Scientific Instruments
to
166
952
600
1,595
5
3
155
152
139
47
45
32
28
27
16
16
13
6
6
6
5
3
1
1
135
627
833
8
375
300
61
34
40
33
37
30
55
36
25
9
944
660
460
245
135
1,092
379
269
232
182
1,603
1,598
1,600
9
7
6
6
5
Scientific Instruments For Sale
An anatomical plaster model of the section of the head, Austria 1870.
Located in Milan, IT
An anatomical model of the section of the head, cast out of plaster, signed “ K.K.S.T.G.S.C.H Innsbruck, in a very good condition and with original patina. Anatomical study purpose. ...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Tellurium mechanical/electrical model of the solar system Phiwe Italian 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Tellurium, i.e., mechanical/electrical model representative of the solar system, made of metal with green and gray hammered paint, lithographed tin globe, plastic Moon, and metal bas...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
19th C Surveyors Metamorphic Instrument Box/Table A very rare piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th C Surveyors Metamorphic Instrument Box/Table
A very rare piece, the carrying box originally held many pieces of the surveyor’s equipment, t...
Category
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Bronze Skeleton
Located in Round Top, TX
A sensational 19th century skeleton in bronze originating from the Louvain University Of Medicine - Belgium. An excellent addition to any doctor...
Category
19th Century Belgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
$14,950
Anatomical model: a decomposable eyeball, SOMSO, Germany circa 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a decomposable eyeball, complete in all its parts, made out of polyvinyl chloride, plaster, glass and painted paper, metal ho...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Push Button Genie Telephone in Peach
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Very sleek & cool styling in this Genie telephone. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear retains the great color of it's early days. Not tested.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large Bronze Imperial Standard Bushel Measure For Northumberland
Located in Essex, MA
Circular with wood bound handles and inscribed Bate London " Maker of The Original Standards For The Exchequer , City Of London " . Imperial Standard Bushel Measure for Northumberla...
Category
1820s English George IV Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Large 24 Piece Antique Mechanical Drafting Set
Original Fitted Metal Case
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large and substantial antique mechanical drafting set most likely originates from Germany and dates to approximately 1900 and done in the period Edwa...
Category
Early 20th Century German Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Teaching Model of the Adipose Spleen, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A great antique hand-painted anatomical model of the adipose spleen. Made of papier maché and plaster, mounted on a turned wooden base. Manufactured most probably by SOMSO or PHYWE, ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
French Cast Iron and Wood Coffee Grinder with Crank and Drawer, Dated 1901
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France in the early 20th century and dated 1901, this large-scale cast iron coffee grinder combines functional design with rustic charm. The piece features a deep cast iron hopper over a stepped wooden base with a single drawer, used for collecting freshly ground coffee. A turned wooden handle operates the crank mechanism, which engages visible iron gears for a tactile and mechanical presence.
Marked “PAT’D 1901” and adorned with decorative relief motifs at each corner, the base showcases fine French detailing in its cast work. The interior is lined in white ceramic, and the entire piece rests solidly on a framed plinth in warm-toned wood that complements the matte black patina of the iron.
An excellent example of French utilitarian design with sculptural appeal, this antique grinder...
Category
Early 20th Century French Country Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
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
Vintage Oil Can
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage Copper Force Feed Oil Can.
An automotive tin oil can. A fantastic piece of vintage motoring ephemera, the perfect gift for the motoring enthusiast. Who would have thought the...
Category
20th Century British Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
$130
19th Century German “Magic Lantern” Image Projector with Brass Lens
Located in Middleburg, VA
A captivating piece of pre-cinema history, this 19th-century German "magic lantern" image projector is an evocative relic from the dawn of visual storytelling. Crafted circa 1890, th...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Metal, Steel, Iron, Sheet Metal, Tin
Antique "Le Jockey Club" 1930
s Horse Racing Binoculars with Compass
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A French silvered brass and brown leather Horse Racing binoculars stamped "Le Jockey Club Paris" presented in their original brown leather case. ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$440 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
Anatomical model for class: an animal intestine, Italy 1890.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomic model for class, didactic purpuse, depicting an animal’s intestine, made out of painted paper machè. Italy end of 19th century.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Circa 1890 French Satinwood Concave Distortion Mirror Viewer Scientific
Located in Lowestoft, GB
Circa 1890 French concave mirror card viewer, all constructed of French polished light wood, with ebonised stained elements.
Sliding card holder, hinged handle and mirror. In part...
Category
1890s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Satinwood
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
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Blown Glass
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shells 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
$144 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
Bronze Sculptural Thermometer, Long Bodied Lady, Artist Signed and Dated 1911
Located in Petaluma, CA
It wasn't easy trying to title this bronze in one sentence. The first thing about it to my eye is the wonderful whimsy displayed. The fact that it's a thermometer just adds to the jo...
Category
1910s American Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
$1,137 Sale Price
40% Off
Antique colored stick hemometer in bakelite, Germany, 1930.
Located in Milan, IT
Antique colored stick haemometer. Inside its original box, with ‘Haemometr’ stamped on the lid, two hinges allowed it to be opened. Inside the blue satin padded lid a transverse ribb...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
Antique Zoological Wall Chart
Located in Oakville, CT
Antique Pfurtscheller wall chart
Overall Dimensions: 53" x 56"
Chart Dimensions: 50 1/2" x 56
Materials: Paper & Linen.
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Linen, Paper
Silvered Fire Suit
Located in Peekskill, NY
I'm guessing that this industrial safety garment dates to the mid 20th century. We had a custom made museum quality display stand created for this item and it just comes alive. This ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Canvas
$2,600
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
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
$144 Sale Price
20% Off
A Brendel botanic model: Taxus-Yew, Germany 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical model of the Brendel, Taxus N.40a female (Coniferae), Badger. The round base in ebonized wood holds three models: an example of a male Sporophile, a female Aril enla...
Category
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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
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
19th Century Victorian Weighing Scales By J White
Son, c.1880
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century Victorian grocers scales consist of a cast iron base with a ridged brass column supporting a cast iron balancing arm from which white glazed stoneware plate is s...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Wooden box containing a travel surgical set, signed Galante, Paris 1870.
Located in Milan, IT
Oak wood box, containing a set of 8 iron surgical instruments, equipped with black horn and rosewood handles. Signed H.Galante & fils. Paris, France circa 1870.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Hand Carved Coquille Nut Egg Box 19th Century Flea Trap Pomander Needle Case
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful hand carved coquille nut egg box. Beautiful carving, great patina, unscrews at center to open.
The original use was a flea trap, things were d...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Botanic Model of a Red Grape Flower, Paravia, Italy, 1940
Located in Milan, IT
A botanical maquette for didactic use, depicting a red Grape flower, Vitis Vinifera, Anipelidee. Made of metal, paper, plaster, galalith and wood. Extremely detailed. Paravia, Milan,...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Brass Surveyors Level by Troughton
Simms, London
By Troughton
Simms London
Located in Norwich, GB
Brass Surveyors Level by Troughton & Simms, London
Sixteen inch extending telescope with original lacquer finish and spirit level.
The compass ha...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Decorative Fancy Victorian Barometer, 19th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Fancy Victorian barometer, 19th century
Mahogany veneer with inlay. Historical condition. The barometer may need to be checked for accuracy. Ple...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
VINTAGE Optometrist Eye Chart Light Box Cabinet, eye exam
Located in Buffalo, NY
VINTAGE Optometrist Eye Chart Light Box Cabinet, eye exam .. Tested and working, could use re-wiring..
Category
1940s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
An old ophtalmology device, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
An old Italian ophthalmological device with a table with backlit letters, to test eyesight. Sbisa, company founded in Florence in 1869. Case in wood and glass. The electrical system ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
Chinese Hanging Opium Scale in Wooden Case
Located in Chicago, IL
This curious keepsake is a hanging opium scale with brass pans, used to measure opium and other goods by weight. The scale is held in a wooden case that folds to a half-moon shape an...
Category
20th Century Chinese Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A trunk style travel apotecary cabinet in mahogany wood and brass, England 1790.
Located in Milan, IT
English travelling apothecary made of mahogany Sipo mahogany (Entandrophragma utile) and brass with a rectangular base, a front drawer, an opening to...
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A small telescope in paper, glass and snakewood. Golden decoration. France 1780.
Located in Milan, IT
A small pocket telescope with one extension, lens holder and ring in amoretto wood (Brosimum Guianense); objective holder body in green painted and pressed cardboard with rich decora...
Category
1870s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shagreen, Wood
Antique American Iron Balance Weighing Scale with Weights
Located in Queens, NY
"American (early 20th Century) balance weighing scale Set on a concave rectangular cast iron beveled base with twist mid-section topped by a pointed finial. One chain beam balance fi...
Category
Early 20th Century American American Colonial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Era Assorted Medical Doctor
s Field Examination Instrument Set
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage medical doctor's instrument set is unsigned, except for a few numbers on several of the pieces, but presumed to have originated from German...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stainless Steel
A jaw with teeth made of painted papier-maché, Italy 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools for educational use depicting a jaw with teeth, made of painted papier-mâché, all placed with the support of a cylindrical iron rod on a round base in bl...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
West German Unisex Anatomical Model, circa 1950
By Somso
Located in Faversham, GB
A complete West German unisex anatomical figure of a head and torso with removal organs. Hand painted and in excellent condition.
German, circa 1950...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic, Acrylic
$765 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Antique Weber Costello 12 Inch Globe - Rare Tall Base
Located in Peekskill, NY
I checked the globe and its signed Weber London but could not find a date of printing. This is an 12 inch desk globe is a bit different because of the extra tall decorative stand. I ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
A glass and vulcanite syringe, London 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
An end of the 19th-Century medical’s instrument. A glass and vulcanite syringe. London, UK circa 1880.
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Large Vintage Mongolian Wooden Math Abacus with Painted Wooden Balls
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Large Vintage Mongolian Wooden Math Abacus with Painted Wooden Balls. Item features Painted wooden balls in red, pink, gray, orange, blue, yellow, green and brown. Circa Mid 20th Cen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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
American Victorian Ebonized Stereoscope
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian ebonized stereoscope.
Category
19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Antique English Woodworker
s Plane Block
Located in Queens, NY
2 Antique English woodworkers hand block plane. (PRICED EACH)
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
$650 / item
American Art Deco Radio
Located in Queens, NY
American Art Deco radio in wooden case.
Category
20th Century American Art Deco Scientific Instruments
English Regency Carved Walnut Barometer
Located in Queens, NY
English Regency rustic style (19th Century) carved walnut round barometer over a horizontal thermometer centered by 2 dolphin sides with a floral urn pediment top.
Category
19th Century British Rustic Antique Scientific Instruments
Country Style Stripped Spinning Wheel
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style (19th Century) stripped spinning wheel with single spindle.
Category
19th Century American British Colonial Antique Scientific Instruments
19th Century English Victorian Brass Merchants Scale
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian brass merchants scale with square glass tray, round brass tray, and inset oval mirror.
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian 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
$89 / set
Gimballed Brass Boat Compass by Dirigo
Located in Norwell, MA
Gimballed brass boat compass by "Dirigo" of Seattle, Washington. With fleur-de-lis pointing north. Fitted to a birch box with lid. Circa 1975.
Overall Dimensions: 5" H x 8" L x 8"...
Category
1970s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Mahogany cased barograph and barometer by Negretti
Zambra
Located in Cheshire, GB
Unusual mahogany-cased barograph and barometer by Negretti & Zambra, having five glazed removable lid. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum, fitted with a seven-da...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
$1,812 Sale Price
20% Off
Collection of Nine Swedish Apothecary Jars from the Early 20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A collection of nine Swedish apothecary jars from the early 20th century. These antique jars from Sweden were once used to hold an apothecary's (or pharmacists) wares and chemicals. ...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
System walking stick, a telescope, England 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
Gadget-System stick. The tip is made of iron and brass, high and decorated by a series of thin circles. The shaft is made entirely of painted brass and constructed to emulate a bambo...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
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.
Still Thinking About These?
All Recently ViewedMore Ways To Browse
Large Abacus
Large Brass Telescope
Marine Barometer
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