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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Late 20th Century
Period: 19th Century
Antique Yacht Or Boat Binnacle Compass by Polaris
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
19th Century French Paper Mâché Mussel or Clam Anatomy Model by Louis Auzoux
Located in Haarlem, NL
This papier mâché or papier-mâché model on wood of a clam is made in France by the Dr. Louis Auzoux workshop.
The people from Dr. Auzoux's workshop in Paris were the best and most f...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
1805 Milan Brass Topographic Level signed Pasquale Cittelli with its Walnut Box
Located in Milan, IT
Topographic level with telescope or simple theodolite of brass with original patina, signed Pasquale Cittelli Milan n. 353, first decade of the 19th century, in good condition and co...
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Fassamano French Tortoise antique Eyeglasses second half 19th Century
Located in Milan, IT
Fassamano (from the French face-a-main) eyeglasses with handle that turns into a case shaped like the lenses; dark tortoise eyeglasses, oval lenses...
Category
1860s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
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
19th Century Feench Barometer Antique Scientific Instrument Weather Misure
Located in Milan, IT
Wooden barometer with cedar wood trim at the edges, signed Caux Opticien Rue Rivoli près du Louvre Paris, mid-19th century; dial with the meteorological indications on paper printed ...
Category
1850s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
19th Century French Émile Deyrolle Anatomical Lithograph Poster
Located in London, GB
Émile Deyrolle Anatomical poster
A wonderfully rare and decorative curio medical French (Paris) original lithograph on board anatomical poster in ...
Category
1880s French Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Early Nineteenth Century French Thuya Wood Thermometer
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century French Thuya wood thermometer, with brass plate inscribed with 'Thermometre par Mouyer Nancy’. The thermometer tube is sat behind a br...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Other
Recording Dial Clock by the International Time Recording Company
Located in Peekskill, NY
A Recording dial clock by the International Time Recording Company, Endicott, New York. In the original oak case and (the first we have ever seen) original table stand. The dial measures 30" diameter. Hight on the table is 71". When plugged in the interior light comes on and the clock motor hums.
Note: From the American History Museum website: "at the end of the 1800s, early 1900s the industrial revolution was taking place and large numbers of people were taking jobs in the cities. Being punctual was the expected behavior as "time is money" attitude prevailed. Also, recording and scrutinizing expenses for labor, materials and overhead were getting more attention than ever before. By the early twentieth century the International Time Recording Company supplied an entire line of timekeeping devices, including master clocks, several types of time clocks, and time stamps. Founded in 1900, the firm continuously expanded its product line, underwent several reorganizations and name changes, and emerged in 1924 as the International Business Machine Corporation, familiar today as IBM. One of the firm's most popular products was the dial time recorder...
Category
Late 19th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
1870s Genitourinary Instruments of Bougies Oak Box Antique Medical Device
Located in Milan, IT
Set of genitourinary instruments of Bougies, medical instruments placed in a box made of oak, made second half of the nineteenth century. Box measures 5.5x14.1x2.4 inches. On the low...
Category
1870s Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Copper Alloy Weights Marc System
Located in Leuven , BE
Copper alloy weights Marc system.
Category
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
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
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
1870 Antique Burnished Brass W F Stanley Level Surveyor Measurement Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Topographic level signed W.F Stanley of burnished brass, from the second half of the 19th century. In excellent condition and complete with original mahogany box with brass hinges an...
Category
1870s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Sunglasses
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses.
Vintage 1990s oval YSL sunglasses, vintage Yves St Laurent silver sunglasses, brown lens, YSL.
These sharp ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Resin
19th Century Distortion Optical Mirror Concave Curio Fairground Circus
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A rare late 19th century distortion mirror, with a concave plate
Housed in its original softwood well carpentered frame with faux rosewood finish
The thick plate has some pitti...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mirror, Pine
19th Century Wooden Barometer Signed Burlinson Ripon Antique Instrument Weather
Located in Milan, IT
Wooden barometer signed Burlinson Ripon made in the mid 19th century. Silver-plated brass dial engraved with weather indications and the name of the m...
Category
1850s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
19th Century Wooden English Barometer Antique Forecast Weather Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Wooden barometer measuring instrument English manufacture made in the mid 19th century, silver-plated brass dial engraved with meteorological indicati...
Category
1850s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique Decorative Butcher's Steelyard, English, Iron, Weighing Instrument, 1800
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique decorative butcher's steelyard. An English, cast iron weighing instrument, dating to the late 18th century, circa 1800.
Decorative hanging piece with countrysid...
Category
Early 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
19th Century French Hand Painted and Gilt Iron Scale with Paris Coat of Arms
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate your kitchen counter with this elegant colorful antique butcher scale. Crafted in France, circa 1880, the double face scientific instrum...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Iron
Antique Japanese Iron Mortar Yagen Grinder Crushing Tool
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Old Japanese iron boat shaped mortar or grinder crushing tool (called Yagen)
Tool used to grind medicine
21.5 W x 7H x 5.5 W disk 12.5 W x 9 in diameter
Unrestored worn aged vintag...
Category
1890s Japanese Anglo-Japanese Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Fassamano French Tortoise Antique Eyeglasses Second Half 19th Century
Located in Milan, IT
Fassamano (from the French face-a-main) eyeglasses with handle that turns into a case shaped like the lenses; dark tortoise eyeglasses, oval lenses...
Category
1860s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut and Brass Scale with Set of Weights
Located in Dallas, TX
This Classic, antique scale with original plates was created in Dijon France, circa 1870. Rectangular in shape, the fruit wood scale embellished with marquetry fillet decor, features the original removable brass plateaus...
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Handcrafted Wooden Mortar and Pestle, Italy
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wooden footed mortar and pestle hand turned and carved from one piece of dense fruitwood.
Handcrafted by artisan in Italy, hand turned wood Mortar and Pestle...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Organic Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Fruitwood
Pair of American Brass Nautical Taffrail Log Spinners, Negus, NY, Circa 1880
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of American brass nautical taffrail log spinners, Late 19th century. Stamped by brothers Thomas Shufeldt Negus, Jr. (1828-1894) & John Davidson Negus (1833-1890) manufacturers and merchants of chronometers and other fine marine instruments...
Category
1880s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Folding Boxwood & Brass Shoe Size Measure, circa 1880
Located in London, GB
A late 19th century folding cobbler's boxwood and brass shoe size measure, for the French market.
With folding heel rest and slinging toe marker, with brass hinge.
Paris point shoe...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Boxwood
Antique Richter's Anchor Box, German, Stone, Anker Baukasten, Number 15, Set
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Richter's Anchor Box. A German, stone Anker Baukasten No. 15 or construction set, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1890.
Highly collectible German construction set from Friedrich Richter
Displays a desirable aged patina — lovingly play worn
Sought after stone pieces, with few, minor chips to corners
Aged box with fine paper lithography to both sides
This 'grosse kaliber' set comprises 296 pieces at 25mm scale
Pieces imitate the red brick, limestone and blue slate of contemporary European architecture
Create a wide range of architectural styles including Baroque influenced buildings
Several instruction manuals included to help create fantastic scenes
This is a wonderful, lovingly played with antique Richter's Anchor Box. In sought after stone, this number 15...
Category
Late 19th Century Albanian Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Cast Stone
Rosewood Watch Holder, Small Pocket Watch Stand with Applied Decoration
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Rosewood watch holder.
Small pocket watch stand with applied decoration. A must have item for those who have a pocket watch. Not only is the pocke...
Category
1840s English Regency Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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
Dutch 19th Century Carved Wooden Barometer
Located in Delft, NL
A Dutch carved wooden barometer with copper and facet cut glass housing.
The carved wood has a scene of fruits and scrolls
A barometer is a scien...
Category
Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
19th Century French Polished Iron Scale with Brass Trays from Lyon
Located in Dallas, TX
Add some European flair to your kitchen counter with this elegant antique scale. Crafted in France circa 1870 and rectangular in shape, the iron scale features the original pair of polished brass...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Brass Balance Shop Scales with Eagle Crest
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Brass balance shop scales with eagle crest
Decorative large brass balance shop scales
I super looking set, the slightly dished pans are hung on brass...
Category
Late 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Master Craftsman's Spirit Level, English, Brass, Desk, Victorian, 1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This an antique master craftsman's spirit level. An English, rosewood and brass ornamental desk tool, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850.
...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Fassamano Tortoise Antique Eyeglasses French Manufacture XIX century
Located in Milan, IT
Double fassamano eyeglasses (from the French face-en-main), made with a double articulated eyewear, one with lenses and one without, mounted on the upper part, signed Lugene, made of...
Category
1860s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
French Brass and Leather Three Draw Telescope, Late 19th Century
Located in Barntrup, DE
Late 19th century French brass and leather 3 draw telescope spyglass.
The spyglass is made from brass. The base is wrapped with leather. Comes with the...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century German Miniature Pocket Terrestrial Globe
Located in Essex, MA
A miniature 19th century 3.5 inch diameter pocket terrestrial globe by C. Abel-Klinger, Nuremberg, Germany, in English for the English speaking markets. Signed with cartouche reading...
Category
1880s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Antique Barometer
Located in Opole, PL
We present you this barometer with a thermometer in a wooden, decorative case made of walnut wood. The whole is date fourth quarter of the 19th century.
The barometer (aneroid) and ...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Danish 19th Century Brass Surveying or Level Tool on Tripod
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Surveyors tripod level tool from the late 19th century. The tripod is made of wood and the level is brass. The wood tripod is 39.75in high.
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1980s Spanish Banjo Weather Station w/ Original Glass
Located in Marbella, ES
1980s Spanish wooden banjo weather station, with original glass domes, barometer, hydrometer and thermometer.
Category
Late 20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
London Mid-19th Century Vanity Kit Set Sterling Silver
Located in Brescia, IT
Not easy to find this original box, with this kit set composed of 8 pieces for nail manicure. A piece to collect or to add in a wunderkammer.
In sterling silver, all marked.
With ce...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Antique Pluviometer, English, Udometer, Ombrometer, Rain Recorder, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pluviometer. An English, copper udometer, ombrometer or rain recorder, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850.
Fasc...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
19century English Balancing Scale
By G. None
Located in Tarrytown, NY
19century English balancing scale.
Category
19th Century European Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Antique Watchmaker's Lathe, Swiss, Brass, Copper Precision Instrument circa 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a fantastic antique watchmaker's lathe. A Swiss, quality brass, copper and stainless steel precision instrument, dating to the late 19th century, circa 1900.
An exquisite and rare antique lathe...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1820-35 Large Clock Barometer by Silvani Brighton Antique Forecast Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Rare large barometer complete with clock signed Silvani Brighton, dated from 1820 and 1835. Finely crafted mahogany wood case with double thread at th...
Category
1840s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Mahogany Barometer F Somalvico Antique Weather Measuring Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Barometer complete with clock signed F. Somalvico N ° 11 Brook Str. Holborn London datable between 1810 and 1820. Finely crafted mahogany wood case with cedar wood edges. Large silve...
Category
1810s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Late 19th Century Terrestrial Globe, French
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY:
No additional costs will be added to this order.
Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included).
By Charles Delagrave, Paris. On eb...
Category
1890s French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Set of Nine 19th C English Victorian Treen Ware Boxwood Medicine Bottle Holders
Located in Haarlem, NL
A set of nine 19th century Victorian treen turned boxwood medicine bottle holders.
These containers were used for protecting delicate items such as glass apothecary bottles, perfume bottles, syringes, powder, ointment bottles, thermometers and other medical or vanity items.
In two of the containers are glass bottles.
Measurements:
Large 18.5cm high, 8.5cm diameter, empty
Large 18cm high, 8cm diameter, empty
Medium 14.5cm high, 5.5cm diameter, glass bottle without stopper (wood chipped)
Medium 13cm high, 6cm diameter, empty (crack in wood)
Medium 12cm high, 5cm diameter, perfumed oil in glass bottle
Medium 11cm high, 5cm diameter, empty
Small 10cm high, 4cm diameter, talcum powder...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Boxwood
Sinar P Expert Kit Large Format 4X5
Located in valatie, NY
Sinar p 4x5 expert kit containing:
Sinar copal f5.6 auto aperture shutter & release cable
Sinar p 4x5 camera
Regular bellows
Wide angle bellows
4x5 ground film holder with fresn...
Category
1980s Swiss Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
Real Tennis Print, Ed Barre by W. Bromley
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
A wonderful and extremely rare real tennis, Royal Tennis, Jeu de Paume, Court Tennis Picture, J. Edmond Barre By W. Bromley.
An exceptionally rare mid-19t...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Sporting Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Original Patina, Italy, Pharmacy or Herbalist
Located in Roma, IT
Antique bronze mortar. Handmade with pestle. Original patina
Mortar from pharmacy or herbalist.
Italian bronze mortar and pestle
Measure: Pe...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century J. H. Stewar Barometer and Thermometer Antique Weather Misure
Located in Milan, IT
English barometer with thermometer and double Vernier reading the variation of atmospheric pressure. Signed J.H. Steward 406 Strand London in the late 19th century.
arometer mounted...
Category
1880s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
1893 Antique Lippich Brass Polarimeter Antique Physic Analysis Instrument
By Societé Genevoise
Located in Milan, IT
Lippich polarimeter, scientifi instrument made in 1893 signed Societé Genevoise Genève, brass and black metal. It is an optical instrument of analysis used to determine the concentra...
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Late 19th Century Educational Human Anatomical Ear Model German manufacture
Located in Milan, IT
Ear anatomical model, plaster and papier mâché hand painted, depicting the inner and outer ear and the cochlea. German manufacture of the end of the 19th century. Good condition, som...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
19th Century, J. Florenz Wien Chrome Steel Austrian Balance, 11 Brass Weights
Located in Vigonza, Padua
19th century, chrome steel Austrian balance, by J. Florenz Wien, 11 brass weights, 5 kg.
This precious antique table scale was from the famous Caffè Florian in Venice
Caffè Florian is a historic café in the city of Venice, located under the arcades of the Procuratie Nuove in Piazza San Marco.
It is the oldest Italian coffee and the oldest coffee in the world. It was inaugurated on December 29, 1720 by Floriano Francesconi with the name of Alla Venezia Trionfante, but immediately the Venetians simply said “andemo da Florian-let's go to Florian”, from the name of the owner in the Venetian dialect. Since then it has continued its daily coffee business uninterruptedly to the present day, becoming a favorite destination for Venetians, Italians and foreigners. Floriano Francesconi inspired the character of Ridolfo in Carlo Goldoni's coffee shop.
Giacomo Casanova courted the ladies there and Carlo Goldoni entered as a boy. Famous people such as Gasparo Gozzi, Giuseppe Parini, Silvio Pellico, Lord Byron, Ugo...
Category
1850s Austrian Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Antique Working English Cast Iron Cheese Press Thomas Corbett of Shrewsbury 1880
Located in Portland, OR
A rare antique and all original fully functioning cast iron English cheese press, by Thomas Corbett of Shrewsbury, circa 1880. This cheese press has just ...
Category
1880s English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Antique Kent's Knife Cleaning, Polishing & Sharpening Wheel with Original Labels
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique Victorian knife cleaning and sharpening machine was made by Kent's of London England in circa 1880 in the period Victorian style. The machine is composed of two sharpening stones...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stone, Metal
1880s Iron And Brass Balancing Scale
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1880s iron and brass balancing scale.
Category
1880s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
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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Telescope London
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