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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Style: Victorian
Style: Louis XVI
Antique Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting the Human Skeleton
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A rare 19th century anatomical wall chart depicting the human skeleton. On the sides On the sides are detailed description in German language. The wall...
Category

Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Antique Victorian Carved Oak Banjo Barometer by Maple & Co
Located in London, GB
A wonderful antique Victorian banjo barometer in carved solid oak. This was made in London by Maple and Co, it dates from around the 1860-1880 period. It is of amazing quality, beau...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

Antique Pluviometer, English, Udometer, Ombrometer, Rain Recorder, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pluviometer. An English, copper udometer, ombrometer or rain recorder, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Fasc...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper

Antique Master Craftsman's Spirit Level, English, Brass, Desk, Victorian, 1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This an antique master craftsman's spirit level. An English, rosewood and brass ornamental desk tool, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. ...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Antique Hardwood Inlaid Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
This is a 19th century antique hardwood inlaid banjo barometer with a thermometer and a 10' silvered dial, brass bezel with convex glass. It is a very...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century French Émile Deyrolle Anatomical Lithograph Poster
Located in London, GB
Émile Deyrolle Anatomical poster A wonderfully rare and decorative curio medical French (Paris) original lithograph on board anatomical poster in ...
Category

1880s French Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Wood Frame Hour Glass or Sand Timer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Over 20 inches tall, a wonderful wood framed hour glass or sand timer. A compliment to the library, console table, shelves or as a bookend - a great piece t...
Category

20th Century Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood

Antique Richter's Anchor Box, German, Stone, Anker Baukasten, Number 15, Set
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Richter's Anchor Box. A German, stone Anker Baukasten No. 15 or construction set, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1890. Highly collectible German construction set from Friedrich Richter Displays a desirable aged patina — lovingly play worn Sought after stone pieces, with few, minor chips to corners Aged box with fine paper lithography to both sides This 'grosse kaliber' set comprises 296 pieces at 25mm scale Pieces imitate the red brick, limestone and blue slate of contemporary European architecture Create a wide range of architectural styles including Baroque influenced buildings Several instruction manuals included to help create fantastic scenes This is a wonderful, lovingly played with antique Richter's Anchor Box. In sought after stone, this number 15...
Category

Late 19th Century Albanian Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Cast Stone

18th Century French Louis XVI Giltwood Barometer
Located in Sheffield, MA
A stunningly beautiful 18th century French gold gilt barometer is a weather instrument with mercury-filled glass thermometer still in working order...
Category

1790s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Antique Kent's Knife Cleaning, Polishing & Sharpening Wheel with Original Labels
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique Victorian knife cleaning and sharpening machine was made by Kent's of London England in circa 1880 in the period Victorian style. The machine is composed of two sharpening stones...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Stone, Metal

Large, Good Condition and Stylish Antique English Victorian Oak Wall Barometer
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning design and top quality executed antique barometer. This late 19th-early 20th century, English manufactured wall barometer has everything that makes an antique worthwhile. F...
Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Lovely Victorian Boy Chasing a Cat Met Aneroid Barometer Painted Cast Iron
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Victorian boy chasing a cat cast iron aneroid barometer Dimensions: Height 27cm Width 23cm Depth 9.5c...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Set of Nine 19th C English Victorian Treen Ware Boxwood Medicine Bottle Holders
Located in Haarlem, NL
A set of nine 19th century Victorian treen turned boxwood medicine bottle holders. These containers were used for protecting delicate items such as glass apothecary bottles, perfume bottles, syringes, powder, ointment bottles, thermometers and other medical or vanity items. In two of the containers are glass bottles. Measurements: Large 18.5cm high, 8.5cm diameter, empty Large 18cm high, 8cm diameter, empty Medium 14.5cm high, 5.5cm diameter, glass bottle without stopper (wood chipped) Medium 13cm high, 6cm diameter, empty (crack in wood) Medium 12cm high, 5cm diameter, perfumed oil in glass bottle Medium 11cm high, 5cm diameter, empty Small 10cm high, 4cm diameter, talcum powder...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Boxwood

Antique Bearing, Graphite, English, Cast Iron, Ornament, Paperweight, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique engine bearing with graphite finish. An English, cast iron and bronze desk ornament or paperweight, and dating to the Victorian perio...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Victorian Aneriod Wall Barometer
Located in Norwich, GB
Victorian Aneriod Barometer with gilded and chased outer casing mounted on a mahogany board. Beautifully engraved silvered dial with seven weather indications, the scale reading f...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Antique Carved Burr Walnut Banjo Barometer, circa 1880
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding carved burr walnut banjo Barometer having a lovely carved burr walnut case with a thermometer and a 12 inch round silver dial. Perfect workin...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Antique Foldable Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting Human Musculature
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Foldable Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting Human Musculature The rare 19th century anatomical wall chart depicts the human musculature and inter...
Category

Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Rare Neoclassical Style French Giltwood Clock and Barometer Set
Located in London, GB
Rare neoclassical style French giltwood clock and barometer set French, 19th century Measures: Height 90cm, width 38cm, depth 12cm This du...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Enamel

Dairy Balance Scales by Parnall of Bristol
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Dairy balance scales by Parnall of Bristol Superb large brass and iron dairy balance scales by Parnall of Bristol This very large and attractive beam balance scale is set on a cast Iron base the central upright column is in brass and it is topped with a very decorative wrought iron finial...
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

French Louis XVI Carved Giltwood Mercury Barometer
Located in Norwich, GB
Louis XVI carved giltwood and painted mercury wheel barometer. Eight inch circular painted wood register dial with central rosette within the scale calibrated from 27-28-29 and ...
Category

1780s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Giltwood

Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting the Human Lymphatic and Blood Vessels
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A rare 19-carat anatomical wall chart depicting the human lymphatic and blood vessels. On the sides with detailed description in German language. Print...
Category

Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Louis XVI Style Barometers and Thermometers by H. Dasson, France, Circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
A companion pair of Louis XVI style barometer and thermometer finely decorated with gilt bronze acanthus leaves and seeds on green velvet, each with a polychrome decorated enamel pla...
Category

1880s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Enamel, Bronze

Victorian Brass Clock and Barometer Set with Thermometer
Located in Norwich, GB
Late Victorian brass clock and barometer set with centrally mounted thermometer with enamel register plate. The case stands on a raised plin...
Category

1880s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Foldable Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting Human Musculature
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A rare 19th century anatomical wall chart depicting human musculature and internal organs. With removable multicolored human organs like lung, heart, l...
Category

Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

French Carved Mahogany Wall Barometer
Located in Norwich, GB
French wall barometer in a finely carved mahogany case with trailing fruit and vines surmounted by a lions mask, enamel dial with seven weather indicati...
Category

1890s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century French Louis XVI Giltwood Barometer
Located in Sheffield, MA
A stunningly beautiful 18th century French gold gilt barometer is a weather instrument with mercury-filled glass thermometer still in working order...
Category

1790s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Antique Engine Bearing, Polished, English, Cast Iron, Paperweight, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique engine bearing with polished finish. An English, cast iron and bronze desk ornament or paperweight, and dating to the Victorian perio...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Antique Glass Display Dome
Located in Norwalk, CT
A wonderful glass display dome great to keep sculpture or collections safe and look more interesting than just on a shelf.
Category

Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Antique Engine Bearing, English, Cast Iron, Bronze, Desk, Paperweight, Ornament
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique engine bearing with waxed finish. An English, cast iron and bronze desktop paperweight or ornament, and dating to the late 19th centu...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Large, Antique Telescope Tripod, English, Pine, Observatory, Rack, circa 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large, antique telescope tripod. An English, pine observatory rack dating to the late 19th century, circa 1900. Original painted ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Pine

Antique American Mother-of-Pearl and Silver Overlay Magnifying Glass
Located in New York, NY
Antique magnifying glass, circa 1900. Tapering mother-of-pearl handle overlaid with silver scrollwork. Circular lens in metal frame. Handle ma...
Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver

19th Century Optician or Optometrist Test Glasses Lens Kit in Cabinet
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th Century Optician or Optometrist Test Glasses Lens Kit in Cabinet This beautiful Mahogany cabinet was used by a traveling optometrists to treat patients in their homes.  Th...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Giltwood Thermometer & Perpetual Calendar Attributed to F.Linke, France, c. 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
Elegant Louis XVI style set comprising a thermometer and a perpetual calendar attributed to F. Linke. Each consisting of a metal plaque, painted with floral motifs on a beige backgro...
Category

1880s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Sheet Metal

Vintage Factory Barometer, English, Oak, Banjo, Official, Factory Act 1937
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage factory barometer. An English, oak banjo barometer, officially marked in compliance with the Factory Act 1937 and dating to circa 1940. Select oak displays fine ...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Oak

Decorative Fancy Victorian Barometer, 19th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Fancy Victorian barometer, 19th century Mahogany veneer with inlay. Historical condition. The barometer may need to be checked for accuracy. Ple...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

19th Century Arnold & Son Veterinary Operation Key Table "Canine Table"
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A wonderful late 19th century operation table also known as the "canine table" Made by Arnold & Son who where established in 1819 as a chemist and dru...
Category

1890s English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

18th Century French Giltwood Barometer
Located in Sheffield, MA
18th century French neoclassical barometer from the Louis XVI period. Now strictly a stunning decorative object with great style. It is no long...
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Giltwood

French 18th Century Gold Leaf Barometer
Located in New Orleans, LA
Made of hand-carved wood in 18th century France, this barometer is elegantly covered in a variety of carved designs, all coated in gold leaf. A handled Grecian vase sits atop the ste...
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Gold Leaf

French Louis XVI Style Gilded and Painted Wood Barometer from the Early 1800s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This French Louis XVI style barometer and thermometer features an exquisite carved giltwood crest with delicate foliage motifs. Below the crest, the thermometer, encompassed in a black painted body, sits atop the round barometer...
Category

Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood

Tunbridge Wells Ruler, 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The ruler with differing scales on each side.
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

English Victorian Blue & Brass Telescope
Located in New York, NY
English Victorian brass and blue telescope on adjustable mahogany tripod base.
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

18th Century French Louis XVI Giltwood Barometer
Located in Houston, TX
Lovely period French Louis XVI giltwood barometer with beautiful patina. This antique French Louis XVI gilt wood barometer will add a touc...
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Giltwood

Pair of Louis XVI Ormulu Wall Clocks & Barometers
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Louis XVI-style (Mid-19th Century) ormolu wall clock and barometer set each of banjo form with Apollo mask above putti and circular dial over bearded mask (Signed RAIN...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Ormolu

French Louis XVI Barometer
Located in New York, NY
French Louis XVI (18th Century) barometer with original scientific illustrations and mercury vial framed with gilt foliate carvings & ebonized ...
Category

18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Giltwood, Glass

Antique French Neoclassical style Ormolu Clock and Barometer Set by Mottheau
Located in London, GB
Manufactured in the Louis XVI style, both clock and barometer are encased within an ormolu case and flanked on either side by trumpet wielding cherubs, each surmounted with a patinated bronze sphere that is topped with a crown, the bases terminating in a pine cone finial. The barometer face signed 'E. Mottheau Paris', the clock movement signed 'LEMERLE CHARPENTIER' and 'LESIEUR'. This beautiful antique French clock and barometer...
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Louis XVI Period Barometer
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Very charming carved and gilded acanthus leaf framed Louis XVI period wall barometer with glass covered central dial and glass thermostat beneath; bot...
Category

Early 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Victorian Ormolu Clock and Barometer Desk Set, of Maritime or Naval Interest
Located in London, GB
Each in the form of a ship's wheel with 2.5 inch silvered dial, contained in cases, one with seven turned banded agate handles, the other with eight banded agate handles, each on ova...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Agate, Ormolu

Louis XVI Style Eagle Crested Barometer, France, 1838
By D. T. Letorey
Located in Atlanta, GA
Crested double-headed eagle atop an oval giltwood and painted black frame with neoclassical borders and carved designs. The dial with metal arms and exposed thermometer coil, and...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Paint, Giltwood

Louis XVI Gilt-Wood Barometer & Thermometer, France c. 1780
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Louis XVI Period Barometer & Thermometer Combination, originating in France & dating from the last quarter of the 18th century. The workings enclosed by a gilt-wood case with carve...
Category

1780s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Giltwood

Louis XVI Style Giltwood Thermometer/ Barometer
Located in Montreal, QC
The Louis XVI style giltwood case with ribboned crest flanked by trailing garlands above the wood cased painted wheel barometer
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Giltwood, Glass

Louis XVI Period Gilt-wood Barometer with Globe, c. 1790
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Louis XVI period Gilt-wood Barometer, with an interesting crest design of a Globe & rolled-up map, capped by a laurel wreath. The barometer & thermometer combination contained by a...
Category

1790s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Giltwood

Early 20th Century Dr Auzoux Paris Papier Mache Teaching Aid Tooth
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Dr Auzoux Paris Papier Mache Teaching Aid Tooth A dated circa 1921 Dr Auzoux Paris Papier Mache Teaching Aid Tooth example. Hand crafted with painted label detail...
Category

1920s French Early Victorian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Cased Map or Chart Magnifying Glass by J P Cutts c.1870
Located in Bath, GB
A wonderful Victorian brass map or charge magnifying glass complete with it's original brass case. The lid of the case is signed by the maker using the anchor trademark together wit...
Category

1870s British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Brass Coddington Magnifying Glass c.1880
Located in Bath, GB
An unusual late nineteenth century Coddington magnifying glass made from English brass having been professionally polished. Excellent condition measuring 3" x 1" x 1". Item ID: 443...
Category

1880s British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Maco Braga Brass Apothecary Balance Scale
Located in San Mateo, CA
Brass apothecary style balance scale. This is marked J.A.L Portugal in numerous places. The scale retains all of it's original weights. The scale trays do not sit level without anyth...
Category

Late 19th Century Portuguese Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Beautiful Carved Giltwood Louis XVI Style Lyre Barometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Beautiful carved giltwood Louis XVI style Lyre Barometer, with center dial with French inscriptions, the lower part fitted with glass thermometer.
Category

Early 20th Century European Louis XVI Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Giltwood

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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