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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Late 19th century Wooden and Brass Polarimeter Antique Physic Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Wooden and brass polarimeter with cast iron tripod base from the late 1800s. It is an instrument used to determine the concentration of sucrose and glucose in raw materials and sugar...
Category

1890s British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English "Broadhurst Clarkson & Co." Telescope on Stand, Circa 1910-1920.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English "Broadhurst Clarkson & Co." Telescope on Stand, Circa 1910-1920. 72" High as shown in the photographs.
Category

Early 20th Century English 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

Antique Russian Leather Band Barber Razor Strop
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Vintage Barber Leather Band Razor Sharpening Strop Russian Stamped Phillips Detroit Michigan 24 long x 2.5 w x .38 Preowned original v...
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Leather

Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Leather, Broadhurst Clarkson & Co, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3-draw telescope. An English, leather and brass terrestrial refractor by Broadhurst, Clarkson & Co, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Perfect for bird ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Early 19th Century Silver Wine Hydrometer in Original Turned Wood Case
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Antique cased silver hydrometer, likely English and dating to the early 19th century. This finely crafted instrument was designed to determine the density of liquids with precision, ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Biedermeier Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

19th c. Varvill & Son York Moving Filletster Plane circa 1829-1840
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Solid boxwood carpenter's wood plane with steel and bronze accents. Stamped "Varvill & Sons York" on both sides. CREATOR Varvill & Sons York, England. DATE OF MANUF...
Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

German Reflecting Telescope in Limited Edition from the Deutsches Museum in 1978
Located in Sofia, BG
Gregory brass spyglass - Deutsches Museum 1978/79 limited edition. This reflecting foldable telescope is being published in a worldwide limited edition...
Category

Late 20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

20th Century Japanese Pair Of Naval Bridge "Big Eye" Binoculars By Nikon c.1940
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A rare 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 and hand pol...
Category

1940s Japanese Other Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Carved oak wall hanging Banjo barometer
Located in Cheshire, GB
Carved oak barometer, the shaped carved oak frame with rectangular thermometer encased by glass. Above the enamelled dial with brass bezel, flanked by crisp scrolling carved decorati...
Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

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

19th Century French Cast Iron Mortar With Pestle
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French cast iron mortar with pestle is a compelling relic of traditional apothecary and culinary practices. Cast in a classic tapered form, the mortar features a wi...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

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

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

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

Victorian Bronze Imperial Standard Bushel Measure
Located in Essex, MA
Impressively large bushel measure for the County Of Gloucester, England. Inscribed "Imperial Standard Bushel". "County Of Gloucester". Made by Bate of London. Dated 1853 and 1834. ...
Category

1850s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Antique Salter Family Scales No 50 a Well Loved and Used Family Scales
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Antique Salter Family Scales  No 50 A well loved and used Family Scales, made by Salter, the cast iron body is in Dark green with Gold highlights, it has...
Category

1940s Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Pocket Watch In 18 Carat Gold, Dating From Around 1900 with calendar
Located in Madrid, ES
Discover a piece of timeless elegance with our exquisite 18K gold pocket watch from circa 1900! ⌚️ Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this elegant timepiece boasts a classic enamel dial on one side for traditional timekeeping and a monthly and weekly calendar...
Category

1890s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Gold

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

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

19th Century Italian Height Measuring Apparatus
Located in Round Top, TX
An intriguing 19th century Italian apparatus for measuring one's height in centimeters. Soundly constructed from cast iron with a bronze measure to one side. A whimsical accent perfe...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze, Iron

19th Century Set of 3 Victorian Set Squares
Located in High Point, NC
This is a set of three antique shipwright's set squares. The squares are made from oak and have brass caps. They are right-angled tools, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880. ...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Italian Renaissance Chrome Armillary
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Renaissance-style (20th Century) chrome armillary globe with a rust patina.
Category

20th Century American Renaissance Revival Scientific Instruments

Materials

Chrome

Large School Teaching Display Anthill of the Red Wood Ant
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large School Teaching Display Anthill of the Red Wood Ant A vintage school teaching glass display of the anthill of the red wood ant. It shows the hill and inhabitants thereof, the ...
Category

1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood

Set of Vintage Draughtsman's Rules, English, Engineer's Instruments, circa 1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a set of vintage draughtsman's rules. An English, beech engineer's instrument set in a mahogany case, dating to the mid 20th century period, circa 1930. Useful set of measuring...
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Beech

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

Engraved boxwood sun clock English manufacture mid-19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Engraved boxwood diptych sun clock with brass hinges and locking hooks, book-shaped, mid-19th-century English manufacture. The clock has an orientation compass inserted in the base w...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

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

Antique Canada Post Office Balance Scale with Cast Metal Base and Brass Accents
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique postal scale is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Canada and date to approximately 1952 and done in the Late Victorian ...
Category

Late 19th Century Canadian Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid Century West German Made Weather Station by Relative Hygrometer
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-Century "Sputnik" table barometer weather station made in West Germany by Relative Hygrometer. This desktop space-age Sputnik-style weather station Features an acrylic ball housi...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel

English Stick Barometer by Worthington of London
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptional English stick barometer is a classic example of these intriguing meteorological instruments. Crafted by the esteemed Worthington & All...
Category

19th Century English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

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

Antique Kodak No. S Model E Folding Camera c.1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT The body is wrapped in leather with red bellows. Chrome, brass and leather accents on the lens. The camera may or may not work but is sold as a decorative object. Shown with ...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

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 d...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

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

Anatomical Plaque by New York Scientific Supply Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand painted, plaster, anatomical plate by New York Scientific Supply Co. depicting the musculature and circulatory systems of the face and head on a wood plaque.
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Plaster

Mid-Century Modern Universal Model CE-616 Turquoise AM Band Portable Radio & Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This radio was made by Universal of Canada and dates to approximately 1965 and done in the period Mid-Century Modern style. This radio is a six transistor AM band portable radio done with a turquoise plastic molded...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Vintage Egg Timer, English, Brass, Glass, 3 Minute Sand Countdown, Mid-Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage egg timer. An English, brass and glass 3 minute sand countdown, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960. Charming vintage timer set w...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

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

Pair of molecular atomic structure models. Leybold, Germany, 1940.
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of molecular atomic structure models for chemical didactic use. The spheres are made of painted wood and represent atoms and a molecule. The bases are in turned and ebonized fru...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Fruitwood

Spanish 18th Century Mortar and Pestle
Located in Round Top, TX
A very handsome 18th century mortar and pestle hand carved from a solid block of wood. Sensational patina. A wonderful object for table top, bookca...
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

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

19th Century Brass and Wooden Jewelry Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Loyally underhand for quickly weighing out gemstones and precious medals, this trustworthy sidekick was once the prized tool for the detailed work of the jeweler. Made in France in t...
Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage Human Body Educational Model / Anatomical Model, circa 1940s
Located in Lucenec, SK
Fantastic looking vintage anatomical model of a full human body on a black granite base. The height of the model with base (4 cm) is 82 cm. Unfortunately, removable parts are missing.
Category

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

Materials

Granite

Vintage Cased Monocular, French, Field Viewing Scope, Optical Interest, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage cased monocular. A French, enamelled brass and leather viewing scope, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930. Delightful field monocular, with 8 x 30 magnificat...
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

French enamel, brass and mother of pearl Opera Glasses
Located in London, GB
A fine pair of French enamel, brass and mother of pearl opera glasses, pink enamelled and jewelled barrels, with mother of pearl caps. Go...
Category

1880s French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Enamel

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

Antique Terrestrial Telescope, English, Single Draw Refractor, NSL, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique terrestrial telescope. An English, single drawer refractor with National Service League mark, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880. Perfect for bird watch...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

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

Vintage W.& T. Avery Brass/ Cast Iron Beam Scale
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful W & T Avery Class C brass and cast iron beam scale. Cast Iron top and base compliment the patinated brass nicely. Two brass pans with complete compliment of weights. Maker ...
Category

20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

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

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

Large Vintage Scientific Botanical Plant 3d Educational Leaf Cross-Section Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
1940's leaf cross-section model by Denoyer-Geppert of Chicago, Illinois. Model stands 19" tall and features Hand-painted details with excellent original...
Category

1940s American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Rubber

Antique Decorative Butcher's Steelyard, English, Iron, Weighing Instrument, 1800
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Early 19th Century Butchers Steelyard for Weighing Scale A good original industrial piece, the balance has blacksmith made sliding hook for adjustment of balance weight The Steel...
Category

Early 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Decorative Antique Victorian 1890 James Beall Morrison Treadle Dentist Drill
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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

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

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paper

Antique 18th Century Diptych Portable Sundial And Compass by Beringer
Located in Bilzen, BE
Antique 18th Century Diptych Sundial and Compass a portable wooden sundial with compass, of German origin, by David Beringer, Nuremberg, dating back to the 1780 circa, in good age re...
Category

Late 18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Antique Mortar and Pestle Duo, English, Brass, Apothecary, Jardiniere, Georgian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique mortar and pestle duo. An English, polished brass apothecary dish or decorative jardiniere pot, dating to the Georgian period, circa 1800. Dashing Georgian morta...
Category

Late 18th Century British Georgian 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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