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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: Early 20th Century
WWI brass Carl Zeiss Jena "Fussartillerie" artillery compass
Located in London, GB
A WWI brass Carl Zeiss Jena "Fussartillerie" artillery compass. 3¾ inch dial marked with N W S points, the Carl Zeiss Jena logo, and B.R. 565 FUSSARTILLERIE. Compass ring marked ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Blown glass scientific instrument, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
Blown glass scientific instrument to evaluate the expansion of the liquids with the warmth. Italy circa 1900.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

19th Century Victorian Weighing Scales By J White & Son, c.1880
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century Victorian grocers scales consist of a cast iron base with a ridged brass column supporting a cast iron balancing arm from which white glazed stoneware plate is s...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Large 19th Century Hourglass
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). A large 19th century hour glass, o...
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood

Antique "No. 1A Kodak Junior" Folding Camera c.1914-1927 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT The body of camera is leather wrapped with a leather handle and brass and chrome accents. It folds smoothly closed to 1.75 inches. Sold for decorative purposes only. May or...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Chrome, Brass

Terrestrial Globe Ludwig Julius Heymann, Circa 1880
Located in Madrid, ES
Terrestrial Globe Ludwig Julius Heymann, Circa 1880 Globe 10 cm in diameter with a marble base held by metal putty. Nineteenth century. Dimensions: 46 cm high 7.14 cm diameter
Category

1880s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble

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

Antique Teaching Aid - Structure of the Human Skin, Plaster on Wood
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Teaching Aid - Structure of the Human Skin, Plaster on Wood An antique hand-painted anatomical wall model depicting the structure of the human skin with roots of the hair. T...
Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paper

Anatomical model: a decomposable eyeball, Italy end of 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a decomposable eyeball, complete in all its parts, made of plaster, glass and painted paper mache, metal hooks. Italy ci...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Antique Nickel Plated Bronze Table Top Fire Engine Bell
Located in New York, NY
This antique bronze tabletop fire engine bell with a wood base is a rare find. Its nickel-plated bronze construction exudes vintage charm, making it a...
Category

Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze, Nickel

Wonderful Benjamin Pike & Sons (New York) Circa 1850 Theodolite
Located in Placerville, CA
This is a Wonderful Pike & Sons Theodolite (166 Broadway) complete with Box & Tripod. American made 19th century Theodolites are VERY common. Finding one in great shape with its or...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Kodak Junior Six-20 Bimat Folding Camera c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An Art Deco Kodak Compur Model Six-20 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome accents and flip out view finder. Black and silver Art Deco design on both sides Show...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Chrome

19th Century French Glazed Porcelain Water Filter Pharmacy Display Item
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique ceramic water filter, complete with pewter spout and lid, was created in Provence, France, circa 1870. In the old days, it was used as a promotional display in a Pharmac...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Fine Pair of Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses by Dolland, London
Located in Bath, GB
A splendid pair of Edwardian Opera / Theatre glasses professionally re-polished to gleam, making them as good as they would have looked over 100 years ag...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Iron Worker Hand Forged Vintage Tools Set of 9
Located in Chula Vista, CA
collection handmade Iron Blacksmithing Tools- Set of 9 Antique Iron Worker Tools forging metal circa early 1900s tool total 9 25 the longest x 3...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron, Metal

Antique Microscope in Original Box, circa 1900
Located in Greven, DE
Antique travel microscope in unrestored found condition. The brass should be polished and the glasses cleaned. All parts appear to be complete, no guarantee, see photos.
Category

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Hand Carved Coquille Nut Egg Box 19th Century Flea Trap Pomander Needle Case
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful hand carved coquille nut egg box. Beautiful carving, great patina, unscrews at center to open. The original use was a flea trap, things were different in the old days and...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Rare anatomical model: an external and inner ear, Italy end of 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a separable external and internal ear, complete in all its parts, made of plaster and painted paper mache, metal hooks. ...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Anatomical model: a woman’s human bust dissection. Italy end of 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare anatomical model for class, depicting a woman’s human bust dissection with all removable organs, complete in all its part. Made out of painted plaster and paper mache, mounted o...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Art Deco Kodak Compur Model Six-20 Folding Camera c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An Art Deco Kodak Compur Model Six-20 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome accents and flip out view finder. Black and silver Art Deco design on both sides Show...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Chrome, Metal

Floor Standing Globe On A Turned Hardwood & Brass Stand Model No 16
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Crams Imperial World Globe Floor Standing Globe On A Turned Hardwood & Brass Stand Model No 16 Manufactured by George F Cram Co. Indiana, U.S.A Sizes are guesstimates
Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Barometro torricelliano a mercurio in legno firmato A. Pozzi attivo tra 1820/30
Located in Milan, IT
Barometro torricelliano a mercurio in legno di mogano, con doppia filettatura laterale in legno di cedro e di ebano, firmato A. Pozzi Wootton Bassett attivo tra il 1822 e il 1830. Lo...
Category

1820s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Antique Trade Scale Brass and Cast Iron, France, circa 1880
Located in Labrit, Landes
This trade scale was made in the late 19th century in France; It was a scale used by traders for retail Brass and Cast-Iron Patina and signs of use which ma...
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron, Brass

Vest Pocket Hawkeye Folding Camera c.1924-1935
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT The Vest Pocket Hawkeye Model B folding camera with a leather wrapped body and chrome accents. Shown with life size hand. CREATOR Eastman Kodak Co. DATE OF MANUFACTU...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Large Kodak Folding No. 3A Camera with Mahogany Inlay c.1910 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A large Eastman Kodak No. 3A folding camera with red bellows and Mahogany inlay. The body is wrapped in leather with chrome and brass accents. The camera folds to 2.5 inches. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

19th Century Hand Carved Oak "Military" Barometer
Located in North Salem, NY
Very unusual hand carved Oak "Military" aneroid barometer from England. Circa 1880. Often antique items like this can be highly collectible and are often sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of vintage scientific instruments...
Category

1880s English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

Antique Kodak Hawk-Eye No. 2A Folding Camera c.1926-1934 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A Hawk-Eye Shutter Model 2A folding camera, model B with a leather wrapped body, chrome and brass accents and extended push button shutter mechanism. Closes to 1.5 inches flat...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Luxury Victorian French Lorgnette Opera Glasses Marked "La Ville Paris" Ca 1890
Located in Incline Village, NV
Absolutely exquisite pair of operable mother of pearl high quality luxury French Opera Glasses with fancy lorgnette style handle and gilt metal mounts. Premium mother of pearl and on...
Category

1890s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Art Deco Table or Desk Top Brass Mounted 7" Double Convex Magnifying Glass
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Art Deco desk/table top adjustable magnifying glass. A 7" diameter double convex lens in an open topped brass frame suspended between two vertical posts rising from a stepped two-tie...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Brass and Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A pair of stunning miniature binoculars, or opera glasses, crafted from brass and clad in iridescent mother of pearl inlaid pieces. Dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, t...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A Victorian anchor and rope barometer by Gray and Keen, Liverpool
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Victorian anchor and rope barometer by Gray and Keen, Liverpool. The 10 ¾-inch silvered dial of this walnut barometer is set within the arms of an anchor and a coil of double twisted rope which passes over a ring handle. The dial is inscribed in Spanish and the scale in both Fahrenheit and ‘Beaumur’. It is The trunk inset with a thermometer. Inscribed Gray & Keen, Liverpool on the dial. English and Italian, circa 1860. Height: 37in (94cm) Width: 17in (43cm) Gray and Keen from Liverpool exhibited in the Designers and Manufacturers Hall of the Great Exhibition of 1851. The official catalogue entry reads ‘Wheel barometer, designed for use in naval establishments’ and ‘Gothic wheel barometer’s. For a similar rope twist barometer...
Category

1860s European Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

A Wellington commemorative barometer retailed by Wehrle and Steuert
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
This carved giltwood barometer is in the form of a military trophy of arms surmounted by a ducal coronet. It comprises a sword hilt, cannon barrels and standards surrounding a portr...
Category

1850s English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Giltwood

French Planetary Clock InGided Brass And Marble Planetarium Tellurium
Located in Madrid, ES
French Planetary Clock In Golden Brass And Tellurium Marble, Planetarium Rare French planetary from the 19th century in brass and Royal Red marble base...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble

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

Early 20th Century English Telescoping Surveyors Measure
Located in Burton, TX
Telescoping surveyors measuring staff made of wood with brass fittings. Marked 'Houghton-Butcher Mfg. Co. Ltd., London 1918 No. 1.173'. Lovingly care...
Category

Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Panicula (panicle)
Located in Berghuelen, DE
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Panicula (panicle) A great antique botanical model manufactured by the famous Robert Brendel manufactory for botanicals models around ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paper

Black Forest Style Carved Walnut Barometer, Germany, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Black Forest style carved walnut barometer, Germany, ca. 1920. An impressive carved walnut barometer with masterfully carved flowers and leaves. A small mirror on the top of the roun...
Category

1920s German Black Forest Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Walnut

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 two sections and not hinged. A d...
Category

1850s Unknown Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Natural Fiber

Collection of Friedrich Ziegler wax model human heart development forms
Located in London, GB
Collection of Friedrich Ziegler wax model human heart development forms A rare collection of 4 wax models of the human heart, showing its early development to full size. The hand-col...
Category

Early 1900s German Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Natural Fiber

Antique Art Deco Portable Underwood Champion Typewriter c.1936
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An Art Deco portable Underwood Champion typewriter in high gloss black finish and chrome. Bakelite and nickel keys with black and white lettering. Original Underwood lettering...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel, Nickel, Chrome

Bronze Magnifying Glass w/ Art Nouveau Nude, ca. 1910
Located in Petaluma, CA
This lovely high quality magnifying glass makes a perfect piece for the art nouveau lover, or anyone who wants to hold a beautiful object when trying to magnify something. Note the ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Pocket barometer by C Baker in original case
Located in East Geelong, VIC
This pocket barometer was made by the firm of C Baker of 244 High Holborn, London and is still in its original leather covered case. The model number is 7073, ...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Luxury Victorian French Lorgnette Opera Glasses Marked "Iris, Paris", circa 1885
By Iris, Paris
Located in Incline Village, NV
Absolutely exquisite pair of operable mother of pearl high quality luxury, top of the line, French Lorgnette Opera Glasses; with fancy mother o...
Category

1880s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Seldom Seen Authentic Exploding Skull, Medical, After Claude Beauchêne
By Claude Beauchene
Located in Buffalo, NY
Authentic Exploding Skull Originally created by Edmé François Chauvot de Beauchêne (ca.1780-1830), a French anatomist and surgeon, developed this disarticulation method to comprehensively show all the cranial bones and their connections. The exploded skull...
Category

Early 20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Grain Grate
Located in Berghuelen, DE
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Grain Grate A great antique botanical model manufactured by the famous Robert Brendel manufactory for botanicals models around 1900. H...
Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paper

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

Pocket barometer by J H Steward in original case
Located in East Geelong, VIC
This pocket barometer was made by the firm of by J H Steward and is still in its original leather covered case. The silvered dial with its blued pointer is surrounded by a rotating a...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Set of Antique Draughtsman's Rules, English, Engineer's Instrument Set, C.1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a set of antique draughtsman's rules. An English, beech engineer's instrument set in a mahogany case, dating to the mid 20th century period, circa 1920. Charming set of me...
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Beech

Antique Wooden Plate, Wabi Sabi Style, Scandinavia, 1800s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A wonderful wooden wabi sabi plate from Scandinavia, circa 1800s. In good vintage condition showing beautiful patina from age and use. Measures: Ø: 2...
Category

19th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Spica (simple ear)
Located in Berghuelen, DE
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Spica (simple ear) A great antique botanical model manufactured by the famous Robert Brendel manufactory for botanicals models around ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paper

Late 19th Century Scientific "Cyclo-Stormograph" by Short & Mason Tycos
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and appears to be completely intact. Short & Mason Tycos Cyclo-Stormograph under beveled glass & mahogany with a drawer which contains extra graph paper, tiny key and origin...
Category

Early 1900s English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Hand Carved Coquille Nut Egg Box 19th Century Flea Trap Pomander Needle Case
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful hand carved coquille nut egg box. Beautiful carving, great patina, unscrews at center to open. The original use was a flea trap, things were different in the old days and...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Vintage French Hour Sand Glass in Pewter
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
French Pewter and Sand 15 Minutes Hour Glass
Category

1920s French Folk Art Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Pewter

19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Umbella (umbel)
Located in Berghuelen, DE
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Umbella (umbel) A great antique botanical model manufactured by the famous Robert Brendel manufactory for botanicals models around 190...
Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paper

French Made Solid Brass Marine Barometer
Located in Norwell, MA
Highly polished solid brass nautical barometer by WM Senter & Co. WM Senter and Company was in business from 1869 to 1888 at 51 Exchange St in Portl...
Category

1880s American Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Dr Forbes Specifications Bath Thermometer
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Dr Forbes Specifications Bath Thermometer A great piece, the thermometer has a beech Case so that it can be floated to show the numerical temperature and also the recommended from ...
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Beech

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

Antique Book Press with 4 Drawer Stone Top Flat Art File Cabinet
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A working antique iron book press which sits atop a four drawer art storage cabinet with two brass identification card holders on each drawer. ...
Category

19th Century Rustic Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Stone, Iron, 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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