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Scientific Instruments

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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Oversize steelbridge scale for butcher's use, Kingdom of Sardinia 1800.
Located in Milan, IT
Figurative brass Butcher’s weighbridge. Weighs up to 44 pounds. Complete of main “ Romano” principal weight and additionals “Romanos” for detailed weight. Pedimont and Sardinia King...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Telescope with Adjustable Wooden Legs and Patinated Brass Hardware
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Telescopes are a terrific decorative addition to any den, library or study. A compliment to any Ralph Lauren, rustic or studious environment, ours has all wooden adjustable legs with...
Category

20th Century Rustic Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Phantom Dental Training Simulator on Custom Steel Stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A phantom dental training simulator used in dental school with removable rubber shroud. Mounted on a custom steel stand. The aluminum jaws have a magnetic quick disconnect sys...
Category

Late 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Mid-Century Functional Tesla AS20 Phone 1979, Československo
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition - Fully functional - Tesla manufacturer - Scratched, see photo-
Category

1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

20th Century British Solid Silver Magnifying Glass & Ruler, Asprey, c.1929
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early-20th Century British solid silver magnifying glass & ruler, with engraved silver mounts and a handle terminating with a finger loop. Hallmarked English silver (925 stan...
Category

20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver

19th Century Carpenters Pine Tool Chest and Tools The chest is in pine
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th Century Carpenters Pine Tool Chest and Tools The chest is in pine with metal banding, it is set on wheels and has layers of trays We have left the contents of the chest with i...
Category

Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Pine

Anatomical model of a chiken, Germany 1930.
Located in Milan, IT
A life-size anatomical model of a chicken, with separable anatomical parts, for educational use. Made of painted plaster, wooden and metal base. Somso, Germany circa 1930.
Category

Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

20th Century Czech Glass Decoration on Metal Stand
Located in High Point, NC
This 20th Century Czech glass decoration presents a unique blend of industrial and delicate aesthetics. Resting on a tripod metal stand with a...
Category

20th Century Czech Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Grande Bilancia Italiana in Ferro su Capitello Scolpito 1800 a Due Piatti
Located in Milan, IT
Alta quasi 51 inches, questa grande bilancia italiana del XIX secolo è realizzata con un capitello corinzio intagliato a motivi folgiati, scolpito con foglie di acanto e laccato, u...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron, Metal

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

1950s Wall Unit Vornado Grey Electric Window Fan
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Vintage Wall Unit Vornado Gray Electric Window Fan 18 h 37 w (open) 25.5 w closed x 9.5 d Preowned unrestored vintage condition. Tested and working. Refer to all images please.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Vintage Saunders Rota Trim Mastercut II Rotary Paper Cutter Trimmer
Located in Dayton, OH
1996 Rota Trim Mastercut II rotary guillotine paper cutter / trimmer with self-sharpening tungsten steel cutting blade. Saunders Catalog No. 890-015. Blade marked UF-11-95. Made in...
Category

Late 20th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Composition, Metal

Vintage Anatomical Model, Man and Woman, 80s 90s Curiosity
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional Human Anatomy Model from the 80s, 90s. Male and Female Figures on a black stand. The outer casting, such as the individual intestines a...
Category

20th Century Unknown Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

Late 19th Century Charles X Eglomise Barometer
Located in Charlottesville, VA
This is a pretty French barometer with pretty decoration. Made in the Late 19th Century.
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Laboratory Trebuchet Balance By Maison Mabille In Paris.
Located in BARSAC, FR
Pharmacy/laboratory trebuchet scale in its all-sided glass case, a vertical sliding door on the front, a storage drawer at the bottom. Complete with its original accessories, functi...
Category

Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood

A pair of celestial and terrestrial globes, E.Pini, Gussoni & Dotti, Italy 1892.
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of Italian globes. On an ebonized wooden base, worked on the lathe, with a circular foot and perfect patina, are placed: a celestial globe of 9,2 inches, compiled by the enginee...
Category

1890s Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

20th Century Czech Electroscope
Located in High Point, NC
Step into the fascinating world of antique science with these 20th-century Czech Electroscopes. Each electroscope is a testament to the bygone era of scientific exploration. With a design that blends functionality and aesthetics, these instruments harken back to a time when the pursuit of knowledge was a visually captivating affair. Whether you're a collector, a history enthusiast, or simply drawn to the allure of vintage scientific instruments...
Category

20th Century Czech Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Transparent blown glass laboratory retort from the early 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
An early 19th-century transparent blown glass laboratory retort used for distillation, it has an ovoid body and long downward-bent neck that gradually narrows toward the mouth. Very...
Category

1820s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Transparent blown glass laboratory retort from the early 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
An early 19th-century transparent blown glass laboratory retort used for distillation, it has a pyriform body and long neck bent downward that gradually narrows toward the mouth. Bo...
Category

1820s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Leather, Terrestrial, Astro, Great War
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3-draw telescope. An English, brass terrestrial spotter's refractor in leather case, dating to the Great War period, circa 1915. Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky An attractive telescope with quality leather protective case Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order Rich tan coloured leather dresses the primary barrel and sun shade Of 3 draw type, opening with a reassured action to each tube Clear, bright objective lens with a diameter of 48mm (2") Quality, matching leather dust cup present for the objective and eyepiece The eyepiece finished with concentric ring turning Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass Captains Stand...
Category

Early 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Transparent blown glass laboratory retort from the early 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Transparent blown glass laboratory retort from the early 19th century, used for distillation, has a spherical body and long neck in the center. Very Good Condition. Measures length ...
Category

1820s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Terrestrial globe apres Mr. Rizzi Zannoni, Paris 1762.
Located in Milan, IT
Designed to be hanged to the ceiling, terrestrial globe, made out of paper machè and wood, brass hook. It is reported in the cartouche of the globe: globe terrestre d’après Mr. Rizz...
Category

Mid-18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A rare celestial globe edited by J. Wyld, Charing Cross East London 1860.
Located in Milan, IT
Celestial globe over a wheel turned wooden base, with round foot, moved profile and tall leg, with a perfect patina, is placed this celestial globe, edited by J. Wyld, Charing Cross ...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper

Antique Scholar's Microscope, English, Brass, Scientific Instrument, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique scholar's microscope. An English, brass and enamelled metal scientific instrument by Henry Crouch, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Appealing micr...
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

French Metamorphic Opera Glasses, 18K Gold
Located in New Orleans, LA
These unique 18K metamorphic gold French opera glasses are the epitome of both elegance and luxury. Exquisitely engraved with delicate floral motifs, these glasses fold up perfectly ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Gold

1950s Vintage Vornado Gray Electric Window Wall Fan
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Vintage Wall Unit Vornado Industrial Gray Electric Window Fan 18 h 37 w (open) 25.5 w closed x 9.5 d Preowned unrestored vintage condition. Missing circle with label in center ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Rare 12 inches terrestrial globe signed Cary, London United Kingdom 1800.
Located in Milan, IT
Large 12" terrestrial globe made by the famous Cary brothers, made with a wooden frame, refined plaster polished to perfection, and colored paper gores. The globe is supported by a f...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Chromed Brass, Terrestrial, Astro, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 2 draw telescope. An English, chromed brass terrestrial or astronomical refractor, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky. Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass 'Captain's Stand' for display. Of generous proportion when fully drawn, and neatly stowed in its own case Displaying a desirable aged patina, some light marks commensurate with use Leather covered primary barrel tanned in dark green with some light colour wear Polished draw tubes show bright silvered tones, lightly marked from gentle use Presenting a clear optical performance, with a 34mm (1.25") primary objective lens Lift-off dust cap to the objective, the flared eye cup...
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Storta da laboratorio in vetro soffiato trasparente dei primi del XIX sec.
Located in Milan, IT
Storta da laboratorio in vetro soffiato trasparente dei primi del XIX sec., utilizzata per la distillazione, presenta corpo ovoidale e lungo collo piegato verso il basso che si restr...
Category

1820s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Anatomical Cut of Human Skull Papier-maché, Didactical Collectables, Dr.Auzoux
Located in Leuven , BE
Anatomical cut of a human skull composed in natural painted papier-maché, with numbered labels on the different elements
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Paper

Field Artillery Theodolite by Srb & Stys of Prague, 1930s
Located in Doylestown, PA
Field artillery theodolite by Srb & Stys of Prague, signed, 1930s. Spectacular precision optical instrument of bronze, brass and steel utilized by the Czech military for artillery s...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Steel

Antique Laboratory Microscope, German, Scientific Instrument, Carl Zeiss Jena
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique laboratory microscope. A German, brass and enamelled metal scientific instrument by Carl Zeiss Jena, dating to the early 20th cen...
Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Wooden and Brass Square Faced Magnifying Glass with Nautical Symbol
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A unique Hand crafted magnifying glass from the 20th Century. The viewing glass is square with a brass frame and brass nautical symbol inlayed at the handle which also displays a br...
Category

20th Century American Classical Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1964 Ray Simpson Original Teakwood Tool Rake Grate
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Vintage Rake Tool Brush in Teakwood Modern Aluminum Grate Stamped Ray Simpson Original 1964 22.13 long x 3.88 w x 1.25 Preowned original vintage co...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Aluminum

Antique Mobil Dentist Rinsing Sink Stainless Steel, Belge
Located in Mortsel, BE
Elevate your space with this Antique Dentist Rinsing Sink crafted from stainless steel, showcasing Belgian craftsmanship. This unique piece is a testament to the bygone era of dentis...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Steel

Vintage 1970s Vexilar Zoom Video Sonar Model 990 Nautical Ice Fishing 11"
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare vintage 1970s Vexilar Video-Sonar Model 990X. Serial Number 90430. Manufactured by BH Electronics for Vexilar Inc. The 990 was the top model, following the 330 and 660. "Model 990 zoom video sonar presents data on a cathode ray tube with a feature that allows the operator to zero in on any target between the surface and bottom or on the bottom itself. The operator can select and expand it to any one of the zoom sizes: 7.5, 15, 45, 90, and 180, each expressed in feet, fathoms, or meters. If, for example, the 15 ft zoom size is selected the full screen will show just that 15 ft. Model 990 reads depths to 1400 ft in five ranges and draws 12 watts in continual usage on 12v to 32v DC. A freeze-action feature allows the operator to hold a particular view on the screen indefinitely and a sea bed discrimination feature distinguishes fish and schools of fish from the bottom surface, according to the manufacturer. Measuring 10" by 7" by 8", the solid state unit weighs 12 lbs and has light intensity control and a sun screen...
Category

1970s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

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

Eclectic Dutch Barometer With Thermometer From the Early 20th Century
Located in Opole, PL
Eclectic Dutch Barometer With Thermometer From the Early 20th Century An original barometer and thermometer set in an oak wood frame. The thermometer ...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Oak

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

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

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

Stunning Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage stunning large model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German scho...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Early Twentieth Century Boat Compass
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid brass boat compass in varnished wood box. Highly polished and lacquered finish. By M.C. & Co, Polaris. Dimension: 4"H x 6"W x 6"D Weight: 2 lbs. Made: America Material: Brass,...
Category

1920s North American Vintage 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

1970s German Sputnik Barometer Tabletop Sculpture Mid-Century Modernist Orb
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

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

Antique Wood Flower Mold Two Hole
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Wood Flower Mold Two Hole 8.25 w x 3 d x 1.75 Original vintage condition unrestored See all images provided.
Category

Mid-20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Antique Emergency Survival Multi Tool Axe Hammer Hatchet
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Swordfish emergency survival tool Tomahawk Crate Hammer Hatchet Axe Use as Pry Bar Nail Puller Multi-function implement 13.25 h x 4.75 w x 1....
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Antique 2 French Electro Therapy Devices "Institut Electrotherapy" Dated 1905
Located in London, GB
Of scientific interest two French Electrotherapy devices, both wih plaques to the tops stamped "Institut Electrotherapy, 27 Rue Godot de Mauroy, Paris" Complete with original instru...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Other

Oak cased barograph and barometer
Located in Cheshire, GB
Oak-cased barograph and barometer retailed by Harrods London, having five bevelled glass panelled removable lid, and a drawer below to house the charts. The mechanical eight-day move...
Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

1970s Era Harmon-Kardon 330B with Matching Omni Directional Speakers
By bose
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This item is a classic Harmon-Kardon 330B receiver retrofitted with Bluetooth module and matched with period correct Harmon-Kardon Omni Direction speakers. The Harman-Kardon 330B was...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

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

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

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Antique Cased Scholar's Microscope, English, Brass Scientific Instrument, C.1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique cased scholar's microscope. An English, brass scientific instrument, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. Fascinating cased microscope with distinctive a...
Category

Early 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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 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

Kilgore Authentic Anatomical Preparation Human Skull
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Prepared by legendary medical supply company Kilgore International, this is an advanced anatomical reference human skull! An exceptional authentic vint...
Category

1950s American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bone

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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