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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Late 18th Century Lacquered Brass Table Telescope
Located in Huntington, NY
Late 18th century lacquered brass table telescope.
Category
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$4,368 Sale Price
20% Off
19th C Anatomical Didactic Model of a Torso with Removable Organs.
Located in Leuven , BE
Anatomical models have been used for centuries as an adjunct to teaching anatomy, and play an important role in the history of anatomical education. Models became popular over time f...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
18th Century mahogany and brass telescope by Nairne
Blunt of London
Located in Martlesham, GB
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...
Category
1780s British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Rope Twist Carved Oak Nautical Barometer
Located in Norwell, MA
Early twentieth century barometer with porcelain face with merchants name A Black & Co., Nautical Optician, Glasgow. Carved rope twist case with brass bezel. Brass hanging tab. Nice ...
Category
1930s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A collection of mid-20th century teaching aid resin encased water plants
Located in London, GB
A collection of mid-20th century teaching aid resin encased water plants
Dimensions in inches: H 4” x W 2.5” x D 1”
Age: Mid-20th century
Origin: Unknown
Condition: Fair
Overview
...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Resin
20th Century English And American Brass And Oak Navy Ship Barometers Set 3
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of three English and American 20th century barometers. They are carved oak and brass by a variety of makers including Taylor Made. US Navy barometer has a few chips.
Category
Mid-20th Century English International Style Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Edwardian Travelling Tradesman Salesman
s Soap Sampler
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A unusual travelling tradesman's soap display case, early 20th century in age likely Edwardian.
A segmented internal draw hidden via the sliding cover,...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Natural Fiber, Glass, Pine
Rope Barometer. French Work by Adrien Audoux
Frida Minet, circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very unusual barometer is made of rope. This is a French work by Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet. circa 1950.
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rope
$1,754 Sale Price
25% Off
Ancient anatomical model of a flayed hand, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a flayed hand. Made of plaster, in excellent condition and with original patina. Anatomical study use. Italy circa 1900.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
19th Century French Zimmerman Brass and Fruitwood Balance Scale from Dijon
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique balance scale was crafted in Dijon, France, circa 1870. Rectangular in shape, the classic measuring device features a fru...
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century English Cased Drawing Set Length of Longest Tool
Located in Buchanan, MI
An 19th century English cased drawing set length of longest tool. Measures: 6 1/4 inches.
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Late 19th Century Mahogany Grooming and Medical Traveling Kit 15pc
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique mahogany grooming and medical traveling kit also often referred to as traveling sets or toilette cases. This is a nice set with small jars and bottles, eye wash and a manicur...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Silver
Early 19th Century Negretti and Zambra Bakelite Weather Forecaster
Located in Norwich, GB
19th century Negretti and Zambra Bakelite Weather Forecaster.
Housed in a black metal case with a cream coloured bakelite front plate.
The dial with barometer scale, hand turned indicator and a secondary dial operated by the side lever to set the wind direction...
Category
1910s English Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early 20th century boat compass by American Maker. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrument is fitted to its origina...
Category
1940s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A pair of magnifyng glasses, Italy 1870.
Located in Milan, IT
A pair of Wunderkammer round shape magnifying glasses for scientific purpose with black wooden frames, mounted over a black wooden bases. Italy, circa 1870.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
Pair of Astrolabes
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of antique brass astrolabes with iron brackets
Category
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze
$3,850 / set
Vintage Physical Therapy Tractolator Intermittent Traction Apparatus Chair 1930s
Located in New York, NY
Quirky quack medical device, called a Tractolator, which is a chair designed to stretch the neck and spine by having the patient sit in the chair with their head placed in the harnes...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Chrome
Volta
s electrophore, demonstrator of the flow of electrons Italy 1960.
Located in Milan, IT
Volta's electrophore, demonstrator of the flow of electrons from inert materials to conducting materials. Taking the instrument composed of a disc of conductive metal and a handle of...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Large 17th Century French Slate Octagonal Sundial
Located in Madrid, ES
A Large 17th century French Slate Octagonal Sundial
With wrought iron gnomon and profusely engraved with latin letters.Size:39x39 cm.With latter hanging ...
Category
Mid-17th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Slate
Antique French Corker
Located in Calgary, Alberta
A beautifully crafted antique French hand-operated corking machine, once used in wineries for sealing bottles with corks.
The corker has an arched lever, adjustable bottle-height sc...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
$1,990 / item
Blown glass scientific instrument, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
Blown glass scientific instrument to evaluate the expansion of the liquids with the warmth. Italy circa 1900.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Anatomical model: a decomposable eyeball, Italy end of 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare 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. Italy ci...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage German Brass Barometer with Zodiac Symbols, Mid-20th Century
Located in Bochum, NRW
Vintage German Brass Barometer with Zodiac Symbols, Mid-20th Century
A sculptural convergence of meteorology and mysticism, this mid-century German barometer offers both scientific p...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1940s Plaster Anatomical Heart Model on Wood Stand
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Instructional, anatomical, plaster, heart model on 7" diameter wood base, circa 1940s.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
Antique George III Quality Mahogany Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique George III quality mahogany banjo barometer having a quality mahogany shaped case with a swan neck pediment and satinwood stringing, circular silvered engraved dial with orig...
Category
Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Painted Red Cast Iron Scale
Located in Centennial, CO
A charming cast iron antique early 1900s scale with original red paint and a large brass tray. The weight is fixed, moving from side to side. The red paint...
Category
Early 20th Century American Rustic Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Antique Wood Fid Textile Tool Marine Rope Slicing
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Wood Tool, treen fid grooved top for rope strap.
Nautical collectible.
Measures: 8.75 long x 2 diameter
Original vintage condition.
Refer...
Category
Early 20th Century Rustic Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
1930s Hand-carved Pharmacy Stone Mortar
Located in Marbella, ES
1930s Hand-carved Pharmacy Stone Mortar
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stone
Antique 19th Century Scottish Mahogany with Satinwood Inlay Barometer.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique 19th Century Scottish Mahogany with Satinwood Inlay Barometer.
Category
19th Century Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
19th Century Coffin Makers Undertakers Sizing Template Board Curio Macabre
Located in Lowestoft, GB
19th Century undertakers sizing/reference template board.
Carpenters and Undertakers often used human-based units of measurement (anthropometric units). And this would ring true whe...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Pine
Refractor Polarimeter Physic Measuring Instrument Made by Steindorff
Co 1920s
Located in Milan, IT
Refractor polarimeter made of painted brass with cast iron tripod base by Steindorff & Co. Berlin D.R.P. Germany, 1920s. It is an antique instrument used to determine the concentrati...
Category
1920s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Compound Microscope with Box and Key by R. Winkel, Göttingen, Nr. 18507
Located in Austin, TX
A fine working German compound microscope, circa 1910, by R. Winkel, Gottingen, Germany, in a fitted box of mahogany with nickel hardware and key.
...
Category
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Nickel
7 Foot Industrial Giant Slide Ruler by Pickett in the 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A giant vintage industrial slide ruler that was manufactured by Pickett in the 1960s for schools and teaching . It works and slides and has ring holes to m...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Schoolhouse Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
19th Century Bismuthinite Mineral Natural History Specimen Curio
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A lustrous silver Bismuthinite specimen, housed in its original glass and turned ebonised display bubble.
Bismuth also known as "white mass" It is a post-transition metal and one o...
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Natural Fiber, Blown Glass, Pine
A fine late Georgian mahogany waywiser by Alfred Joy, Chichester
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A fine late Georgian mahogany waywiser by Alfred Joy, Chichester, comprising a revolving wheel connected to a recording dial marked in yards and poles on one scale and in furlongs an...
Category
Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Molecular structure of sodium chloride (NaCl) salt for educational use 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Molecular structure of salt, sodium chloride (NaCl) for educational use in satin-finished metal painted yellow, bakelite spheres painted green and gray.
Bon état. Measures 24.2x24.2...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage American Brass Gooseneck Magnifying Glass, circa 20th Century
Located in Napa, CA
Freestanding vintage gooseneck magnifying glass on a scalloped black metal base.
Metal with brass finish; a few dents; wear according to...
Category
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Sundial with Compass and Case, Bronze, Bion, Nicholas, Paris, 18th Century
By Nicholas Bion
Located in Madrid, ES
Sundial with compass and case. Bronze. BION, Nicholas. Paris, 18th century.
Polygonal sundial with a bird-shaped gnomon and engraved triangular piece, which presents, on one side, ...
Category
18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Other
Cold War Japanese Defence Agency 20x 120 Binoculars with Illumination Control
By Kowa
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Tokyo Optical Company 20 x 120 Naval Binoculars official issue for the Japan Defence Agency, manufactured in October 1984, supplied via Yonei Shoten (government contractor), manufact...
Category
1980s Japanese Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Brass, Bronze
English Antique Brass Sextant Walnut Box with Spare Parts Henry Barrow, c 1880
Located in Labrit, Landes
English sextant set in its walnut box.
19th century
This box is a unique decorative item that will add a nautical touch to your interior. The lid of the box is decorated with a mari...
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Educational Mechanical Model in Bronze and Wood – 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare and fascinating educational mechanical model dating from the 19th century, made of bronze and mounted on a fine wood base. This type of object was used for educational purposes,...
Category
19th Century Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This distinguished 19th Century French Metal Scale is an emblem of the rich historical past, resonating with the tales of traditional marketplaces where it once played a pivotal role...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Polished Oak Barograph and Barometer by Negretti
Zambra, London
Located in Norwich, GB
Edwardian polished oak cased barograph with bevelled glass panels.
Brass base plate stamped ‘Regent, Jewelled movement supporting the ten vacuum chambers linking the ink pen pointer ...
Category
1930s English Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
American Victorian Walnut Cased Standing Magnifying Glass
Located in Hudson, NY
This large American Victorian standing magnifying glass is encased in a carved and turned walnut frame and is adjustable to height with a wooden screw set device. Made circa 1880 the...
Category
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Walnut
19th c. Varville
Son Plow Plane c.1870-1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Solid wood carpenter's wood plane with steel and bronze accents. Stamped on both sides.
CREATOR Varville & Son, York, UK.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1870-1900.
MATE...
Category
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Steel
Oak Cased Barograph by Negretti
Zambra, London
Located in Norwich, GB
Negretti & Zambra
Fine Edwardian oak cased barograph with bevelled glass panels and central chart drawer.
Ten vacuum chambers linking ...
Category
1920s English Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Pigeon Timer By German Maker In Oak Case
Located in Norwell, MA
Oak cased pigeon timer with clock face that is marked made in Germany. 7 jewel clock by Benzing. Keu is present. Varnished oak dove tailed box. Everyone...
Category
1930s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
17th century apothecary
s ivory mortar and pestle - Germany
Located in Bruxelles, BE
large 17th century turned apothecary's ivory mortar and pestle
Germany
17th century
Cites certificate number IT/CE/2023/MI/01110
18,6 x 7 cm ; pestl...
Category
17th Century German Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ivory
19th Century Arnold
Son Veterinary Operation Key Table "Canine Table"
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A wonderful late 19th century operation table also known as the "canine table"
Made by Arnold & Son who where established in 1819 as a chemist and dru...
Category
1890s English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
$5,728 Sale Price
29% Off
Iron pharmacy mortar. 18th-19th centuries.
Located in Madrid, ES
Iron pharmacy mortar. 18th-19th centuries.
Old mortar for pharmaceutical use, made of cast iron. It follows the usual structure for this type of utensil between the 15th and 19th ce...
Category
19th Century Spanish Neoclassical Revival Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Memento Mori by Callum Campbell
Located in Geneve, CH
Memento Mori by Callum Campbell
Objects for Self Collection
Signed
Dimensions W 3.5 x H 9.3 cm
Materials: Brass
Finish: Polished
Engraved with clients name and date of birth...
Category
2010s Australian Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$5,152 / item
Vintage Mid-Century Globe Meat Slicer Sculptural Enameled Iron
Stainless
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and powerful, 1/4hp GM Delco motor. Globe deli meat slicer from the forties. Super quiet motor with a new cord and switch. In excellent vintage co...
Category
1940s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stainless Steel, Enamel, Iron, Chrome, Steel
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
20th Century Soviet Cold War Anti Aircraft Binoculars c.1950
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An impressive set of highly polished Cold War-era anti-aircraft binoculars from the former USSR, crafted in the 20th Century. Accompanied by a sleek and adjustable metal tripod, thes...
Category
1950s Russian Other Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
19th Century Chinese Portable Engraved and Enameled Bronze Sundial
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare cadran solaire portatif chinois du XIXe siècle, finement ouvragé en bronze gravé et émaillé.
Cet instrument aux détails précis témoigne du savoir-faire et de l'art scientifique...
Category
1880s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Old Japanese Yagen Iron Mortar Grinder Crushing Tool
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage old Japanese Yagen iron mortar grinder crushing tool.
Tool used to grind medicine.
Dimensions: 7" H x 5.5" W x 21.75" D
Delivery within 200 miles ...
Category
1890s Japanese Anglo-Japanese Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early twentieth century boat compass by American Maker. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrument is fitted to its or...
Category
1940s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$495 / item
18th Century German Gilt Brass Portable Sundial Signed “J. Vogler”
Located in Madrid, ES
Exceptional German portable sundial, finely engraved and gilt brass, signed “J. Vogler”, and preserved in its original fitted case.
Made in the 18th century, this exquisite instrumen...
Category
1730s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Lignum Vitae Treen Vices Pair of Minature Tree of Life
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
- Collector's specimens
- Lignum vitae is sought after for the beauty of its grain, coloring, patina, density and toughness
Translated from Latin, vignum vitae means “wood of lif...
Category
1750s English George II Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Russian Electromechanical Wheel-Based Cipher Machine Fialka M 125
Located in Madrid, ES
M-125 Fialka-electromechanical wheel-based cipher machine
USSR rotor-based cipher machine
M-125, codename Fialka (Russian: ??????), was an el...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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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