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Scientific Instruments

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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 21st Century and Contemporary
Period: 19th Century
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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 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

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

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

19th Century Grey-Brown Italian Oversized Marble Mortar & Pestle, Antique Décor
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Early 19th century, a set of an oversized mortar made of hand crafted white marble with a wooden Oakwood pestle, in good condition. This fun set was on display in a pharmacy in Milan...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

Navy Binoculars
Located in Paris, FR
Binoculars Navy with polished steel adjustable tripod base. With polished aluminium and steel binoculars with glass lens, magnifying x12. Adjustable height.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel, Aluminum

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

American Terrestrial Globe on Gilt Tripod Stand, Gilman Joslin, Boston C. 1850
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Terrestrial Brass Meridian Globe mounted on a turned bulbous gilt ringed and red stenciled tripod stand, Gilman Joslin, Boston. Mid 19th Century Globe is 39" Tall / 16" Diam...
Category

1850s American American Empire 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

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

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

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

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

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

Memento Mori by Callum Campbell
Located in Geneve, CH
Memento Mori by Callum Campbell Objects for Self Collection Signed Dimensions  W 3.5 x H 9.3 cm Materials: Brass Finish: Polished Engraved with clients name and date of birth...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

American Polished Steel Sky Light Binnacle with Rope Carved Base, Phil. C. 1880
By Hands & Sons
Located in Hollywood, SC
American polished steel sky light binnacle with rope carved base, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Norfolk VA. Late 19th century. Binnacle has been electrified fo...
Category

1880s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel, Brass

Swiss Gold and Enamel Telescope
Located in New Orleans, LA
Scientifically advanced and exquisitely crafted, this rare 19th-century gold and enamel Swiss telescope is an item of exceptional luxury. The Swiss cre...
Category

19th Century European Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Gold, Enamel

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

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

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

19th Century Irish Giltwood Barometer in the Baroque Style
Located in Dublin, IE
A fascinating Irish giltwood barometer in the baroque style. The large stick barometer features a large carved giltwood frame with a shell motif. The dial having the original twin Ve...
Category

19th Century Irish Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Giltwood

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, Manchester, Uk, from about 1825 until after the turn of the 20th century. The founder being George Sutcliffe The antique apothecary scale...
Category

Late 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron, Nickel

19th Century French Forest Carved Oak Barometer and Thermometer with Dog Motif
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique wall hanging barometer and thermometer was crafted in France, circa 1890. The carved oak weather and temperature reader features impressive, high-relief carvings of acorn and leaf motifs throughout; it is further embellished with a dog head sculpture at the pediment. The thermometer with Celsius and Fahrenheit reading, and the weather forecast seem to be in working order. The Black Forest weather...
Category

Late 19th Century French Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

Boat Binnacle Compass from the 19th Century
Located in Norwell, MA
Rare yacht binnacle with a highly polished gimballed compass fitted to a varnished box. The box has a polished brass side burner and hinges, hooks, and screws. First class nautical r...
Category

1890s North American Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

French Louis XVI Style Gilded and Painted Wood Directoire Wall Barometer
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century French Louis XVI style gilt and painted wood barometer. While not in working order, barometer has that wonderful old 'chippy' peeling patina. The carved wood frame and g...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Honne by Callum Campbell
Located in Geneve, CH
Honne by Callum Campbell Objects for self collection Signed and numbered Dimensions: W 9.5 x H 19- 25 cm Materials: Brass, LED Finish: Polished Note: 220-240w Australian elect...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Render by Callum Campbell
Located in Geneve, CH
Render by Callum Campbell Objects for self-collection Signed and numbered Dimensions: W 24 x D 8.8 H 36 cm Materials: Brass, stainless steel Finish: Polished Physical appearance...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

French Late 19th Century Bronze Armillary Sphere Depicting the Titan Atlas
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French bronze armillary sphere depicting Atlas carrying the world from the late 19th century with verdigris patina. Created in France during the last quarter of the 19th century, this bronze armillary sphere showcases a mythological theme depicting the famed Titan Atlas, condemned to carry the sky on his shoulders for eternity. How appropriate then, to choose him to carry effortlessly this armillary! Casually placing his left hand on his waist, Atlas raises the sphere made of various connecting rings...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Antique Cast Iron Pharmacy Scale from Spain, 19th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
A unique piece of scientific equipment, this antique cast iron scale would have been used in a Spanish pharmacy during the 1800s. The main cast...
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

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

Very Large George III Rosewood Gallery Magnifying Glass
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A very large George III rosewood gallery magnifying glass, the circular glass within a rosewood frame, the baluster handle screwing into a brass bracket in the rim. English, circa 18...
Category

Early 19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Rosewood

Georgian Terrestrial Pocket Globe by T. Harris and Son, London, 1813
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A Rare George III pocket globe by T. Harris and Son, London, 1813. Housed in the original sharkskin case. A fasinsting and rare item in wonderful condition. The terrestrial globe inscribed 'New Terrestrial Globe By T.Harris and Sons 1813' rotates on its axes inside a hinged black shagreen case. The concave interior of the case applied with the engraved celestial charts of the Northern and Southern skies and depictatioins of the symbols of Zodiac. The Harris family — Thomas Harris (d. 1837) and his son William Harris (1797-1846) — were London opticians who also sold and later produced terrestrial and celestial globes. Initially, Thomas Harris was principally an optician and mathematical instrument maker. He was joined, and then succeeded, by William in...
Category

Early 19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Collection of French Opaline Apothecary Jars
Located in Copenhagen, K
Collection of 20 opaline apothecary jars from the 19th century. Collection consists of 14 larger jars and 6 smaller jars.
Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Opaline Glass

Antique Painting with Barometer 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Antique table with barometer Interesting 19th century painting painted in oil with meteorological reasons on wood and which has a barometer in the center and a thermometer in the up...
Category

1890s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Fruitwood

Powell And Lealand Number 3 Monocular Microscope
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A good example of a Number 3 model microscope retailed by Carpenter and Westley, London in the original fine quality mahogany case. It has a signed Powell and...
Category

19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

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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