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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: Early 20th Century
19th Century French Giltwood Barometer
Located in Charleston, SC
19th Century French giltwood barometer with working thermometer. Well executed carvings of scrolls, swags and bounty all finished in gold gil...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
French Late 19th Century Bronze Armillary Sphere Depicting the Titan Atlas
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French bronze armillary sphere depicting Atlas carrying the world from the late 19th century with verdigris patina. Created in France during the last quarter of the 19th century, this bronze armillary sphere showcases a mythological theme depicting the famed Titan Atlas, condemned to carry the sky on his shoulders for eternity. How appropriate then, to choose him to carry effortlessly this armillary! Casually placing his left hand on his waist, Atlas raises the sphere made of various connecting rings...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Scarce Early 20th Century French Richard Jules Mahogany Cased Barograph
By Jules Richard
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and interesting French mahogany-cased barograph by Richard Jules. circa 1900
Exquisitely handcrafted in Paris, France, in the early 20th century, this fine weather forecasting scientific instrument is a barometer that records the barometric pressure over time in graphical form, as well as make a continuous recording of atmospheric pressure.
Housed in a high-quality protective wooden case, having hinged lid with original glazed glass panel sides, barograph with centigrade thermometer scale, fitted with eight aneroid capsules stacked in series, cylindrical drum element with graph for data recording and analysis.
Signed, retaining the maker's marks to top and interior. The metal plaque affixed to top reads: "Barometre Enregistreur
Ancene Mon Richard Frères...
Category
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Set of Oak Doctors Scales
Located in Cheshire, GB
Set of doctors scales for C.F Thakray Chemists. The solid oak seat with shaped back alongside cast balance scale. standing on square sports with pull out ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
1920s Whiting Sculptoscope Coin Op Stereo Card Viewer
Located in Peekskill, NY
Original whiting sculpt scope coin-operated stereo card viewer from the 1920s. Deposit a penny, pull trigger and look through the viewer to flip through st...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
19th Century Antique Hardwood Inlaid Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
This is a 19th century antique hardwood inlaid banjo barometer with a thermometer and a 10' silvered dial, brass bezel with convex glass. It is a very...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Hardwood
Early 19th Century Butchers Steelyard for Weighing Scale
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 adjustm...
Category
Early 19th Century Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Ant. Victorian Carved Oak Aneroid Barometer, Scotland 1900, H854
Located in Vancouver, BC
Ant. Victorian carved oak aneroid barometer, Scotland 1900, H854
Scotland 1900
Solid oak
Original finish
Oak carved floral carving on top and bottom
Barometer has a thermometer which is held in an oak glass fronted case...
Category
Early 1900s Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
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 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
Carl Zeiss Stand IV Brass Continental Microscope W/ Case and Slides, circa 1891
By Carl Zeiss
Located in Norwalk, CT
This incredible microscope dates from the late 19th century, during which Carl Zeiss and Edward Abbe were the foremost innovators of revolutionary microscope lens technology. It is a...
Category
1890s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
English Edwardian Prosthetic Leg
Located in London, GB
Edwardian Prosthetic leg
We share what we love, and we love this unusual fully articulated Edwardian prosthetic leg. With leather hip support sprung...
Category
1910s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Botanic Model Brendel, Germany, 1890
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical model of the Brendel, Triticum Vulgare N.11A (Gramineae). The round base in ebonized wood holds the botanical model which reveals the fl...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
John Cary Travel Celestial Globe in Box Marked Cary & Co London, No. 21540
By John Cary
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely John Cary Travel Celestial Globe in Box marked Cary & Co London, No. 21540
This globe I believe is classed as a 14 inch which is the...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Thermometer, Inlaid with Marquetry, Vienna Austria, 1907
Located in Vienna, AT
antique thermometer, inlaid with marquetry, Vienna Austria 1907, mahogany, good original condition
On the back is the composition of the material...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Black Forest 1920s Carved Aneroid Barometer with Foliage, Bird and Fox Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Black Forest aneroid barometer and thermometer from the first half of the 20th century, with foliage, bird and fox. This exquisite Black Forest barometer features a beautifully han...
Category
Early 20th Century French Black Forest Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak, Glass
19th Century English Cased Drawing Set Length of Longest Tool
Located in Buchanan, MI
An 19th century English cased drawing set length of longest tool. Measures: 6 1/4 inches.
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century David Livingston Memorial Relic Heart Buried Beneath 1873
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A very odd Victorian curiosity, a section of the tree that the Scottish physician, Congregationalist and pioneer Christian missionary David Livingston was buried under.
It's belie...
Category
Mid-19th Century Zambian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Hardwood
Mid-19th Century English Iron and Copper Hanging Trade Spring Balance
Located in Dallas, TX
A one of a kind! Created in England circa 1850, this "Peson" (or spring balance scale) was used in butcher shops to weight animals ( pigs, sheep, ...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper, Wrought Iron
Victorian Stick Barometer, circa 1880
Located in Lincoln, GB
Victorian Stick Barometer circa 1880 Finely Carved and inlaid with satinwood decoration. Possible Scottish provenance.
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Mahogany, Satinwood
Art Nouveau Waterman 'Ideal' 14 Karat Gold Fountain Pen, circa 1910
By Waterman
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An early 1900s Waterman 'Ideal' fountain pen in 14 karat gold pierced and engraved filigree design, with a lever filling system. Missing its original bladder but otherwise intact. No...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold
Set of 3 Antique Root Bowls, Wabi Sabi Style, Scandinavia, 1800s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A set of 3 wooden wabi sabi root bowls from Scandinavia, circa 1800s. In good vintage condition showing beautiful patina from age and use. One of the bowls has an old repair.
Mea...
Category
19th Century Swedish Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Botanic Model Brendel, Germany, 1890
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical model of the Brendel, Syringa vulgaris N. 37 (Uleaceae). The round base in ebonized wood holds the botanical model which reveals the flo...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
Large Antique English "Bartlett & Son, " Goose Neck Merchant's Scale, Circa 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Large Antique English goose neck merchant's scale signed "Bartlett & Sons" of Bristol, England, circa 1880.
Heavy Brass Commodity Scale with Weights Included
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Anatomical Print on Paper, Depicting a Fetus Skeleton, France, 19th Century
Located in Milan, IT
A rare couple of French anatomical lithographs of the fetus skeleton, in a vintage metal frame. Great quality and artistic composition.
Printe...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Mortar, Wabi Sabi Style, Scandinavia 1800s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Wooden Wabi Sabi Mortar from Scandinavia, circa 1800s. In good vintage condition showing beautiful patina from age and use.
Category
19th Century Swedish Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Set of Two Antique Glass Apothecary Bottles
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Early 20th century set of vintage rustic glass apothecary bottles.
By unknown manufacturer, Spain.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving ...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Antique Victorian Kitchen 40 Pound Scale Cast Iron Balance w/ Ironstone Plate
By Young Son & Marlow
Located in Hyattsville, MD
No chips or cracks to the Stoneware tray. Heavy item about 60 lbs. Seems to be working, but you will need counterweights to use it, that will go on the metal tray.
Ironstone stone...
Category
19th Century American High Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Zoological Wall Chart
Located in Oakville, CT
Antique Pfurtscheller wall chart
Overall Dimensions: 53" x 56"
Chart Dimensions: 50 1/2" x 56
Materials: Paper & Linen.
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Linen, Paper
Antique Edwardian Quality Carved Oak Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Edwardian quality carved oak banjo barometer having a quality carved oak shaped banjo barometer with a circular porcelain dial with original hands, brass bezel and a thermome...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Unusual Early American Quack Medicine Thompson-Plaster Electric Cabinet
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and most unusual Thompson-Plaster electrical cabinet, by Physician's Specialty Company, Leesburg, Virginia, United States.
The historic turn of the late 19th / early 20th century quack medicine machine used a violent ray electrotherapy apparatus as a cure-all, claiming to cure numerous ailments, cancers, and more.
Featuring the original oak framed glazed glass-covered marble top for use with 'medical' instruments, atop quartersawn oak chest fitted with three graduated drawers, opening to reveal various associated equipment and supplies, including blown glass evacuated tube implements of varying shapes and for different therapeutic uses. High-quality solid wood case, rising on castors. Signed, retaining the original manufacturer plaque. Museum quality.
Provenance / Acquisition:
Reportedly purchased by Dr. Slaughter, of Goldthwaite, Texas, May, 1903.
Acquired from highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, established 1983, Austin, Texas. Day 2 of 3, Important Estates catalog. 2021
Similar examples can be found in select museum collections and exhibitions, including Loudoun Museum, Leesburg, Virginia. Holmes Medical Museum, Foley, Alabama.
Dimensions: (approx)
40.75" High, 26" Wide, 17.5" Deep
Condition:
Excellent original antique condition. Museum quality. Unknown if complete. Wear consistent with age and use.
A scarce example of medical quackery...
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble
Large Antique Wooden American Mortar and Pestle
Located in North Hollywood, 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
Ant. Victorian Carved Oak Aneroid Barometer, Scotland 1900, H764
Located in Vancouver, BC
Ant. Victorian carved oak Aneroid Barometer, "Admiral Fitzrays Indicators", Scotland 1900, H764
Scotland 1900
Solid Oak
Original Finish
Barometer has a thermometer which is held in an oak glass fronted case...
Category
Early 1900s Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Super Rare 1880s Spoon Top Conformatore
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a wonderful example of 1800s inventiveness. We believe this is American made and ie signed and dated 1888. This is only the second example we have ever found. We will only se...
Category
Late 19th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
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. ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Solid Brass Ships Sextant In Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Late Nineteenth Navigators Sextant. T Frame design. Box has label of H.A. Johannesen Compass Adjuster, Fish Dock Rd., Grimsby. Circa 1920. Phone number on...
Category
1920s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique 4 Draw Telescope, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Dollond, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique four draw telescope. An English, brass refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use by Dollond of London, dating to the late Victori...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Antique Brass Scottish Surveyor's Compass in Fitted Wooden Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique surveyor's compass originates from Scotland and dates to approximately 1880 and made in the period Victorian style. The compass case is composed of solid brass with a me...
Category
Late 19th Century Scottish Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
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
19th Century Plaster Phrenology Bust by Vago of London, 1869
By Vago
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A tactile plaster cast phrenology head, primitively produced yet highly decorative and a obvious rare survivor. A inscribed label of the maker Vago alo...
Category
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Paper
Anatomical model of the lower limb, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, didactic use, depicting the lower limb, tilting on a fork supported by a black lacquered wooden base.
Made in scagliola and finished entirely in colour....
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Scagliola, Wood
19th Century Artist Pigment Painting Tray, Colourmans Sales Sampler
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A collection of thirty red and white cylindrical card boxes of pigment with decorative descriptive labels. Each container sits within its own section of a well made pine tray. Origin...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Natural Fiber, Pine
19th Century Spanish Glass Apothecary's Container
Located in Marbella, ES
18th Century Spanish Glass Apothecary's Container
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Large 1920's Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Educational Ear Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
Large 1920's Vintage scientific anatomical human 3D ear model. Large 16" scale and wonderful antique patina!
Category
1920s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber, Wood
Antique Malloch Side Casting Fishing Reel, Scottish Salmon Fishing Reel
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
A rare sized (2.5') Malloch of Perth side casting fishing reel of fine quality and in excellent condition. The reel is all brass, with optional check, exc...
Category
1910s Scottish Sporting Art Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Brass Spyglass Collapsible Telescope with Leather Handle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful retracting Spyglass or telescope with leather handle. The piece actually works very well, but is just as nice as a decorative piece. Beautifully crafted and with just the...
Category
Early 20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Materials
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
19th Century Bronze Apothecary Mortar & Pestle, Circa 1800
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The cup shaped cast body decorated with incised ring-turned detail, rising from a waisted & stepped circular foot, together with its original pestle.
Combined weight, 3.75 lbs.
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
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
Antique Napoleon III Parisian Giltwood Barometer, "Bodeur a Paris", Circa 1830
Located in Dallas, TX
Napoleon III style, sometimes referred to as The Second Empire style, was greatly influenced by the Neoclassical aspects of the Louis XVI period. This giltwood barometer from Paris w...
Category
1830s French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Giltwood, Glass
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 Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
French Vintage Massive Culinary Scale
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This massive culinary or produce scale from Lyon, France is the perfect antique accessory to elevate any kitchen. The base is made of solid waxed pine wi...
Category
19th Century French Rustic Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Copper, Iron
Set of W T Avery 10 LB Bankers Balance Scales and Weights
By W & T Avery
Located in London, by appointment only
Magnificent set of very large bankers 10lb balance scales together with a contemporary set of stamped W T Avery weights 7, 4, 2, 1 lb. Fully restored, po...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Curiosité Cabinet 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 Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Early 20th Century Cast Iron Sack Weighing Scales Produced by W&T Avery Ltd
Located in Manchester, GB
An early 20th century cast iron sack weighing scales produced by W&T Avery Ltd. First patented in 1879.
In untouched condition with excellent patina and grain pattern to the wooden...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
1917 Waymouth Cooke Naval Rangefinder Sextant
Located in San Mateo, CA
Naval range finder made by Waymouth-Cooke of London. These were based on the principals of a sextant range finder. They were patented in 1914. The Mark II like this one came out in 1...
Category
1910s English Other Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
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
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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