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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Late 20th Century
Period: 19th Century
Antique Decorative Butcher's Steelyard, English, Iron, Weighing Instrument, 1800
Located in Chillerton, 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
Blunt and Company Maritime Compass
Located in Norwell, MA
Mid-nineteenth century ships compass by Blunt and Company of New York. The Blunt name was involved in the maritime trade from 1824 to 1885. The name Blunt and Co. was used from 1868 to 1872 by Edmund Blunt Jr. This is a spun brass bowl compass fitted to a dovetailed wood box...
Category
1870s American Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Anatomical Model: the Skeletal Part of a Foot, Germany, 1970’s
By Somso
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model depicting the skeletal part of a foot, made by Somso, Sonenberg. Germany, circa 1970.
Category
1970s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Victorian Quality Mahogany Banjo Barometer by James H Kelly of Glasgow
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Victorian quality mahogany banjo barometer by James H Kelly of Glasgow
Having a quality mahogany shaped banjo barometer with scroll shaped carving ci...
Category
1880s Scottish Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Other
Wilson Chilton’s mahogany Naval Architects/draughtsman box of curves/templates
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
Wilson Chilton’s mahogany Naval Architects/Naval draughtsman box of curves and templates, probably by Gillows still retaining around 100 superb quality...
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Mid-Century Personal Weight, Luxa/Vista Semily, 1980's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in czechoslovakia.
Made of Metal,Plastic.
Fully Functional.
Good original condition.
Category
1980s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Almirez De Bronce Del S XIX Con Asas Y Decoraciones E Inscripción De Letras
Located in Marbella, ES
Almirez de bronce del S XIX con asas y decoraciones e inscripción de letras
El palo mide 17cm.
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
American Polished Steel Sky Light Binnacle with Rope Carved Base, Phil. C. 1880
By Hands & Sons
Located in Hollywood, SC
American polished steel sky light binnacle with rope carved base, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Norfolk VA. Late 19th century. Binnacle has been electrified fo...
Category
1880s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel, Brass
1820s George III Mahogany Barometer
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1816-1829 barometer by Cetti & Co, 25 Red Lion St., Holburn, London. Mahogany with conch shell & rosette inlays. George III period. Not currently working. The original finial is fire...
Category
1820s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany, Giltwood
Vernier Protractor by Newton & Co of London
Located in London, GB
A mid 19th century brass Vernier protractor by Newton & Co of London.
With two screw in fixing points.
Signed: Newton & Co 3, Fleet St, London
Marked with Broad-Arrow: WD 5679.
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Anatomical Model: a Jaw with Teeth, Italy, 1880
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomic model for class depicting a jaw with a teeth, made out of painted papier machè mounted on round black wooden base. Italy 1880 ca.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Fruitwood, Paper
Anatomical Skin Model, Italy, 1880
Located in Milan, IT
The anatomical sculpture, cast out of plaster, depicts a flayed man standing over a rectangular base in a classical pose with lifted arm. Anatomical study p...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Engine Order Telegraph in the Chadburns Style, England Late 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Large and exceptional solid bronze ships engine order telegraph Made in the Chadburns style, with orders in french. The bells ring but the mechanism needs to be revised.
Shipping:
...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze
19th C Wax F.Ziegler Anatomical Models Studies Embryo Plant Scientific Medical
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A rare pair of wax studies by F.Ziegler taken from the imagery of F.Keibel
We believe the larger of the two models to be off a human embryo and the other to be of a plant.
The ...
Category
1890s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Mid Nineteenth Century Ships Octant
Located in Norwell, MA
Navigators octant with ebony frame, brass arm, filters and peep sight. Bone Vernier scale. Kidney shaped box. Split to box. Circa 1860. This is a good genuine example of an early American marine...
Category
1860s European Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Old Blue Scale Gwarancja Olsztyn, Europe, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A fantastic antique weighing scale with nicely aged blue paint. Made by Gwarancja Factory in Olsztyn, Poland in the late 20th century. It presents...
Category
1970s Polish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Iron
Antique British Medical Sterilizer with Original Burner, Circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique British medical sterilizer with original burner, Circa 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Copper
19th Century English Victorian Brass Merchants Scale
Located in New York, NY
English Victorian brass merchants scale with square glass tray, round brass tray, and inset oval mirror.
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French 19th Century Barometer
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French 19th painted and gold gilt barometer and thermometer. It is a recognizable ‘banjo’ shaped scientific instrument with all the carved details in gold ...
Category
19th Century French Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Paint, Giltwood, Wood
Anatomical Model Depicting a Stomach, Italy 1890
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomic model for class, depicting a man’s stomach, made out of plaster and painted papier maché. Italy 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1890 Small Antique Nautical Brass Pelorus Boyce-Meyer Pelorus Bronxonville N.Y
Located in Milan, IT
Antique small brass Pelorus, signed Boyce-Meyer Pelorus Bronxonville N.Y., made in the late of the XIX century. It has a sight system with a compass card with eight winds and goniome...
Category
1890s American Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Regency Lane’s Pocket Globe, Dated 1818
By Lane's
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A 3 ½ inch Regency Lane’s pocket globe, dated 1818, the terrestrial globe with the seas in light green and the land masses outlined in darker green, contained within a hinged black shagreen case, the concave interior of the case applied with the engraved celestial charts...
Category
1810s English Regency Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Anatomical Model Depicting an Intestine, Italy 1890
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomic model for class, depicting a man’s intestine, made out of painted papier maché. Italy 1890 ca.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique 18th or Early 19th Century Horn Folding Magnifying Glass or Loupe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique magnifying glass or loupe.
The frame comprised of horn (likely from a steer or ram).
The magnifying glass is be rotated in and out of the cover protecting the lens while not in use.
Simply a great antique magnifier...
Category
Early 19th Century Unknown George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Horn, Glass
Herbalist Pharmacy Wooden Jars, Italy 1870
Located in Milan, IT
Set of six small herbalist apothecary wooden jars (Altea flowers, Aloe leaves, Erica flowers), in the purest Neoclassical style. The surface is finished wi...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
Anatomical Model for Class: an Heart, France 1890
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical removable model for school of a heart made out of painted papier mache’ mounted on an ebony wooden base. France, circa 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze & Boulle Barometer & Thermometer Gervais Durand
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite Pair of fine Antique Gilt Bronze Mounted Tortoiseshell Inlaid Ebonized Boulle Marquetry Instruments by Gervais-Maximilien-Eugene Durand. Originals featuring exquisite bronz...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Brass
Anatomicalal Model of the Section of the Head, Italy 1870
Located in Milan, IT
An anatomical model of the section of the head, cast out of plaster, signed “ K.K.S.T.G.S.C.H Innsnsbruck, in a very good condition and with original patina. Anatomical study purpose...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Hughes Telegraph Set Built by Siemens & Halske 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Hughes typewriting telegraph .A Printing Telegraph Set built by Siemens & Halske .This teletyper was invented by David Edward Hughes in 1856.Good condicion overall.Similar telegraph ...
Category
19th Century German Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique 14K Gold Victorian Vintage Spectacles Lorgnette Eyeglasses with Handle
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Gorgeous Victorian old fashioned antique lorgnette with a refined design on the handle. The lens glass is in excellent shape and is framed by decorat...
Category
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold
Ornate 19th Century Agricultural Sack Scales by Bartlett & Son, Bristol.
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Ornate 19th Century Agricultural Sack Scales by Bartlett & Son, Bristol.
This is a very ornate set of Scales in cast iron they would have been used for weighing sacks of many agr...
Category
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Industrial Design Science Vintage Black Cast Iron Dentist Machine 19th Century
Located in Vienna, AT
19th Century Industrial design black cast iron dentist machine circa 1890 Austria.
Museums worthy best Industrial design dentist machine from black cast iron body and brass details ...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Iron
Clitograph level by Jules Lefebvre, Paris
Located in London, GB
Clitograph level by Jules Lefebvre, Paris, France, circa 1870.
Rare tripod mounted model. With original tripod and case.
Steel frame marked: NIVEA...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
‘Royal’ Barometer by John Russell, Watchmaker to the Prince Regent
By John Russell
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
This superbly crafted wheel barometer and thermometer has a mahogany case surrounded by twisted brass stringing and central panels of foliate tendrils above Russell’s signature thistle motif in black and gilt verre églomisé. It is surmounted by a brass Prince of Wales feather finial. The long, rectangular thermometer plate is inscribed ‘Thermometers: Beaumar, Fahrenheit, Royal Society of London’, the latter being an early attempt to standardise temperature measurement. The circular dial is inscribed ‘Changeable, Fair, Settled Fair, Much Rain’ and ‘Rain’ and signed across the centre ‘J Russell, Falkirk, Invt et Fecit, Watch Maker to his R.H the Prince Regent’. The reverse has a paper label ‘Russell, Iden Collection Inventory 1896’. Scottish, circa 1815.
Provenance: Mr Walter Iden.
Published: Percy G. Dawson, The Iden Clock Collection, Woodbridge, 1987. No.125, p.280.
These ‘royal barometers’ were so named because John Russell of Falkirk...
Category
1810s Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Travel Aphotecary, England, 1880
Located in Milan, IT
Small travel aphotecary with oak wooden case, glass bottles and bone little spoon. England 1880 ca.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bone, Glass, Oak
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
End 19th Century Ophthalmic Steel Surgery kitJ. Weiss & Son and Dixey England
Located in Milan, IT
Ophthalmic steel surgery kit, signed J. Weiss & Son Ltd London and Dixey England, made in the end of XIX century circa, placed in its original wooden box covered with leather, red ve...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
19th Century French Bronze and Cloisonne Wall Barometer and Letter Holder
Located in Dallas, TX
Accessorize an office or study with this elegant antique barometer. Crafted in France circa 1850, the scientific instrument with hunt motifs throughout, features deer, bird and a let...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Bronze
19th C Anatomical Didactic Model of a Torso with Removable Organs
Located in Leuven , BE
The German sculpture Franz Josef Steger (1845-1938), under the guidance of Professor Wilhelm His (1831-1904) and based on the designs of anatomist Car...
Category
19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Induction Coil or Sled Antique Scientific Instrument by Du Bois Reymond 1870
Located in Milan, IT
Induction coil by Du Bois Reymond, also known as Sled of the Du Bois Reymond system designed around 1870 during electrophysiology studies by Emil Du Boi...
Category
1870s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Terrestrial Refractor, Victorian, 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3 draw telescope. An English, brass terrestrial or astronomical refractor, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
Perfec...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Set of 2 Herbalist Pharmacy Wooden Jars, Italy, circa 1850
Located in Milan, IT
Set of 2 small wooden herbalist-apothecary jars (Natriam, Arnica), in the purest neoclassical style. The surface is finished with black and gold colored pads a cream background in th...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Coral
Wood and Brass English Spirit Level, 1860s Antique Measurement Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Large spirit level made of wood, brass and glass manufactured in the second half of the nineteenth century. Excellent condition fully functional. Measures: Length 35.5 cm, width 4 cm...
Category
1860s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Leather, Terrestrial, Victorian, 1870
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3-draw telescope. An English, brass and leather terrestrial or astronomical refractor, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1870.
...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Victorian Brass Cased Aneroid Barometer by Stanley, London
By Stanley
Located in Norwich, GB
Victorian brass cased Aneroid barometer by Stanley, London.
Brass cased aneroid barometer housed in the original leather fitted case.
Silvered dial with original ‘blued’ st...
Category
1890s English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
End 19th Century Antique Magnetic Topographic Compass Made in Brass and Oak
Located in Milan, IT
Magnetic topographic compass, of oak and brass; instrument consisting of a magnetized needle free to rotate on a horizontal plane, marking with the tip of the needle the direction of magnetic north, compass card with eight winds complete with goniometric circle divided into 360 °, complete with the compass needle lock. Italian manufacture of the late 19th century. Very good condition. Measure 3.1x3.1 height 1.
Shipping is insured by Lloyd's London; our gift box is free (look at the last picture).
The invention of the compass is mysterious but it is well known that magnetite was discovered in Magnesia, a city of Asia Minor. We can find the first indications about the use in Europe of the magnetic force for orientation at the end of the XII century...
Category
1890s Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
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
Large Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Negretti and Zambra, 1880
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large antique 'officer of the watch' telescope. An English, single draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use by Negretti and Zambra of London, dating to the late V...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique French Barometer with Original Mercury Mechanism, 19th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
A very fine and palatial French 19th Louis XV style green painted with polychrome flower decor and gilt bronze-mounted barometer in the manner of La Maison Cam Opticien. Surmounted w...
Category
1860s French Rococo Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
American Terrestrial Globe on Gilt Tripod Stand, Gilman Joslin, Boston C. 1850
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Terrestrial Brass Meridian Globe mounted on a turned bulbous gilt ringed and red stenciled tripod stand, Gilman Joslin, Boston. Mid 19th Century
Globe is 39" Tall / 16" Diam...
Category
1850s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Herbalist Pharmacy Wooden Jars, Italy 1870
Located in Milan, IT
Set of 3 (of nine) big herbalist apothecary wooden jars (mint leaves, verbena flowers, viola flowers), in the purest Neoclassical style. The surface is fin...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
Anatomic Model for Class, Depicting the Kidneys, Spain 1890
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomic model for class, depicting the kidneys, made out of painted papier maché and mounted over a black painted wooden base. Spain circa 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
Equal Arm Brass Scale with Weights
Located in Houston, TX
This equal arm brass scale is set on a wooden platform with brass weights. The wooden platform has circular cutouts for the weights This piece is functional and beautifully. The wood...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Panasonic Toot-a-Loop-Radio, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Panasonic toot-a-loop-radio is an original decorative object realized in the 1970s by Panasonic R-72 (R72) and built by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co
This radio is the...
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
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
19th c. Optometrist Eye Testing Kit c.1890
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An original Victorian optometrist eye testing kit. The interior of the kit is lined in velvet with the name and number of the lenses. The optical tes...
Category
19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Silver
Antique 19th Century English Market Scales by JH PIPER of Wolverhampton
Located in Charlotte, NC
An antique 19th century Victorian period market scale by J.H. Piper & Co. of Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England, UK. Cast iron base, bowl rest, interio...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Brass, Iron
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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