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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 1950s
Decorative Fancy Victorian Barometer, 19th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Fancy Victorian barometer, 19th century
Mahogany veneer with inlay. Historical condition. The barometer may need to be checked for accuracy. Ple...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Three-Dimensional Midcentury Italian Wall Plaster Didactic Anatomical, 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury three-dimensional didactic anatomical panel in plaster with Antonio Vallardi Milano label, Italy 1950s
Please note that the item is original of the period and t...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
$405 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century French Émile Deyrolle Anatomical Lithograph Poster
Located in London, GB
Émile Deyrolle Anatomical poster
A wonderfully rare and decorative curio medical French (Paris) original lithograph on board anatomical poster in ...
Category
1880s French Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut and Brass Scale with Set of Weights
Located in Dallas, TX
This Classic, antique scale with original plates was created in Dijon France, circa 1870. Rectangular in shape, the fruit wood scale embellished with marquetry fillet decor, features...
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Mortar and pestle. Bronze. 19th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Mortar and pestle. Bronze. 19th century.
Mortar with a flared mouth and relief decoration on the exterior based on balustraded elements (reminiscent of the ribs that these objects ...
Category
19th Century European Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
$353 / set
Antique Root Bowl, Wabi Sabi Style, Scandinavia 1800s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Wooden Wabi Sabi Root bowl from Scandinavia, circa 1800s. In good vintage condition showing beautiful patina from age and use.
Category
19th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Large Antique Mid 19th Century Mahogany Magnifying Glass
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
A rare Large Victorian Magnifying or Looking Glass, Made from Mahogany Wood all in origianal condition.
Known as a gallery glass it allows gentle magnification of items from variable...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Collection of 18th and 19th Century Arabic Astrolabes and Quadrant
Located in London, GB
A collection of 18th and 19th century Arabic astrolabes and quadrant
Persian, 18th/19th Century
Largest: height 23cm, width 13cm, depth 3cm
Smallest: height 6.5cm, width 4.5cm, depth 1.5cm
This excellent set of antique astronomical instruments is a selection of five Persian brass astrolabes...
Category
Early 19th Century Persian Islamic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
English Stick Barometer by Loftus, London, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
A late 19th century rosewood stick barometer by Loftus of London.
3 ¼ inches wide by 36 inches tall; 3 inches deep
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rosewood
Dutch 19th Century Carved Wooden Barometer
Located in Delft, NL
A Dutch carved wooden barometer with copper and facet cut glass housing.
The carved wood has a scene of fruits and scrolls
A barometer is a scien...
Category
Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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
American Victorian Scale and Height Measure
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian standing scale with mahogany center post and brass weight and height measure with platform base on wheels (signed FAIRBANKS)
Category
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Telescope, English, Silvered Brass, Dennis of London, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a long antique telescope. An English, silvered brass single draw refractor by Dennis of London, dating to the early Victorian period and later, circa 1850.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky.
Superior length telescope with appealing finish and personal inscription
Displaying a desirable aged patina throughout
Silvered brass presents bright, reflective tones
Bright objective with large 55mm diameter — some marks to lens edge
Front element protected by sliding sun shade
Removable dust cover encloses the element when not in use
Primary barrel dressed distinctively in a later, quality faux crocodile cover...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French 19th Century Culinary Scale
By Trussant & Cie
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An antique French counter or grocer scale in ebonized hardwood and mahogany inlay with white marble top, circa 1880. The scale is made of hardwo...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Copper
Collection of 19th c. Mortise Marking Guages
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Collection of 19th century Rosewood and Boxwood mortise marking gauges with bronze knobs and accents. One is stamped "Pat. Oct. 22, 1872".
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF M...
Category
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Antique Pluviometer Set, English, Copper, Meteorological, Rain Gauge, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pluviometer set. An English, copper and glass meteorological rain gauge, dating to the Victorian period and later, circa 1900.
...
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
Antique Barometer Altimeter, English, Explorer's Instrument, Hicks, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pocket barometer altimeter. An English, oak cased explorer's instrument by Hicks of London, dating to the late Victorian pe...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
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 Polished Steel Sky Light Binnacle with Rope Carved Base, Phil. C. 1880
By Hands & Sons
Located in Charleston, 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
Brass, Steel
System walking stick, a telescope, England 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
Gadget-System stick. The tip is made of iron and brass, high and decorated by a series of thin circles. The shaft is made entirely of painted brass and constructed to emulate a bambo...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Antique Wooden Bowl, Wabi Sabi Style, Scandinavia 1800s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A set of two wooden Wabi Sabi bowls from Scandinavia, circa 1800s. In good vintage condition showing beautiful patina from age and use.
Lagerst bowl: Ø34 cm, H: 19 cm
Smallest bowl...
Category
19th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
French Early 19th Century Gilt Barometer
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French early 19th century gilt barometer.
Category
Early 19th Century French Restauration Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early twentieth century boat compass. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrument is fitted to its original hardwood bo...
Category
1950s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Anemometer 1950 Coal Mining Vintage Science Equipment in Brass and Steel
Located in Miami, FL
Mechanical desk anemometer in brass.
Very interesting scientific coal mining anemometer, made up back in the 1950's with brass and blackened steel parts...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel, Iron
$438 Sale Price
25% Off
Antique Root Bowl, Wabi Sabi Style, Scandinavia 1800s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A unique and large root bowl from Norway, Scandinavia, dated 1818. In good vintage condition showing beautiful patina from age and use.
Category
19th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Universal Microscope by R & J Beck of London, 1867.
Located in London, GB
Universal Microscope by R & J Beck of London, 1867.
Serial number: 4757.
Circular base marked: UNIVERSAL MICROSCOPE - R & J BECK LONDON
In original fitted ca...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1950s Russian Military PAB-2M Periscope Artillery Aiming Circle Theodolite 9"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage circa 1950s Russian military periscope artillery aiming circle - PAB-2M/7A919. Includes instruction booklet and hardwood base for sculpture mount display.
Designed to determ...
Category
1950s Russian Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
$396 Sale Price
20% Off
Sailing ship's pulley fiddle block
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century Naval oak fiddle pulley block, with two wood sheaves.
Marked with Roman Numerals: XXVIIII
In sailing, a block is a single or multiple pulley. One or a number ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
19th Century Anatomical Model of Dissected Wax Head Mounted on Framed Board
Located in London, GB
Antique Anatomical Model, Anatomical Wax Model, Antique Wax Head, Medical Antique, Anatomical Antique, Vintage Anatomical Model, Antique Cabinet of Curi...
Category
Late 19th Century German Gothic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Mahogany and Brass Skylight Ship Binnacle, T.S. & J.D. Negus NY, Circa 1860
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany and brass skylight ship binnacle. T.S. and J.D. Negus company was established in 1848 in New York City. They were makers of fine scientific instruments, circa 1848-1900. This highly desirable and maritime instrument is made of carved mahogany with a brass and glass skylight...
Category
1860s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Late 19th C Gregory Bottley Scientific Collection of Mineral Fossils Shell
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A good collection of Gregory Bottley mineral, fossils and shell all contained in there original teak trays and card board sleeves.
Each specimen has its original hand written and nu...
Category
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Natural Fiber, Hardwood
Early 19th c.Medical Teaching Device- Shadowboxed Wax Fetus Models c.1800-1850
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Two early 19th century British wax models of a fetuses with attached placenta. Used as a medical teaching device. Numbered and attached to a velvet background. In a sealed woo...
Category
Early 19th Century Mid-Century Modern Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Velvet
$2,595 Sale Price
31% Off
Refractor telescope by François Can, 81 Quai de l'Hôpital, Lyon
Located in London, GB
2 ¾ inch refractor telescope by François Can, 81 Quai de l'Hôpital, Lyon. Circa 1835.
Mounted on a cast iron stand with adjustable height, folding tripod feet, and castors.
2 ¾ inc...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Library Terrestrial Globe On Stand, Late 19th Early 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large terrestrial globe in papier maché and plaster, fixed in its wooden basket: the spindles are painted with the continents (decoratively), the complete meridian is in brass; the h...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Detailed Anatomical Ear Model Made in East Germany by Somso
By Somso
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the midcentury Organon Auditus Anatomical Model by Somso, a true masterpiece in the world of anatomical models! This amazing model, made in former East Germany, features ...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic, Wood
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
Small herbalist pharmacy wooden jars, Italy 1870.
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two small wooden herbalist's apothecary vases (Thistle flowers, Myrtle berries) in the purest neoclassical style. The surface is finished with cream-white pastiglia with saffr...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Domestic Medicine Chest by Thompson & Capper
By Thompson & Capper
Located in New Orleans, LA
An invaluable addition to the 19th century home, this domestic medicine chest contained nearly everything needed to nurse a member of the house...
Category
19th Century English Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Brass and Malachite Scales by Halstaff & Hannaford
Located in Northampton, GB
Malachite Base Mounted in Brass
From our Accessories collection, we are delighted to offer these Bronze Gilded Malachite Postal Scales by Halstaff and Hannaford, London. The scales ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Malachite, Brass
Antique English Gothic Arts & Crafts Hand Wrought Iron Balance Beam Scale
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Gothic Arts & Crafts Hand Wrought Iron Balance Beam Scale. Circa Mid 19th Century. Measurements: 31" H x 29" W x 11.25" D. Plate approx 11.25" Diameter. Base 7x5.
Category
Mid-19th Century Unknown Gothic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wrought Iron
19th c. Giltwood Barometer
Located in New Orleans, LA
Carved and Giltwood Louis XVI Style Barometer
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
Bavarian Pharmacy Balance
Located in New Orleans, LA
This amazing and extremely rare Bavarian Biedermeier-period pharmacy balance stand would have been at home at any apothecary’s shop during the mid-19th century. Crafted of walnut with bold giltwood accents, this stand holds eight separate sets of balances with brass beams and pointers, and weighing pans made of Horn, brass and porcelain. The balances measure out varying sizes; the largest is capable of measuring up to 500 grams, while smallest weighs up to 5 grams. Such balances would have been essential tools in the practice of compounding, or creating customized medications to suit a specific patient's needs. The delicate porcelain scales even indicate what they were used to weigh: one set is marked “Jodoform,” or iodoform, a disinfectant and antiseptic once used to treat wounds, and the other is marked “Venena,” which is Latin for “poisons.” Each scale also exhibits stamps indicating that they have been tested for accuracy. It is extremely rare to find such a large array of scales, especially those in such wonderful condition, in one collection. This intriguing piece is a must for any medical antiques enthusiast.
The units of measurement in which apothecaries worked were often minute: grains, scruples, drams and ounces. As they were typically used to measure very small amounts of ingredients, apothecary and analytical balances...
Category
19th Century Balkan Biedermeier Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$64,500
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
Pair of Astrolabes
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of antique brass astrolabes with iron brackets
Category
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze
$3,850 / set
Anatomical Model of Human Eye Papier-maché, Scientific Collectables, Dr.Auzoux
Located in Leuven , BE
Anatomical cut of one eye, composition in natural painted papier-maché, with numbered labels on the different elements / the opening eyeball to cover the removable pute. Pen annotati...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper, Plaster
Swiss Enamel and Gold Telescope
Located in New Orleans, LA
Swiss Enamel and Gold Telescope
Circa 1820
This extraordinary telescope exemplifies a rare union of 19th-century Swiss scientific innovation and artis...
Category
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Gold, Enamel
English 19th Century Brass Herbalist Scale with Central Column and Lyre Motif
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English brass herbalist scale from the 19th century, with column and lyre details, mounted on a wooden base. Used to measure herbs, this exquisite scale features a brass structure...
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
English Pathologist Box Made of Mahogany with Brass, Including Instruments
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Curious antique English box made of mahogany with brass details, inside which are the working instruments of a pathologist. The division of the interior of the box is covered in red ...
Category
19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
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
19th Century, Compass and Sundial Together
Located in Miami, FL
19th century, compass and sundial together.
Category
Late 19th Century French Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Mechanical planetarium representative of the solar system with Sun Earth and Moon
Located in Milan, IT
Mechanical planetarium, or representative model of the solar system, from the second half of the 19th century.
The cartouche of the globe reads: GlobusVydal J. Felkl at Syn Roztok ...
Category
1860s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Brass Surveyors Level by Troughton & Simms, London
By Troughton & Simms London
Located in Norwich, GB
Brass Surveyors Level by Troughton & Simms, London
Sixteen inch extending telescope with original lacquer finish and spirit level.
The compass ha...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Original Patina, Italy, Pharmacy or Herbalist
Located in Roma, IT
Antique bronze mortar. Handmade with pestle. Original patina
Italian bronze mortar and pestle
Measures: Pestle height 7.5 in.
Category
Mid-19th Century European Grand Tour Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Signed 19th Century Mahogany and Brass Telescope on Custom Oak Wall Mount
Located in San Francisco, CA
An English mahogany and brass single draw telescope made and signed by William Bruce, Kings Head Court Shoe Lane London, circa 1830. This handsom...
Category
1830s English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$1,160 Sale Price
20% Off
Sterling Silver Folding Opera Glasses - Antique Victorian (1895)
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive pair of sterling silver folding opera glasses; an addition to our Victorian silverware collection.
These exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver folding opera glasses have a circular form with a plain rectangular bridge.
The eye pieces and lenses are encompassed with plain circular frames, conjoined with swept bridges.
Each pair of lenses are hinged to a plain frame ornamented with the numerals 1 to 5, accented with a sliding focus dial.
The central frame is further embellished with a hinged fingerpiece, accented with a lobed terminal.
Such impressive and high quality examples are rare to the market.
Condition:
These antique Victorian opera glasses...
Category
1890s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Sterling Silver
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
Paper, Plaster
A mid-19th century surgeon's instrument, a saw. Lollini Brothers, Bologna, Italy
Located in Milan, IT
A 19th-century surgical instrument. An amputation chain saw with a white metal body and iron stops, extractor, and chain. The bar-shaped body has a rectangular section that curves sl...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Iron
Hughes Telegraph Set Built by Siemens & Halske 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Hughes typewriting telegraph .A Printing Telegraph Set built by Siemens & Halske .This teletyper was invented by David Edward Hughes in 1856.Good condicion overall.Similar telegraph ...
Category
19th Century German Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Victorian Marquetry Wall Barometer and Thermometer
Located in London, GB
Victorian marquetry wall barometer and thermometer.
English, 19th century
Measures: height 98cm, width 25cm, depth 7cm.
This elegant piece is a fin...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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
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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Library Telescope
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Opera Glasses Mother Of Pearl
Optician Sign
Stanley Tool
Surveyors Level
Torricelli Barometer
Antique Butcher Hook
Antique Cast Iron Weighing Scales
Antique Medical Box
Antique Medical Devices
Antique Metal Wood Planes
Antique Syringes
Antique Wooden Grinder
Avery Scales
German Sundial