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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: Early 20th Century
Large 19th Century Bronze Balance Scale
Located in Dallas, TX
Large 19th Century Bronze Balance Scale is a wonderful example of European mercantile history! Hand-crafted from solid bronze in an elaborate design to exude quality and refinement,...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Belle Époque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Large Antique French Neoclassical Brass Scale
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Antique French Neoclassical Brass Scale, by Berenger & Co, Lyon
France, Circa 1870
A stunning Large Antique French Neoclassical Brass Scale, crafted by the renowned Berenger & Co of Lyon during the mid to late 19th Century. This remarkable brass shop keepers, assay or pharmacist scale...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A Wunderkammer object: the mechanical paradox, France half 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
A Wunderkammer object: the mechanical paradox. It consists in a double cone, which is able to climb up along an inclined plane. The double cone rises when the slope of the inclined p...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ebony, Oak
A glass and vulcanite syringe, London 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
An end of the 19th-Century medical’s instrument. A glass and vulcanite syringe. London, UK circa 1880.
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
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
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
Superb Antique French Opera Glasses Signed Chevalier, Paris c.1900
By Chevalier Opticien Paris
Located in Bath, GB
A truly exquisite pair of Opera Glasses by the well renowned French maker, Chevalier of Paris, signed on both eye pieces.
The glasses are made from polished brass and Abalone shell ...
Category
Early 1900s French Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Teaching Model Longitudinal Profile of the Grain
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Teaching Model Longitudinal Profile of the Grain
A great antique hand-painted model of the grain with removable germ. Made of papier ma...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Microscope cloth counting glass by J. Casartelli & Son of Manchester.
Located in London, GB
Microscope cloth counting glass by J. Casartelli & Son of Manchester.
In original maroon leather velvet lined case.
Marked: J. CASARTELLI & SON SALFORD.6. Rd 14755.
Registered des...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
Pair Antique French Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses circa 1910, Lorgnette Handle
Located in Bath, GB
A splendid pair of late Victorian Opera / Theatre glasses professionally re-polished to gleam, making them as good as they would have looked over 100 y...
Category
1910s French Edwardian Vintage 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
Fancy Silver Plate Edwardian Magnifying Glass, ca. 1910
Located in Petaluma, CA
This is magnifying glass is about the highest quality example you can find. Silver plate over bronze and displaying beautiful cast elements. The crest, the handle, and down to the b...
Category
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Huge Decorative Scientific Induction Coil
Located in Peekskill, NY
We were told that this coil was originally from West Point but there is no paperwork to back that up. We also guessed at its age. But it looks to be over 100 years. We have owned many coils over the years but nothing of this Size or quality. The wood furniture surrounding the coil is beautiful showing turned wood ends. In almost ll cases these Induction coils...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Barograph and Barometer by Negretti & Zambra
Located in Cheshire, GB
Unusual oak-cased barograph and barometer by Negretti & Zambra, having five glazed removable lid. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed i...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Stick barometer in glass and wood case Northern Italy early 19th century
Located in Milan, IT
Ebonized wood cue barometer, manufacturing in northern Italy from the early 19th century, housed in an elegant custom-made shrine glass and ebonized wood with decorative motifs.
B...
Category
1810s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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
Antique Camera / Enlarger Circa 1910s
Located in Wallkill, NY
Early Wooden Antique Camera / Enlarger Circa 1910s
Please look at the photos, this has not been touched in decades. It is just the way you would like to find it, untouched. True anti...
Category
1910s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Apothecary precision scale, travelling set, France 1890
Located in Milan, IT
Precision travel scale, pharmaceutical use. The box is made of oak wood. The scale can be completely disassembled and positioned inside the drawer. A lever allows you to lift the pla...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
French Antique Contin Typewriter from the, 1940s
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
French antique Contin Typewriter from the 1940s
This is a Contin Continsouza Paris, Modèle A n 24 - 1940s, the typewriter is good tidy condition, as a show piece, it all seems to...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
19th Century French Table Globe / "Globe Terrestre" by J. Forest / Paris
Located in Dallas, TX
A well proportioned paper, plaster terrestrial globe standing on a turned ebonized base. GLOBE TERRESTRE
"Dressé par J. FOREST
GÉOGRAPHE
EN VENTE A PARIS
Chez l'Auteur
17 Rue de ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Paper
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 meas...
Category
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Beech
Precision demountable scale for travel, France 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
Apothecary traveling scale entirely demountable. All the pieces fits inside the front drawer. Oak wood box, brass elements and glasses. Glass protection sides. France 1880.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A botanic model of a pale pink tulip, Brendel, Germany 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
A rare Brendel botanical model of Tulipa gesneriana, the Tulip N.200 (Liliaceae), light pink color. The wooden ebonized round base holds the model which opens revealing the flower. T...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
J H Steward Lord Bury Brass Telescopwe with Leather Case London Ca. 1870
By steward
Located in Los Angeles, CA
J H Steward Brass Telescope. The Lord Bury Telescope comes with a leather case. The brass and leather both. are very patinated. Not only is the brass tarnished, but there are a f...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1900s Decorative Wall Hanging „Multimeter“ Scientific Slide Rule Calculator
Located in Vienna, AT
A dekorative appr. 120-year-old, large, wall-mounted round „Multimeter“ analog slide rule calculator. Dated around 1900, made in Germany. It has a rotatable glass disc and offers multiple features like multiplication, division, interest-calculation and square root...
Category
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Naudet & Co. 1915-1916 Paris World War I French Aviation Altimeter Militaire
Located in Miami, FL
World War I French aviation altimeter made by Naudet & Co.
Antique French aviation altimeter designed specifically for aviation, and dating to th...
Category
1910s French Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
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
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 three sections and not hinged. A...
Category
1850s Unknown Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Natural Fiber
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
Antique German aneroid barometer from the early 1900s made of turned marble.
Located in Milan, IT
Antique German aneroid barometer from the early 1900s made of turned marble, brass, and glass.
Good state. Working order.
Diameter cm 17 - inches 6.7, thickness cm 5- inches 1.9...
Category
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble
A poket sextant signed Stanley, London 1890.
Located in Milan, IT
A travel nautical instrument, sextant, to determine the ship’s position. The cover became the base of it. Signed Stanley, London, England circa 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
An apothecary bronze mortar and pestle, England 1800.
Located in Milan, IT
Bronze Apothecary mortar, fitted with mortar pestle. England early 19th century.
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Natural specimen: children verme, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
An example of natural specimen of Ascaris Lumbricoides. Children verme, preserved in formaldehyde and sealed on glass container. Italy circa 1900.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses by Colmont Paris
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A gorgeous pair of antique Mother-of-Pearl opera or theatre glasses, by renowned maker 'Colmont Paris'. Constructed from brass, with inlaid panels of i...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Cast Iron Book Press by Army and Navy Csl
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century cast iron book press by army and navy csl circa 1890.
Fine quality book press by army & navy c.S.L . Army and navy co-operative soci...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Glass Pharmacy Wound Syringe in Beech Case by Wm Toogood Ltd
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Glass Pharmacy Wound Syringe in Beech Case by Wm Toogood Ltd
The Glass Syringe comes in its original turned Beech case and has the Pharmacy label on the front
The box is 9” long and...
Category
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Beech
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
1916s Pocket Magnetic Compass for the Raf Officers Antique Surveyor Measurement
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass for the RAF officers, signed F. Darton & Co London V n. 77824 1916 made of brass chrome in the shape of a pocket watch. The compass has a snap-on cover with release button inside the ring.
Twelve-winds compass card. Very good condition fully functional.
Diameter 4.5 cm - 1.77 inches, thickness 1.5 cm - 0.59 inches.
Shipping is insured by Lloyd's London; our gift box is free.
The first hints in Europe on the use of instruments using...
Category
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A precision brass scale, France 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
Precision scale made out on brass. France circa 1880.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Austrian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Original Patina, Pharmacy or Herbalist
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Offered is a beautiful antique solid brass mortar and pestle set. The mortar has a cylindrical shape with a flared mouth and two angular handles at the sides. The baton-shaped pestle...
Category
1920s Austrian Hollywood Regency Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Antique Brass and Wood Set of Scales with Assorted Weights
Located in New Orleans, LA
19th Century Victorian Era Brass and Wood Set of Scales with Assorted Weights.
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Pair of Victorian Antique Brass Scales
Located in Suffolk, GB
Pair of Victorian antique brass scales standing on a mahogany base. A brass centre column having a shaped arm to the left holding a removable brass...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique French Grocers Scale Circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Grocers Scale Circa 1890
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Apothecary glass funnels, Italy 1800.
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of apothecary glass funnels. Italy 1800 ca.
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
English Regency Gilt Figural and Ebonized Dital Harp, Maker E. Light, Circa 1815
Located in Hollywood, SC
English Regency gilt stenciled figural and floral ebonized dital harp signed by maker Edward Light. Retailed at Srohl Foley place London, Early 19th century.
Category
1810s English Regency Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Ebony, Giltwood, String
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
Set of Four Vintage Weights, circa 1920
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of four vintage weights: 5, 2, 1 and a half kilograms. By unknown manufacturer, circa 1920.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with...
Category
1920s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Collection of French Opaline Apothecary Jars
Located in Copenhagen, K
Collection of 20 opaline apothecary jars from the 19th century.
Collection consists of 14 larger jars and 6 smaller jars.
Category
19th Century French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Opaline Glass
Set of 2 Antique Bamboo Trader's Abacus, Chinese, Oak, Bamboo, Victorian, C.1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a set of 2 antique bamboo trader's abacus. A Chinese, oak and bamboo counting apparatus, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
Wonderfully tactile handmade instruments
Displaying a desirable aged patina and in good original order
Set within oak frames, showing dark, weathered hues
Rows of turned bamboo...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
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
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
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 French Lorgnette Binoculars or Opera Glasses in Brass & Mother of Pearl
By LeRoy
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of antique lorgnette opera glasses were made by LeRoy of France in approximately 1880 in the period Victorian style. These bi...
Category
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Danish Early 20th Century Coffee Grinder by a. Jørgensen
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Danish early 20th century coffee grinder by A. Jørgensen.
Here we present a fine piece of coffee making heritage by danish maker a. Jørgensen from cop...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
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
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
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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