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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Original Patina, Italy, Pharmacy or Herbalist
Located in Roma, IT
Antique bronze mortar. Handmade with pestle. Original patina Mortar from pharmacy or herbalist. Italian bronze mortar and pestle Measure: Pe...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Other Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

English Mahogany Steel Engraved Stick Barometer Signed F. Tarone, Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
English mahogany stick Barometer with a broken arch pediment, brass urn finial, Satin wood string inlay, hinged glass door revealing a numeral steel engraved dial with original mounted thermometer and barometric pressure gauge. Signed F. Tarone. Late 18th Century Barometer...
Category

1780s English Sheraton Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Anatomical model: a human skull model life size, Stuttgard, Germany 1930.
Located in Milan, IT
Human skull anatomical model life size 1:1 Model with cranial sutures detachable 2 parts plus three cervical vertebrae for medical educational aid. The skull and vertebrae are made o...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

20th Century French Vintage Art Deco Metal Berkel Auto Weighing Scale
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A French Art Deco model of a vintage Berkel auto weighing scale in working condition. On the front of the Berkel up to 1kg, on the back it has an old fashioned weighing system. The s...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

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

1960s Industrial Medical Cabinet
1960s Industrial Medical Cabinet
$1,550 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique, Pair of Binoculars, German, Neo Universal, CP Goerz, Berlin, circa 1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pair of binoculars. A German, 4.5x magnification Neo Universal by CP Goerz of Berlin, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. Delightful binocular from a sought-after German specialist Displaying a desirable aged patina - optical elements in clear order Elegantly milled brass with painted black finish Complete with black leather carry pouch CP Goerz Berlin logo present on left barrel; Neo Universal model name to the right Knurled central focus wheel encased within pleasingly formed, folding bridge Smaller adjustment wheel with marking range from 64-72 Serial number of 580854 engraved into front fascia Turned eyecups, adjustment wheel to the right Hand grips dressed in quality textured leather Carry pouch in original condition - clasp not situated Interior dressed with smooth, dark blue velour This is a wonderful pair of vintage binoculars...
Category

Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

Shock Therapy McIntosh Polysine Generator Quck Medical Device
Located in Norwalk, CT
A very interesting piece having to do with the treatment of mental health in america. this machine dates to the 1940s or earlier, its missing and of the...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Fine Pair Golden Guilloche Enamel and Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses, c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
Pretty as a picture and in outstanding condition, this lovely pair of early twentieth century opera glasses come complete with their original case (wear commensurate with age). Th...
Category

1910s French Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Enamel

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

Art Deco Rock-Ola "Loboy" Porcelain Enamel Coin-Op Penny Scale
By Rock-Ola
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beginning in the Late 19th Century, the penny scale offered a means for passersby to quickly check their weight without going to the trouble of seeing a doctor; simultaneously - and perhaps more notably - they provided an irresistible opportunity for businesses to advertise and earn extra revenue. Penny scales quickly became a platform for creativity in advertising and design, as machines competed to attract the attention of customers on the street. This scale - the "LoBoy" model - was produced by the jukebox manufacturing company Rock-Ola in the 1930s and features a Classic skyscraper-inspired Art Deco Silhouette in black and white porcelain enamel. The mirrored glass display features instructions ("Stand Still - Keep Clear") as well as a reference chart which provides 'healthy' weights for men and women by height. The scale itself has been modified to function without needing to deposit a coin. This piece would make a super unique and functional addition to any retro bathroom!
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Aircraft Design Wind Tunnel Scale Model of a Late 1960s GAC-100 Airliner
Located in London, GB
A 1/10 scale wind tunnel model of a GAC-100 Commuter airliner. Wingspan: 7ft (214 cm) The model is constructed out of laminated mahogany, and is built to the highest standards,...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century thermometer in original case
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century thermometer in original case circa 1890. Fine quality thermometer which measures between -45 degrees centigrade and +50. In fully working condition, complete in its ori...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Paper

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

Vintage Drawing Instrument Set, German, Draughtsman's Tools, Schcenner, C.1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage drawing instrument set. A German, nickel draughtsman's tool case by Schcenner, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1930. Fine German instrument set in fold-out carry case Displaying a desirable aged patina throughout Silver nickel presents a lightly tarnished appearance, commensurate with age Presented within a textured carry case with four fold design 8 pieces offering the essential tools for the travelling draughtsman Comprises a pair of compass, two bow compass and ruling pen...
Category

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

Materials

Nickel

Antique George III Quality Mahogany Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique George III quality mahogany banjo barometer having a quality mahogany shaped case with a swan neck pediment and satinwood stringing, circular silvered engraved dial with orig...
Category

Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Carpenters Pine Tool Chest and Tools The chest is in pine
Located in Godshill, 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

Antique Mortar, Wabi Sabi Style, Scandinavia 1800s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Wooden Wabi Sabi Mortar from Scandinavia, circa 1800s. In good vintage condition showing beautiful patina from age and use.
Category

19th Century Swedish Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Space Age Orange Vintage Television Ikaro by Minerva, 1970s, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age orange vintage television from plastic model Ikaro by Minerva, 1970s, Austria. This portable television with an orange plastic casing by...
Category

1970s Austrian Space Age Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

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

Nineteenth Century Hanging Bronze Scales with Nested Six Weights, 21-in high
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Standing at 21 inches in height, this set of large late nineteenth century French solid brass scales features two hanging brass pans that hang from chains. Six accompanying gram wei...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Indian Brass Qibla Compass
Located in Stamford, CT
19th Century Indian etched brass Qibla compass. The compass with brass needle and glass cover, the reverse engraved with tables. 4.2 inches high 2.3 wide A qibla (qiblah) compa...
Category

Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

20th Century Japanese Pair Of Naval Bridge "Big Eye" Binoculars By Nikon c.1940
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A rare 20th Century set of Japanese naval bridge “big eye“ binoculars by Nikon manufactured during WWII by Tokyo Kogaku Kikai (Tokyo Optical Company). They have been expertly cleaned...
Category

20th Century Japanese Other Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Large 19th Century English Brass Scale with Weights and Bull Finial
Located in Atlanta, GA
This monumental 19th-century English brass scale presents a rare double-tiered configuration, combining technical function with sculptural elegance. Standing at 48 inches tall, the s...
Category

19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Set of Six Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Models by Somso Germany 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage models of botanical scientific specimen depicts mushrooms native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showpie...
Category

20th Century German Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Composition

19th C. Portuguese Nautical Brass Gimbal Mounted Barometer
Located in North Miami, FL
SIGNED J.J.B.L.M - 16 a 22 RN Desterro Lisbon to face, this barometer is a very Rare and unusual mid-19th century polished brass marine barometer mounted on a gimble, the steel face ...
Category

Late 19th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

German Globe by C. Abel-Klinger, Nuremberg, circa 1860
Located in Milano, IT
Terrestrial globe Artistic company C. Abel - Klinger Nuremberg, circa 1860 H cm 31 x 22 cm (12.20 x 8.66 in); sphere 14 cm (5.51 in) in diameter lb 2.30 (kg 1.04) State of conservation: good. On the sphere there are slight visible signs of accidental bumping at the poles, as well as on New Guinea and England (vertical and more visible); some ink stains, especially at the South Pole and on the meridian that crosses North America. The globe is composed of twelve whole gores of printed paper, juxtaposed and glued on a sphere made with a chalky base mixture. The circle of the meridian, made of brass...
Category

1860s German Other Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Vintage Handheld Tachometer, English Tool Speed Gauge, Smiths Instruments, Decor
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage handheld tachometer. An English, enamelled alloy and glass decorative tool speed gauge by Smiths Instruments, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960. Untested, but in fine decorative condition for the collector of vintage gauges...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

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

A land surveying square, France 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
Octagonal brass land surveying square. Each side has a slot, which allows to aim the distance and evaluate 90 and 45 degrees when measuring the field. ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

Antique Trolley Fare Counter with Bronze Handle c.1910
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Antique steel fare register trolley counter with original manufacturers label inside. Double window with "Cash", "Tickets" and rolling numbers. Solid bronze handle on the bott...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze, Steel

French Hand Carved Wooden Armillary
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare and visually captivating French hand carved armillary sphere, dating to around 1900. Crafted entirely of wood and meticulously hand painted, this antique scientific model...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paint

Early 19th Century Giltwood Barometer "Selon Toricelli"
Located in Madrid, ES
Barometer end of the 18th century, Directorie, in carved and gilded wood, by Selon Toriceli, with allegory music wing on the top, beautiful patina, and decorative barometer...
Category

19th Century French Directoire Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Antique "Le Jockey Club" 1930's Horse Racing Binoculars with Compass
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A French silvered brass and brown leather Horse Racing binoculars stamped "Le Jockey Club Paris" presented in their original brown leather case. ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Kinora Monochrome Motion Picture Viewer
Located in London, GB
A rare model of a Kinora monochrome motion picture viewer on folding base. Light oak lens holder and base, with the circular Kinora badge, circa 1905. ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak, Paper

English Mahogany 19th Century Stick Barometer by Tarone
Located in Vero Beach, FL
English Mahogany 19th Century Stick Barometer by Tarone Classic traditional English mahogany stick Barometer. Excellent and original feat...
Category

19th Century English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver

Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime, Day or Night, Richardson, Regency
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large antique 2-draw telescope. An English, terrestrial or maritime ‘Day or Night’ instrument by Richardson of London, dating to the Regency period, circa 1820. Perfect fo...
Category

1820s British Regency Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Large Vintage WWII Telescope, English, Brass, Military Broad Arrow, Ottway & Co
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large vintage WWII telescope, an English brass terrestrial instrument by Ottway & Co of London, dated 1945 and marked with the military broad arrow. Perfect for bird watch...
Category

1940s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage Specimen Collector's Chest of Drawers, French, Walnut Desk Box, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage specimen collector's chest of drawers. A French, solid walnut four drawer executive desk box, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930. Exceptional figuring and f...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Mechanical Equatorial Sundial, Johann Michael Bergauer, Ante 1745
By Johann Michael Bergauer
Located in Milano, IT
Johann Michael Bergauer (Simonsfeld, 1676 - Innsbruck, 1745 circa) Mechanical equatorial sundial Signed: Michael Bergauer Insprugg? Innsbruck? Ante 1745 Gilded and silvered brass; glass. Measures: closed 1.29 x 3.50 x 4.92 in (33 x 89 x 125 mm); open 5.19 x 3.50 x 3.81 in (132 x 89 x 97 mm). Weight: the sundial 0.49 lb (224 g); the case 0, 20 lb (95 g) Original wooden case covered in brown leather. State of conservation: very good. It has some signs of use. The spring that allowed for the two parts of the instrument to remain open is missing (absent even in the comparative specimens kept in museums). The sundial is composed of two overlapping plates hinged together on the north edge. The base plate is octagonal and is supported by three turned legs. The upper face is gilded and a compass with a magnetic variation index has been inserted. The rest of the surface is occupied by a rich decoration of engraved scrolls, centered around the inscription “Michael Bergauer Insprugg”. A foldable oval support with a plumb-bob is attached with a hinge on the southern edge. On the reverse of the base plate a table of the latitudes of some European cities (expanded with the vertical writing “Meiland 40” on the edge and “Rome” deleted) and of Jerusalem has been engraved. A Cam marked for 0 °-70 ° is applied near the northern edge. This can be adjusted to change the inclination of the upper plate according to the latitude; originally a spring, now lost, made it possible to keep the two plates of the clock open. The second plate is round, has a toothed edge and measures 3.26 in (83 mm) in diameter: it is slightly smaller than the octagonal base which it rests upon and overlaps when the instrument is closed. The recto is gilded and there are three concentric graduated circles engraved on it: - the outermost is the equatorial hour dial, numbered I-XII, I-XII; - the second-one is that of days 1-30 of the lunar month and has “Aetas lunae” engraved on it; - the third, silvered, is a subsidiary hour dial, with double numbering 1-12; originally it could have been rotated. The engravings of the first two circles are enameled in red. In the center - on the polar axis - there is an alidade, at the end of which is associated the silvered minute dial. This, in turn, is welded, perpendicularly, to a small disc, also silvered, with a triangular gnomon. The plate, alidade and minute dial are connected to each other by toothed mechanisms. Below is the procedure for measuring the time: 1) Adjust the Cam under the base of the clock, based on the latitude of your location; 2) Place the watch on a flat surface using the plumb-bob and with the side closest to the compass facing south; 3) Keeping the instrument still, manually rotate the alidade until the shadow cast by the triangular gnomon on the small silvered disc falls on the line marked below it; 4) The hour and minutes can therefore be read on the hour and minute dials set on the alidade respectively. Johann Michael Bergauer, who sometimes only signs his works as Michael Bergauer, was born in Simonsfeld, north of Vienna. His apprenticeship as a watchmaker took place in Landshut and he probably worked as a laborer in Augsburg before becoming a watchmaker at the court of Karl Philipp von der Pfalz in Innsbruck in 1708. In the following years, his repeated attempts to obtain Innsbruck citizenship are documented and, in 1721, he is listed as a resident. In 1724 he was admitted to the guild of watchmakers, with which however he had continuous problems. In 1732 he presented a "masterpiece". This is the last reference to his business; he must have died before or in 1745 because in that year his widow appealed to the City Council. The mechanical sundial...
Category

1730s Austrian Baroque Antique 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

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

Walter Bosse Cat Figurine with Thermometer, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian desk thermometer, consisting of a lovely cat figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in th...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

19th Century Bronze Skeleton
Located in Round Top, TX
A sensational 19th century skeleton in bronze originating from the Louvain University Of Medicine - Belgium. An excellent addition to any doctor...
Category

19th Century Belgian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Carl Zeiss Stand IV Brass Continental Microscope W/ Case and Slides, circa 1891
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

Antique Foldable Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting Human Musculature
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Foldable Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting Human Musculature The rare 19th century anatomical wall chart depicts the human musculature and inter...
Category

Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Antique Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting the Human Skeleton
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting the Human Skeleton A rare 19th century anatomical wall chart depicting the human skeleton. On the sides On the...
Category

Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Antique Richter's Anchor Box, German, Stone, Anker Baukasten, Number 15, Set
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Richter's Anchor Box. A German, stone Anker Baukasten No. 15 or construction set, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1890. Highly collectible German construction set from Friedrich Richter Displays a desirable aged patina — lovingly play worn Sought after stone pieces, with few, minor chips to corners Aged box with fine paper lithography to both sides This 'grosse kaliber' set comprises 296 pieces at 25mm scale Pieces imitate the red brick, limestone and blue slate of contemporary European architecture Create a wide range of architectural styles including Baroque influenced buildings Several instruction manuals included to help create fantastic scenes This is a wonderful, lovingly played with antique Richter's Anchor Box. In sought after stone, this number 15...
Category

Late 19th Century Albanian Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Cast Stone

20th Century German Glass Case Scale
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century German scale encased in a glass and wood frame is a fine example of precision engineering and functional design. The scale features a b...
Category

20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood

19th Century German “Magic Lantern” Image Projector with Brass Lens
Located in Middleburg, VA
A captivating piece of pre-cinema history, this 19th-century German "magic lantern" image projector is an evocative relic from the dawn of visual storytelling. Crafted circa 1890, th...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Metal, Steel, Iron, Sheet Metal, Tin

Set of (14) Vintage Anatomy Charts by American Map Co. - sold individually
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of (14) Vintage Anatomy Charts American Map Co. - Circa 1950. 14 Total Charts - Sold Individually -( 14 available ) ( discounted to buy as a set ) 29" x 37" unfolded 9.5" x 12...
Category

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

Materials

Paper

Telescope with original leather case from World War II, English circa 1940
Located in Central England, GB
This fine example of a World War II military spotting telescope is the type issued to a British army sniper, who would have used it to locate an enemy sniper in a hidden position. T...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Other Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Three-Draw Telescope, English, Walnut, Brass, Navigation, Georgian, 1790
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique three-draw telescope. An English,walnut and brass navigational or astronomical instrument by Lincoln of London, dating to the Georgian period, circa 1790. Perfect...
Category

1790s British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Ptolemaic Armillary Sphere, Charles-François Delamarche, Paris, ante 1798
Located in Milano, IT
Ptolemaic armillary sphere Charles-François Delamarche Paris, ante 1798 Wood and papier-mâché covered with printed and partly hand-colored paper It measures 16.37 in in height x Ø 10.94 in (41.60 cm - Ø 27.80 cm) It weights 2.33 lb (1,058 g) State of conservation: consistent with its age and use, the paper shows some signs of use, stains and abrasions. The sphere is Ptolemaic, with the Earth placed at its center, surrounded by the Moon and the Sun mounted on two metal arms. The sphere is composed of six horizontal and two vertical rings (armillae), each bearing graduations and its own name. The first horizontal ring is illegible. The others, in descending order are: North Pole, Tropic of Cancer, Equator, Tropic of Capricorn, South Pole. The vertical rings consist of two double meridians. The sphere is then connected to the large meridian by two pins, a vertical ring inserted perpendicularly into the circle of the Horizon, in turn supported by four semicircles connected to the turned and black-stained wooden base. Each element is covered with printed paper. It contains various pieces of information: latitudes, length of days, names and zodiac symbols, calendar, wind directions, etc. The vertical circles mention the latitudes and longitudes of different cities: Rome, Bordeaux, Madrid, Boston, Batavia (Jakarta), Acapulco, etc. Even the small terrestrial globe is covered with printed paper: continents and oceans appear with numerous geographical markings indicating the most recent explorations. In the Pacific Ocean, west of South America bears the following inscription: GLOBE TERRESTRIAL à Paris chez Delamarche Géog Rue du Foin Jacques Au Collège de M.e Gervais The North American coasts are well delineated and California appears correctly as a peninsula - reports from Spanish explorers in the region had given rise to confusion as to whether it was connected to the mainland or not. The geographical nature of California was confirmed after the explorations of Juan Bautista de Anza (1774-1776). Alaska is not described and is only partially traced; it would become part of the United States in 1867. Various Pacific islands are indicated. Australia (the name definitely used from 1824) is called "Nouvelle Hollande." Tasmania is still represented as a peninsula and this is an important detail for the dating of our armillary sphere. The island is separated from Australia by Bass Strait, which was crossed by Matthew Flinders for the first time in 1798, showing that it was not a peninsula. Delamarche certainly would not have waited a long time to update such an important geographical datum: presumably he did so shortly after receiving the news. Charles-François Delamarche (1740-1817) founded his laboratory around 1770 and, in a few years, he became the most famous French cartographer and globe maker between the 18th and 19th centuries. After having acquired the laboratory of the late Didier Robert de Vaugondy (1723-1786; himself a renowned cartographer who continued the family business founded by his grandfather Nicolas Sanson in the seventeenth century) and after having purchased, between 1788 and around 1800, the businesses of Jean-Baptiste Fortin (1750-1831) and Jean Lattré (around 1750-1800), he began to call himself "Successeur de MM. Sanson and Robert de Vaugondi, Géographes du Roi and de M. Fortin, Ingénieur-mécanicien du Roi pour les globes et les sphères." Thus, at the end of the eighteenth century, Delamarche possessed the warehouse stocks, as well as the manufacturing skills of the globes of his main rivals in Paris. In addition to this aggressive acquisition policy, the key to its success also lay in the combination of high-quality cartography combined with extremely attractive globes and armillary spheres; and, of course, its famous red paint finishing touch. His laboratory was located on Rue de Foin St Jacques "au Collège Me. (or "Mtre") Gervais" in the Latin Quarter of Paris until around 1805, when he moved to rue du Jardinet No. 13. On the death of Charles-François in 1817, the reins of the company passed to his son Félix (1779-1835), who continued to publish, often in collaboration with the engraver Charles Dien, Sr. In 1835 the company first moved to rue du Jardinet No. 12 and a little later to rue du Battoir No. 7. Bibliography: Dekker, Elly, et al. Globes at Greenwich...
Category

1790s French Other Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Memphis Tool Kit Set by Koyo Sangyo, Japan, 1980s
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

Vintage 2 Draw Telescope, English, Leather, Brass, Terrestrial Refractor, C.1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage 2 draw telescope. An English, leather on brass terrestrial refractor, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960. Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciatio...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

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

Vintage, Handheld Bearing Compass, English, Oak, Maritime, Navigation, Sestrel
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage hand-held bearing compass. An English, oak, marine navigation aid with Sestrel dial, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950. A fascinating maritime set Displays a desirable aged patina Oak handle and walnut deck box...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

Antique Drawing Instrument Set in Rosewood Box 1900
Located in Meer, VAN
Antique Drawing Instrument Set in Rosewood Box, France, 1900. A wonderful set of drawing instruments / calipers / compasses to draw and dr...
Category

Early 20th Century French Arts and Crafts Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

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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