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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Style: Modern
Style: Victorian
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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 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
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
Camera Gilles-Faller 'Paris' Studio with Easel, France, circa 1925
By Gilles-Faller
Located in Madrid, ES
Study camera with bellows in very good condition, two objectives and mounted on easel on casters for professional use that has crank for the adjustment of the camera in height and in...
Category
1920s French Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
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
18-inch Globe, Cary's, London, 1840
By Cary’s
Located in Milano, IT
John and William Cary
Updated by George and John Cary
Terrestrial Globe
London, 1840
lb 22 (kg 10)
Slight surface abrasions due to use. A small crack on the horizon circle.
The globe rests in its original Dutch style stand with four supporting turned wood columns.
It measures 26 in in height x 23.6 in in diameter with the diameter of the sphere measuring 18 in; 66 cm in height x 60 cm in diameter with the diameter of the sphere measuring 45.72 cm.
The 18 inch...
Category
1840s English Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Medical Model by Denoyer Geppert
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Early 20th century wood and fiberglass medical model by Denoyer Geppert.
Category
1940s Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fiberglass, Wood
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
19th Century Metal "Family Scale", circa 1899-1903
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique 24 pounds "Family Scale" with original decals and dates listed on the front: "Mar.14 '99-Mar.28 '03".
All metal. Scale works.
Category
19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
John Cary Travel Celestial Globe in Box Marked Cary & Co London, No. 21540
By John Cary
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely John Cary Travel Celestial Globe in Box marked Cary & Co London, No. 21540
This globe I believe is classed as a 14 inch which is the...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Italian Modern Plexiglass and Glass Mercury Wall Thermometer, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern plexiglass and glass mercury wall thermometer, 1980s
Old mercury thermometer for wall,
Coming from an old doctor's office site in Mil...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Plexiglass
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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