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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 1910s
Antique Wrap Reel Machine, English, Factory, Cotton, John Nesbitt, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique rotary wrap reel machine. An English, brass and cast iron factory cotton skein winder by John Nesbitt of Manchester, dating to the late...
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

A Wunderkammer object: the mechanical paradox, France half 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
A Wunderkammer object: the mechanical paradox. It consists in a double cone, which is able to climb up along an inclined plane. The double cone rises when the slope of the inclined p...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Ebony, Oak

A glass and vulcanite syringe, London 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
An end of the 19th-Century medical’s instrument. A glass and vulcanite syringe. London, UK circa 1880.
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

English George III Inlaid Mahogany Barometer
Located in New York, NY
English Neoclassical George III mahogany marquetry barometer signed "J Kataberga, Banbury - Warranted". Dimensions: 39" H x 10" W x 2" D. Dealer: S138XX
Category

Early 19th Century George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Microscope cloth counting glass by J. Casartelli & Son of Manchester.
Located in London, GB
Microscope cloth counting glass by J. Casartelli & Son of Manchester. In original maroon leather velvet lined case. Marked: J. CASARTELLI & SON SALFORD.6. Rd 14755. Registered des...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel

19th Century French Table Globe / "Globe Terrestre" by J. Forest / Paris
Located in Dallas, TX
A well proportioned paper, plaster terrestrial globe standing on a turned ebonized base. GLOBE TERRESTRE "Dressé par J. FOREST GÉOGRAPHE EN VENTE A PARIS Chez l'Auteur 17 Rue de ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Paper

1916s Pocket Magnetic Compass for the Raf Officers Antique Surveyor Measurement
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass for the RAF officers, signed F. Darton & Co London V n. 77824 1916 made of brass chrome in the shape of a pocket watch. The compass has a snap-on cover with release button inside the ring. Twelve-winds compass card. Very good condition fully functional. Diameter 4.5 cm - 1.77 inches, thickness 1.5 cm - 0.59 inches. Shipping is insured by Lloyd's London; our gift box is free. The first hints in Europe on the use of instruments using...
Category

1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Set of Victorian Brass Beam Scales
Located in Altrincham, GB
Set of Victorian Brass Beam Scales, complete with pans and nest of weights - Williams & Sons - Cannon St. London - 21"w x 12"d x 27"h
Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Apothecary precision scale, travelling set, France 1890
Located in Milan, IT
Precision travel scale, pharmaceutical use. The box is made of oak wood. The scale can be completely disassembled and positioned inside the drawer. A lever allows you to lift the pla...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Antique German aneroid barometer from the early 1900s made of turned marble.
Located in Milan, IT
Antique German aneroid barometer from the early 1900s made of turned marble, brass, and glass. Good state. Working order. Diameter cm 17 - inches 6.7, thickness cm 5- inches 1.9...
Category

1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble

Stick barometer in glass and wood case Northern Italy early 19th century
Located in Milan, IT
Ebonized wood cue barometer, manufacturing in northern Italy from the early 19th century, housed in an elegant custom-made shrine glass and ebonized wood with decorative motifs. B...
Category

1810s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

19th Century Medical Science Research Artifact
Located in London, GB
19th Century Medical Science Research Artifact A fine example of 19th Century medical science research artifact, in three sections and not hinged. A...
Category

1850s Unknown Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Natural Fiber

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

Precision demountable scale for travel, France 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
Apothecary traveling scale entirely demountable. All the pieces fits inside the front drawer. Oak wood box, brass elements and glasses. Glass protection sides. France 1880.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A botanic model of a pale pink tulip, Brendel, Germany 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
A rare Brendel botanical model of Tulipa gesneriana, the Tulip N.200 (Liliaceae), light pink color. The wooden ebonized round base holds the model which opens revealing the flower. T...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

J H Steward Lord Bury Brass Telescopwe with Leather Case London Ca. 1870
By steward
Located in Los Angeles, CA
J H Steward Brass Telescope. The Lord Bury Telescope comes with a leather case. The brass and leather both. are very patinated. Not only is the brass tarnished, but there are a f...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique 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

19th Century Cast Iron Book Press by Army and Navy Csl
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century cast iron book press by army and navy csl circa 1890. Fine quality book press by army & navy c.S.L .  Army and navy co-operative soci...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique Victorian Quality Carved Oak Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Victorian quality carved oak banjo barometer having a quality carved oak shaped case with a brass bezel, porcelain dial with original hands and a thermometer An attractiv...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

Quality Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Carved Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality antique Victorian burr walnut carved banjo barometer having a quality burr walnut carved shaped case with a 10 inch silvered engraved dial, original hands, thermometer and a ...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

An apothecary bronze mortar and pestle, England 1800.
Located in Milan, IT
Bronze Apothecary mortar, fitted with mortar pestle. England early 19th century.
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Iron Pharmaceutical Corker
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An interesting part of 19th century history is brought back to life with this rare French cast iron pharmaceutical bottle corker circa 1870. We are reminded of the craft and tools us...
Category

19th Century French Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses by Colmont Paris
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A gorgeous pair of antique Mother-of-Pearl opera or theatre glasses, by renowned maker 'Colmont Paris'. Constructed from brass, with inlaid panels of i...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A precision brass scale, France 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
Precision scale made out on brass. France circa 1880.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Glass Pharmacy Wound Syringe in Beech Case by Wm Toogood Ltd
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Glass Pharmacy Wound Syringe in Beech Case by Wm Toogood Ltd The Glass Syringe comes in its original turned Beech case and has the Pharmacy label on the front The box is 9” long and...
Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Beech

Carved Wooden C.Engel & Cie Antique Belgium Barometer with Thermometer, 1910s
Located in Verviers, BE
Carved wooden C.Engel & Cie antique Belgium Barometer with Thermometer, 1910s Unusual antique carved wooden barometer in a lovely carved case, working order. With best Wishes, ...
Category

1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Fruitwood

Antique Brass and Wood Set of Scales with Assorted Weights
Located in New Orleans, LA
19th Century Victorian Era Brass and Wood Set of Scales with Assorted Weights.
Category

19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pair of Victorian Antique Brass Scales
Located in Suffolk, GB
Pair of Victorian antique brass scales standing on a mahogany base. A brass centre column having a shaped arm to the left holding a removable brass...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

Apothecary glass funnels, Italy 1800.
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of apothecary glass funnels. Italy 1800 ca.
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Antique French Grocers Scale Circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Grocers Scale Circa 1890
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Georgian Mahogany Wheel Barometer
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very nice Mid-19th Century mahogany georgian wheel barometer with decorative Ebony and Holly string inlay around the outer edges of the case. Sold as is because some of the small i...
Category

Early 19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Louis XVI Style Dore Bronze Thermometer, Circa 1880
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Circa 1880, Louis XVI Style Dore Bronze Thermometer. In beautiful shape.
Category

Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Antique Tabletop Press, English, Cast Iron, Rotary, Flower Pressing, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique tabletop press. An English, cast iron rotary flower pressing machine, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Relive t...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

1880 Earnst Plank Magic Lantern, Box Plus 72 Slides
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a beautiful and decorative 1800 magic lantern full boxed set. It was created by Ernst Plank and each slide box is signed. It comes with an amazing ...
Category

Late 19th Century German Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

A pair of magnifyng glasses, Italy 1870.
Located in Milan, IT
A pair of Wunderkammer round shape magnifying glasses for scientific purpose with black wooden frames, mounted over a black wooden bases. Italy, circa 1870.
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood

Set of 2 Antique Bamboo Trader's Abacus, Chinese, Oak, Bamboo, Victorian, C.1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a set of 2 antique bamboo trader's abacus. A Chinese, oak and bamboo counting apparatus, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Wonderfully tactile handmade instruments Displaying a desirable aged patina and in good original order Set within oak frames, showing dark, weathered hues Rows of turned bamboo...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

Antique Apothecary Mortar and Pestle, English, Brass, Chemist, Victorian, C.1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique apothecary mortar and pestle. An English, brass chemist's shop aid, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. ...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Quality Antique Victorian Brass Scales
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality antique Victorian brass scales having a quality set of brass scales with 2 circular brass pans standing on a brass tripod base Quaint examples in...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique French Lorgnette Binoculars or Opera Glasses in Brass & Mother of Pearl
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of antique lorgnette opera glasses were made by LeRoy of France in approximately 1880 in the period Victorian style. These bi...
Category

Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A Rare 2 Day Marine Chronometer By George Hedger
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A fine example of a 2 day chronometer in the original 3 tier mahogany and brass bound case by William Hedger, the movement with the unusual layout is almost like an 8 day example mad...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century 2 Day Marine Chronometer by James McCabe, No. 199
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
Number 199, a two day marine chronometer by James McCabe, London, beautifully signed and numbered on the dial and movement, and the number on the bottom of the bowl. In a three part ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

George III Gallery Magnifying Glass
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A George III gallery magnifying glass, the circular glass within a mahogany frame, the baluster handle screwing into a brass bracket in the rim, the handle with a brass collar. Engli...
Category

19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Italian Carved Louis XVI Style Giltwood Barometer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous late 19th century gilt wood barometer thermometer made in Italy in the Louis XVI or baroque taste. The large barometer features a large carve...
Category

19th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

19th Century inlaid mahogany banjo barometer by L Casatelli of Liverpool
Located in Martlesham, GB
19th century inlaid mahogany banjo barometer by L Casatelli of Liverpool, having an architectural top with a central brass finial, the shaped mahogany case having decorative shell in...
Category

1840s British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Victorian Walnut Carved Wall Aneroid Barometer G.C. Bateman Scotland 1880, H1037
Located in Vancouver, BC
Ant. Victorian Polished Walnut Carved Wall Aneroid Barometer G.C. Bateman, South Hampton, Scotland 1880, H1037 Scotland 1880 Solid Walnut Original ...
Category

1880s Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

English Edwardian Prosthetic Leg
Located in London, GB
Edwardian Prosthetic leg We share what we love, and we love this unusual fully articulated Edwardian prosthetic leg. With leather hip support sprung...
Category

1910s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

End XIX Century Brass and Glass Hourglass Antique Time Measuring Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Sand hourglass, brass container with circular base and tapered columns in the center and blown glass cruet. Duration 45 minutes. English manufacture of the early 1900s. Measures height 20 cm, diameter 11.5 cm – 7.9x4.5 inches. Shipping is insured by Lloyd's London; our gift box is free (look at the last picture). In Greece, the use of hourglasses was introduced in 325 BC, in the form of stone containers with a truncated cone shape that let water flow out of a hole in the bottom at a constant rate. Other hourglasses were cylindrical or cup-shaped and were slowly filled by a constant flow of water. Some signs on the inner surface of the container indicated the passage of hours as the liquid level rose. Another version consisted of a metal container with a hole in the bottom which, placed to float in a larger container, sank in a given time. This system remained in use until the 20th century in North Africa. These clocks were typically used at night, but not during the day, when the more accurate sundials were available. In the first half of the III century BC. Ctesibius transformed the hourglass into the more complex water clock. Various mechanisms were introduced by him and others to increase the precision of the watch by regulating the pressure and keeping the flow of water constant, but also to offer a better display of the time. The most advanced specimens could ring bells or gongs, open windows to display images, or had movable indicators, dials or representations of celestial bodies. Among the designers of watches...
Category

1890s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

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

19th Century Spanish Copper Bedwarmer with Wooden Handle
Located in Marbella, ES
19th Century Spanish Copper Bedwarmer with Wooden Handle.
Category

Mid-19th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper

A seed scale model, France 1830.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare model of scale for seeds. Wooden and iron. France 1830 ca.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Antique Bayliss & Co 19th Century English Brass Apothecary Counter Scale Balance
Located in Dayton, OH
"An antique 4 lb mercantile balance by Bayliss & Co of Birmingham, England. Features a twisted iron stand and brass balance with tray and scoop. Makers mark engraved along top arm The antique apothecary scale...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

French Antique Petite Draw Telescope in Brass and Wood
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An antique French single draw telescope. Petite in size, its main barrel is covered with wonderful dark, veneer fruit wood, while the fixings and...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1800s Cast Iron Farm Well Hand Pump with Handle Piston
Located in New York, NY
1800s farmhouse and Industrial style cast iron hand pump. Unknown working condition but great look. Sold as is. Please note, this item is located in our Scranton, PA location.
Category

19th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Decorative Antique Victorian 1890 James Beall Morrison Treadle Dentist Drill
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Victorian, circa 1890 James Beall Morrison Treadle Dentist drill Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international. Dental treadle drill, English manufacture, 1890-1940 The foot pedal is pushed up and down to power this dental drill. It is also known as a ‘treadle drill’. The drill removed areas of tooth decay. These can become infected and painful if untreated. The treadle drill was invented in 1871 by American dentist James Beall Morrison (1829-1917). He also designed dental chairs. His drill was popular with dentists throughout Europe and America. It is an example of the first mechanically powered drill. These sped up dental treatments This one seems to be in fully working order from what I can see, it’s a real survivor but then that’s not surprising, things made in the Victorian era were made to last Dimensions Height:- 144cm Width:- 52.5cm Depth:- 38cm Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements please ask Any questions please feel free to ask before you bid This item is available for collection from our Pulborough warehouses RH20 1DF. We can have it delivered nationwide to include Scotland Wales and Ireland. Please contact me via email or my contact information...
Category

1890s English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Fabulous Quality Early 19th Century Mahogany Stick Barometer by Girolimo of Lo
Located in Martlesham, GB
A fabulous quality early 19th century mahogany stick barometer by Girolimo of London, having an architectural top with a central brass finial, rectangular silvered dial with a glazed and hinged door, the dial itself displays weather notations and has a mercury thermometer...
Category

1810s British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Terrestrial Table Globe by Félix Delamarche, Paris, 1821
By Félix Delamarche
Located in Milano, IT
Terrestrial table globe Félix Delamarche Paris, 1821 It measures 20.47 in height, Ø max 14.17 in; the sphere Ø 9.44 in (h 52 cm x Ø max 36.5 cm; the sphere Ø 24 cm) Wood, printed...
Category

1820s French Restauration Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Naudet & Co. 1915-1916 Paris World War I French Aviation Altimeter Militaire
Located in Miami, FL
World War I French aviation altimeter made by Naudet & Co. Antique French aviation altimeter designed specifically for aviation, and dating to th...
Category

1910s French Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel

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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