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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Period: Early 1900s
David Beringer (1756-1821) Polyhedral Wooden Sundial
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). DAVID BERINGER (1756-1821) The frui...
Category

Late 18th Century German Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

18th Century Carpenters Hand Plane Tool, Signed and Dated 1791
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Rare Museum-level 18th Century carpenters tool, an antler hand plane, hand-carved to look like a lion. Signed with initials and dated 1791.
Category

Late 18th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Nocturlabe Silver Metal Jacob Senebier Paris XVIII sec.
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). Nocturlabe in silver-plated and eng...
Category

1780s French Louis XV Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver Plate

Unusual Antique English Folding Compass In Brass Case c.1900
Located in Bath, GB
An unusual English compass which folds into it's own brass case. Marked "England" and dating to c.1900. 2" x 1 3/4" x 1/2". Excellent condition. Item: 44415 FREE Worldwide Regist...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Brass Cased Compass Reg. No. For 1903
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome cased late Victorian or Edwardian compass with hinged lid, the little button on the top used to open; just like a pocket watch. The dial is lucky enough to have an Englis...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A Wooden Diptical Sundial Germany 1790
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). Pocket sundial, made out of wood, ...
Category

Late 18th Century German Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

English Edwardian Brass Pivoting Magnifying Glass on Stand c.1900
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome antique English magnifying glass on stand which pivots on a ball and socket fitting, moving around with ease. Dating to c.1900, it remains in excellent condition having b...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Viennese enamel opera glasses, c. 1900.
Located in Gargrave, North Yorkshire
Viennese enamel opera glasses, c. 1900. The gilt metal opera glasses, having hand painted barrels of a couple wearing 18th Century costume, playing music in garden settings. The hand...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Enamel

A Brass Butterfield Type Dial French Late 18th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
signed Pigeon A Lion, the octagonal dial with hinged gnomon and bird pointer, inset compass and engraved with hour scales, the reverse engraved with towns and their latitudes, 2¾in (...
Category

1790s French Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A Brass Butterfield Type Dial French Early 18th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
signed Buterfield A Paris., the octagonal dial with hinged gnomon and bird pointer, inset compass and engraved with hour scales, the reverse engraved with towns and their latitudes, ...
Category

Early 18th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

18th Century Medical Syringe
Located in London, GB
18th Century Medical Syringe For historical medical use and dating from the 18th century, and certainly from the beginning of the 18th century. This hand-crafted example is made to...
Category

1780s Unknown Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Natural Fiber

Bronze mortar, Veneto, 16th century
Located in Brescia, IT
Bronze mortar, Veneto, 16th century Lost-wax cast bronze mortar with body outlined by parallel and succeeding frames delineating its circumference. On the two faces, in a central p...
Category

16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Brass Framed Monumental Sized Magnifying Glass with Natural Horn Handle
Located in Savannah, GA
This monumental sized horn handled magnifying glass with brass framework and stem, is of heavy weight and fine quality. The horn is quite substantial and supports this very large gla...
Category

Early 1900s German Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

French 18th Century Louis XVI Gilt Barometer
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A 18th Century Louis XVI French gold-gilt barometer circa 1780. This early instrument of meteorology was used to measure atmospheric pressure and air temperature. The barometer is adorned with hand carved details; a large bow, flowers, a flaming heart, laurel leaves and scrolls. The dial face is hand-painted and has been repaired over time. The barometer is no longer in working order and is now purely decorative. Be sure to view the detailed images to see this interesting antique up...
Category

18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Gold Leaf

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

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

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

Brass and Bakelite telescopic acoustic cornet England early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Telescopic acoustic cornet made of brass and Bakelite , English manufacture of the early 1900s. The principle of its operation is based on the reflection of sound on the inner walls,...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Mortaio in bronzo, Veneto, XVI° secolo
Located in Brescia, IT
Mortaio in bronzo fuso a cera persa con corpo delineato da un gran numero di cornici parallele e susseguenti che ne delimitano la circonferenza; e ornato con motivi vegetali di deriv...
Category

16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

18th Century French Louis XVI Carved Giltwood Wall Barometer & Thermometer
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wall with this elegant, antique barometer with attached thermometer. Crafted in Paris, France, circa 1760 and hexagonal in shape, the scientific instrument features its or...
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Giltwood, Parchment Paper

Mortar with pestle. Bronze. Spanish school, 17th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Mortar with pestle. Bronze. Spanish school, 17th century. Bronze mortar with a convex mouth, a raised base facing outwards and a cylindrical body decorated on the outside with relie...
Category

17th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Dr Forbes Specifications Bath Thermometer
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Dr Forbes Specifications Bath Thermometer A great piece, the thermometer has a beech Case so that it can be floated to show the numerical temperature and also the recommended from ...
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Beech

19th Century Carpenters Pine Tool Chest and Tools The chest is in pine
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th Century Carpenters Pine Tool Chest and Tools The chest is in pine with metal banding, it is set on wheels and has layers of trays We have left the contents of the chest with i...
Category

Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Pine

Terrestrial globe apres Mr. Rizzi Zannoni, Paris 1762.
Located in Milan, IT
Designed to be hanged to the ceiling, terrestrial globe, made out of paper machè and wood, brass hook. It is reported in the cartouche of the globe: globe terrestre d’après Mr. Rizz...
Category

Mid-18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique 2 French Electro Therapy Devices "Institut Electrotherapy" Dated 1905
Located in London, GB
Of scientific interest two French Electrotherapy devices, both wih plaques to the tops stamped "Institut Electrotherapy, 27 Rue Godot de Mauroy, Paris" Complete with original instru...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Other

18th Century Louis XVI-Style Barometer in Gilded Wood adorned with Doves
Located in NICE, FR
We present you this exceptionally rare square-shaped Louis XVI-style barometer from the 18th century, crafted from gilded wood. Its pale blue wallpaper background is protected by co...
Category

18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood

Antique Gilbert & Barker Red Self Measuring Type 208 Vintage Curbside Gas Pump
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gilbert & Barker Red Self Measuring Type 208 Vintage Curbside Gas Pump. Item featured weighs approx 180 lbs, remarkable red color, original lab...
Category

Early 1900s Art Deco Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Antique French Cast Iron Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This cast iron scale was made in France, circa 1900. A ubiquitous classic in the home or the market, scales of these dimensions were commonly used to weig...
Category

Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Measuring Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Measuring stand in wood France, circa 1900 Dimensions: 20W x 20D x 95H
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Brass barometric altimeter signed J. Hicks Maker London from the early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Brass compensated barometric altimeter complete with magnifying glass signed J. Hicks Maker London from the early 1900s. Diameter cm 7 - inches 2.8, thickness cm 3.2 - inches 1.3. Bu...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Alnmått (Cubit measure) in iron with gilded details. Baroque, dated 1731
Located in Knivsta, SE
Swedish Alnmått (Cubit measure) in iron with gilded details. Baroque, dated 1731. Provenance: Baron Carl Emanuel Cederström, great collector during the mid-19th Century in Sweden. W...
Category

1730s Swedish Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Superb Large Painted Iron Balance Scales by Holliday & Co London 1907
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Superb Large Painted Iron Balance Scales by Holliday & Co London 1907 This very large and attractive beam balance scale is set on a cast Iron base the central upright columns are a...
Category

Early 1900s Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Antique French Cast Iron Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This cast iron scale was made in France, circa 1900. A ubiquitous classic in the home or the market, scales of these dimensions were commonly used to weig...
Category

Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Silver Brass Pocket Sundial Compass French, circa 1780
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). Silver brass octagonal dial with fo...
Category

Late 18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver, Brass

Edwardian Camera on Tripod Stand
Located in Altrincham, GB
Edwardian Sanderson Ensign half plate camera, on hickory tripod stand, circa 1910 - 24" diam x 65"h set up - Sanderson Cameras Sanderson cameras, both field and 'Hand and Stand' for...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Leather, Hickory

18th Century mahogany and brass telescope by Nairne & Blunt of London
Located in Martlesham, GB
18th Century mahogany and brass telescope by Nairne & Blunt of London, having a mahogany barrel with a thumb wheel to the side of the main barrel, supported on a solid brass tripod s...
Category

1780s British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Fine Pair of Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses by Dolland, London
Located in Bath, GB
A splendid pair of Edwardian Opera / Theatre glasses professionally re-polished to gleam, making them as good as they would have looked over 100 years ag...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Italian 18th Century Balance, Scale
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very stunning 18th century balance - Scale from Rome, Italy. Beautifully crafted from polychromed and gilt wood. A wonderful accent piece for a library or office.
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Collection of Friedrich Ziegler wax model human heart development forms
Located in London, GB
Collection of Friedrich Ziegler wax model human heart development forms A rare collection of 4 wax models of the human heart, showing its early development to full size. The hand-col...
Category

Early 1900s German Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Natural Fiber

Large Late 18th Century Hourglass
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). A large 18th century hour glass, o...
Category

Late 18th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood

Langlois Graphometer - Circa 1730
Located in Placerville, CA
This is a BEAUTIFUL Graphometer made by the premier instrument maker in France, Claude Langlois, after Bion and Butterfield had stopped making instruments. As discussed on my Graphometer - Semicircle webpage, the French produced a good number of Graphometers from 1600 to about 1850. And a fair number of these Graphometers are still around. If you want to add a really nice Graphometer to your collection, this Langlois merits serious consideration for these reasons: 1. While not as well-known internationally as Bion and Butterfield, Langlois was The Man in France after Bion and Butterfield had passed away. 2. The President of Harvard College...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pocket barometer by C Baker in original case
Located in East Geelong, VIC
This pocket barometer was made by the firm of C Baker of 244 High Holborn, London and is still in its original leather covered case. The model number is 7073, ...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Superb Antique French Opera Glasses Signed Chevalier, Paris c.1900
By Chevalier Opticien Paris
Located in Bath, GB
A truly exquisite pair of Opera Glasses by the well renowned French maker, Chevalier of Paris, signed on both eye pieces. The glasses are made from polished brass and Abalone shell ...
Category

Early 1900s French Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Jean Baptiste Van Lerberghe Theodolite - Circa 1700 to 1720
Located in Placerville, CA
This is a fascinating and unique Theodolite that is engraved as a Semicircle - only 180 degrees. The Theodolite was made by Jean Baptiste Van Lerberghe of Bollezelle, France. Bo...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pocket barometer by J H Steward in original case
Located in East Geelong, VIC
This pocket barometer was made by the firm of by J H Steward and is still in its original leather covered case. The silvered dial with its blued pointer is surrounded by a rotating a...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Late 19th Century Scientific "Cyclo-Stormograph" by Short & Mason Tycos
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and appears to be completely intact. Short & Mason Tycos Cyclo-Stormograph under beveled glass & mahogany with a drawer which contains extra graph paper, tiny key and origin...
Category

Early 1900s English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Louis XVI Giltwood Barometer
Located in Essex, MA
Oval with a ribbon bow over an oval glass fronted barometer with grisaille painted panel with metal directionals. Inscribed Selon Torricelli.
Category

1790s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Giltwood

An apothecary bronze mortar and pestle, Italy 1700.
Located in Milan, IT
Bronze Apothecary mortar, fitted with mortar pestle. Italy early 18th century.
Category

Early 18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Large 17th Century French Slate Octagonal Sundial
Located in Madrid, ES
A Large 17th century French Slate Octagonal Sundial With wrought iron gnomon and profusely engraved with latin letters.Size:39x39 cm.With latter hanging ...
Category

Mid-17th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Slate

Italian 18th Century Butcher Hooks
Located in Atlanta, GA
Charming 18th century Butcher Hooks from the Piedmont region of Italy. Wonderfully crafted from hand forged iron. A perfect kitchen accessory or to s...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

An apothecary glass mortar and pestle, Italy 18th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Apothecary glass mortar, fitted with glass pestle. Italy early 18th century.
Category

Early 18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

An apothecary bronze mortar and pestle, Italy 1700.
Located in Milan, IT
Bronze Apothecary mortar, fitted with mortar pestle. Italy early 18th century.
Category

Early 18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

An apothecary bronze mortar and pestle, Italy 1700.
Located in Milan, IT
Bronze Apothecary mortar, fitted with mortar pestle. Italy early 18th century.
Category

Early 18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

A GERMAN ANATOMICAL MODEL OF a PREGNANT WOMAN STEPHEN ZICK
Located in Madrid, ES
A GERMAN ANATOMICAL MODEL OF A PREGNANT WOMAN STEPHEN ZICK The woman with articulated arms, removable torso revealing internal organs, lying on a couch with cushion incised and modelled with simulated lace.On a later wood box. Stephen Zick was one of a dynasty of carvers active from the late 16th to the 18th century in Nuremberg, . Such models, as well as carved skulls, were conceived as teaching tools and were inspired by the drawings of Andrea Vesalius...
Category

Early 18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Ventilatore Marelli, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
L'azienda nasce nel 1891 a Milano come ditta individuale per iniziativa di Ercole Marelli, operaio in gioventù alla Tecnomasio Italiana di Milano. Inizialmente l'azienda produceva di...
Category

1650s Italian Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

1900s Decorative Wall Hanging „Multimeter“ Scientific Slide Rule Calculator
Located in Vienna, AT
A dekorative appr. 120-year-old, large, wall-mounted round „Multimeter“ analog slide rule calculator. Dated around 1900, made in Germany. It has a rotatable glass disc and offers multiple features like multiplication, division, interest-calculation and square root...
Category

Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

16th Century Cast Iron Mortar
Located in Brussels, Brussels
16th century cast iron mortar with two very beautiful handles Beautiful original object with a great patina and in very good condition.
Category

16th Century French Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

An ivory diptical sundial, Italy XVII century.
Located in Milan, IT
An ivory portable diptych sundial. Italy circa 1600. (SHIP TO EU ONLY)
Category

Early 17th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Ivory

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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