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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Late 20th Century
Period: 19th Century
Antique Cased Microscope, English, Scientific Instrument, J Swift, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique cased microscope. An English, enamelled metal and brass scientific instrument by J. Swift & Son of London, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
Presen...
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique English Victorian Brass Postal Scale, Circa 1880-1890.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Victorian Brass Postal Scale, Circa 1880-1890.
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1970s German Sputnik Barometer Tabletop Sculpture Mid-Century Modernist Orb
By Dieter Rams
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Very clean example, estate fresh to you. Wonderful design by Huger of W.Germany.
Category
1970s German Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Anatomical model for class: a heart, France 1890.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for class, depicting an animal’s heart, made out of painted papier mache. Ebonized wooden base, square shape. France circa 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique 1897 Wooden Eastman Kodak Bulls Eye Camera Tripod
Located in San Carlos, CA
Fantastic antique wooden Bulls-Eye tripod made by Eastman Kodak in Rochester, New York.
With over 100+ years of life, this tripod is in surprisingly good ...
Category
1890s American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique English Victorian Brass Postal Scale, Circa 1870-1880.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Handsome Antique English Victorian Brass Postal Scale, Circa 1870-1880.
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Anatomical Model an External and Inner Ear, France 1890
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for class, depicting an external and inner ear, made out of painted papier mache’ mounted on black painted wood. France circa 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Fruitwood
Late 19th C Gemstone Mineral & Semi Precious Stone Specimens Display Case Curio
Located in Lowestoft, GB
Just the most wonderful collection of mineral specimens, housed in there original birds eye maple case.
Each specimen is encased in a hand blown glass convex vial, along with a corr...
Category
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Natural Fiber, Birdseye Maple, Pine
Antique Schaeffer & Budenberg Stationary Steam Engine Model w Copper Boiler
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 19th century Schaeffer & Budenberg stationary steam engine model. Made of cast iron featuring copper boiler
The Budenberg Gauge Company was founded in 1918. The original pa...
Category
Late 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Copper
19th C. Diminutive Plaster Phrenology Head, Atribb. A.L. Vago London, C.1870
By Vago
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th C. Diminutive Plaster Phrenology Head, Attributed to A.L. Vago London. C 1870
This diminutive plaster Phrenology head, attributed to A.L. Vago London circa 1870, stands as a f...
Category
19th Century English High Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Antique English Postal Scale Brass Oak Circa 1880-1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Postal Scale Brass Oak Circa 1880-1890
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French 19th Century Iron & Brass Tabletop Scale
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A smart French metal hanging balance scale from the 1900’s. Two straight stirrups hang from the arms with round brass dishes that hold the weighted item in one, and counterweights in...
Category
19th Century French Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Antique English Victorian Brass Letter Scale & Weights, Circa 1880-1890.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Victorian Brass Letter Scale with Weights, Circa 1880-1890.
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French Made Solid Brass Marine Barometer
Located in Norwell, MA
Highly polished solid brass nautical barometer by WM Senter & Co. WM Senter and Company was in business from 1869 to 1888 at 51 Exchange St in Portl...
Category
1880s American Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Late 19th C Gregory Bottley Scientific Collection of Mineral Fossils Shell
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A good collection of Gregory Bottley mineral, fossils and shell all contained in there original teak trays and card board sleeves.
Each specimen has its original hand written and nu...
Category
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Natural Fiber, Hardwood
English or French Antique Brass Surveyor's Transit Theodolite, last quarter 19th
Located in Atlanta, GA
From Wikipedia:
“A THEODOLITE is a precision optical instrument for measuring angles between designated visible points in the horizontal and vertical planes. The traditional use has been for land...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Postmodern Funnytime 105 Kitchen Timer by Roberto Pezzetta for Wikidue
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A whimsical Italian postmodern multicolor kitchen timer designed by Roberto Pezzetta for WikiDue. Stacked green, red and yellow discs give it a fun Me...
Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Metallic Polyhedron From The 19th Century – Hexaoctahedron With 48 Faces
Located in Madrid, ES
Behold a masterpiece from the 19th century—a remarkable representation of an irregular polyhedron with 48 faces, specifically a hexaoctahedron, featuring 12 vertices. This exquisite ...
Category
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
19th C Scientific James DeVille L N Fowler Phrenology Plaster Bust Head Curio
By L. N. Fowler
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A larger than the normal plaster cast phrenology head, with its original painted finish and paper labels.
The original makers label is partially missing leaving it a bit of a myster...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Early Victorian Walnut with Mother of Pearl Inlayed Stick Barometer
Located in New York, NY
Early Victorian walnut with mother of pearl inlayed stick barometer, 19th century.
Category
Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique English Brass Cased Floating Card Explorers Pocket Compass c.1890
Located in Bath, GB
A very attractive Victorian explorers compass dating to around 1890.
The floating card dial pivots on a bearing and is housed under a glass crystal which is clean and free from any ...
Category
1890s British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique English Mahogany Cased Compass by Stanley, London
By Stanley & Co., London 1
Located in Bath, GB
A very handsome Victorian military explorer's compass dating to around 1840 / 1860 set in a hinged mahogany block measuring 2" square.
The compass has a shapely blued-steel needle (...
Category
1850s British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique Cylinder Sundial Late 19th Century
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 boxwood cylinder sundial, also kn...
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Oak cased weather station
Located in Cheshire, GB
Oak-cased Weather station by James Brown Glasgow. with silvered dials comprising a clock set with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds dial, barometer, and central barograph over th...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
1986 Enorme Telephone Handset by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfectly postmodern telephone handset designed by the Memphis Milano master, Ettore Sottsass, and produced in 1986. 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 vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use. This is the handset only and it has not been tested. Molded manufacturer's mark on handset and base: "Designed by Ettore Sottsass Enorme...
Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Vintage Bolex 280 Macrozoom Video Movie Camera & Case 1:1.8/7-56mm 11"
By Bolex
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Bolex 280 Macrozoom video camera and case. Includes camera strap, remote shutter button, lens cap, rubber lens hood, and camera strap. Made in A...
Category
Late 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Trade Scale Brass and Painted 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 painted cast-iron
Patina and signs of use which make this antique o...
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
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
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 Victorian Brass & Scottish Agate Postal Scale & Weights, Circa 1865-1870
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Victorian Brass and Scottish Agate Postal scale with Weights, Circa 1865-1870.
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Agate, Brass
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
Large Mid-Century Italian Giorgio Armani Eye Glasses Factice Shop Display Piece
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is a rare and unique item! The Armani Eyeglasses Factic for display in a shop comes with its original cardboard packaging and is made of metal a...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Nikon Lot N90 35mm Camera with MB-10 Grip SB-25 Flash MF-26 Control
By Nikon
Located in Dayton, OH
Lot includes Nikon N90s 35mm camera, MB-10 Multi Power Vertical Grip, SB-25 Speedlight flash, MF-26 Multi-Control Back, instruction books/original boxes, Complete User’s Guide Nikon ...
Category
Late 20th Century 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
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
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
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
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
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
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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