Europe Scientific Instruments

A botanic didactical specimen in the manner of the famous German botanist Robert Brendel. "In the late 19th century Robert Brendel and his son Reinhold produced beautiful and accur...

Two copper and brass metric "Checkpump" fuel measures by Sutherland Astell, circa 1950. Made for the County Borough of Blackpool. Marked: 10 and 20 litres, at 20°. 20L, Height: 23...

Sheaffer fountain pen, circa 1950. Manufactured by Sheaffers In original condition, with some visible signs of previous use and age, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials...

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 ...

This is an antique officer of the watch telescope. An English, leather and nickel silver single draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use, by Ross of London, circa 1920. ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

A brass folding pocket magnifying glass which is made also to be added to a chain or ribbon to be worn around the neck. The lens has a good magnification and in lovey condition. D...

Table or wall-mounted wood and glass barometer station signed Lufft from the 1950s, made for the Italian market and consisting of aneroid barometer, thermometer and hygrometer. Buono...

Male anatomical model in painted stuccoed fiber. First half of the 20th century. Beautiful patina. Height: 30 cm.

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 ...

Rare nautical survey magnetic compass, brass pocket, signed Gruchon & Emons Paris No. 81 1918, made for U.S Engineer Corps and in use by officers during World War I. This is a smal...

This is an antique cased octant. A Scottish, ebony navigational instrument, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1850. Appealing navigation ins...

"Rare 18th Century Equatorial Sundial And Compass By Johann Nepomuk Schrettegger," Rare 18th-Century Equinoctial Sundial & Compass by Johann Nepomuk Schrettegger, Augsburg Maker: Joh...

Ptolemaic armillary sphere Charles-François Delamarche Paris, ante 1798 Wood and papier-mâché covered with printed and partly hand-colored paper It measures 16.37 in in height x Ø 10.94 in (41.60 cm - Ø 27.80 cm) It weights 2.33 lb (1,058 g) State of conservation: consistent with its age and use, the paper shows some signs of use, stains and abrasions. The sphere is Ptolemaic, with the Earth placed at its center, surrounded by the Moon and the Sun mounted on two metal arms. The sphere is composed of six horizontal and two vertical rings (armillae), each bearing graduations and its own name. The first horizontal ring is illegible. The others, in descending order are: North Pole, Tropic of Cancer, Equator, Tropic of Capricorn, South Pole. The vertical rings consist of two double meridians. The sphere is then connected to the large meridian by two pins, a vertical ring inserted perpendicularly into the circle of the Horizon, in turn supported by four semicircles connected to the turned and black-stained wooden base. Each element is covered with printed paper. It contains various pieces of information: latitudes, length of days, names and zodiac symbols, calendar, wind directions, etc. The vertical circles mention the latitudes and longitudes of different cities: Rome, Bordeaux, Madrid, Boston, Batavia (Jakarta), Acapulco, etc. Even the small terrestrial globe is covered with printed paper: continents and oceans appear with numerous geographical markings indicating the most recent explorations. In the Pacific Ocean, west of South America bears the following inscription: GLOBE TERRESTRIAL à Paris chez Delamarche Géog Rue du Foin Jacques Au Collège de M.e Gervais The North American coasts are well delineated and California appears correctly as a peninsula - reports from Spanish explorers in the region had given rise to confusion as to whether it was connected to the mainland or not. The geographical nature of California was confirmed after the explorations of Juan Bautista de Anza (1774-1776). Alaska is not described and is only partially traced; it would become part of the United States in 1867. Various Pacific islands are indicated. Australia (the name definitely used from 1824) is called "Nouvelle Hollande." Tasmania is still represented as a peninsula and this is an important detail for the dating of our armillary sphere. The island is separated from Australia by Bass Strait, which was crossed by Matthew Flinders for the first time in 1798, showing that it was not a peninsula. Delamarche certainly would not have waited a long time to update such an important geographical datum: presumably he did so shortly after receiving the news. Charles-François Delamarche (1740-1817) founded his laboratory around 1770 and, in a few years, he became the most famous French cartographer and globe maker between the 18th and 19th centuries. After having acquired the laboratory of the late Didier Robert de Vaugondy (1723-1786; himself a renowned cartographer who continued the family business founded by his grandfather Nicolas Sanson in the seventeenth century) and after having purchased, between 1788 and around 1800, the businesses of Jean-Baptiste Fortin (1750-1831) and Jean Lattré (around 1750-1800), he began to call himself "Successeur de MM. Sanson and Robert de Vaugondi, Géographes du Roi and de M. Fortin, Ingénieur-mécanicien du Roi pour les globes et les sphères." Thus, at the end of the eighteenth century, Delamarche possessed the warehouse stocks, as well as the manufacturing skills of the globes of his main rivals in Paris. In addition to this aggressive acquisition policy, the key to its success also lay in the combination of high-quality cartography combined with extremely attractive globes and armillary spheres; and, of course, its famous red paint finishing touch. His laboratory was located on Rue de Foin St Jacques "au Collège Me. (or "Mtre") Gervais" in the Latin Quarter of Paris until around 1805, when he moved to rue du Jardinet No. 13. On the death of Charles-François in 1817, the reins of the company passed to his son Félix (1779-1835), who continued to publish, often in collaboration with the engraver Charles Dien, Sr. In 1835 the company first moved to rue du Jardinet No. 12 and a little later to rue du Battoir No. 7. Bibliography: Dekker, Elly, et al. Globes at Greenwich...

A handsome cased late Victorian or Edwardian compass with hinged lid, the little button on the top used to open; just like a full hunter pocket watch. The dial is lucky enough to ha...

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 ...

Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky. This is an antique 3-draw telescope. An English, ...

Educational model, papier maché and plaster, decipting a baby borning. 1930s-1940s, sold by the Hygiene Museum in Dresden. Very good condition. Measu...

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 ...

Binoculars Navy with polished steel adjustable tripod base. With polished aluminium and steel binoculars with clear glass lens, magnifying x8 times. Adjust...

Antique Victorian quality carved oak banjo barometer having a quality carved oak shaped case with a brass bezel, porcelain dial with original hands and a thermometer An attractive ...

This superb example of an early 20th century heavy folding brass compass is of a design and type often issued to officers in the First World War. This fine example is not marked for...

Automa Animato Tedesco Gabbia Con Uccellino del 1920 circa costituito da una gabbia rotonda in ottone dorato con al suo interno un uccello animato canterino su di un trespolo con un ...

This is an antique technical drawing set. A German, architect's or cartographer's instrument case by Wichmann, dating to the early 20th c...

This is an antique vineyard setter's compass. A French, brass surveyor's instrument with mahogany case and stand, dating to the late Victorian period, c...

Pair of 12-inch table globes William Harris London, 1832 and 1835 Slight abrasions from use; few cracks lb 11 each (kg 5) The two terrestrial and celestial globes rest in their original Dutch style stands with four supporting turned wood columns. Each one measures 12 in in height x 16.5 in in diameter with the diameter of the spheres measuring approximately 12 in; 48 cm in height x 42 cm in diameter x 31 cm diameter of the spheres. The 12 inch measure was the most frequently used by British manufacturers of globes of this period. Each globe is composed of two series of twelve printed paper gores, aligned and glued onto plaster spheres. The brass circle of the meridian bears engravings...

Old Compass reproduction 1944 London, brown Color

This rare and decorative early 20th-century Arts & Crafts wall barometer and thermometer is a striking testament to Dutch craftsmanship. Hand-carved from a single solid piece of rich...

This is a pair of antique opera glasses. An English, leather and brass binocular by Ross of London, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. A charming and original example of ...

Pretty as a picture and in outstanding condition, this lovely pair of early twentieth century opera glasses come complete with their original case (wear commensurate with age). Th...

A late 18th century brass lacquered Culpepper design microscope by Adams, London in the original mahogany case. The two drawers contain a good selection of lenses and accessories. Th...

This is a fine antique cased rolling ruler. An English brass cartographer's or architect's instrument, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. A superb example of precision engin...

This print, titled "Occasus Ortus", showcases a highly detailed engraving of an 18th-century measuring device, likely related to astronomy or navigation. The design features various components of the instrument arranged systematically, with each part labeled by figure numbers. The centerpiece is a large circular protractor...

Pocket globe London, between 1775 and 1798 Re-edition of the globe of Hermann Moll (1678-1732) dated 1719 The globe is contained in its original case, which itself is covered in shark skin. There are slight gaps in the original paint on the sphere. The case no longer closes. The sphere measures 2.7 in (7 cm) in diameter whereas the case measures 2.9 in (7.4 cm) in diameter. lb 0.22 (kg 0.1) The globe is made up of twelve printed paper gores aligned and glued to the sphere. In the North Pacific Ocean there is a cartouche with the inscription: A Correct Globe with the new Discoveries. The celestial globe is depicted on the inside of the box and is divided into two hemispheres with the cartouche: A correct globe with ye new cons relations of Dr. Halley & c. It shows the ecliptic divided into the days of the zodiacal calendar and the constellations represented as animals and mythological figures. On the globe are delineated the equinoctial line, divided by degrees and hours, the ecliptic and the meridian (passing west of Greenwich). The continents are shaded and outlined in pink, green and yellow. It shows: the Cook routes; a wind rose in the Southern Indian Ocean; Antarctica without land; Africa with Negroland (Hermann Moll is considered the first geographer to name the West African region in his 1727 map. (Encyclopaedia Britannica, ed. 1902, under "States of Central Africa"); Tartary in Central Asia; the Mogul kingdom in northern India; in North America only New England, Virginia, Carolina, Florida, Mississippi are identified; California is already a peninsula; the northwest coast of America is "unknown parts" (Alaska is not described and it is only partially delineated, it was to become part of the United States in 1867); Mexico is named "Spain"; Central South America "Amazone America". Australia (which was to be so named after 1829) is called New Holland. The route of Admiral Anson is traced (1740) and the trade winds are indicated by arrows. (See Van der Krogt, P., Old Globes in the Netherlands, Utrecht 1984, p. 146 and Van der Krogt, P. - Dekker, E., Globes from the Western World, London 1993, pp. 115.) Elly Dekker, comparing Moll’s 1719 globe and his re-edition (of which the one described above is a sample), identifies the differences between them: the two editions are quite similar to each other, but in the "anonymous" globe, compared to the previous globe of 1719, California looks like a proper peninsula - the reports of the Spanish explorers of the region had given rise to uncertainty over whether it was connected to the mainland or not. The geographical nature of California was confirmed after the explorations of Juan Bautista de Anza (1774-1776). The routes of Dampier's journey were partially erased and the route of Captain James Cook's first voyage was superimposed on them, and the geography of Australasia was adapted accordingly, including the denomination of the Cook Strait. See Dekker, Elly, Globes at Greenwich, 1999. An important ante quem element is represented by Tasmania: it is not separated from Australia by the Bass Strait...

This is an antique Field Camera and tripod. An English, mahogany and brass plate camera with accessories and lens, dating to the late Victorian p...

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...

Ptolemaic armillary sphere Charles-François Delamarche Paris, ante 1798 Wood and papier-mâché covered with printed and partly hand-colored paper It measures 15.55 in in height x Ø 10...

Vintage Panasonic toot-a-loop-radio is an original decorative object realized in the 1970s by Panasonic R-72 (R72) and built by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co This radio is the...

This elegant vintage telephone set by Tesla showcases the original maker’s stamp on the underside, confirming its authenticity. Its streamlined curves and timeless design reflect mid...

This is an antique pair of cased binoculars. An English, enamel brass optical instrument, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1900. Appealing weathering and presented in an attrac...

This is a vintage 3-draw telescope. An English, leather and brass navigational or astronomical instrument, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930. Perfect for bird watching, l...

Blown glass scientific instrument. An example of the Crookes tube with Maltese Cross, in chromed metal, a precursor to the cathode ray tube. It was used t...

This is an antique rotary wrap reel machine. An English, brass and cast iron factory cotton skein winder by John Nesbitt of Manchester, dating to the late...

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...

Spanish - Moorish Gothic bronze mortar and with ribs, most likely from Andalusia. Of conical shape, resting on a circular base, the exterior decorated with a series of wing-shaped pr...

Elegant bronze mortar from the 17 century from Italy dated 1630. Really rare mortar due to his big size. In very good condition and beautiful patina.

Antique 18th Century Diptych Sundial and Compass a portable wooden boxwood sundial with compass, of German origin, by David Beringer, Nuremberg, dating back to the 1790 circa, in good age related condition, with signs of wear consistent with age and use. David Beringer (1756 – 1821) was a German scientific instrument maker and craftsman active in Nuremberg and famous for his cubic wooden sundials visible in Metropolitan Museum of Art di New York. A portable sundial...

Italian Radiophonograph RR126 and Record Player by Castiglioni Brothers for Brionvega, 1960s. RR126 radio phonograph and turntable with a rectangular wooden base with dark brown prof...

Vertical mirror galvanometer made in 1850 circa, oak and glass, three adjustable screws at the base. Tool constituted by a magnet bar movable inside a coil and connected to a needle. In the absence of current the needle is positioned vertically while when the coil is crossed by the current it creates a magnetic field that moves the needle. This type of galvanometer was used for measurement of insulation of telegraph cables...

Olivetti lettera DL by Sottsass Ettore design in years '70 working very good vintage with her original box

19th century thermometer in original case circa 1890. Fine quality thermometer which measures between -45 degrees centigrade and +50. In fully working condition, complete in its ori...

Human skull anatomical model life size 1:1 Model with cranial sutures detachable 2 parts plus three cervical vertebrae for medical educational aid. The skull and vertebrae are made o...

Italian or German anatomical bust. The profile photos are without organs. The measurements refer to the wooden base. The conditions are as per the phot...

John and William Cary Updated by George and John Cary Terrestrial Globe London, 1840 lb 22 (kg 10) Slight surface abrasions due to use. A small crack on the horizon circle. The globe rests in its original Dutch style stand with four supporting turned wood columns. It measures 26 in in height x 23.6 in in diameter with the diameter of the sphere measuring 18 in; 66 cm in height x 60 cm in diameter with the diameter of the sphere measuring 45.72 cm. The 18 inch...

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...

Quality antique Victorian brass scales having a quality set of brass scales with 2 circular brass pans standing on a brass tripod base Quaint examples in...

This is a vintage beam compass. A German, silver nickel cartographer's or architect's drawing instrument by Riefler, dating to the late 20th cent...

Round-section brass telescope with mahogany-lined handle, four-extension focus. English manufacture from the mid-19th century. Good condition signs of wear and tear, fully functional...