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Scientific Instruments

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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Early 20th Century Belgian Black Board, Chalkboard
Located in Udenhout, NL
Early 20th Century Belgian Black Board, Chalkboard, in a good state.
Category

1940s Belgian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Slate

A Set of 19th c. Carpenter s Molding Wood Planes
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Antique wooden carpentry planes used to make trim and moldings. Stamped "Ohio Tool Co." on the side. Shown with life size hand mold for scale. CREATOR Unknown. DATE ...
Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Antique, Pair of Binoculars, German, Neo Universal, CP Goerz, Berlin, circa 1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pair of binoculars. A German, 4.5x magnification Neo Universal by CP Goerz of Berlin, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. Delightful binocular from a sought-after German specialist Displaying a desirable aged patina - optical elements in clear order Elegantly milled brass with painted black finish Complete with black leather carry pouch CP Goerz Berlin logo present on left barrel; Neo Universal model name to the right Knurled central focus wheel encased within pleasingly formed, folding bridge Smaller adjustment wheel with marking range from 64-72 Serial number of 580854 engraved into front fascia Turned eyecups, adjustment wheel to the right Hand grips dressed in quality textured leather Carry pouch in original condition - clasp not situated Interior dressed with smooth, dark blue velour This is a wonderful pair of vintage binoculars...
Category

Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Original Engraving of Seasons by Le Bas, C.1780
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique astronomy print titled 'L'inégalité des Saisons et des Jours'. Interesting print explaining why there is an inequality in the length of days and seasons. Source unknown, to b...
Category

18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Vintage Draughtsman s Set, German, Drawing Instruments, Tools, Richter Pracision
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage draughtsman's set. A German, nickel silver drawing instrument set by E.O. Richter Präcision, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1930. Five piece instrument set ...
Category

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

Materials

Nickel

Botanical Model in Enlarged Section of a Moraceae Syconium, Italy, 1930s
Located in Milan, IT
Model in enlarged section of a Moraceae syconium (fig for example is a syconium). The model is made of painted plaster and almost certainly made by Paravia in the thirties. Measures ...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Italian Artist s Mannequin from the 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
This elegant Italian artist's mannequin from approximately 1900 is a beautiful representation of craftsmanship from the 19th century. Crafted from solid fruitwood, it stands as a tes...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Fruitwood

Late 19th French Mahogany Brass Balance Scale, c.1870
Located in San Francisco, CA
About A late 19th century balance scale. The body is Mahogany with two brass trays, brass and glass window and bronze inner mechanism. Th...
Category

Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Camera Gilles-Faller Paris Studio with Easel, France, circa 1925
By Gilles-Faller
Located in Madrid, ES
Study camera with bellows in very good condition, two objectives and mounted on easel on casters for professional use that has crank for the adjustment of the camera in height and in...
Category

1920s French Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

20th Century Steel Brass Copernican Armillary Sphere c.1930
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A 20th Century Copernican Armillary Sphere crafted in polished steel and brass. This instrument illustrates the celestial motion of the solar system, with origins tracing back to anc...
Category

20th Century European Other Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel

Paravia Optical Cassette Complete with Lenses and Teaching Apparatusu2028 -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

Metal

Paravia Termology Cassette with Original Instruments - 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

Metal

1880s French Carved Wood Barometer
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1880s French carved wood barometer. Does not work.
Category

1880s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

English Marine Barometer with Rope Carved Case
Located in Norwell, MA
Early twentieth century library barometer with rope carved case. Great old piece. Fitted with a brass hanging tab. Circa 1920.
Category

1920s English Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Large Antique Wooden American Mortar and Pestle
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large wood antique American mortar and pestle. Early 19th c. Americana turned wood footed mortar and pestle. American, late 19th century wooden mortar and pestle...
Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Pair of Mirror Witches Balls on Bronze Stands
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A matching pair of early 20th century mirrored witches balls, with pressed steel galleries and hanging hoops. They have later been associated to a pair of extremely well cast and he...
Category

Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

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

Spanish Moorish Gothic Mortar 15th century
Located in DELFT, NL
Spanish - Moorish Gothic bronze mortar and with ribs, most likely from Andalusia. Of conical shape, resting on a circular base, the exterior decorated with a series of wing-shaped pr...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Spanish Gothic Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Collection of 19th and 20th Century Spoke Shaves
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Collection of antique 19th century wood spoke shaves and early 20th century steel spoke shaves. CREATOR Stanley, Made in England. Kunz, Made in Germany. DATE OF MAN...
Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Anatomical model of a chiken, Germany 1930.
Located in Milan, IT
A life-size anatomical model of a chicken, with separable anatomical parts, for educational use. Made of painted plaster, wooden and metal base. Somso, Germany circa 1930.
Category

Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

A Fine 19th Century Noon Day Cannon
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
A Fine 19th Century Meridian or Noon Cannon, Large Marble Base into which is carved a sundial with a bronze Gnomen, also engraved is the operational latitude 48 50 13'. Mounted cann...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble, Brass

Vintage Brewer s Thermometer, Dairy, Scientific Instrument, Zeal of London, 1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage brewer's thermometer. An English, cased brew or dairy scientific instrument by GH Zeal of London, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1960. Fascinating sheathed thermometer Displays a desirable aged patina Wooden case with beveled CAP in dark caramel hues Long glass...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Italian Artist s Mannequin from the 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
This elegant Italian artist's mannequin from approximately 1900 is a beautiful representation of craftsmanship from the 19th century. Crafted from solid fruitwood, it stands as a tes...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Fruitwood

RARE SUITE OF ORIGINAL NATURAL HiSTORY MUSEUM CASED IN PERSPEX SPECIMENS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for this amazing suite of original natural history museum cased specimens A very rare find, these are old examples and some very interesting pieces, the list is as follows 1:- POM 17615 PINGUICULA 2:- POM 17600 VENUS FLYTRAP...
Category

20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

Oversized Industrial Pyrex Glass Bell Jar With Small Side Arm
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This oversized Industrial Pyrex glass bell jar is certainly a unique and an impressive art object. At 29" height and 20.5" diameter this bell jar, dome, clouche can be used any way y...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Antique Terrestrial Telescope, English, Single Draw Refractor, NSL, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique terrestrial telescope. An English, single drawer refractor with National Service League mark, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880. Perfect for bird watch...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Vintage Woman Figurine Lady Sewing Tailor Tape Measure
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very charming small figurine of a lady that functions as a tape measure. This vintage piece was commonly found on a sewing table and has both centimeters as well as inch measurements...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

Georgian Rare Steel Cased Tuning Fork
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very unusual and rare Georgian antique steel cased tuning fork dating from around 1800. A wonderful piece of musical interest and history the tuning fork...
Category

Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

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

Full Display Box of Early Camera Lens Salesman Samples
Located in Peekskill, NY
The velvet lined case is full and contains 45 sample lenses. The case is signed in gold stamped letters L.O. BITTNER & CO., OPTISCH FEINMECHANISCHES WERK. MUNCHEN. I have never seen ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Vintage WESCO Oil Can
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage Metal Oil Can. An automotive oil can made by Wesco, Birmingham. A fantastic piece of vintage motoring ephemera, the perfect gift for the motoring enthusiast. Who would have t...
Category

Early 20th Century British Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

1950 Film 16mm Camera, SOM Berthiot, France
Located in Miami, FL
Société d'Optique et de Mécanique Berthiot (SOM Berthiot) was a French manufacturer of optics and photographic lenses. They produced C and D mount motion picture lenses for professio...
Category

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

19th Century Silvered and Engraved Bronze Portable Sundial
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant 19th-century portable sundial crafted in bronze, partially silvered and finely engraved with precise calibrations and decorative detailing. This compact timekeeping instrumen...
Category

1810s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Mid-20th Century “National” Red Painted Brass Cash Register
Located in Madrid, ES
Decorative “National” cash register from the 20th century, made of brass painted in red, with elegant detailing and classic industrial design. This impressive piece retains its origi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Electrostatic machine by Wimshurst, designed by Rinaldo Damiani, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
Electrostatic machine by Wimshurst, a British engineer and shipowner, designed in the 1880s, created by Rinaldo Damiani, a builder active in Venice between the end of the nineteenth ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Antique Three-Draw Telescope, English, Walnut, Brass, Navigation, Georgian, 1790
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique three-draw telescope. An English,walnut and brass navigational or astronomical instrument by Lincoln of London, dating to the Georgian period, circa 1790. Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky. A fine and tactile example of Georgian optical craftsmanship Crafted with a striking walnut main barrel, displaying warm amber tones Walnut exhibits a fine grain pattern, with minimal wear commensurate with gentle use Features three smoothly operating brass draw tubes, with bright golden hues Engraved to the rear barrel with 'Lincoln, London' – a noted maker of the period Fitted with a push-type dust cover to protect the 40mm primary objective lens Bright, functional optics with a clear image – suited for both display and gentle use A handsome piece for the collector of nautical antiques or scientific instruments Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass 'Captain's Stand' for display Further enhanced with the original leather carry sleeve, in lightly time worn order Elegant and evocative, this Georgian telescope...
Category

1790s British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Shibayama Pair of Opera Glasses in original case by Negretti Zambra
Located in London, GB
A superb and rare pair of mother of pearl Shibayama opera glasses in its original leather carry case. The beautiful mother of pearl case decorated by bugs. The Shibayama technique wa...
Category

1880s English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Vintage Specimen Collector s Chest of Drawers, French, Walnut Desk Box, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage specimen collector's chest of drawers. A French, solid walnut four drawer executive desk box, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930. Exceptional figuring and f...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Decorative Antique French Vineyard Injector by Vermorel, Circa 1880
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… Manufactured by Vermorel circa 1880, this bronze injector was most likely the property of a French vineyard in the 19th century. A t-shaped wooden han...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper

Vintage W. T. Avery Brass/ Cast Iron Beam Scale
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful W & T Avery Class C brass and cast iron beam scale. Cast Iron top and base compliment the patinated brass nicely. Two brass pans with complete compliment of weights. Maker ...
Category

20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Anemometer 1950 Coal Mining Vintage Science Equipment in Brass and Steel
Located in Miami, FL
Mechanical desk anemometer in brass. Very interesting scientific coal mining anemometer, made up back in the 1950's with brass and blackened steel parts...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel, Iron

Vintage 2 Draw Telescope, English, Leather, Brass, Terrestrial Refractor, C.1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage 2 draw telescope. An English, leather on brass terrestrial refractor, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960. Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciatio...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Gold Rush Pocket Scale in an Green enameled Tin, ca 1850
Located in York County, PA
EXCEPTIONAL GOLD RUSH POCKET SCALE WITH GREEN, ENAMELED TIN, GILT EAGLE & LETTERING THAT READS: “MADE EXPRESSLY FOR CALIFORNIA,” circa 1850 “Miners' Improved Gold Scale,” made circ...
Category

1850s American Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

French Louis XVI Style Gilded and Painted Wood Directoire Wall Barometer
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century French Louis XVI style gilt and painted wood barometer. While not in working order, barometer has that wonderful old 'chippy' peeling patina. The carved wood frame and g...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

19th Century Dental Tool Kit
Located in London, GB
19th century dental tool kit A rare set of 19th century dental tool kit, all tools are encased in a wooden box with brass latch and lined with a worn red...
Category

19th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Refractor telescope by François Can, 81 Quai de l Hôpital, Lyon
Located in London, GB
2 ¾ inch refractor telescope by François Can, 81 Quai de l'Hôpital, Lyon. Circa 1835. Mounted on a cast iron stand with adjustable height, folding tripod feet, and castors. 2 ¾ inc...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

System walking stick with grain measuring the function, France 1820.
Located in Milan, IT
System walking stick: stick with grain measuring function. Oak wood barrel, graduated on the outside with brass nails. Iron knob, brass ferrule. By unscrewing the knob, a graduated i...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Field level no. 148 by Pasquale Cittelli. Italy first half of 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Field Level No. 148, instrument for architects or engineers, made of brass and glass. Complete with original oak box. Includes a folding and extendable oak tripod and a tubular canva...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Ernst Plank Steam Engine
Located in Madrid, ES
The Ernst Plank steam engine is a fascinating and remarkable piece, especially the Union model with dimensions of 43x14x14 cm. Manufactured by the Ernst Plank brand, this steam engin...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper

Set of Victorian Brass Beam Scales
Located in Altrincham, GB
Set of Victorian Brass Beam Scales, complete with pans and nest of weights - Williams & Sons - Cannon St. London - 21"w x 12"d x 27"h
Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Accordion by Sabatino Nocentini Figli Made in Florence, Italy
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Italian custom made accordion by Sabatino Nocentini Castiglion & Figli. Antique pearl white accordion, Italian accordion with profuse inlay decoration, gorgeous hand made wit...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Abalone, Wood, Shell

Trio Of Antique Mortars, English, Bronze, Apothecary Pot, William III, C.1700
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a trio of antique mortars. An English, bronze apothecary instrument, dating to the William III period, circa 1700. Charming trio, ideal for decorative display or as planting...
Category

Early 18th Century British William and Mary Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

French 18th Century Balance Scale
Located in Round Top, TX
A handsome French 18th century balance scale in iron and brass. The balance mechanism is in iron. The foot and the plates are in brass. The...
Category

18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Fine Circular Protractor by William Cary, London c.1810
By Cary
Located in Norwich, GB
William Cary, London Circular Protractor. C.1810 The protractor with geared knob turn for full diameter bar, double hinged scribe arms with shaped frame. Main wheel with four spokes and glass sight cross centre, full circumference inscribed divider to 360 degrees signed Cary, London to the bar. Adjustment screws to the arms and housed in it’s original mahogany case with hinged lid. William Cary is listed as working in Strand, London from 1801 to 1825. William Cary was an important scientific instrument maker, he trained under Jesse Ramsden (1735-1800) he produced numerous scientific instruments including mechanical calculators...
Category

1810s English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Mahogany and Brass Skylight Ship Binnacle, T.S. J.D. Negus NY, Circa 1860
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany and brass skylight ship binnacle. T.S. and J.D. Negus company was established in 1848 in New York City. They were makers of fine scientific instruments, circa 1848-1900. This highly desirable and maritime instrument is made of carved mahogany with a brass and glass skylight...
Category

1860s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Vintage Handheld Tachometer, English Tool Speed Gauge, Smiths Instruments, Decor
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage handheld tachometer. An English, enamelled alloy and glass decorative tool speed gauge by Smiths Instruments, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960. Untested, but in fine decorative condition for the collector of vintage gauges...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

A Copernican armillary sphere, Paravia, Milan, Italy 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A Copernican armillary sphere made of iron, paper, brass and wood, with the Sun inside, and the Earth on the outside, made of wood and covered with paper. Pedestal made of turned and...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique 14K Gold Victorian Vintage Spectacles Lorgnette Eyeglasses with Handle
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Gorgeous Victorian old fashioned antique lorgnette with a refined design on the handle. The lens glass is in excellent shape and is framed by decorat...
Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Gold

Early 20th Century French Carved Black Forest Hunting Barometer and Thermometer
Located in Birmingham, AL
A stunning early 20th century French black forest barometer with thermometer, circa 1900. Found in a hunting lodge in Lyon, this antique weather station...
Category

Early 1900s French Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Pair of 32" Terrestrial and Celestial Globes
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair of Terrestrial and Celestial Globes G & T London 20th Century This extraordinary pair of 32-inch terrestrial and celestial globes, crafted by G & T London, pays homage to the m...
Category

20th Century English 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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