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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Late 20th Century
Period: 19th Century
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

Plaster, Paper

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

Olivetti Lettera 36 Portable Typewriter Designed by Ettore Sottsass. circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Olivetti Lettera 36 Portable Typewriter with the Original Case. circa early 1970s Created by famed Italian designer/architect Ettore Sottsass...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

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

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

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 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

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

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

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 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

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

Vintage Spanish Analog Telephone by Telefonica, circa 1980
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vintage Analog Telephone manufactured by Telefonica from Spain, circa 1980. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. M...
Category

1980s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

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 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

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

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 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

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

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

1980s Black Bang & Olufsen Beocom 2000 Phone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed in 1986 by Lone and Gideon Lindinger-Lowy, the Bang & Olufsen Beocom 2000 telephone is Danish design at its finest, and the epitome of 1980s high-...
Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

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

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

1986 Enorme Telephone by Ettore Sottsass for Enorme
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfectly postmodern telephone designed by the Memphis Milano master, Ettore Sottsass, and produced in 1986. The Enorme telephone was the result of ...
Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Push Button Genie Telephone in Peach
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Very sleek & cool styling in this Genie telephone. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear retains the great color of it's early days. Not tested.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage Sculptural Magnifying Lens Glass
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Sculptural magnifying lens glass 7.38 w x 1.5 d x 6 h Unrestored vintage condition Refer to images.
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Cast Iron Mortar
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A cast iron mortar with a bas-relief band in the center.
Category

19th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

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

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

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

Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century 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

Solid Brass Ships Nautical Miles Gauge
Located in Norwell, MA
Made in England by Thomas Walker and Son LTD Birmingham. Triple dial, anchor logo, nautical miles, and per mile and hundred miles gauges. Great piece of nautical décor. Weight: 8 ...
Category

1970s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Mahogany Cased Barograph
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany cased barograph, having five glazed removable lid, and a drawer below to house the charts. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum, fitted with a seven-day c...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

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

19th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

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

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

Boyle’s Patent Air Pump Ventilator, London, 1890
Located in Milan, IT
Boyle’s patent air pump ventilator mahogany wood, glass an iron, depicting architecture model. Robert Boyle & son Ventilating engineeres. London & Glasgow, end XIX century.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Intriguing Set of 4 Spanish Wooden Molds Used in Shaping Toile and Other Soft
Located in Atlanta, GA
An intriguing set of 4 Spanish Wooden Molds used in shaping toile and other soft metals. A wonderful collection for any bookcase or table top. Super patin...
Category

Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

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

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

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

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

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

19th Century Mahogany Banjo Barometer by P Nolfi of Taunton
Located in Martlesham, GB
19th century mahogany banjo barometer by P Nolfi of Taunton, having a swan neck pediment with a central brass finial above a shaped mahogany case decorated with boxwood stringing, th...
Category

1840s British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Gold French Empire Hexagonal Giltwood Verre Églomisé Barometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold patinated, antique French hexagonal barometer made of handcrafted giltwood, in good condition. The top part of the Parisian décor piece is enhanced by flower carvings. The glass dial is particularized with Verre Églomisé. The thermometer represent the First French Empire time...
Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Giltwood

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

Early 19th Century Mahogany Stick Barometer by Tagliaue & Torre of 294 Holborn
Located in Martlesham, GB
Early 19th century mahogany stick barometer by Tagliaue & Torre of 294 Holborn, 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 Laboratory Microscope, German, Scientific Instrument, Carl Zeiss Jena
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage laboratory microscope. A German, enamelled metal scientific instrument by Carl Zeiss Jena, dating to the late 20th century, circa ...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Botanic Model Brendel, Germany, 1890
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical model of the Brendel, Triticum Vulgare N.11A (Gramineae). The round base in ebonized wood holds the botanical model which reveals the fl...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood

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

Botanic Model Brendel, Germany, 1890
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical model of the Brendel, Syringa vulgaris N. 37 (Uleaceae). The round base in ebonized wood holds the botanical model which reveals the flo...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical XD 7489 Medical Supply Test
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical XD 7489 Medical Supply Test. Item features a Bausch & Lomb optical device. We are not exactly sure what is used for or wha...
Category

Late 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Mid-19th Century English Iron and Copper Hanging Trade Spring Balance
Located in Dallas, TX
A one of a kind! Created in England circa 1850, this "Peson" (or spring balance scale) was used in butcher shops to weight animals ( pigs, sheep, ...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper, Wrought 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 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

19th Century Antique English Georg III Mahogany Barometer
Located in VALENZA, IT
A fine quality example of a mercury wheel barometer. A mahogany case. A wider and deeper case with an opening door for the long scale thermometer with silvered dial. A silvered engraved dial signed 'J.B.Sala, Holborn'. Circa 1820. The banjo barometer is also known as the wheel barometer. It was invented by Robert Hooke...
Category

1810s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Set of 3 Antique Root Bowls, Wabi Sabi Style, Scandinavia, 1800s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A set of 3 wooden wabi sabi root bowls from Scandinavia, circa 1800s. In good vintage condition showing beautiful patina from age and use. One of the bowls has an old repair. Mea...
Category

19th Century Swedish Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

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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