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Scientific Instruments For Sale
1930s Educational Model Papier Maché and Plaster Decipting a Baby Borning
Located in Milan, IT
Educational model, papier maché and plaster, decipting a baby borning. 1930s-1940s, sold by the Hygiene Museum in Dresden. Very good condition. Measu...
Category
1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
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
Sundial and Compass with Case, Schrettegger, Johan, Augsburg, Germany, Ca 1800
Located in Madrid, ES
Sundial and compass with case. Bronze. SCHRETTEGGER, Johan. Augsburg, Germany, around 1800.
Sundial with a polygonal shape made of bronze, engraved with plant elements on the front,...
Category
Late 18th Century German Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Other
Antique Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Human Anatomy
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A rare 19ct anatomical brochure illustrating the human anatomy. Very detailed multicoloured depiction of human organs like lung, heart, head and eye. By ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
19th Century Grand Tour Antique Handmade Bronze Mortar with Pestle
Located in Roma, IT
19th-century grand tour antique handmade bronze mortar with pestle. This fantastic piece has an original patina.
The pestle is 9.05 inc high wit...
Category
Mid-19th Century European Grand Tour Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
German Medical or Tanning Lamp, Wood and Bakelite, 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
German medical or tanning lamp.
Transport handle and external thermometer.
Three settings of the lamps. Eight porcelain lamp holders and four light bulbs. Current 220 volt
Woo...
Category
1940s German Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Porcelain, Bakelite, Wood
Automa Tedesco Gabbia Con Uccello Cantante e Animato 1920s Karl Griesbaum
Located in Milano, MI
Automa Animato Tedesco Gabbia Con Uccellino del 1920 circa costituito da una gabbia rotonda in ottone dorato con al suo interno un uccello animato canterino su di un trespolo con un ...
Category
Early 19th Century German Art Deco Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
20th Century French Vintage Art Deco Metal Berkel Auto Weighing Scale
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A French Art Deco model of a vintage Berkel auto weighing scale in working condition. On the front of the Berkel up to 1kg, on the back it has an old fashioned weighing system. The s...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Paravia Collection 100 Rocks, Educational Material, Italy 1950s
By Paravia
Located in Naples, IT
Collection 100 Rocks, Teaching Material, Italy 1950s
Geology teaching board "Minerals and Rocks" G.B. Paravia Scientific Collection - Turin
The ...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rock Crystal
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
Celestial Table Globe, Charles-François Delamarche, Paris, 1791
Located in Milano, IT
Celestial table globe
Charles-François Delamarche
Paris, 1791
It measures: 17.13 in in height, Ø max 27.7 in; the sphere Ø 7.09 in
(h 43.5 cm x Ø max 27.7 cm; the sphere Ø 18 cm).
W...
Category
1790s French Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
19th Century French musical automaton clock
Located in London, GB
This fine, antique mantel clock is constructed in ebonised wood by the renowned Parisian maker of automata, Xavier Tharin (French, active mid 19th Century). The clock face is set onto a curled, stylized pediment atop the clock case. The face is of white enamel, featuring black Roman numerals and signed 'Tharin a Paris', and is bordered in beaded ormolu. The pediment in which the face is set is decorated with ormolu mounts of stylized acanthus leaf form. The pediment is set onto a rectangular frame of ebonised wood, inside which is set a musical automaton...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu
1930s Educational Model Depicting the Belly of the Woman Immediately After Birth
Located in Milan, IT
Educational model depicting the belly of the woman immediately after birth with a part of the placenta. 1930's, sold by the Hygiene Museum in Dresden...
Category
1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
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
Old Compass reproduction 1944 London, brown Color
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Old Compass reproduction 1944 London, brown Color
Category
20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Small Antique Opera Monocular, German, Brass, Leather, Viewing Scope, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a small antique opera monocular. A German, brass and leather cased viewing scope, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
Charming and petite, with a useful origina...
Category
20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
17th Century Lantern Alarm Clock by Johannes Quelch, Oxford
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
An English 17th century lantern clock made of brass and iron, circa 1665-1670. The clock consists of going and striking trains, as well as a...
Category
17th Century British Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French Louis XVI Barometer
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XVI (18th Century) barometer with original scientific illustrations and mercury vial framed with gilt foliate carvings & ebonized ...
Category
18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood, Glass
A Fine Early 19th Century Marine Chronometer By Parkinson And Frodsham
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
An early 19th century 2 day marine chronometer by Parkinson and Frodsham, London. Numbered on the brass bound mahogany 3 tier box, and the dial ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Glass scientific instrument: Crookes maltese cross tube, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
Blown glass scientific instrument. An example of the Crookes tube with Maltese Cross, in chromed metal, a precursor to the cathode ray tube. It was used t...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Draw Knife and Mezzaluna Knife c.1860-1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique 12 inch draw knife with wooden handles and one mezzaluna knife with Beech handles. Brass collars.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c. 1860-1900.
MAT...
Category
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel, Brass
Antique Surveyor's Level, English, Brass, Scientific Instrument, Halden & Sons
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique surveyor's level. An English, brass scientific instrument by J. Halden & Sons of Manchester, dating to the early 20th century, circ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Antique Kitchen Mortar & Pestle, English, Bronze, Apothecary, Chemist, Georgian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique kitchen mortar and pestle. An English, bronze apothecary or chemist's shop aid, dating to the Georgian period, circa 1780.
Useful kitchen or apothecary aid from ...
Category
Late 18th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
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
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
Antique Wooden Bowl, Wabi Sabi Style, Scandinavia 1800s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A set of two wooden Wabi Sabi bowls from Scandinavia, circa 1800s. In good vintage condition showing beautiful patina from age and use.
Lagerst bowl: Ø34 cm, H: 19 cm
Smallest bowl...
Category
19th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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
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
19th Century English Chrome Plated Brass Cross-Legged Reduction Compass
Located in Milan, IT
Cross-legged reduction compass, of chrome plated brass and steel, English manufacture from the end of the 19th century.
Fixed or mobile center, whose opposite points form simple re...
Category
1890s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Rare 17th Century Japanese Export Lacquer Medical Instrument Box
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A rare Japanese export lacquer medical instrument box
Edo-period, 1650-1700
L. 19 x W. 6 x H. 8.5 cm
This unconventionally shaped lacquer b...
Category
17th Century Japanese Edo Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold
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
Antique Rolling Parallel Rule, English, Brass, Scientific Instrument, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique rolling parallel rule. An English, brass scientific instrument to aid navigation, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910.
Attractive period instrument withi...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Root Bowl, Wabi Sabi Style, Scandinavia 1800s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A unique and large root bowl from Norway, Scandinavia, dated 1818. In good vintage condition showing beautiful patina from age and use.
Category
19th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique George III Quality Mahogany Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique George III quality mahogany banjo barometer having a quality mahogany shaped case with a swan neck pediment and satinwood stringing, circular silvered engraved dial with orig...
Category
Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century European Museum Mushroom Specimen
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th Century European Museum Mushroom Specimen
Encased in a glass cube this mid-20th Century papier mache, hand painted large teaching aid mushroom specimen stands 16.5 inches ...
Category
1950s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Paper
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
Mills Novelty Art Deco Green Porcelain Penny Scale
Located in Ferndale, MI
Art Deco period penny scale by Mills Novelty co. Period green porcelain pedestal with cream colored foot hold.
Category
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
1855 Astronomical Plate of Distance of the Planets by FJ Huntington New York
Located in Milan, IT
Plate of the distance of the planets “Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1855 by F.J. Huntington in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for th...
Category
1850s American Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
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
Refractor Polarimeter Physic Measuring Instrument Made by Steindorff & Co 1920s
Located in Milan, IT
Refractor polarimeter made of painted brass with cast iron tripod base by Steindorff & Co. Berlin D.R.P. Germany, 1920s. It is an antique instrument used to determine the concentrati...
Category
1920s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
18th Century Carpenters Hand Plane Tool, Signed and Dated 1791
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Rare Museum-level 18th Century carpenters tool, an antler hand plane, hand-carved to look like a lion. Signed with initials and dated 1791.
Category
Late 18th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
English Late 19th Century Large Brass Table Scale and Weights
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stunning, large brass table scale, made near the turn of the century, England. The scale is no longer operational, but still makes an mighty impact on a space. The scale is made of...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Brass, Copper, Iron
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
Vintage Blue Art Glass and Brass Kaleidoscope
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage Blue Art Glass and Brass Kaleidoscope
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Root Bowl, Wabi Sabi Style, Scandinavia 1800s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Wooden Wabi Sabi Root bowl from Scandinavia, circa 1800s. In good vintage condition showing beautiful patina from age and use.
Category
19th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Rare Neoclassical Style French Giltwood Clock and Barometer Set
Located in London, GB
Rare neoclassical style French giltwood clock and barometer set
French, 19th century
Measures: Height 90cm, width 38cm, depth 12cm
This du...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Enamel
French Victorian Brass Opera Glasses
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian mother of pearl and brass opera glasses with handle
Category
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Gold Rush Pocket Scale in an Green enameled Tin, ca 1850
Located in York County, PA
EXCEPTIONAL GOLD RUSH POCKET SCALE WITH GREEN, ENAMELED TIN, GILT EAGLE & LETTERING THAT READS: “MADE EXPRESSLY FOR CALIFORNIA,” circa 1850
“Miners' Improved Gold Scale,” made circ...
Category
1850s American Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Small Antique English Brass Magnifying Glass c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
A lovely little magnifying glass made from solid brass with a handle; the perfect size to pop in the pocket or bag.
Dating to c.1910, Edwardian in era, the magnifier works well and ...
Category
1910s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
System walking stick, a telescope, England 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
Gadget-System stick. The tip is made of iron and brass, high and decorated by a series of thin circles. The shaft is made entirely of painted brass and constructed to emulate a bambo...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Antique George III Quality Mahogany Shell Inlaid Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique George III quality mahogany shell inlaid banjo barometer having a quality mahogany banjo shaped case with satinwood shell inlay, brass bezel, silvered engraved dial, original...
Category
19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Other
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
Circa 1890 French Satinwood Concave Distortion Mirror Viewer Scientific
Located in Lowestoft, GB
Circa 1890 French concave mirror card viewer, all constructed of French polished light wood, with ebonised stained elements.
Sliding card holder, hinged handle and mirror. In part...
Category
1890s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Satinwood
A trunk style travel apotecary cabinet in mahogany wood and brass, England 1790.
Located in Milan, IT
English travelling apothecary made of mahogany Sipo mahogany (Entandrophragma utile) and brass with a rectangular base, a front drawer, an opening to...
Category
Late 18th Century English 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.