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Antique Measuring Instruments

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1890s Brass Sextant Georg Hechelmann Hamburg Antique Navigation Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
ancient astronomical instrument used to measure the height of a celestial body (for example the Sun): the
Category

1890s Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Lecoultre 1920 Travel Pendant Desk Clock Sterling Silver with Guilloche Enamel
By LeCoultre Cie 1
Located in Miami, FL
horological skills to create high-quality timepieces. In 1844, he invented the world's most precise measuring
Category

1920s Swiss Art Deco Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Lecoultre 1920 Travel Pendant Desk Clock Sterling Silver with Guilloche Enamel
By LeCoultre Cie 1
Located in Miami, FL
skills to create high-quality timepieces. In 1844, he invented the world's most precise measuring
Category

1920s Swiss Art Deco Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Cottam Hallen Waywiser
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
waywiser is an instrument for measuring the distance traversed by a walker, vehicle or ship.
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Measuring Instruments

Large Hanau Silver box, circa 1900
Located in Toronto, Ontario
scene. The hinged cover with figures playing musical instruments. Measures 5 x 3 3/4" x 2 3/4"
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Measuring Instruments

Aubusson Tapestry Salon Set
Located in Fayetteville, AR
tapestry depicting flowers and musical instruments. Fauteuils measure 24" H X 21" D X 36" H. Seat height
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Measuring Instruments

Rare French 19th Century Bronze Watch and Barometer Holder
Located in Victoria, BC
both a pocket watch and a barometer, two essential instruments for measuring time and weather
Category

Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Marble, Bronze

1920s Terrestrial Antique Library Globe Edited Columbus by Prof. Ernst Friedrich
By Columbus Verlag Paul Oestergard
Located in Milan, IT
always wanted to understand the world where they live, and they used all possible instruments to measure
Category

Early 20th Century German Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Wood

Early Equatorial Sun Ring Dial
Located in New Orleans, LA
astronomical instrument used to measure the altitude of stars. In his writings on mathematical recreations, the
Category

17th Century German Other Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass, Bronze

19th Century Small French Antique Terrestrial Globe Editet by J. Forest a Paris
Located in Milan, IT
instruments to measure the space around and to increase their knowledge. Men had the possibilities to create
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Paper

19th Century Small Terrestrial Globe Edited in Germany by Prof. Arthur Krause
Located in Milan, IT
where they live, and they used all possible instruments to measure the space around and to increase
Category

1890s Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Paper

Vintage Pocket Slide Rule, English, Brass, Scientific, Measuring, Instrument
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage pocket slide rule. An English, brass scientific measuring instrument, dating to
Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English London-Made Brass Surveying Compass in Original Case, circa 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
. Archbutt of London. Manufacturers of scientific measuring instruments, such as levels and theodolites etc
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

1890s Metronome System Johan Maelzel Antique Instrument Measure Music Tempo
Located in Milan, IT
Metronome system Johan Maelzel (1772-1838) from the late 19th century. It is an instrument used to
Category

1890s Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Wood

1890s Antique Metronome System Johan Maelzel Antique Instrument Measure Tempo
Located in Milan, IT
Metronome system Johan Maelzel (1772-1838) from the late 19th century. It is an instrument used to
Category

1890s Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Wood

1850 Oak Wood Barometer Signed Negretti Zambra UK Instrument Weather Measure
Located in Milan, IT
fist one in 1643 to make an instrument for measure changes of air pressure. Man, as farmer or
Category

1860s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Oak

Late 19th Century Metronome Antique Instrument to Measure the Tempo of Music
Located in Milan, IT
Metronome system Johan Maelzel (1772-1838) from the late 19th century. It is an instrument used to
Category

Early 1900s Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Wood

Collection of Vintage Leather Measuring Tapes
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Collection of four vintage leather measuring tapes. Two have metal tape and two have cloth
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Metal

Three Corporation of Liverpool Bronze Measures
Located in Essex, MA
Inscribed Peter .......... Esq , Mayor. 1826. On reverse Imperial 1/2 pint , Imperial 1/2 gill, Imperial 1 gill.
Category

1820s English Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Small Antique Pharmacist s Measuring Cup, English, Glass, Apothecary, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a small antique pharmacist's measuring cup. An English, glass and leather apothecary
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Glass

Mid-19th Century French Brass Duboscq Saccharimeter Antique Physic Instrument
By J. Duboscq, Paris 1
Located in Milan, IT
scientific instruments to measure concentration of sugars in a solution. This instrument is signed
Category

1850s French Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Large Industrial Antique Lollypop Toledo Scale Measures to 1600 Pounds
Located in Washington, DC
licensed technician. Scale measures in one pound increments up to an impressive 1600 pounds. Scale is
Category

1920s American Industrial Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass, Metal

English 19th Century Brown Leather Case Treble England Retractable Tape Measure
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English leather case 50 feet retractable tape measure from the 19th century marked Treble
Category

19th Century English Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Rare Nest of Eight Late Georgian Bronze Measures of the Corporation of Lancaster
Located in Essex, MA
Gallon with various test marks. Seven other measures in graduated sizes. A rare nest all polished and
Category

1820s English Georgian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Bronze

The Stroh or Stroviol Violin
By English School
Located in Madrid, ES
, invented the instrument in 1899. Measures: 60 cm wide. Good condition 1300 EURO.
Category

Early 20th Century English Modern Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Wood

Metronome System Johan Maelzel of the Late 19th Century
By Johann Nepomunk Maelzel
Located in Milan, IT
Metronome system Johan Maelzel of the late 19th century. It is an instrument used to measure the
Category

1870s Austrian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Mechanical Metronome by the Maison Lemarchand Paris Early 1900s Oak Wood
Located in Milan, IT
the risk of the applicant and without guarantee of functioning. It is an instrument used to measure
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Oak

Metronome Made in the Late 19th Century
Located in Milan, IT
Metronome made in the late 19th century. It is an instrument used to measure the Tempo of music
Category

1880s Austrian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Small French-Made Brass Compass Second Half of the 19th Century
Located in Milan, IT
measuring horizontal angles and magnetic orientation. The instrument consists of two movable alidades with
Category

1860s French Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

1780s Cole Fecit Brass Antique Surveyor s Transit Theodolite Measurement Tool
Located in Milan, IT
tablet with 4 display feet. Instrument used for measuring horizontal and vertical angles consisting of a
Category

1780s Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Gibson Mandolin-Guitar with Case, circa 1920
By Gibson Guitars
Located in Big Flats, NY
, string instrument, circa 1920 Measures: 26.5" H x 10.25" W x 3.25" D, case: 29" H x 12.25" W x 4" D.
Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Metal

Metronome System Paquet 1815 and Johan Maelzel, 1846
Located in Milan, IT
on a side. Size 11 x 11 cm H 23 cm. It is an instrument used to measure the Tempo of music: the
Category

1850s French Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Metal

Metronome System Paquet 1815 and Johan Maelzel 1846
Located in Milan, IT
functional. Size: 11 x 11 cm, H 23 cm. It is an instrument used to measure the tempo of music: the pendulum
Category

1850s French Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Metal

Black Forest 1920s Carved Aneroid Barometer with Foliage, Bird and Fox Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
occupied by the barometer itself, called an aneroid barometer, an instrument used for measuring pressure as
Category

Early 20th Century French Black Forest Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Glass, Oak

Late 19th Century J. H. Stewar Barometer and Thermometer Antique Weather Misure
Located in Milan, IT
disciple, was the fist one in 1643 to make an instrument for measure changes of air pressure. Man, as
Category

1880s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Wood

Antiques french Scale France 19th Wrought Iron Brass, Wood and Marble
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
collection of antique measuring instruments. Its atypical design ensures it will capture attention and
Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Marble, Brass, Wrought Iron

Sextant in Original Mahogany Case, England c. 1900
Located in Kastrup, DK
instrument used to measure the angle between the visible horizon and a celestial body, essential for
Category

Early 20th Century English Other Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Exceptional Late 19th Century Engineer s Tool Box
Located in London, GB
An exceptional brass bound mahogany box containing a comprehensive selection of measuring
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Measuring Instruments

Occasus Ortus: An Astronomical Measuring Device for Angular Precision, c.1780
Located in Langweer, NL
measuring device, likely related to astronomy or navigation. The design features various components of the
Category

1780s European Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Paper

18th Century Pair of Italian Angels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18th c. Pair of Italian Polychromed Winged Angels playing Instruments. The base measures 5.5 inches
Category

18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Wood

19th Century Large German Hanau Silver Box
Located in Toronto, ON
scene. The hinged cover with figures playing musical instruments. Measures 5 x 3 3/4" x 2 3/4", Item
Category

1890s German Antique Measuring Instruments

19th Century Naval Navigational Octant by Crichton London in Original Case
Located in Nantucket, MA
corner. Instrument Measures: 13 in L x 10-1/2 in W x 3 in H Case Measures: 14-1/2 in L x 13 in W x 4
Category

1830s English Other Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Silver Enamel Figures Garden Scene Compact
Located in Wallkill, NY
group in a garden listening to music. A nude male playing an instrument. Measuring 3.05" x 2.70
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Fine Antique English Nautical Walker’s Excelsior IV Patent Log with Stand
Located in Forney, TX
very difficult to measure speed of ships because of lack of precise instruments. The Walker’s Excelsior
Category

Early 20th Century English Industrial Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Restored Antique Brass and Iron Universal Ophthalmometer for Optician / Eye Dr
By General Optical Company
Located in Miami Beach, FL
eye doctor over 100 years ago for examining a person’s eyes. An ophthalmometer is an instrument to
Category

Early 20th Century American Other Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Iron, Brass

Early 20th Century French Brass Painted Tole Four-Light Bouillotte Table Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
dore finish with a patinated pale green painted shade decorated with gilt music instruments motifs
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass, Tôle

Brass Log Signed Walker’s Excelsior IV Patent Log, 1920 circa
Located in Milan, IT
because of lack of precise instruments to measure time: throwing a piece of wood outboard from the prow of
Category

1920s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Iron and Brass Shop Measures
Located in San Francisco, CA
Set of metal shop measurers the largest measures 8" h x 7.5" d.
Category

19th Century French Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Iron

Brass Folding Measure by Stanley
By Stanley Co., London 1
Located in New York, NY
Hinged folding measure Marked "Stanley London 1890". Composed of eight sections with a large looped
Category

19th Century English Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

London City Council Metal Measures in Mahogany Box
Located in New York, NY
London city council metal measures in Mahogany Box 1 Quart 1 Pint 1/2 Pint 1 Gill 1/2 Gill 1/4 Gill.
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Spectroscope
Located in Atlanta, GA
Instrument developed to measure light prisms. It was made by a German company in Chicago and we
Category

1920s American Industrial Antique Measuring Instruments

Spectroscope from 1920s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Instrument developed to measure light prisms. It was made by a German company in Chicago and we
Category

1920s American Industrial Antique Measuring Instruments

French Instrument from a Perfume Factory
Located in San Francisco, CA
A French instrument for measuring sugar levels from a permume factory in Grasse. Early 20th
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Two Similar English Leather Surveyor s Tape Measures
Located in Hudson, NY
Two similar English, red leather surveyor or architects tape measures. The smaller 3.75"in
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

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Antique Measuring Instruments For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of antique measuring instruments is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique antique measuring instruments was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, wood and brass. Antique measuring instruments have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Antique measuring instruments made by Industrial designers — as well as those associated with Victorian — are very popular at 1stDibs. Antique measuring instruments have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Philip Harris Ltd., Aitchison and Dring Fage are consistently popular.

Finding the Right Collectibles-curiosities for You

Antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities can bring whimsy and wonder to any interior. 

Decorating with old scientific instruments, historical memorabilia and vintage musical 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. 

And bringing collectibles and curiosities into your space is actually on trend — Wunderkammern, or curiosity cabinets, were all the rage in Europe during the 1500s and continued to have adherents there and in the U.S. in the following centuries. Today, however, they’re experiencing a real surge in popularity and influencing how many interior designers are furnishing and decorating homes — combining contemporary with antique, scientific with tribal, earthly with extraterrestrial, Les Lalanne tables with Flemish tapestries.

The original Wunderkammern were entire rooms filled with objects demonstrating their owners’ worldly knowledge: A proper one included artificiala or preciosa (objets d’art); naturalia (such as skeletons, shells, minerals); exotica (taxidermy or dried plants); and scientifica (scientific instruments), frequently alongside religious relics and ancient artifacts.

Pay tribute to a history of rich and diverse musical traditions that have taken shape all over the world by decorating your home with a collection of antique and vintage musical instruments — with a little help from strong hanging wire or some wall hooks, vintage brass instruments such as a gong, French horn or trumpet can help elevate a home office or complement the efforts you’ve made to ensure a welcoming vibe in your home’s entryway. Bells or antique wind instruments can add provocative metallic contrasts to dark woods as tabletop decorative objects.  

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.

Wanderlust, nostalgia and a shared love of good design are contributing factors to certain trends in decorating — just as vintage trunks and luggage have reappeared as furniture or home accents in a bedroom or foyer, decorating with globes, maps or nautical objects is similarly rooted in the allure of travel and a penchant for the stylish finishing touch that collectibles bring to our homes.

Find a wide range of antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities on 1stDibs.

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