located in Labrit, Landes
This trade scale was made in the late 19th century in France. It was a scale used by traders for retail
Brass and Cast-Iron
Patina and signs of use which make this antique object ver...
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Antique English Field Glasses / Binoculars by Lawrence and Mayo - With Compass
By Lawrence and Mayo
Located in Bath, GB
A superb and very handsome pair of the unusual and sought-after "Lynx" binoculars by Lawrence and Mayo, dating to c.1900. These English pocket sized Field glasses or binoculars are m...
Category
1890s British Late Victorian 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
Measuring Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Measuring stand in wood
France, circa 1900
Dimensions: 20W x 20D x 95H
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Large Antique Dolland & Co 1890 Brass Telescope with Mahogany box with accessori
By Dolland
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Large Antique Dolland & Co 1890 Brass Telescope with Mahogany box with accessories. This amazing historic telescope dating back to 1890 with original labelled case has all working ac...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Canada Post Office Balance Scale with Cast Metal Base and Brass Accents
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique postal scale is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Canada and date to approximately 1952 and done in the Late Victorian ...
Category
Late 19th Century Canadian Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Antique Brass Three-Draw Telescope, 19th Century
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This antique three-draw telescope dates to the 19th century. Solidly crafted with brass draws and a brass barrel wrapped in leather, this antique telescope is a beautiful example of ...
Category
19th Century French 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
Plaster paper plaster and glass teaching model of the eye France late 1800s.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical teaching model made of plaster cast paper and glass of the human eye fully disassembled, mounted on ebonized wooden board. French manufacture of the late 19th century. Th...
Category
1890s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gesso
19th Century French Table Sundial And Compass
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy
No additional costs will be added to this order.
Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included).
Brass sundial with folding gnoman. ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Hand Carved Coquille Nut Egg Box 19th Century Flea Trap Pomander Needle Case
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful hand carved coquille nut egg box. Beautiful carving, great patina, unscrews at center to open.
The original use was a flea trap, things were different in the old days and...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique Victorian Quality Carved Oak Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Victorian quality carved oak banjo barometer having a quality carved oak shaped case with a brass bezel, porcelain dial with original hands and a thermometer
An attractiv...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
19th Century Brass and Wooden Jewelry Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Loyally underhand for quickly weighing out gemstones and precious medals, this trustworthy sidekick was once the prized tool for the detailed work of the jeweler. Made in France in t...
Category
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Victorian Weighing Scales By J White & Son, c.1880
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century Victorian grocers scales consist of a cast iron base with a ridged brass column supporting a cast iron balancing arm from which white glazed stoneware plate is s...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Shibayama Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses by Lemaire
Located in London, GB
A superb and incredibly rare pair of gilt bronze and mother of pearl Shibayama opera glasses by Lemaire in its original leather carry case. The beautiful mother of pearl case...
Category
1880s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Unique Antique Water Filter, 19th Century
Located in Udenhout, NL
This is a very unique and antique water filter from
Brussels, Belgium.
Category
1870s Belgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Medical Science Research Artifact
Located in London, GB
19th Century Medical Science Research Artifact
A fine example of 19th Century medical science research artifact, in two sections and not hinged. A d...
Category
1850s Unknown Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Natural Fiber
19th C Pair of Large Optical Experimental Scientific Mirrors Concave & Convex
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A large pair of scientific optical mirrors, one concave the other convex.
These where used in studies of optical sciences and in particular the study of the properties of light r...
Category
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Edwardian Camera on Tripod Stand
Located in Altrincham, GB
Edwardian Sanderson Ensign half plate camera, on hickory tripod stand, circa 1910 - 24" diam x 65"h set up - Sanderson Cameras
Sanderson cameras, both field and 'Hand and Stand' for...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather, Hickory
Superb Large Painted Iron Balance Scales by Holliday & Co London 1907
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Superb Large Painted Iron Balance Scales by Holliday & Co London 1907
This very large and attractive beam balance scale is set on a cast Iron base the central upright columns are a...
Category
Early 1900s Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Brass and Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A pair of stunning miniature binoculars, or opera glasses, crafted from brass and clad in iridescent mother of pearl inlaid pieces. Dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, t...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large 19th Century Hourglass
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included).
A large 19th century hour glass, o...
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
Terrestrial Globe Ludwig Julius Heymann, Circa 1880
Located in Madrid, ES
Terrestrial Globe Ludwig Julius Heymann, Circa 1880
Globe 10 cm in diameter with a marble base held by metal putty. Nineteenth century. Dimensions: 46 cm high 7.14 cm diameter
Category
1880s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble
Luxury Victorian French Lorgnette Opera Glasses Marked "Iris, Paris", circa 1885
By Iris, Paris
Located in Incline Village, NV
Absolutely exquisite pair of operable mother of pearl high quality luxury, top of the line, French Lorgnette Opera Glasses; with fancy mother o...
Category
1880s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl
Luxury Victorian French Lorgnette Opera Glasses Marked "La Ville Paris" Ca 1890
Located in Incline Village, NV
Absolutely exquisite pair of operable mother of pearl high quality luxury French Opera Glasses with fancy lorgnette style handle and gilt metal mounts. Premium mother of pearl and on...
Category
1890s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl
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
Antique Trade Scale Brass and Cast Iron, France, circa 1880
Located in Labrit, Landes
This trade scale was made in the late 19th century in France; It was a scale used by traders for retail
Brass and Cast-Iron
Patina and signs of use which ma...
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron, Brass
Rare anatomical model: an external and inner ear, Italy end of 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a separable external and internal ear, complete in all its parts, made of plaster and painted paper mache, metal hooks. ...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
French 19th Century Louis XIV St. Ormolu And Patinated Bronze Barometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most impressive French 19th century Louis XIV st. Ormolu and patinated Bronze barometer, after Torricelli. The circular patinated bronze face has the eight enameled plaques depicti...
Category
19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
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
Anatomical model: a woman’s human bust dissection. Italy end of 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare anatomical model for class, depicting a woman’s human bust dissection with all removable organs, complete in all its part. Made out of painted plaster and paper mache, mounted o...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
Fine Pair of Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses by Dolland, London
By Dolland
Located in Bath, GB
A splendid pair of Edwardian Opera / Theatre glasses professionally re-polished to gleam, making them as good as they would have looked over 100 years ag...
Category
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Hand Carved Oak "Military" Barometer
Located in North Salem, NY
Very unusual hand carved Oak "Military" aneroid barometer from England. Circa 1880. Often antique items like this can be highly collectible and are often sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of vintage scientific instruments...
Category
1880s English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Collection of Friedrich Ziegler wax model human heart development forms
Located in London, GB
Collection of Friedrich Ziegler wax model human heart development forms
A rare collection of 4 wax models of the human heart, showing its early development to full size. The hand-col...
Category
Early 1900s German Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Natural Fiber
Anatomical Model of Human Eye Papier-maché, Scientific Collectables, Dr.Auzoux
Located in Leuven , BE
Anatomical cut of one eye, composition in natural painted papier-maché, with numbered labels on the different elements / the opening eyeball to cover the removable pute. Pen annotati...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Paper
Antique English Brass-Mounted Rosewood Complete Apothecary Case, Circa 1880.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Rare complete antique English London-made apothecary case, circa 1880.
Rosewood with Brass Mounts.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Barometro torricelliano a mercurio in legno firmato A. Pozzi attivo tra 1820/30
Located in Milan, IT
Barometro torricelliano a mercurio in legno di mogano, con doppia filettatura laterale in legno di cedro e di ebano, firmato A. Pozzi Wootton Bassett attivo tra il 1822 e il 1830. Lo...
Category
1820s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Large Impressive 1800s Kalidoscope
Located in Peekskill, NY
This scope is unsigned and was acquired from a European collector. It could be American but I'm guessing its not. The eyepiece and turning mechanism are brass. The tube is canvas wra...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
Antique Wooden Plate, Wabi Sabi Style, Scandinavia, 1800s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A wonderful wooden wabi sabi plate from Scandinavia, circa 1800s. In good vintage condition showing beautiful patina from age and use.
Measures:
Ø: 2...
Category
19th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
English Leather Covered Naval Telescope, circa 1850
Located in London, GB
An unusual English nineteenth century leather and brass single drawer hand held Naval signals telescope with a lens cap, sliding eyepiece cover and panel insert into the leather show...
Category
1850s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French Planetary Clock InGided Brass And Marble Planetarium Tellurium
Located in Madrid, ES
French Planetary Clock In Golden Brass And Tellurium Marble, Planetarium
Rare French planetary from the 19th century in brass and Royal Red marble base...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble
Pocket barometer by C Baker in original case
Located in East Geelong, VIC
This pocket barometer was made by the firm of C Baker of 244 High Holborn, London and is still in its original leather covered case. The model number is 7073, ...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage, New and Antique Scientific Instruments
Decorating with vintage, new and antique scientific instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.
The Age of Discovery (or the Age of Exploration) refers to a period during the 15th to 18th centuries that saw Europeans taking to the high seas to explore, trade and conquer various regions of the world. What we know about geography, the advancement of sea vessels and the development of scientific instruments all broadened significantly during this time.
With every new finding about our world, scientists invented tools to measure and record. While many of these objects are now obsolete, they are essentially works of art and have a rich history. Scientific instruments of a bygone era represent how far science and technology have advanced.
If you’re interested in introducing antique scientific instruments and tools to your decor to add contrast or draw attention to otherwise unexplored corners of your living room or dining room, there are many options to consider as far as textures and colors go. Like any curious decorative object that draws attention to your home library or mantel, vintage scientific instruments will likely add spirit to any conversation that might take place over cocktails or dinner.
Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.
Mid-century modern scientific instruments also capture a period of rapid progress, representing groundbreaking discoveries that defined the 20th century. Wouldn’t antique anatomical models of the 1950s pair well with your eye-catching abstract paintings, George Nelson clock or Florence Knoll sofa?
Whether you’re looking for a way to showcase your passion for chemistry or aviation or are making room in your foyer for a breathtaking industrial-style electronic time tower manufactured by Patek Philippe, 1stDibs offers a collection of vintage, new and antique scientific instruments that includes topographic tools, laboratory equipment and more.
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