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Scientific Instruments For Sale
1820-35 Large Clock Barometer by Silvani Brighton Antique Forecast Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Rare large barometer complete with clock signed Silvani Brighton, dated from 1820 and 1835. Finely crafted mahogany wood case with double thread at th...
Category
1840s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Glass scientific instrument: Crookes maltese cross tube, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
Blown glass scientific instrument. An example of the Crookes tube with Maltese Cross, in chromed metal, a precursor to the cathode ray tube. It was used t...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Handmade Egg Timer Hourglass in Wooden Textile Bobbin Spool 3min Timer
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Vintage Handmade Egg Timer Hourglass in Wooden Textile Bobbin Spool 3min Timer. Crafted with precision, the hourglass features fine sand that flows smoothly, symbolizing the passage ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
18th Century Medical Syringe
Located in London, GB
18th Century Medical Syringe
For historical medical use and dating from the 18th century, and certainly from the beginning of the 18th century. This hand-crafted example is made to...
Category
1780s Unknown Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Natural Fiber
1960s Industrial Medical Cabinet
Located in Norwalk, CT
This is a great medical cabinet from the 1960s, ready to keep all your goodies safe this is a great 1960s accent item that is sure to be a one of a kind addition to your decor!
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
$1,550 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Italian Radiophonograph RR126 and Record Player by Castiglioni, Brionvega 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Radiophonograph RR126 and Record Player by Castiglioni Brothers for Brionvega, 1960s.
RR126 radio phonograph and turntable with a rectangular wooden base with dark brown prof...
Category
1960s Italian Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Coral Pink Crosley Model T-60 AM Tube Table Radio
By Crosley Radio
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This Mid-Century Modern working tube radio was made by Crosley in Toronto Canada in approximately 1965 in the period stream-lined style. The radio is done with a molded coral pink pl...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Brass Pivoting Bullseye Magnifying Glass / Lens on Stand c.1915
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome antique English magnifying glass / bullseye lens on stand which pivots on a ball and socket fitting, moving around with ease.
Dating to c.1915, it remains in excellent co...
Category
1910s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Root Bowl, Wabi Sabi Style, Scandinavia 1800s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Wooden Wabi Sabi Root bowl from Scandinavia, circa 1800s. In good vintage condition showing beautiful patina from age and use.
Category
19th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique Noon Day Gun Cannon Sundial by Abercrombie & Fitch
Located in Sandwich, MA
Rare noon day gun cannon sundial by Abercrombie & Fitch circa 1910. Unique garden instrument which fires a small signal charge when the magnifying glass...
Category
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Carl Zeiss Stand IV Brass Continental Microscope W/ Case and Slides, circa 1891
By Carl Zeiss
Located in Norwalk, CT
This incredible microscope dates from the late 19th century, during which Carl Zeiss and Edward Abbe were the foremost innovators of revolutionary microscope lens technology. It is a...
Category
1890s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Universal Model CE-616 Turquoise AM Band Portable Radio & Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This radio was made by Universal of Canada and dates to approximately 1965 and done in the period Mid-Century Modern style. This radio is a six transistor AM band portable radio done with a turquoise plastic molded...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Unusual Mesmerizing Hand Built Hypnotic Wheel, by Melvin Powers, 1951
By Marilyn Powers
Located in Buffalo, NY
Melvin Powers is considered the king of hypnosis in this country. His first self published book entitled hypnotism revealed is still in print and first published in 1949, He self pub...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Apothecary Mortar & Pestle, English, Bronze, Chemist Shop Aid, Georgian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique apothecary mortar and pestle. An English, bronze chemist's shop aid, dating to the Georgian period, circa 1800.
Quality Georgian apothecary aid with superb finis...
Category
Late 18th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century Wooden Abacus with Brass Rods and Wood Beads
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This antique late 19th-century wooden abacus is a timeless tool of calculation, showcasing beautifully crafted natural wood beads in alternating shades of brown and black. The frame ...
Category
1890s Czech Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
English Brass Telescope on Tripod Stand signed Dollond, London Circa 1890
Located in Charleston, SC
English brass telescope on tripod stand with slipper feet. Telescope has the original carrying case with lens covers. Late 19th Century
Category
19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Vintage Balance, English, Mahogany, Scientific Scales, Stanton Instruments, 1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage analytical balance. An English, mahogany cased set of scientific scales by Stanton Instruments of London, dating to the mid-20th c...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
1900s Brass Bakelite Magnetic Topographer Compass Surveyor Measurement Instrumen
Located in Milan, IT
Magnetic topographer compass from the early 1900s, brass and bakelite base; instrument consisting of a magnetized needle free to rotate on a horizontal plane, marking with its tip th...
Category
Early 1900s European Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Occasus Ortus: An Astronomical Measuring Device for Angular Precision, c.1780
Located in Langweer, NL
This print, titled "Occasus Ortus", showcases a highly detailed engraving of an 18th-century measuring device, likely related to astronomy or navigation.
The design features various components of the instrument arranged systematically, with each part labeled by figure numbers. The centerpiece is a large circular protractor...
Category
1780s European Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
$305 Sale Price
20% Off
Rare Sikes’ Hydrometer (Alcohol Proof Tester) Set Atkey & Son, Cowes, C. 1830
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Sikes’ Hydrometer Set by Atkey & Son, Cowes, Circa 1830
A superb and complete 19th-century Sikes’ hydrometer set, by Atkey & Son of Cowes, a noted English maker of fine scientific i...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Georgian Rare Steel Cased Tuning Fork
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very unusual and rare Georgian antique steel cased tuning fork dating from around 1800. A wonderful piece of musical interest and history the tuning fork...
Category
Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Five 19th C. French Bronze Metric (Apothecary ) Weights, Original Wooden Block
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Set of 5 Antique French Bronze (Apothecary) Metric Weights with Original Wooden Block, Circa 1880
A handsome and authentic set of 19th-century French bronze metric weights, housed i...
Category
Late 19th Century French Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Impressive Antique Brass Dolland & Co. Telescope With Case for Restoration
By Dolland
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Large antique Dolland & Co brass telescope with labeled wood box with accessories as shown. Engraved brass lens G. Dollond, London. Comes with tall wooden stand or smaller brass tri...
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Pair of Cased Binoculars, English, Brass, Optical Instrument, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pair of cased binoculars. An English, enamel brass optical instrument, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1900.
Appealing weathering and presented in an attrac...
Category
Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Semi-Automatic Large Bakelite Grocery Scale, Czech Republic, 1930s
Located in Żory, PL
Old shop scale from the 1930s/1940s, manufactured in the Czech Republic by Zbrojovka Brno. Semi-automatic scale, with internal weights. The scale is set with stylish metal buttons. Adjustable legs and built-in spirit level. Original tray made of thick white glass. The scale has been cleaned and is in very nice vintage condition. In working condition, but not entirely precisely (+/- 100 grams), it probably requires minor adjustment. A beautiful and original item for the grocery store...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
A poket sextant signed Stanley, London 1890.
Located in Milan, IT
A travel nautical instrument, sextant, to determine the ship’s position. The cover became the base of it. Signed Stanley, London, England circa 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Blown glass scientific instrument, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
Blown glass scientific instrument to evaluate the expansion of the liquids with the warmth. Italy circa 1900.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
19th Century Old Study Camera in Oak Wood with Height Adjustable and Brake
Located in Miami, FL
Amazing late 19th century French oak camera from Spain.
Made in oak and gold metal and in its color.
Beautiful piece of decoration.
Measures: Adjustable height 55.11in-66.92in.
Category
Late 19th Century Spanish Art Deco Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
19th Century Brass Telescope by Broadhurst and Clarkson
Located in Dublin, IE
A fabulous 19th Century brass three draw telescope by 'Broadhust and Clarkson, London’, circa 1880. This stunning piece is of exceptional quality, fully restored and with excellent ...
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th c. Bock-Steger Anatomical Brain Model, Germany
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A hand crafted and painted plaster anatomical model of the human brain. Franz Josef Steger and pathological anatomist Carl Ernst Bock collaborated at the University of Leipzig...
Category
19th Century German Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
19th Century Celestial Globe by Charles Dien, Signed and Dedicated to M. A. Bouv
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare and elegant 19th-century celestial globe signed: "Dédié à M. A. Bouvard... / par Ch. Dien." Created by Charles Dien, a noted French globe maker, this piece features beautifully ...
Category
1850s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
Vintage 1950s Hermes Rocket Typewriter
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage 1950s Hermes Rocket portable beige plastic typewriter with white square plastic keys and original matching beige plastic carry case
Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
18th Century mahogany and brass telescope by Nairne & Blunt of London
Located in Martlesham, GB
18th Century mahogany and brass telescope by Nairne & Blunt of London, having a mahogany barrel with a thumb wheel to the side of the main barrel, supported on a solid brass tripod s...
Category
1780s British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Surveyor's Level, Brass, Scientific Instrument, Engineering, Circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage surveyor's level. An English, brass scientific instrument with enamelled finish, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950.
Appe...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Set of Late 19th Century Double Faced French Bronze and Iron Butcher's Scales
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This set of late nineteenth century French iron and bronze butcher's scales is double faced and features the coat of arms of the city of Paris flanked by the messenger god Mercury an...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Iron
Mid Century West German Made Weather Station by Relative Hygrometer
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-Century "Sputnik" table barometer weather station made in West Germany by Relative Hygrometer. This desktop space-age Sputnik-style weather station Features an acrylic ball housi...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
$211 Sale Price
35% 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
Large Antique Apothecary Weighing Scales, English, Countertop Balance, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a fine set of antique apothecary weighing scales. An English, brass, mahogany and walnut countertop balance for the tobacconist or chemist’s shop, dating to the early Victori...
Category
1850s British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Leather, Broadhurst Clarkson & Co, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3-draw telescope. An English, leather and brass terrestrial refractor by Broadhurst, Clarkson & Co, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910.
Perfect for bird ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French Cast Iron and Wood Coffee Grinder with Crank and Drawer, Dated 1901
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France in the early 20th century and dated 1901, this large-scale cast iron coffee grinder combines functional design with rustic charm. The piece features a deep cast iron hopper over a stepped wooden base with a single drawer, used for collecting freshly ground coffee. A turned wooden handle operates the crank mechanism, which engages visible iron gears for a tactile and mechanical presence.
Marked “PAT’D 1901” and adorned with decorative relief motifs at each corner, the base showcases fine French detailing in its cast work. The interior is lined in white ceramic, and the entire piece rests solidly on a framed plinth in warm-toned wood that complements the matte black patina of the iron.
An excellent example of French utilitarian design with sculptural appeal, this antique grinder...
Category
Early 20th Century French Country Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Very Large Ophtalmotrope
Located in Peekskill, NY
What is an ophthalmotrope? An ophthalmotrope is an apparatus for demonstrating the movements of the eye and the action of the different muscles which produce them, consisting essentially of a model eyeball to which are attached strings and pulleys to duplicate the line force of the muscles.
We think this example is most likely French from the early 20th century. The base is marble with paw feet. It’s also quite large at well over 3 foot tall. This instrument is very complete. It also includes additional parts to set the mechanics up in a different way. In the pictures above the strings are attached to a keyboard. The alternative replaces the keyboard with string guide with a dozen hanging tubular weights. This is one of the largest and most decorative examples we have seen. I have only seen pictures of ophthalmotropes and never one this fine and complete. It’s as rare and impressive show piece.
This item was also used in the movie Knives Out,
Category
Early 20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$9,500
Rare Antique 19th C Reuben Sutcliffe English Nickel Plated Hanging Balance Scale
Located in Dayton, OH
Monumental 19th century English general store balance by Reuben Sutcliffe of Manchester. Made from Iron with a rich nickel plated finish. The company traded on Thomas Street, Manches...
Category
Late 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron, Nickel
$2,500 Sale Price
50% Off
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
Antique Terrestrial Globe Published in 1940s by Girard Barrère et Thomas, Paris
Located in Milan, IT
Terrestrial globe published in the 1940s by Girard Barrère et Thomas 17, Rue de Buci Paris. Turned wooden base, papier mâché sphere covered with paper printed by engraving on copper ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Antique Pair of 19th Century Brass Scales
Located in Suffolk, GB
Pair of antique brass scales standing on a mahogany base. A brass centre column having a shaped arm to the left holding a removable brass bowl. Th...
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Pocket Poco by the Rochester Optical Co. Folding Camera c.1903
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
The original Pocket Poco was manufactured by the Rochester Optical Co. from approximately 1893 to 1905. Designed as a small compact camera, the camera took 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 (qu...
Category
Early 20th Century American Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Nickel
Collection of 19th c. Mortise Marking Guages
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Collection of 19th century Rosewood and Boxwood mortise marking gauges with bronze knobs and accents. One is stamped "Pat. Oct. 22, 1872".
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF M...
Category
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Antique American "Bausch & Lomb" Compound Monocular Microscope, Circa 1890-1910.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique American "Bausch & Lomb" Microscope in Compound Monocular Design, Circa 1890-1910.
Rochester, NY
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large Antique Library Telescope, English, Starboy, Astronomical, Broadhurst & Co
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique library telescope. An English, brass 'Starboy' astronomical mounted refractor by Broadhurst, Clarkson & Co, dating to the early 20...
Category
Early 20th Century British 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
Large Antique Mid 19th Century Mahogany Magnifying Glass
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
A rare Large Victorian Magnifying or Looking Glass, Made from Mahogany Wood all in origianal condition.
Known as a gallery glass it allows gentle magnification of items from variable...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Black Forest Foliate Carved Walnut Barometer C1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Black Forest Foliate Carved Walnut Barometer C1890
Measures- 11.75"H x 9.75"W x 2"D
Category
Late 19th Century Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
$240 Sale Price
20% Off
Box of mid-19th century compasses housed in their tuia burl box
Located in Milan, IT
Box of mid-19th century compasses, housed in their original tuia burl box, nickel-plated brass and ivory instruments, velvet and satin interior, lock and hinges in brass. Embossed ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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
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....
Category
1920s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A Fine Theodolite By Troughton And Simms In Its Original Case
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A very good example of a lacquered brass theodolite with half circle adjustment, silver scales, and the original fitted mahogany case. Signed Troughto...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Collection of Vintage Lab Glass Decanters
By Pyrex
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Set of three glass lab decanters with removable stoppers.
Shown with life size hand model for scale.
CREATOR Pyrex.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1970-1980.
MATERI...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Memphis Tool Kit Set by Koyo Sangyo, Japan, 1980s
By Koyo Sangyo
Located in Munich, DE
Rare tool kit designed by Koyo Sangyo, Japan, 1980s.
This complete set represents the 'Memphis' period and includes: a handsaws, a Hammer, two screwdrivers an...
Category
1980s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
$1,312 Sale Price / set
26% Off
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
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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Large Abacus
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Marine Barometer
Plate Camera
Pocket Compass
Used Stanley Tools
Vintage Beakers
W And T Avery Scales Antique
Wooden Instrument Case
16th Century Bronze Mortar
19Th Century Antique Cameras
3 Draw Brass Telescope
Anatomical Wax
Antique Brass Ruler
Antique Brass Scoop
Antique Brass Sundials
Antique Magnetic Compass
Antique Monocular