1850s Scientific Instruments

A Rare and Historic 1859 Elkington Silvered Bronze Victorian Centerpiece with Cut-Glass Bowl. Presenting a magnificent Victorian silvered bronze centerpiece of unmatched rarity and importance, crafted by the renowned Elkington Mason & Co., Birmingham, in 1859. This exceptional work, complete with its original cut-glass bowl, epitomizes 19th-century British craftsmanship and artistry. Hallmarked to the base, this centerpiece showcases intricate sculptural details, embodying a high level of technical prowess and aesthetic refinement characteristic of Elkington's celebrated works. The centerpiece's striking design features three meticulously rendered figures—a young hunter, a friar, and a fishmonger—each embodying elements of Victorian life and industry. At their feet, a loyal spaniel and various game highlight the naturalistic approach to the composition, enhanced by the masterful chasing and dynamic form. This sculptural ensemble rests on an elaborately decorated base, exuding both grandeur and narrative depth. Adding profound historical value are two engraved plaques. The first, dated “January 28, 1859,” reads: “Presented to William Johnson Esq. as a token of respect & esteem by the workpeople in the employ of Messrs Richard Johnson & Brother, Manchester.” The second, an inscription from 1941, states: “Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers, Alias Wire Workers of the City of London, Presented by Arthur Laurence Johnson M.A., Grandson of William Johnson, both Wire Workers, with his Daughter Eleanor Morton Johnson, a Freeman of the Company, to commemorate his Mastership 1941-42.” These inscriptions chart a rich lineage, connecting the Johnson family to pivotal moments in industrial history. William Johnson, alongside his brother Richard, assumed leadership of a wire-drawing firm in 1838, which would later become Richard Johnson & Nephew Ltd. Their contributions included providing galvanized armored wire for the historic 1857 transatlantic telegraph cable...

A gold, large antique French Louis XVI period barometer, signed by Torricelli in gilded wood and of oval shape with original scientific illustrations, in good condition. The detailed wall décor piece is consisting its original glass. Framed with gilt foliate trim and important pediment. Minor fading, due to age. Wear consistent with age and use, circa 1750, France. The Italian scientist Evangelista Torricelli...

Antique 19th Century French Gilt Barometer.

Reclaimed, stripped, polished and modified 1970s Daeyang Electric Co. Ltd flame proof luminaire with fully updated electrics and fitted with four E26 filam...

This late 19th century hand-held wood press is carved with a large mold used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional fillings, mooncakes ar...

Early 20th-century laboratory / pharmaceutical scales /balances produced by Griffin & George Ltd. of England. Brass and metal scales on a brown bakelite base, housed in a wood and gl...

Antique English "Broadhurst Clarkson & Co." Telescope on Stand, Circa 1910-1920. 72" High as shown in the photographs.

Victorian cased taxidermy of a pheasant amongst natural Habitat. Dimension: H 55.5 x W 80 x D 23 cm.

Wooden Wabi Sabi Root bowl from Scandinavia, circa 1800s. In good vintage condition showing beautiful patina from age and use.

A fine antique brass telescope, stamped Andrew J. Lloyd Company, a Boston, MA retailer active 1850-1875. Brass tubes and fittings, includes the original collapsible wooden tripod sta...

British two-Draws Monocular Telescope. Beautiful monocular telescope, created in England during the Victorian era, in the last three-quarters of the 19th century, circa 1880. This i...

This 19th-century walking stick from northern China is comprised of a length of thin bamboo that has been steamed and bent into a hook shape. The bamboo segments are painted in alter...