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Scientific Instruments

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Scientific Instruments For Sale
American Country Patriotic Painted Milk Pail with Eagle and American Flags
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style decorative milk pail with a painted eagle standing atop two crossed American flags against a black painted background. Minor losses to paint.
Category

Early 20th Century American Rustic Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paint

English Bronze Weight Sets
Located in Queens, NY
2 English bronze 4 piece weight set with cover and various small weights inside (PRICED EACH) (19/20th Cent.)
Category

19th Century British British Colonial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

American Mid-Century Brass Sundial
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century (1940s) brass sundial.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Antique Richter s Anchor Box, German, Stone, Anker Baukasten, Number 15, Set
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Richter's Anchor Box. A German, stone Anker Baukasten No. 15 or construction set, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1890. Highly collectible German construction set from Friedrich Richter Displays a desirable aged patina — lovingly play worn Sought after stone pieces, with few, minor chips to corners Aged box with fine paper lithography to both sides This 'grosse kaliber' set comprises 296 pieces at 25mm scale Pieces imitate the red brick, limestone and blue slate of contemporary European architecture Create a wide range of architectural styles including Baroque influenced buildings Several instruction manuals included to help create fantastic scenes This is a wonderful, lovingly played with antique Richter's Anchor Box. In sought after stone, this number 15...
Category

Late 19th Century Albanian Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Cast Stone

Stunning Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage stunning large model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German scho...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Italian Antique Botanical Model Early 1900s Plaster on Wooden Base
Located in Milan, IT
Botanical model made of painted plaster and mounted on black painted wooden boards of an orthotropic ovule made by prof. T. Ferraris for Vallardi publisher Milan Scientific material, complete with plate with the legend of the names of the various parts of the mushroom, early 1900s. Good condition. Measures: 20.5 x 15.7 cm, height 25.5 cm. The origins of the publisher Vallardi date back to 1750 when founder Francesco Cesare (1736-1799) acquired a small craft in the heart of old Milan. In the early nineteenth century, the publishing house was noted for the production of works of art, geography and science, including a "Tour of Italy" which took twenty-two printings between 1819 and 1835. The complete works of various maps and directions for travel, including timetables and fares for transportation of the time, can be considered the first modern tourist guide. The firm "Vallardi" was born in 1843 and the company became industrial, with the opening of branches on national scale...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood

1938 Pull Down Anatomy Chart, Denoyer-Geppert, Artist P.M. Lariviere
Located in Buffalo, NY
1938 pull down anatomy chart, Denoyer-Geppert. Artist P.M. Lariviere. KL3 circulatory system. Stunning image, screenprint on linen.
Category

1930s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Linen

Storta da laboratorio in vetro soffiato trasparente dei primi del XIX sec.
Located in Milan, IT
Storta da laboratorio in vetro soffiato trasparente dei primi del XIX sec., utilizzata per la distillazione, presenta corpo ovoidale e lungo collo piegato verso il basso che si restr...
Category

1820s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Small herbalist pharmacy wooden jars, Italy 1870.
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two small wooden herbalist's apothecary vases (Thistle flowers, Myrtle berries) in the purest neoclassical style. The surface is finished with cream-white pastiglia with saffr...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Ebonized wood stick barometer signed TECNOMASIO ITALIANO circa 1870
Located in Milan, IT
Ebonized wooden stick barometer signed TECNOMASIO ITALIANO , from the second half of the 19th century. Complete with reading nonius for atmospheric pressure change and mercury therm...
Category

1870s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Walnut Cased Barograph
Located in Cheshire, GB
Walnut Cased Barograph, having five glazed removable lid. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum, fitted with a seven-day chart that covers one full rotation of the ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Walnut Cased Barograph
Walnut Cased Barograph
$1,984 Sale Price
46% Off
1893 Antique Lippich Brass Polarimeter Antique Physic Analysis Instrument
By Societé Genevoise
Located in Milan, IT
Lippich polarimeter, scientifi instrument made in 1893 signed Societé Genevoise Genève, brass and black metal. It is an optical instrument of analysis used to determine the concentra...
Category

1890s Swiss Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

16th Hispano-Mooris Polychrome Talavera Jar with Metallic Reflections
Located in Marbella, ES
Magnificent Talavera ceramic vase or albarelo, hand-decorated with stylized plant motifs in cobalt blue and oxide red on an ivory white background, topped with a characteristic coppe...
Category

16th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Ceramic

Italy 1930s Ing Ferrero Double Strain Gauge Original Box Measuring Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Double strain gauge signed Brevetti F.lli Ingg. Ferrero Savona n.384583 mod E74 - S3, circa 1930, in its original box complete with accessories and magnifying glass. It is an instrument used to...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Russian Leather Band Barber Razor Strop
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Vintage Barber Leather Band Razor Sharpening Strop Russian Stamped Phillips Detroit Michigan 24 long x 2.5 w x .38 Preowned original v...
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Leather

Telescopes Vintage Signed Iseli
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/2941 , vintage French telescopes with its case: for Your holidays ! Small and convenient to carry . Signed ISELI, Paris.
Category

Early 20th Century French Other Scientific Instruments

Materials

Leather

19th Century Antique Hardwood Inlaid Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
This is a 19th century antique hardwood inlaid banjo barometer with a thermometer and a 10' silvered dial, brass bezel with convex glass. It is a very...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Hardwood

Italian or German anatomical bust.
Located in Lugo, IT
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...
Category

1890s German Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Gesso, Wood

Antique Wood Compass Shop Carpenter Tool Decorative Sculpture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an Antique Wood Compass Shop Carpenter Tool. Dimensions: 33 H x 17 W , 58 open radius ( I can draw a circle up to 154" in diameter) wood is 1 thick Please v...
Category

1960s American American Classical Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Italian Telegraph in Solid Brass, 1880
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Italian Telegraph in solid brass, 1880.
Category

1880s Italian Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Brass Fabric Scale on Wooden Base by the Maison Piat
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French brass fabric scale from the 19th century with wooden base, from the Maison Piat. Created in Paris during the 19th century, this fabric scale, made of brass, is mounted on a ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Gucci Rare Stationery Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Gucci stationery set with a triangular ruler and pencil in original burgundy case / Made in Italy Length: 14 inches, depth: 9.25, height: 1.5 inches 1 available in stock in Ital...
Category

20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Gucci Rare Stationery Set
Gucci Rare Stationery Set
$279 Sale Price
30% Off
Antique Edwardian Quality Mahogany Inlaid Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Edwardian quality mahogany inlaid banjo barometer having a quality mahogany inlaid shaped case with an 8 inch silvered engraved dial with original hands, brass bezel and a th...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Grande Bilancia Italiana Inizio 1800 in Legno Scolpito e Ferro a Due Piatti
Located in Milano, MI
Alta quasi 51 inches, questa grande bilancia italiana da terra del XIX secolo è realizzata con un capitello corinzio intagliato a motivi folgiati, scolpito con foglie di acanto e la...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron, Metal

Black Forest Style Carved Walnut Barometer, Germany, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Black Forest style carved walnut barometer, Germany, ca. 1920. An impressive carved walnut barometer with masterfully carved flowers and leaves. A small mirror on the top of the roun...
Category

1920s German Black Forest Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Walnut

Antique Engraving of Constructing Sun Dials, 1769
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print of Ferguson's method of constructing sun dials. This print originates from 'The Gentleman's Magazine'. Artists and Engravers: The Gentleman'...
Category

18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

17th Century Norther European Wrought Iron Pestle, 8.5 Inches
Located in Stamford, CT
Unusual wrought iron pestle, most are bronze like most mortars. This one is at least 17th century, quite possibly dating to the Gothic period. I have owned two iron mortars in my ti...
Category

Early 17th Century German Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wrought Iron

French 19th Century Iron Pharmaceutical Corker
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An interesting part of 19th century history is brought back to life with this rare French cast iron pharmaceutical bottle corker circa 1870. We a...
Category

19th Century French Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Large copper brass funnel
Located in London, GB
A large late 19th century copper and brass funnel. From Wiltshire County, England.
Category

Late 19th Century English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Copper

Large copper 
brass funnel
Large copper 
brass funnel
$606 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Scientific Didactic Model of the Yew Seed, Germany made in the Twenties
Located in Milan, IT
Taxus baccata, enlarged and removable didactic model of the yew seed, tree very used as hedge, belonging to the order of the conifers. German manufacture of the twenties made of papi...
Category

1920s German Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Terrestrial globe apres Mr. Rizzi Zannoni, Paris 1762.
Located in Milan, IT
Designed to be hanged to the ceiling, terrestrial globe, made out of paper machè and wood, brass hook. It is reported in the cartouche of the globe: globe terrestre d’après Mr. Rizz...
Category

Mid-18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Set of four silver astrolabes with original case
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Set of four silver astrolabes with original case. Metal: Silver. Origin: Silver. Brand: Eagle Head. Weight: 246.91 grams (Set of four astrolabes). Dimensions: Various di...
Category

20th Century European Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver

Antique Trade Scale Brass and Painted Cast Iron, France, circa 1880
Located in Labrit, Landes
This trade scale was made in the late 19th century in France. It was a scale used by traders for retail. Brass and painted cast-iron Patina and signs of use which make this antique o...
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Collection of 12 Perspex Teaching Blocks Lenses
By Griffin George Ltd.
Located in London, GB
A collection of twelve Perspex teaching optical blocks and lenses. Various shapes, forms and blocks, convex and concave, a number are backed with a white film. Three have their...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Acrylic

Antique English Gothic Arts Crafts Hand Wrought Iron Balance Beam Scale
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Gothic Arts & Crafts Hand Wrought Iron Balance Beam Scale. Circa Mid 19th Century. Measurements: 31" H x 29" W x 11.25" D. Plate approx 11.25" Diameter. Base 7x5.
Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Gothic Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique Print of a New Water Exhausting Machine, 1758
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'A New Machine for exhausting a large quantity of water'. Print of a new water exhausting machine. This print originates from 'The Universal Magazine...
Category

1750s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Zoological Lithograph of Molluscs 1925 on Cardboard by H Aschehoug Co Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 62 lithograph on cardboard made in 1925 depicting molluscs. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye & Co Oslo. Made by H Aschehoug & Co. Good condition. Mea...
Category

1920s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Huge JHQ Dansk Style Peppermill to End All Peppermills Restaurant Kitchen Prop
Located in Ferndale, MI
Purchased from the family of historic Woodward avenue Detroit restaurant. Giant 29" teak peppermill. Possibly a Jens Quistgaard for Dansk promotional p...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Teak

19th Century German Anatomical Didactic Abdominal Pelvis Model attr. to Sommer
By Marcus Sommer
Located in London, GB
Antique Anatomical Model, Medical Antique, Anatomical Antique, Vintage Anatomical Model, Antique Cabinet of Curiosities, Gothic Antique, Anatomical Sculpture. Antique 19th Century G...
Category

Late 19th Century German Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Paint, Paper

Antique Victorian Quality Mahogany Banjo Barometer by James H Kelly of Glasgow
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Victorian quality mahogany banjo barometer by James H Kelly of Glasgow Having a quality mahogany shaped banjo barometer with scroll shaped carving ci...
Category

1880s Scottish Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Other

Antique Print of Two Balances for Weighing Fire and Air, c.1780
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Balance for weighing air - Balance for weighing fire'. Copper engraving of two balances. Source unknown, to be determined. Artists and Engravers: Anonymous ...
Category

18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of a Scientific Instrument, 1769
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'A curious Instrument which shews the Hour of the Day (..)'. Print of a scientific instrument. This print originates from 'The Gentleman's Magazine'. Artists a...
Category

18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Zoological Lithograph Rodents 1912 on Cardboard by H Aschehoug Co, Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 19 lithograph on cardboard made in 1912 depicting rodents. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye & Co Oslo. Made by H Aschehoug & Co. Good condition. Meas...
Category

1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Salter s spring balance weighing scales
By George Salter Co. Ltd
Located in London, GB
A Salter's improved spring balance by George Salter & Co. To weight: 100 lbs. George Salter & Co.: Established in 1760 by Richard and William Salter, spring makers, began making ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel

Victorian Bronze Imperial Standard Bushel Measure
Located in Essex, MA
Impressively large bushel measure for the County Of Gloucester, England. Inscribed "Imperial Standard Bushel". "County Of Gloucester". Made by Bate of London. Dated 1853 and 1834. ...
Category

1850s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Old Blue Scale Gwarancja Olsztyn, Europe, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A fantastic antique weighing scale with nicely aged blue paint. Made by Gwarancja Factory in Olsztyn, Poland in the late 20th century. It presents...
Category

1970s Polish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Iron

Rustic Black Forest Walnut Barometer
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Century) walnut wall mounted thermometer/ barometer with strap-work cartouche hung with an elaborate carved hunting trophy.
Category

19th Century German Rustic Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

1800s Cast Iron Farm Well Hand Pump with Handle Piston
Located in New York, NY
1800s farmhouse and Industrial style cast iron hand pump. Unknown working condition but great look. Sold as is. Please note, this item is located in our Scranton, PA location.
Category

19th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Antique Anatomical Model of the Human Ear Painted Plaster by Somso 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Didactic model of the human ear, painted plaster, made in 1950s by Somso, a German company active since the second half of the nineteenth century, known as an excellence in the devel...
Category

1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Large 1920 s Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Educational Ear Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
Large 1920's Vintage scientific anatomical human 3D ear model. Large 16" scale and wonderful antique patina!
Category

1920s American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Rubber, Wood

Antique Italian Nautical Graphometer with its Original Wooden Box Genoa, 1940s
By CAIM, Genova 1
Located in Milan, IT
Brass, copper and lead graphometer complete with the original wooden box signed CAIM Genova Via S. Sabina two of the 1940s. Measures of box 28 x 29 cm H 24. CAIM Genoa was company ac...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

The Astronomer Unique Historical Folk Art Painting Signed 1918
Located in South Burlington, VT
Unique Historical Work of Art Dated 1918 "L' Astronome (The Astronomer) by Fedinant Roybet. This is an original and one-of-a-kind artistic presentation- a superb pyrography incis...
Category

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Huge Waterman Figural Fountain Pen Advertising Store Display Model
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This enormous figural fountain pen store display is unsigned, but presumed to have been made by the Waterman Co. of France in approximately 1965 and d...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Dutch 19th Century Carved Wooden Barometer
Located in Delft, NL
A Dutch carved wooden barometer with copper and facet cut glass housing. The carved wood has a scene of fruits and scrolls A barometer is a scien...
Category

Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Brass pantograph by Thomas Dunn of Edinburgh, circa 1845
Located in London, GB
An oak cased brass pantograph by Thomas Dunn of 50 North Hanover Street, Edinburgh. Circa 1845. Numbered: 402 Interior of the case has trade label: THOMAS DUNN, OPTICIAN, MATHEMATI...
Category

Mid-19th Century Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Paravia Cassette Mechanics Solids, Liquids and Gases, Complete - Italy - 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Paravia, scientific instruments, vintage educational kit, 1960s, Norstedts, magnetism, optics, thermology, mechanics, applied electricity, top vintage lab, educational set, experimen...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Magnets

Zoological Lithograph of molluscs 1925 on Cardboard by H Aschehoug Co, Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate Pl 61, colored lithograph on cardboard made in 1925 depicting molluscs. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher Kristiania lithografiske aktielbolag. Made by H Ascheho...
Category

1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

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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