Scientific Instruments
to
90
499
293
820
145
79
50
26
20
19
12
4
4
2
1
1
1
1
133
590
820
8
379
294
59
30
45
36
39
31
54
36
22
10
456
288
206
137
90
521
137
130
114
100
820
820
820
8
6
4
4
4
Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 20th Century
Period: 1910s
Keuffel and Esser Land Leveling Surveyor's Surveying Rod
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage surveyors rod with a circular target from Keuffel and Esser. This type of instrument is used in land surveying to to measure elevations. The red and white circular target is ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Scale in the Shape of a Cross
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Antique scale in the shape of a cross with a plate and a weight. Main structure painted grey, with signs of wear that highlight its historic character. The balance mechanism consists...
Category
Mid-20th Century Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century French Carved Black Forest Hunting Barometer and Thermometer
Located in Birmingham, AL
A stunning early 20th century French black forest barometer with thermometer, circa 1900. Found in a hunting lodge in Lyon, this antique weather station...
Category
Early 1900s French Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Safe Deposit Box In Steel, Czechoslovakia 1980s
Located in Zohor, SK
Step back in time with this remarkable vintage steel safe box, a testament to both craftsmanship and security. Crafted in the 1980s within the borde...
Category
1980s Slovak Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
$188 Sale Price
50% Off
Antique Commercial Balance Scale by H. L. Becker in Brussels
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique commercial balance scale by H. L. Becker in Brussels is the type of precision instrument for which the company was known during the early 20th century. Note the attention to ...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
$298 Sale Price
25% Off
A pharmacy mushroom model: Rhodocollybia Butyracea, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Rhodocollybia Butyracea mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Swedish Modern Ericsson "COBRA" Ivory Vintage Rotary Telephone Sweden 50s
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern Ericsson "COBRA" ivory vintage rotary phone, Sweden 50s. This phone was made in Sweden and is in very good condition with no issues. It does dial out but does no...
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Russian Electromechanical Wheel-Based Cipher Machine Fialka M 125
Located in Madrid, ES
M-125 Fialka-electromechanical wheel-based cipher machine
USSR rotor-based cipher machine
M-125, codename Fialka (Russian: ??????), was an el...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Collection of Nine Swedish Apothecary Jars from the Early 20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A collection of nine Swedish apothecary jars from the early 20th century. These antique jars from Sweden were once used to hold an apothecary's (or pharmacists) wares and chemicals. ...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Botanic Modelof a Primrose Flower, Paravia, Italy, 1940
Located in Milan, IT
A botanical maquette for didactic use, depicting a flower of Primrose, Acaulis, Primulaceae. Made of metal, paper, plaster, galalith and wood. Extremely detailed. Paravia, Milan, Ita...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Decorative Alidade, Metal, 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
It has a cover to protect the lens made of the same gold metal in which the rest of the instrument is made. The lines, pure and clean, are the protagonists, and make it a great opti...
Category
20th Century Unknown Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Other
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early 20th century boat compass by American Maker. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrument is fitted to its origina...
Category
1940s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Brass and glass dial manometer, 1930s fluid measuring instrument
Located in Milan, IT
A brass and glass dial manometer, this is an instrument for measuring the relative pressure of fluids, consisting of a hand that rotates on a circular graduated scale from 0 to 100....
Category
1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Mobil Dentist Rinsing Sink Stainless Steel, Belge
Located in Mortsel, BE
Elevate your space with this Antique Dentist Rinsing Sink crafted from stainless steel, showcasing Belgian craftsmanship. This unique piece is a testament to the bygone era of dentis...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Steel
Paravia Termology Cassette with Original Instruments - Italy - 1960s
By Paravia
Located in Milano, IT
Paravia, scientific instruments, vintage educational kit, 1960s, Norstedts, magnetism, optics, thermology, mechanics, applied electricity, top vintage lab, educational set, experimen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique 20th Century English Solid Silver Magnifying Glass, Chester c.1916
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early-20th Century English solid silver magnifying glass, of large size, with plain silver mounts and a smooth handle. An ideal desk accessory or for the household, perfect f...
Category
20th Century British Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Silver
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic twentieth century boat compass by American maker Wilcox Crittenden of Middletown Connecticut. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic...
Category
1950s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Negretti and Zambra Bakelite Weather Forecaster
Located in Norwich, GB
19th century Negretti and Zambra Bakelite Weather Forecaster.
Housed in a black metal case with a cream coloured bakelite front plate.
The dial with barometer scale, hand turned indicator and a secondary dial operated by the side lever to set the wind direction...
Category
1910s English Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
Set of 2 Didactic Dr. Auzoux Molding, Internal Organs + Starfish Transversal Cut
Located in Leuven , BE
Moldings labeled "Auzoux 9 rue de l'Ecole de Médecine Paris 6e".
Dimensions:
Internal organs 54 x 36
Starfish 42 x 43.5.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
A pharmacy mushroom model: Morchella Rotunda, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Morchella Rotunda mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
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
Botanic Model of a Red Grape Flower, Paravia, Italy, 1940
Located in Milan, IT
A botanical maquette for didactic use, depicting a red Grape flower, Vitis Vinifera, Anipelidee. Made of metal, paper, plaster, galalith and wood. Extremely detailed. Paravia, Milan,...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Paravia Magnetism and Electricity Cassette with Original Instruments, 1960su2028
By Paravia
Located in Milano, IT
Paravia, scientific instruments, vintage educational kit, 1960s, Norstedts, magnetism, optics, thermology, mechanics, applied electricity, top vintage lab, educational set, experimen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper, Magnets
A pharmacy mushroom model: Tricholoma Sulphureum, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Tricholoma Sulphureum mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Antique Glass Display Dome
Located in Norwalk, CT
A wonderful glass display dome great to keep sculpture or collections safe and look more interesting than just on a shelf.
Category
Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
A pharmacy mushroom model: Cortinarius Violaceus, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Cortinarius Violaceus mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Walnut Cased Barograph
Located in Cheshire, GB
Walnut Cased Barograph, having five glazed removable lid. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum, fitted with a seven-day chart that covers one full rotation of the ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
$1,984 Sale Price
46% Off
Oak Cased Barograph by Negretti & Zambra, London
Located in Norwich, GB
Negretti & Zambra
Fine Edwardian oak cased barograph with bevelled glass panels and central chart drawer.
Ten vacuum chambers linking ...
Category
1920s English Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Early 20th century French Brass Thermometer, 1900s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Elegant wall thermometer dating from the early 20th century, around 1900.
Crafted in finely worked brass, it features openwork and engraved decorations with vegetal and geometric mot...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Induction electrification demonstrator instrument, Italy 1920.
Located in Milan, IT
Induction electrification demonstrator instrument. By putting two electrically neutral spheres in contact with each other, when a charged wand is approached, it is possible to notice...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold, Brass
U.S. Navy Steel and Brass Quadrant, First Half of the 20th Century
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique steel and brass quadrant, first half of the 20th century, made in London for the U.S. Navy, in very good condition with lenses, shades and scale. The essential mariner's navi...
Category
Early 20th Century English Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
Italian Artist's Mannequin from the 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
This elegant Italian artist's mannequin from approximately 1900 is a beautiful representation of craftsmanship from the 19th century. Crafted from solid fruitwood, it stands as a tes...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
Large Antique Solid Brass Library Telescope by Broadhurst, Clarkson and Co
Located in Montreal, QC
Large Antique Solid Brass Library Telescope by Broadhurst, Clarkson and Co
Marked: '' 63 Farringdon Rd London EC. Broadhurst, Clarkson and Co''
Category
1910s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Optician or Optometrist Test Glasses Lens Kit in Cabinet
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Optician or Optometrist Test Glasses Lens Kit in Cabinet
This beautiful cabinet was used by a traveling optometrists to treat patients in their homes.
The glass fron...
Category
Early 1900s Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Carved Wooden Antique French Barometer with Thermometer, Number 9432 1910s
By Black Forest
Located in Verviers, BE
Carved wooden antique French barometer with thermometer
Unusual antique carved wooden barometer in a lovely carved case, working order.
Number 9432
...
Category
1910s French Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shells circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
English Marine Barometer with Rope Carved Case
Located in Norwell, MA
Early twentieth century library barometer with rope carved case. Great old piece. Fitted with a brass hanging tab. Circa 1920.
Category
1920s English Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Junction Tube for Pyrex, 1930s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Sculptural junction tube made of laboratory-grade Pyrex glass.
Category
20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Art Deco Wood Propeller Barometer
Located in Queens, NY
Art Deco wood propeller with barometer.
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Prismatic brass compass leather case signed E. Koehn Geneve Suisse 1917
Located in Milan, IT
Brass prismatic surveying compass; this is a small compass, signed E. Koehn Geneve Suisse No. 58611, Verner's Pattern VII after the name of the designer, Colonel William Willoughby C...
Category
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Spanish, Bronze Balance Scale with Green Painted Wooden Stand
Located in Marbella, ES
Spanish bronze balance scale with green painted wooden stand.
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Antique Mineral Specimen Collection
Located in London, GB
A rare set of antique mineral specimen jars.
Some remnants of labels.
Some solid rocks others are powders.
Sourced in Holland.
Dimensions:...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Edwardian Mahogany Cased Barograph by Negretti & Zambra, London
Located in Norwich, GB
Negretti & Zambra
Fine Edwardian mahogany cased barograph with beveled glass panels and central chart drawer.
Seven vacuum chambe...
Category
1910s English Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Large Antique Wooden American Mortar and Pestle
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large wood antique American mortar and pestle.
Early 19th c. Americana turned wood footed mortar and pestle.
American, late 19th century wooden mortar and pestle...
Category
Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Edwardian Mahogany Barograph by Hamilton and Inches, Edinburgh
Located in Norwich, GB
Edwardian Mahogany Barograph by Hamilton and Inches, Edinburgh
Edwardian mahogany Barograph housed in a bevelled glass display case with satin...
Category
1910s English Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Early 20th-Century English Sovereign Balance Scale by Harrison
Located in Atlanta, GA
This early 20th-century English sovereign balance scale, marked “Harrison”, was designed to verify the weight and authenticity of full and half sovereign gold coins. A finely crafted piece of precision engineering, it features a brass balance arm with two coin slots labeled “Sovereign Warranted” and “Sovereign ½”, ensuring accurate weight measurement. The base, also inscribed with “Harrison” and adorned with a crowned hallmark, reflects its quality craftsmanship.
These compact, mechanical scales were widely used by bankers, jewelers, and traders during the early 1900s to prevent fraud and counterfeit currency circulation. Their simple yet effective design remains a testament to the ingenuity of the time.
A rare and collectible piece of British numismatic history, this scale is perfect for collectors of antique measuring...
Category
20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Cast Iron Personal Weighing Scales by JARASO
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Cast Iron Personal Weighing Scales by JARASO
Quirky scales to keep your weight personal, the weight registered by the scales can only be correctly vie...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Large Dryad Wooden Paper Guillotine
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large dryad wooden paper Guillotine
Well used and still working well, the makers name is in the centre of the front, all in good used condition,
...
Category
Early 20th Century International Style Scientific Instruments
Materials
Beech
Paravia Applied Electricity Original Components Cassette - Italy - 1960s
By Paravia
Located in Milano, IT
Paravia, scientific instruments, vintage educational kit, 1960s, Norstedts, magnetism, optics, thermology, mechanics, applied electricity, top vintage lab, educational set, experimen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Magnets
Double Bronze/Brass Apothecary Scale
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a gilt bronze/brass double apothecary scale. It depicts an upside down bronze Corinthian column that holds two different set of balance brass ...
Category
20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Brass
$600 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage American Brass Gooseneck Magnifying Glass, circa 20th Century
Located in Napa, CA
Freestanding vintage gooseneck magnifying glass on a scalloped black metal base.
Metal with brass finish; a few dents; wear according to...
Category
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Set of 19th Century Dental Hygiene Tools
Located in London, GB
A set of 19th century dental hygiene tools.
A set of 19th century dental hygiene tools, encased in a faux leather red box with brass latch and lined with a worn green velour Material. Its original mirror is still in place with folding back velour cover.
Size of inches: H 0.75” x W 2.75” x D 2.5
Completely solid in structure and form, with natural wear and patination across all surfaces due to age. In overall presentable condition considering its age and years of use. The tools are worn on the edges, god knows how many mouths its been in.
The House of Antiques...
Category
Early 1900s British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Mahogany Buck Saw c.1910-1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A Mahogany buck saw with steel tension rod and blade.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1910-1930.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Steel, Mahogany.
CONDITION ...
Category
Early 20th Century Rustic Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Table or wall-mounted barometer station made of wood glass and brass 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Desktop or wall-mounted barometer station made of wood, glass and brass signed Forster from the 1950s, consisting of aneroid barometer and thermometer with centigrade scale.
Goo...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Ebonite brass and paper mache slide rule designed by G. Fuller Belfast
Located in Milan, IT
Antique ebonite, brass and papier-mâché, spiral-shaped slide rule designed by George Fuller of Belfast, professor of engineering at Queen's University of London in 1878, made by STAN...
Category
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Sea Fish Saltvandsfisk Rollable Poster Print Wall Chart, Denmark 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage wall chart shows different types of sea fish, which are native to middle Europe. This kind of wall charts are used as teaching material in German schools or diving ...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
Magnifier Accessories Gold Bronce Desktop Eagle Claw Base Early 20th Century
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Brass adjustable desk magnifier
20th century
Elegant desktop magnifying glass made of golden brass, with original magnifying glass and very ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$572 Sale Price
31% Off
Antique Apothecary Bottle Stand English Air Ministry Stamped, Early 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique apothecary bottle stand. An English, Air Ministry stamped stand dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920.
A rare su...
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Beech
Antique 20th Century French Solid Gold & Sapphire Retractable Pencil c.1900
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 20th Century possibly French 14ct gold retractible pencil. Designed to be attached to a key chain or as a pendant, this pencil features a blue cabochon sapphire decorative ti...
Category
Early 1900s French Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Gold
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Peugeot Coffee Grinder Antique
Vintage Beakers
3 Draw Brass Telescope
Antique Beam Scales
Antique Brass Sundials
Antique Hydrometer
Antique Laboratory Furniture
Antique Optometrist
Antique Orrery
Antique Protractors
Antique Stereoscope
Antique Wooden Compass
Apothecary Balance
Binoculars Midcentury
Brass Butcher Scale
Brass Compass And Case
Brass Transit
Broadhurst Clarkson