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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 1950s
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

Old Suspended Balance Scale in Brass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Decorative 1950s balance scale in Apothecary style. Its made from solid brass and comes with two brass weights and a leather suspension strop. Measurements: H/L: 75 cm (suspended),...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Victorian Ormolu Clock and Barometer Desk Set, of Maritime or Naval Interest
Located in London, GB
Each in the form of a ship's wheel with 2.5 inch silvered dial, contained in cases, one with seven turned banded agate handles, the other with eight banded agate handles, each on ova...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Agate, Ormolu

Torricellian mahogany barometer signed Corton Lincoln mid-19th cent.
Located in Milan, IT
Torricellian mercury barometer in mahogany wood, signed Corton Lincoln of the mid 19th cent. complete with reading nonius for checking pressure variation, alcohol thermometer, hyg...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

19th Century Mary & David Livingston Memorial Relic Heart Buried Beneath 1896
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A very odd Victorian collection of curiosity, a section of the tree that the Scottish physician, congregationalist and pioneer Christian missionary David Livingston was buried under ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Zambian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Hardwood, Natural Fiber, Glass

Victorian Brass Novelty Clock by Elkington & Co
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Victorian brass novelty clock by Elkington & Co., in the form of a double steering-wheel, one wheel enclosing a clock and the other a barometer, with ...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A Fine Theodolite By Troughton And Simms In Its Original Case
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A very good example of a lacquered brass theodolite with half circle adjustment, silver scales, and the original fitted mahogany case. Signed Troughto...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique W.& T. Avery English Victorian Brass & Mahogany Balance Beam Scale
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique W.& T. Avery English Victorian Brass & Mahogany Balance Beam Scale. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 26" H x 22" W x 12" D.
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Tortoiseshell Clock and Barometer Set by Gleizes
Located in London, GB
Gilt-bronze and Tortoiseshell Clock and Barometer set by Gleizes French, 19th Century Height 115cm, width 30cm, depth 7cm In the Louis XV style, t...
Category

19th Century French Rococo Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Gilt-Bronze Clock and Barometer Set by Maison Mottheau et Fils
Located in London, GB
Antique gilt-bronze clock and barometer set by Maison Mottheau et Fils French, c. 1880 Height 85cm, width 45cm, depth 30cm This ornamental clock and barometer set were crafted by th...
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Antique Victorian Brass & Scottish Agate Postal Scale & Weights, Circa 1865-1870
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Victorian Brass and Scottish Agate Postal scale with Weights, Circa 1865-1870.
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Agate, Brass

Antique French Holosteric Library Barometer
Located in Norwell, MA
Nineteenth-century holosteric library barometer with "PHBN" logo (Pertuis, Hulot, Naudet), the French maker. Copperish brass case with hanging ring. Faceplate is segmented to thirty-...
Category

1890s North American Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Large Antique Shipwright's Set Square, English, Rosewood, Tool, Victorian, 1880
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large antique shipwright's set square. An English, rosewood and brass right-angled tool, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880. Quality, antique craftsman's tool Displaying a desirable aged patina Rosewood stock with brass capping Square blade shows pleasing weathering commensurate with age Attractive brass shield with pegged bonding to both sides Engraved with the names Woates and A. Clarke This is a fine, large antique set square...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Louis XIV St. Ormolu And Patinated Bronze Barometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most impressive French 19th century Louis XIV st. Ormolu and patinated Bronze barometer, after Torricelli. The circular patinated bronze face has the eight enameled plaques depicti...
Category

19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Rare 19th Century Large Original Painted Lightning Rod on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic folky oversized 19th century mustard over copper Lightning rod ball on a professional iron stand. The base is a plank of original work that the...
Category

19th Century American Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper

Antique 19th century John Chatillon & Sons Painted Red Cast Iron and Brass Scale
Located in Centennial, CO
A charming cast iron John Chatillon & Sons scale with original red paint and a large brass tray. The weight is fixed, moving from side to side. J. Chatillon & Sons is stamped on the ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Rustic Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

‘Royal’ Barometer by John Russell, Watchmaker to the Prince Regent
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

19th Century English Globe by Renowned Cartographers John Newton and Son
Located in Southall, GB
An extremely rare and important 21 inch English globe by renowned cartographers John Newton and Son, one of the most important globe makers of early 19th century England. Representin...
Category

19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Hardwood

Early 19th Century 2 Day Marine Chronometer by James McCabe, No. 199
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
Number 199, a two day marine chronometer by James McCabe, London, beautifully signed and numbered on the dial and movement, and the number on the bottom of the bowl. In a three part ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

19th c. I. Hick Carpentry Molding Plane
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Antique wooden carpentry plane used to make trim and moldings. Stamped "I. Hick' on the side. Shown with life size hand mold for scale. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF MANU...
Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Antique Victorian Carved Oak Banjo Barometer by Maple & Co
Located in London, GB
A wonderful antique Victorian banjo barometer in carved solid oak. This was made in London by Maple and Co, it dates from around the 1860-1880 period. It is of amazing quality, beau...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

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

Antique Yacht Or Boat Binnacle Compass by Polaris
Located in Norwell, MA
Boat compass in binnacle with hinged lid, sidelight, brass hook, etc. Very fine condition. Gimballed compass is by Polaris. Great piece. Overall dimensions: 11"H x 7"D x 8"L. 5 po...
Category

1890s American Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Chemist's Mortar & Pestle, French Bronze Apothecary Aid, Victorian, 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique chemist's mortar & pestle set. A French, bronze apothecary aid with beech and ceramic pestle, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Delightful French ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

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

19th c. Varville & Son Plow Plane c.1870-1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Solid wood carpenter's wood plane with steel and bronze accents. Stamped on both sides. CREATOR Varville & Son, York, UK. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1870-1900. MATE...
Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Antique Painting with Barometer 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Antique table with barometer Interesting 19th century painting painted in oil with meteorological reasons on wood and which has a barometer in the center and a thermometer in the up...
Category

1890s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Fruitwood

English Victorian Ebonized Telescope
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian ebonzied metal and brass trim telescope on adjustable dark stained tripod base (signed: WOOD, late ABRAHAM & CO, LIVERPOOL)
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Victorian Scale Model Of A Gas Meter, Crystal Palace Expo, c.1851
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique mid-19th Century Victorian very rare cast iron scale model of the original meter used to measure the amount of gas used at the Crystal Palace, in Hyde Park during the Great E...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

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, Wood, Giltwood, Paint

A 19th Century Mahogany Stick Barometer by Keen and Frodsham
Located in Pewsey, GB
A 19th Century Mahogany stick Barometer by Keen and Frodsham, South Castle Street, Liverpool . "Keen and Frodsham" refers to a partnership between renowned clockmaker Henry Frodsha...
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Large Antique Victorian Quality Rosewood Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Large antique Victorian quality rosewood banjo barometer having a quality rosewood banjo shaped case with carved scroll decoration with a thermometer and 10 inch circular silvered di...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Other

A Wellington commemorative barometer retailed by Wehrle and Steuert
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
This carved giltwood barometer is in the form of a military trophy of arms surmounted by a ducal coronet. It comprises a sword hilt, cannon barrels and standards surrounding a portr...
Category

1850s English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Giltwood

Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock and Barometer
Located in London, GB
In their elaborate use of C-scrolls, putti figures, stylised acanthus leaves and flowers, this clock and barometer are clearly Rococo in their style. The Rococo came into fashion in ...
Category

19th Century French Rococo Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze

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

English Mahogany Prince of Wales Banjo Barometer, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
English mahogany four dial banjo barometer with broken arch pediment, steel engraved face with Prince of Wales motif, and original rotating bone dial. Barometer can be restored to wo...
Category

1820s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Nineteenth Century Ships Octant
Located in Norwell, MA
Ships octant from circa 1850 with an engraved scale to 100 degrees. With peepsight, mirrors, colored lenses, etc. Fitted to a step up box. Some old repairs and replacement wood to li...
Category

1850s North American Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Pestle & Mortar Set, English, Brass, Chemist Shop Instrument, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pestle and mortar set. An English, brass chemist shop instrument, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Dashing Victori...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Patinated Copper Rooster Weather Vane with Cardinal Points
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique weather vane was created in Normandy, France, circa 1860. The traditional copper sculpture features a classic swivel French c...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Country Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper

Boat Binnacle Compass from the 19th Century
Located in Norwell, MA
Rare yacht binnacle with a highly polished gimballed compass fitted to a varnished box. The box has a polished brass side burner and hinges, hooks, and screws. First class nautical r...
Category

1890s North American Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

English Brass Bankers Balance Scale from the 19th Century with Circular Pans
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English brass bankers balance scale from the 19th century. Born in England during the 19th century, this elegant brass bankers scale features a centra...
Category

19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Rare and Large Pair of Malby Globes in Fine Original Condition
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
The largest pair of 19th century table globes we have had , at 18' diameter for the globes this pair has ebonised stands. Good original lacquer and colour to the papers. Good makers ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Fruitwood

Atomic structure for educational use of carbonic acid Czechoslovakia 1950s.
Located in Milan, IT
Struttura atomica ad uso didattico dell'acido carbonico (H2CO3) in metallo, sfere in bachelite verniciate rosso e nero. Czechoslovakian manufacture of the 1950s. Good condition sign...
Category

1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Vintage Ken A Vision Microprojector In Aluminium, 1950s
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful vintage microprojector from 1950s. Produced by Ken-A-Vision company. Original labels still attached. The item is in pure aluminium which looks really great. The flowing des...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Aluminum

A Victorian anchor and rope barometer by Gray and Keen, Liverpool
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Victorian anchor and rope barometer by Gray and Keen, Liverpool. The 10 ¾-inch silvered dial of this walnut barometer is set within the arms of an anchor and a coil of double twisted rope which passes over a ring handle. The dial is inscribed in Spanish and the scale in both Fahrenheit and ‘Beaumur’. It is The trunk inset with a thermometer. Inscribed Gray & Keen, Liverpool on the dial. English and Italian, circa 1860. Height: 37in (94cm) Width: 17in (43cm) Gray and Keen from Liverpool exhibited in the Designers and Manufacturers Hall of the Great Exhibition of 1851. The official catalogue entry reads ‘Wheel barometer, designed for use in naval establishments’ and ‘Gothic wheel barometer’s. For a similar rope twist barometer...
Category

1860s European Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Exclusive Antique Armillary Sphere
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
An armillary sphere is a model of objects in the sky consisting of a spherical framework of rings, centred on the Earth or the Sun, that represent lin...
Category

Mid-19th Century European Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Late 19th French Mahogany & Brass Balance Scale, c.1870
Located in San Francisco, CA
About A late 19th century balance scale. The body is Mahogany with two brass trays, brass and glass window and bronze inner mechanism. Th...
Category

Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Antique George III Quality Mahogany Inlaid Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique George III quality mahogany inlaid banjo barometer having a swan neck top, quality mahogany case with inlaid satinwood shells brass bezel engraved silvered dial original hand...
Category

19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Other

19th Century Trying or Jointer Plane
Located in High Point, NC
19th century trying or jointer plane from England. Lovely patina from age and use.
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Boxwood Tailor's and Dressmaker's Square by John T Johnson of Birmingham
Located in London, GB
A boxwood 24 x 18 inch tailor's and dressmaker's square, by John T Johnson of Birmingham, circa 1900. Marked: JOHN T. JOHNSON - UNION PASSAGE. BIRMm.
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Boxwood

1950s Vintage Weight Plumb Bob Tool Level Iron & Wood
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Plumb Tool Mid Century Modern Vintage Weight Plumb Bob Tool Instrument Level Collectible level made in Iron and Wood 5.25 x 1.5 diameter Fair Condition in Or...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Antique Apothecary Mortar and Pestle, English, Bronze, Beech, Chemist, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique apothecary mortar and pestle. An English, bronze and beech chemist's aid, dating to the Victorian period and later, ci...
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

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

1880s Iron And Brass Balancing Scale
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1880s iron and brass balancing scale.
Category

1880s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

19th c. Carpenter's Molding Wood Plane
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Antique wooden carpentry plane used to make trim and moldings.Shown with life size hand mold for scale. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1850-1920. MATERI...
Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

1950s Gas Station Object Gulf Oil Tin Bug Spray Can Advertising Graphics Prop
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Gulf Oil Corporation Spray Can USA, c.1957 Spray can with red, white, green, and blue text on white label and insect graphics. Round blue removable cap. No leaks, No holes. Dia 3 x H...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Antique Bearing, Graphite, English, Cast Iron, Ornament, Paperweight, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique engine bearing with graphite finish. An English, cast iron and bronze desk ornament or paperweight, and dating to the Victorian perio...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Large copper & brass funnel
Located in London, GB
A large late 19th century copper and brass funnel. From Wiltshire County, England.
Category

Late 19th Century English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Copper

Large copper & brass funnel
Large copper & brass funnel
$595 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Hand Turned Wood Mortar and Pestle 1950
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Mid-Century Modern mortar and pestle hand turned from one piece of dense wood. It is in wonderful vintage condition. Please see photos, circa 1950-1960. Whether you need or...
Category

1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

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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