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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 1920s
Period: Early 1900s
Antique English Folding Brass Linen Thread Counter c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
Dating to the early twentieth century, c.1900/1920, this is an antique cast brass linen thread counter, of course usable to magnify whatever you wish. Heavy solid cast brass with a ...
Category

1920s British Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
A charming little folding loop or magnifying glass made from brass, dating to the early twentieth century, c.1920. What of course makes it highly collectable is the inset working co...
Category

1920s British Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Brass Cased Folding Magnifying Glass c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
A lovely shaped little folding / pocket magnifying glass which folds into a shaped brass case, marked "Made In England". Dating to c.1920, remaining in excellent condition measuring...
Category

1920s British Vintage 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

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

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

Fine Pair French Abalone & Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses
Located in Bath, GB
A stunning pair of French Opera glasses made from gilded brass, all intact and original. The glasses are clad in alternating Mother of Pearl or Nacre shell and Abalone shell, creati...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Aluminum Teaching Dental Phantom Head Skull on Stand Gold Tooth 1920's
Located in Portland, OR
Antique aluminum dental phantom teaching head model with a gold tooth, 1920's. A wonderful fun sculptural dental phantom, the aluminum head with lower...
Category

1920s German Brutalist Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Aluminum, Gold, Steel

Large 1920's Globe on Wood Base
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Vintage Globe on Wood Base, circa 1920's Decorate an office or a desk with this beautifully preserved antique globe. Crafted in Europe, circa 1920's this piece is mounted on a...
Category

1920s European Biedermeier Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

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

Solid Brass Ships Telephone On Pedesta
Located in Norwell, MA
Highly polished brass ships telephone on pedestal. Meticulously polished andl lacquered head by Hose-McCann Telephone Co, Inc., Brooklyn New York. Type A, model WTP, with phone insid...
Category

1920s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

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

Early Twentieth Century Boat Compass
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid brass boat compass in varnished wood box. Highly polished and lacquered finish. By M.C. & Co, Polaris. Dimension: 4"H x 6"W x 6"D Weight: 2 lbs. Made: America Material: Brass,...
Category

1920s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

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 Seibert Witzlar Microscope, app. 1920
Located in Hoogeveen, NL
Beautiful antique microscope by German manufacturer of precision equipement Seibert Witzlar. Was made around 1920. It was the microscope brand of ch...
Category

1920s German Vintage 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Black Forest Style Carved Walnut Barometer, Germany, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Black Forest style carved walnut barometer, Germany, ca. 1920. An impressive carved walnut barometer with masterfully carved flowers and leaves. A small mirror on the top of the roun...
Category

1920s German Black Forest Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Walnut

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

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

Vintage French Hour Sand Glass in Pewter
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
French Pewter and Sand 15 Minutes Hour Glass
Category

1920s French Folk Art Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Pewter

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

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

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

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

Austrian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Original Patina, Pharmacy or Herbalist
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Offered is a beautiful antique solid brass mortar and pestle set. The mortar has a cylindrical shape with a flared mouth and two angular handles at the sides. The baton-shaped pestle...
Category

1920s Austrian Hollywood Regency Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Antique World Globe From Fleet Street London 1923 on Wooden Stand
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Antique Terrestrial Geographia of Fleet Street London 12"inch World Globe on handcrafted Wooden Three Legged Base 1923 Made 55 Fleet Street, London Beautiful desktop globe, sho...
Category

1920s British Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

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

Set of 19th Century Dental Hygiene Tools
Located in London, GB
A set of 19th century dental hygiene tools. A set of 19th century dental hygiene tools, encased in a faux leather red box with brass latch and lined with a worn green velour Material. Its original mirror is still in place with folding back velour cover. Size of inches: H 0.75” x W 2.75” x D 2.5 Completely solid in structure and form, with natural wear and patination across all surfaces due to age. In overall presentable condition considering its age and years of use. The tools are worn on the edges, god knows how many mouths its been in. The House of Antiques...
Category

Early 1900s British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Oak Cased Barograph by Negretti & Zambra, London
Located in Norwich, GB
Negretti & Zambra Fine Edwardian oak cased barograph with bevelled glass panels and central chart drawer. Ten vacuum chambers linking ...
Category

1920s English Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

Calcolatrice Addizionatrice Merchant, Anni 20
Located in Felino, IT
calcolatrice addizionatrice. Marchant mod hs8-36961 del 1920 c.a in ottimo stato di conservazione. pare funzionare, ma non ne garantisco l'utilizzabilita' totale. i meccanismi comunq...
Category

1920s European Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bakelite

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

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

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

Set of Four Vintage Weights, circa 1920
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of four vintage weights: 5, 2, 1 and a half kilograms. By unknown manufacturer, circa 1920. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with...
Category

1920s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

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

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

Induction electrification demonstrator instrument, Italy 1920.
Located in Milan, IT
Induction electrification demonstrator instrument. By putting two electrically neutral spheres in contact with each other, when a charged wand is approached, it is possible to notice...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Gold, Brass

French Baker's Scale
Located in Houston, TX
French Baker's scale. This antique cast iron baker's scale includes original weights. Great Kitchen Accessory!
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

1900s French Wooden Black Board
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden black board from France, produced circa 1900. Stretching four feet wide and standing nearly as tall, this scholastic rectangle will stir memories ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Antique Edwardian Quality Mahogany Inlaid Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Edwardian quality mahogany inlaid banjo barometer having a quality mahogany inlaid shaped case with an 8 inch silvered engraved dial with original hands, brass bezel and a th...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

1900s Brass Bakelite Magnetic Topographer Compass Surveyor Measurement Instrumen
Located in Milan, IT
Magnetic topographer compass from the early 1900s, brass and bakelite base; instrument consisting of a magnetized needle free to rotate on a horizontal plane, marking with its tip th...
Category

Early 1900s European Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

Scientific Tool for the Refraction of Light, Italy 1920
Located in Milan, IT
Scientific tool for demonstrating and assessing the refraction of light. Constructed in boxed metal with a square section, it consists of a horizontal...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

English Marine Barometer with Rope Carved Case
Located in Norwell, MA
Early twentieth century library barometer with rope carved case. Great old piece. Fitted with a brass hanging tab. Circa 1920.
Category

1920s English Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Engine Indicator, Scottish, Scientific Instrument, Dobbie McInnes, 1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique mechanical engine indicator. A Scottish, brass scientific instrument by Dobbie-McInnes of Glasgow, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. Presenting a gr...
Category

1920s Scottish Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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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