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Scientific Instruments For Sale
19th Century Ships Compass From Amsterdam
Located in Norwell, MA
Antique ships compass with interesting Dutch lettering. Spun brass bowl with gimbal. Fitted to a primitive dovetailed box. Circa 1880. With compas...
Category
1880s European Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Aneroid Barometer
Located in Napa, CA
Category
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique Teaching Model Longitudinal Profile of the Kidney, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A great antique hand-painted anatomical model of the kidney. Made of papier maché and plaster, mounted on a turned wooden base. Manufactured most probably by SOMSO or PHYWE, Germany ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Rare Yacht Binnacle with Compass
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid brass gimballed boat compass fitted to a hinge front wood binnacle. Brasses include carry handle, side light, brass hooks, etc. Circa 1920.
Overall Dimensions: 7"H x 7" L x ...
Category
1920s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A set of English Floor Scales by G, H. James, Bath
Located in Southampton, GB
A set of English Floor Scales by G.H. James, Bath, manufactured and " restored ".
Works perfectly.
A great addition for a hotel to weigh luggage or a bathroom interior.
Original crea...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Ship
s Binnacle by Baker Lyman of New Orleans, Louisiana
Located in Norwell, MA
Ship's binnacle with maker's plate from Baker Lyman Company of New Orleans, Louisiana. Wonderfully restored binnacle with gimballed compass and interior lighting.
Overall dimensio...
Category
1930s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Gucci attributed to Rare Barometer and Clock Year 1960 Vintage Design
By Paolo Gucci
Located in Biella, IT
attributed to Gucci rare barometer and clock year 1960 vintage design. Measure h 17 inches x L12" x deep 3".
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Barigo Germany barometer fine design in years
70
Located in Biella, IT
Barigo Germany rare barometer design in years '70 with old label of the price in disappeared italian coin "lire"
very elegant and fine design for this interesting object
Category
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Tripod Apothecary Skillet from the 18th Century England
Located in Brussels, Brussels
18th Century tripod Apothecary skillet From England.
The skillet is in superb condition and has not undergone any restorations.
Bronze with a very beautiful patina.
Category
Early 18th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Asian Bronze Portable Sundial
Located in Madrid, ES
19th Century Asian Bronze Portable Sundial
Rare Asian portable sundial from the 19th century, beautifully crafted in bronze
This exquisite instrument combines scientific function w...
Category
1880s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Portable Sundial in Wooden Case
Located in Madrid, ES
19th Century Portable Sundial in Wooden Case
Charming portable sundial from the 19th century, housed in its original wooden case.
This compact instrument exemplifies the craftsmanshi...
Category
1870s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
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
Antique Thermometer, Inlaid with Marquetry, Vienna Austria, 1907
Located in Wien, AT
antique thermometer, inlaid with marquetry, Vienna Austria 1907, mahogany, good original condition
On the back is the composition of the materials ...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Louis XVI Style Barometers and Thermometers by H. Dasson, France, Circa 1880
By Henry Dasson
Located in PARIS, FR
A companion pair of Louis XVI style barometer and thermometer finely decorated with gilt bronze acanthus leaves and seeds on green velvet, each with a polychrome decorated enamel pla...
Category
1880s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Enamel, Bronze
$8,380 Sale Price / set
43% Off
Early 20th Century English Telescoping Surveyors Measure
Located in Burton, TX
Telescoping surveyors measuring staff made of wood with brass fittings. Marked 'Houghton-Butcher Mfg. Co. Ltd., London 1918 No. 1.173'. Lovingly care...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$560 Sale Price
20% Off
20th Century French Wooden Floor Abacus
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden abacus created in 20th century France. A symbol of antiquated mathematical processes, this seemingly simple stack of slidable wooden beads can be used for subtraction, addit...
Category
20th Century French French Provincial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
$906 Sale Price
35% Off
Set of Three Victorian Set Squares, C. 1880
Located in High Point, NC
This is a set of three antique shipwright's set squares. The squares are made from rosewood and have brass caps. They are right-angled tools, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
Mid-19th Century English Iron and Copper Hanging Trade Spring Balance
Located in Dallas, TX
A one of a kind! Created in England circa 1850, this "Peson" (or spring balance scale) was used in butcher shops to weight animals ( pigs, sheep, ...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper, Wrought Iron
16th century Spanish Bronze Mortar with Letters M on the Sides
Located in Marbella, ES
16th century Spanish Bronze Mortar with Letters M on the Sides
Category
16th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Antique 18th Century French Bronze Scientific Silk-Weighing Instrument 1789-1795
Located in New Orleans, LA
Rare antique 18th century French Lyonnaise bronze scientific Instrument used for weighing Silk, in anchor form, 1789-1795. Made by "J. Berthaud et Cie...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Decorative Scientific Concave Mercury Mirror Maroon Leather Ebony
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A unusual scientific mirror, French in origin circa 1880
The mirror is mercury, with age related oxidization and pitting to the plate. Encased in a maroon leather frame with embos...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather, Mirror, Ebony
Antique English Spring Balance Scale Made by Salter 100 Years Old, Custom Stand
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English spring balance scale made by "Salter Co." on custom made stand, 100 years old.
(Shown at center in group photo)
...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
c. 1899 NOS Complete Japanned Copper Dental Drill
Located in Dekalb, IL
This immaculate and incredibly rare piece of dental history originates from the office of Dr. Harry Wood - formerly located at 205 Huron Street in Berlin, WI. This complete dental drill set comes with everything - including the ornate japanned copper swing arm...
Category
1890s American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
Brass Standard Meter for the City of Exeter
Located in London, GB
A brass standard meter for the City of Exeter, with steel lifting handles.
Marked: STANDARD METRE No: 11454 20ºC
Made by Reverifications Ltd. of A...
Category
Late 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Mortar with Inscriptions. Bronze, Spain, 1823
Located in Madrid, ES
Mortar with inscriptions. Bronze. Spain, 1823.
Con maza.
Mortar made of bronze with an enlarged mouth and a cone shaped body developed without discontinuity and with a decreasing diameter to the base; It has two handles or "pieces" towards the smooth decorative moldings that it has on the upper part. The piece presents, almost on the edge, an inscription (I AM FROM D GREGORIO OCANA ANO DE 1823) in capital letters and a date in roman with spaces between them; and the text (the other way around) “Mazon fecci”; both flanked by a simple molding above and another below.
This large-sized mortar is of the type that is usually known as "hospital" because it is usually used for medicines in environments with many patients or in important apothecaries. Typologically, it follows the usual line in these examples of the Spanish school during the 19th century: smooth, with moldings and, as a general rule, without those ribs (or derivatives thereof) that used to appear in the previous ones. Compare, for example, with the large pharmacy mortar in the Municipal Museum-Archive of Calella (with inscription, ribs and human heads as handles), a large pestle...
Category
1820s Spanish Neoclassical Revival Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Barometer Regulates and Base in Semi-Precious Stone Representing a Cello Player
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Barometer regulates and base in semi-precious stone representing a Cello player in antique.
Measures: H 20cm, W 10cm.
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
$1,616 Sale Price
25% Off
19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French Metal Scale is an authentic piece of history, encapsulating the essence of antique utilitarian craftsmanship. With its cast iron base and twin pans darkened ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Ornate 19th Century Agricultural Sack Scales by Bartlett
Son, Bristol.
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Ornate 19th Century Agricultural Sack Scales by Bartlett & Son, Bristol.
This is a very ornate set of Scales in cast iron they would have been used for weighing sacks of many agr...
Category
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Antique Oak and Brass Lumber Caliper by William Greenlief
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Turn of the 20th century, oak and handcrafted brass, lumber caliper by William Greenlief used to measure the amount of timber from a tree features a sli...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Oak and Brass Lumber Caliper by E. S. Lane, Upton ME
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Turn of the 20th century, oak and handcrafted brass hardware, lumber caliper by E.S. Lane, Upton ME used to measure the amount of timber from a tree fea...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Louis XVI Style Giltwood Thermometer/ Barometer
Located in Montreal, QC
The Louis XVI style giltwood case with ribboned crest flanked by trailing garlands above the wood cased painted wheel barometer
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood, Glass
Antique Clock and Barometer
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Victorian clock and barometer adorned with medieval weaponry.
Category
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Superb Large Painted Iron Balance Scales by Holliday
Co London 1907
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Superb Large Painted Iron Balance Scales by Holliday & Co London 1907
This very large and attractive beam balance scale is set on a cast Iron base the central upright columns are a...
Category
Early 1900s Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
1970s Pair of Hand Painted Ceramic Vases with Heraldic Coats of Arms
Located in Marbella, ES
Set of two glazed ceramic vases decorated with heraldic motifs and rural landscapes, hand-painted in blue tones. Each piece features a coat of arms with crown, accompanied by scenes ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic
Large Antique Solid Brass Library Telescope by Broadhurst, Clarkson and Co
Located in Montreal, QC
Large Antique Solid Brass Library Telescope by Broadhurst, Clarkson and Co
Marked: '' 63 Farringdon Rd London EC. Broadhurst, Clarkson and Co''
Category
1910s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A botanic scientific specimen of Spruce, Paravia
co, Milan, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
A rare example of a botanical maquette for didactic use by Professor T. Ferraris, depicting a (natural) strobilus and a scale with ovules (about 12 times enlarged) of Spruce (Picea e...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
19th Century French Cast Iron Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This cast iron scale was made in France, circa 1900. A household and marketplace classic, scales of these dimensions were commonly used to weigh fruits...
Category
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Iron
$837 Sale Price
40% Off
Fossilized Horse Leg. Equus Sp., Pleistocene, Florida, USA
Located in Madrid, ES
A fossilized horse leg. Equus sp., Pleistocene, Florida, USA
This set of fossil horse bones dates from an extinct equine. The inter-locking bones are eleg...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bone
French Late 19th Century Louis XVI St. Giltwood Barometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very handsome and decorative French late 19th century Louis XVI st. giltwood barometer. Fine carvings of scrolls and foliate throughout with a lyre shape above the painted barometer...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
1950s Husqvarna Brand Iron Grinder with Swiss Table Anchor
Located in Marbella, ES
1950s Iron Grinder with Swiss Table Anchor Husqvarna Brand
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
19th Century Irish Giltwood Barometer in the Baroque Style
Located in Dublin, IE
A fascinating Irish giltwood barometer in the baroque style. The large stick barometer features a large carved giltwood frame with a shell motif. The dial having the original twin Ve...
Category
19th Century Irish Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
Fine Vintage Deyrolle Paris Anatomical Model of Human Lungs in Display Case
By Deyrolle
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage French anatomical medical teaching aid of a lung with a plaque reading Anatomie Humaine, Poumons & Coeur made by Deyrolle Paris.
A very good looking and well made piece, hand made in France, there are two descriptive plaques, they read as below, this piece was made by Deyrolle Paris, they are a taxidermy store that has been in the same location since 1831, the brass mount is signed Deyrolle Paris
Plaque 1
ANATOMIE HUMAINE
POUMONS & COEUR
Les Fils D’Emile Deyrolle 46 Rue Du Bac Paris
Plaque 2...
Category
20th Century French Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Plastic
English Antique George II Mahogany Stick Barometer by Polti of Exeter
By C. Polti
Located in Devon, GB
A rare George II period mahogany stick barometer with finely carved cistern cover and surround to partly conceal the mercury tube. Most unusually the signed register plate is made of...
Category
Mid-18th Century English George II Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Pharmacy Height Measure Stand, Pitch Pine Measuring Stick or Somastometre
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Pharmacy Height Measure Stand, Pitch Pine Measuring Stick or Somastometre
Once these along with scales were common place in Doctors Surgeries, Chemist S...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
John Bennett Georgian Barometer
By John Bennett
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptional Georgian barometer by the leading London instrument-maker John Bennett strongly reflects the prevalent furniture style and archite...
Category
18th Century English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Bronze and Lead Weight in its Interior of Seven Pounds
Located in Marbella, ES
19th Century Bronze and Lead Weight in its Interior of Seven Pounds
Category
Late 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Measuring Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This French early wooden measuring stand is a marvelous blend of utility and minimalistic design. The slender vertical post, supported by a sturdy base...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
$1,975
French Carved Mahogany Wall Barometer
Located in Norwich, GB
French wall barometer in a finely carved mahogany case with trailing fruit and vines surmounted by a lions mask, enamel dial with seven weather indicati...
Category
1890s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Ball and Stick Molecular Model of Benzene
Located in Napa, CA
Vintage ball and stick molecular model depicting elemental structure of Benzene, circa 1950s.
Category
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Honne by Callum Campbell
Located in Geneve, CH
Honne by Callum Campbell
Objects for self collection
Signed and numbered
Dimensions: W 9.5 x H 19- 25 cm
Materials: Brass, LED
Finish: Polished
Note: 220-240w Australian elect...
Category
2010s Australian Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$11,852 / item
17th Century Spanish Talavera Pharmacy Jar in Blue Glazed Ceramic
Located in Marbella, ES
17th Century Spanish Talavera pharmacy jar in Blue Glazed ceramic.
Category
17th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century Hand Carved Oak "Military" Barometer
Located in North Salem, NY
Very unusual hand carved Oak "Military" aneroid barometer from England. Circa 1880. Often antique items like this can be highly collectible and are often sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of vintage scientific instruments...
Category
1880s English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
$2,310 Sale Price
30% Off
Good 18th Century Bronze Sundial By Miller And Adie, Edinburgh
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A finely engraved 18th century, 15" diameter bronze sundial signed Miller & Adie, Edinburgh with good patina and the original gnomon.
Category
Late 18th Century Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Antique Brass Desk Top Lens Decorative Curio
Located in London, GB
A good quality, desk top lens.
England, c1920s,
Brass construction on a solid metal base for sturdiness/weighting.
Adjustable to some extent.
Ideal desk top or shelf decorative c...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
17th Century Spanish Talavera Pharmacy Jar in Blue Glazed Ceramic
Located in Marbella, ES
17th century Spanish Talavera pharmacy jar in blue Glazed ceramic.
Category
17th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic
17th Century Spanish Talavera Pharmacy Jar in Blue Glazed Ceramic
Located in Marbella, ES
17th Century Spanish Talavera pharmacy jar in blue glazed ceramic.
Category
17th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic
Rare Neoclassical Style French Giltwood Clock and Barometer Set
Located in London, GB
Rare neoclassical style French giltwood clock and barometer set
French, 19th century
Measures: Height 90cm, width 38cm, depth 12cm
This du...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Enamel
Bronze Mortar, Tuscany, Second Half of 16th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Bronze mortar with garlands, flowers and putti - Tuscany , second half of 17th century.
Measures: height 10
diameter : 13 cm
Artisans and healers used mortars for grinding food...
Category
16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
It
s fan time ! Binoculars and French Theatre Set for Ladies ON SALE
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/431 - Pretty old French theatre set: Binoculars, fan and mirror. Delicious and useful also for Your summer nights or for a gift.
That's my cost NOW, bec...
Category
Late 19th Century Argentine Belle Époque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather
19th Century Spanish Glass Apothecary
s Container
Located in Marbella, ES
18th Century Spanish Glass Apothecary's Container
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
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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