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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Original Patina, Italy, Pharmacy or Herbalist
Located in Roma, IT
Antique bronze mortar. Handmade with pestle. Original patina
Italian bronze mortar and pestle
Measures: Pestle height 7.5 in.
Category
Mid-19th Century European Grand Tour Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Teaching Aid Modell of an Ear - PHYWE ca. 1930
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Teaching Aid Modell of an Ear - PHYWE ca. 1930
An antique folding model of an ear. Used as teaching material in German schools ca. 1930. Made of wood and plaster by PHYWE, G...
Category
1930s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
Anatomical model: a human brain inserted into a sectioned skullcap, Italy 1920.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a human brain (enlarged 2 times). Model that can be dismantled into six parts which highlights both the internal and external...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
French enamel, brass and mother of pearl Opera Glasses
Located in London, GB
A fine pair of French enamel, brass and mother of pearl opera glasses, pink enamelled and jewelled barrels, with mother of pearl caps. Go...
Category
1880s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Antique Brass Plumber
s Blowtorch c.1900, Made in Sweden
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An antique solid brass plumber's blowtorch with a perforated handle. Stamped "Primus Sweden".
Shown with life size hand model for scale.
CREATOR AB Bacho, Stockholm, S...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Metal
Antique European Enameled Postal Scale with Brass
Located in Miami, FL
Antique European Enameled Postal Scale with Brass, this desk top pendulum scale is a quirky and fun addition to your collection of antique scales. Bought from a collector, it’s made ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Enamel
Late 19th Century Scientific "Cyclo-Stormograph" by Short
Mason Tycos
By Short
Mason
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 an...
Category
Early 1900s English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1950s Dutch Industrial Scientific Convex Lens Brass Stand Cast Iron Tripod Base
Located in Haarlem, NL
Scientific school or laboratory convex shaped lens on a brass stand with cast iron tripod base.
The heavy convex glass lens is 7 1/2 cm (2.95") th...
Category
1950s Dutch Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Iron
$760 Sale Price
20% Off
Three-Dimensional Midcentury Anatomical Wall Plaster Sculpture, Germany, 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Midcentury three-dimensional anatomical plaster painting, provenance Hygiene Museum Dresden with museum sticker label, Germany 1950s.
Please note tha...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
$469 Sale Price
20% Off
Curiosité Cabinet Collection of Shell Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
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 ...
Category
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
$162 Sale Price
20% Off
Rare paradoxical planetarium of Jupiter and the Medici satellites, France 1840.
Located in Milan, IT
This rare paradoxical planetarium demonstrates the rotation and revolution motion of the system of the planet Jupiter and the Medici satellites. The base is made of ebonized fruit wo...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1940s Antique Wood Clamps Rustic Carpentry Tool
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair of antique wood clamps .Prior use to build boats
Dimensions: Largest 63 L x 5.25 D x 1.25 W Short 48 L x 5 W x 1.5...
Category
Mid-20th Century Rustic Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
$240 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Steel and Wood Chisels
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A set of antique steel and wood chisels with bronze collars. One steel nail punch.
CREATOR Stanely. Buck Brothers. E.A. Berg Eskilstuna.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1850-1...
Category
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Steel
$225 / set
Through the Lens: 19th Century Standing Magnifying Glass
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully crafted 19th-century standing magnifying glass, featuring a circular lens mounted within an elegant, square wooden frame. The frame is supported by four turned spindles...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
19th Century Large Barometer
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century large barometer made in London by Thomas Rubergall, who was the Queen Victoria’s optician. The face of the barometer features engraving reading ‘Tho(s) Rubergall, Optici...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Satinwood
$13,168
Antique Telescope, English, Silvered Brass, Dennis of London, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a long antique telescope. An English, silvered brass single draw refractor by Dennis of London, dating to the early Victorian period and later, circa 1850.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky.
Superior length telescope with appealing finish and personal inscription
Displaying a desirable aged patina throughout
Silvered brass presents bright, reflective tones
Bright objective with large 55mm diameter — some marks to lens edge
Front element protected by sliding sun shade
Removable dust cover encloses the element when not in use
Primary barrel dressed distinctively in a later, quality faux crocodile cover...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique J.C Ulmer Co. Survey Transit
Compass In Original Mahogany Box
Located in New York, NY
Brass and steel survey transit and compass in the original mahogany box. Made by J.C Ulmer Co. Good condition with appropriate wear from age. One availa...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
London Mid-19th Century Vanity Kit Set Sterling Silver
Located in Brescia, IT
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Crystal, Sterling Silver
$383 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Weather in Style: Exquisite 18th-Century French Barometer by Charles Desnioulin
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite 18th-century French barometer, crafted in 1778 by Charles Desnioulin (Signed), is a true masterpiece of both science and art. The finely carved wood frame, adorned wi...
Category
18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Glass
Mid Century Medical Floor Model Scale by Detecto
By Detecto Scale Company
Located in New York, NY
Architectural Mid Century Modern design floor model doctors scale made in the USA by Detecto, circa 1950's. The scale is in very good, original clean and ready to use condition, it is missing the horizontal height bar. This example includes a vertical grab knob , which is something I have never seen before.
Originally from a doctors office, perfect to complete a stylish MCM bathroom.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Space Age Orange Vintage Television Ikaro by Minerva, 1970s, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age orange vintage television from plastic model Ikaro by Minerva, 1970s, Austria.
This portable television with an orange plastic casing by ...
Category
1970s Austrian Space Age Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Early 20th century Swedish metal telephone by Rikstelefon
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century Swedish metal telephone by rikstelefon circa 1900.
Quite possibly early than dated, here we have a sheet metal rikstelefon telephone set. Rikstelefon was the nat...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Antique Pharmacist
s Medicine Cup, English, Glass, Apothecary Measure, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pharmacist's medicine cup. An English, glass and leather apothecary measure, dating to the Victorian period, circa 19000.
A fa...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Terrestrial, Davis of London, Victorian, 1860
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3 draw telescope. An English, brass terrestrial or astronomical refractor by Davis of London, dating to the mid Victorian period, cir...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Tesla Telephone Set With Original Maker’s Mark, 1960s
By Tesla
Located in Zohor, SK
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...
Category
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
Bronze Mortar with Pestle, Spain, 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Mortar with hand. Bronze. XVII century.
Mortar with a circular base, cylindrical body and slightly outwardly flared mouth, decorated with a series of smooth horizontal moldings arranged both in the lower and upper areas and with simple vertical elements (which still maintain slight balustraded shapes) derived from of the ribs that these specimens used to have in the medieval Spanish...
Category
17th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Other
Olivetti lettera DL by Sottsass Ettore design in years
70
Located in Biella, IT
Olivetti lettera DL by Sottsass Ettore design in years '70 working
very good vintage with her original box
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Early 20th century French Brass Thermometer, 1900s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Elegant wall thermometer dating from the early 20th century, around 1900.
Crafted in finely worked brass, it features openwork and engraved decorations with vegetal and geometric mot...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1970
s Vintage Framed Abacus - Pair
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1970’s Vintage Framed Abacus – Pair.
Sourced from a collector in the Czech republic this is a pair of large scale abacus used as a class teaching model. In excellent condition.
Wor...
Category
1970s Czech Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Birch
$88 / set
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
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 ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
$172 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique "No. 3 Folding Pocket Kodak, Model AB" Camera c.1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
The Kodak No.3 Model AB is an early model. The body of camera is all leather with a leather handle and unique leather covered lens. it folds smoothly closed to 1.75 inches.
...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
$150 Sale Price
33% Off
French 18th Century Louis XVI Period Giltwood Barometer Thermometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and extremely decorative French 18th century Louis XVI period giltwood barometer thermometer. The most decorative barometer thermometer retains its original glass pane enc...
Category
18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
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 ...
Category
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
$172 Sale Price
20% Off
Super Rare 1880s Spoon Top Conformatore
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a wonderful example of 1800s inventiveness. We believe this is American made and ie signed and dated 1888. This is only the second example we have ever found. We will only se...
Category
Late 19th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Wall-Mounted Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Oak By R. Krengel 1910s
Located in Verviers, BE
Wall-Mounted Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Oak By R. Krengel 1910s Eupen Belgium
High quality mechanism with jeweled movement barometer and thermometer (in centigrade)...
Category
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
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 ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Vintage Goodell-Pratt Brass and Wood Level c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A vintage level with two bubbles, large brass label and brass accents.
CREATOR Goodell-Pratt Company, Mass.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1930-1940.
MATERIALS AND TECHN...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
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 ...
Category
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
$134 Sale Price
20% Off
19th C Wax F.Ziegler Anatomical Models Studies Embryo Plant Scientific Medical
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A rare pair of wax studies by F.Ziegler taken from the imagery of F.Keibel
We believe the larger of the two models to be off a human embryo and the other to be of a plant.
The ...
Category
1890s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Reichert Austria Microscope 241 653 in Wooden Box with Accessories
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Reichert Austria Microscope Number 241 653 in Wooden Box with Accessories as Pictured. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: Box: 14.5" H x 9" W x 10.5" D.
Category
Late 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Charming Vintage Gentleman
s Library Telescope
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage gentleman's library telescope
Not sure exactly of it's age. Estimated Mid Victorian Period ( 1860-1880). Uncertain to maker and origin.
...
Category
Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A terrestral globe signed Périgot, published by Delagrave, Paris 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
A Medium-sized terrestrial globe, made of papier-mâché, finished with pastille and completed by the application of paper spindles imprinted with intaglio printing. Color touch-ups. T...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early twentieth century boat compass by Star Compass of Boston. The gimballed yacht compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This Classic marine instrument is fi...
Category
1940s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Bausch
Lomb Optical Blue Refractor Phoropter Medical Eye Exam Machine
By Bausch
Lomb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical Blue Refractor Phoropter Medical Eye Exam Machine. Early 20th Century. Measurements: 11" H x 12.5" W x 4" D.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Anatomical Model of Human Eye Papier-maché, Scientific Collectables, Dr.Auzoux
Located in Leuven , BE
Anatomical cut of one eye, composition in natural painted papier-maché, with numbered labels on the different elements / the opening eyeball to cover the removable pute. Pen annotati...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper, Plaster
Navy Binoculars
Located in Paris, FR
Binoculars Navy with polished steel adjustable tripod base.
With polished aluminium and steel binoculars with clear glass
lens, magnifying x8 times. Adjustable height.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
$7,123 / item
Art Deco Kodak Senior Six-16 Folding Camera c.1937-1939
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An Art Deco Kodak Senior Six-16 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome and black accents and flip out view finder.
Shown with life size hand. Sold as decorative o...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
$140 Sale Price
20% Off
Scandinavian Modern Ericsson Mint Green COBRA Vintage Rotary Dial Phone 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern Ericsson "COBRA" mint green vintage rotary phone 1950s. This phone was made in Ohio and is in very good condition with no issues. It does dial out but does not ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
19th Century Portable Wooden Sundial
Located in Madrid, ES
Charming portable sundial crafted in engraved wood, dating from the 19th century.
This compact timekeeping instrument exemplifies the practical elegance and craftsmanship of traditio...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
American Nautical Brass Yacht Binnacle Mounted in Mahogany Case, Circa 1890
Located in Charleston, SC
American nautical mahogany yacht binnacle with a hinged locking oval glass viewing port, original removable brass side light burner with font, brass carrying handle, and fitted with ...
Category
1890s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Anatomical Plaster Medical Torso Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century anatomical plaster medical torso figure
This early 20th century life size anatomical medical torso would have originally been used as...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Anatomical model: a decomposable eyeball, SOMSO, Germany circa 1930.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a decomposable eyeball, complete in all its parts, made of plaster, glass and painted paper mache, metal hooks, holding on a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
A Fine Early 19th Century Marine Chronometer By Parkinson And Frodsham
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
An early 19th century 2 day marine chronometer by Parkinson and Frodsham, London. Numbered on the brass bound mahogany 3 tier box, and the dial ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large Format Box Camera, circa 1915
Located in Hudson, NY
This large format box camera was made by the Folmer & Schwing Division of Eastman Kodak in Rochester NY. The case constructed of mahogany in a rich old red finish has many original details and was being used as a working camera until around 1960. See photo 5 for a retrofitted aftermarket shutter lens that was its last upgrade and done professionally to make the antique camera...
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather, Glass, Wood
1970s Telstar Telephone by Henry Dreyfuss for Western Electric
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfectly Space Age telephone that brings a vision of what the fututre looked like in the 1970s to any interior. Designed by Henry Dreyfuss Associates for Western Electric in 1979,...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Beautiful set of early 1900s surgical instruments, including an amputation saw s
Located in Leuven , BE
Beautiful set of early 1900s surgical instruments, including an amputation saw stamped A. GOUGEON and a complete Renault trepan with its accessories (rare). Overall in good condition...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Art Deco Styled Industrial General Electric Medical Sun Floor Lamp
By Canadian General Electric
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This Art Deco Industrial floor sun lamp was made by General Electric of Canada is approximately 1940, most likely for the medical industry. The lamp is done with a heavy stepped meta...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Large Wooden Carved Black Forest Weather Station with Deer
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Wooden Carved Black Forest Weather Station with Deer
A large Black Forest antique wall barometer with an ornate carved wooden frame featuring detailed hunting motifs. The desi...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Travel pharmacy in mahogany wood and brass, England 1790.
Located in Milan, IT
Travel pharmacy. Box in Mogano Sipo ( Entandrophragma utile ) wood and brass with recessed handles on both sides and a drawer on the front. The upper level opens, inside it there are...
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
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 ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
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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Large Abacus
Large Brass Telescope
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Plate Camera
Pocket Compass
Used Stanley Tools
Vintage Beakers
W And T Avery Scales Antique
Wooden Instrument Case
16th Century Bronze Mortar
19Th Century Antique Cameras
3 Draw Brass Telescope
Anatomical Wax
Antique Brass Ruler
Antique Brass Scoop
Antique Brass Sundials
Antique Magnetic Compass
Antique Monocular