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French Provincial Scientific Instruments

FRENCH PROVINCIAL STYLE

Removed from the fashions of the court, French Provincial style developed in the provinces of the country, such as Provence, Normandy, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. Dating to the 17th and 18th centuries, French Provincial furniture was not as ostentatious as the designs being produced for the royal palaces, but elegant S-shape cabriole legs and ornate carvings elevated the sturdy chairs, sofas, tables and bedroom furniture intended for everyday use.

Although it varies by region, antique French Provincial furniture is unified by solid construction and an artisanal attention to design. While this furniture often followed the metropolitan trends — including the Rococo or neoclassical aesthetics of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI — since it was produced in the French countryside it was more subdued with nods to its rustic settings.

Local materials like fruitwoods, oak, beech and walnut were used to construct large French Provincial armoires for storage and comfortable armchairs with rush-woven seats. Wrought-iron elements and carvings like floral details and scallop patterns were common as ornamentation. Furniture was frequently painted white or other muted colors that coordinated with gilt and would acquire a patina of age over time. Other wood was just stained with vibrant fabric such as toile de Jouy, which sometimes depicted pastoral scenes, adding color as upholstery.

The style arrived in the United States after World War I, with soldiers returning home wanting furniture like what they had seen in the rural homes and castles of France. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, designer John Widdicomb split from his family business, the Widdicomb Furniture Company, and had been focusing on Louis XV– and French Provincial–style furnishings since the early 1900s. Other American manufacturers such as Baker, Drexel, Henredon and Thomasville also responded to demand. Today antique French Provincial pieces and reproductions continue to be popular.

Find a collection of antique French Provincial dining tables, seating, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: French Provincial
Antique French Cast Iron Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This cast iron scale was made in France, circa 1900. A ubiquitous classic in the home or the market, scales of these dimensions were commonly used to weig...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique French Cast Iron Scale
Antique French Cast Iron Scale

Antique French Cast Iron Scale

$350 Sale Price
30% Off
French 19th Century Culinary Scale
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A 19th century French counter or grocer’s scale with two brass trays mounted on a white marble top. This wonderful antique instrument was used to measure various ingredients and prod...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble, Brass

French 19th Century Culinary Scale
French 19th Century Culinary Scale

French 19th Century Culinary Scale

$1,650
Attractive 19th Century French Grocer’s Balance Scales The scale has 2 brass pan
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Attractive 19th Century French Grocer’s Balance Scales The scale has 2 brass pans, the body of the scale is very decorative in green enamel The Scale is now mainly a decorative piec...
Category

19th Century Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Attractive 19th Century French Grocer’s Balance Scales The scale has 2 brass pan
Attractive 19th Century French Grocer’s Balance Scales The scale has 2 brass pan

Attractive 19th Century French Grocer’s Balance Scales The scale has 2 brass pan

$1,858
Charpentier French Victorian Brass Scale
By P. Charpentier a Paris 1
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian brass scale with 2 round trays on square wooden base (signed CHARPENTIER with hallmark)
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Charpentier French Victorian Brass Scale
Charpentier French Victorian Brass Scale

Charpentier French Victorian Brass Scale

$4,500
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

20th Century French Wooden Floor Abacus
20th Century French Wooden Floor Abacus

20th Century French Wooden Floor Abacus

$906 Sale Price
35% Off
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 Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Iron

19th Century French Cast Iron Scale
19th Century French Cast Iron Scale

19th Century French Cast Iron Scale

$837 Sale Price
40% Off
Related Items
Very Rare 19th Century Cast Iron Jockey Hitching Post
Located in Dublin, IE
A very rare 19th century cast iron equine hitching post in the form of a jock-ey. The jockey is classically dressed in the 19th century riding attire, com-prising of a black riding hat, red jacket and cream jodhpurs. The jockey is poised on a moulded blue plinth...
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19th Century English Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

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Very Rare 19th Century Cast Iron Jockey Hitching Post
Very Rare 19th Century Cast Iron Jockey Hitching Post

Very Rare 19th Century Cast Iron Jockey Hitching Post

$4,743
H 49 in W 16 in D 21 in
French Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Clock and Barometer by Charpentier
By Charpentier et Cie
Located in London, GB
Designed in the French Rococo style, this clock and barometer set have been beautifully ornamented with scrolling foliate gilt bronze forms. The two are diamond shaped, with symmetri...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze

French Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Clock and Barometer by Charpentier
French Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Clock and Barometer by Charpentier

French Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Clock and Barometer by Charpentier

$16,524 / set
H 20.48 in W 12.6 in D 5.52 in
1900s French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This early 1900s French Metal Scale is an evocative piece of history that marries function with rustic charm. Featuring a robust metal frame with an aged, weathered patina, the scale...
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

1900s French Metal Scale
1900s French Metal Scale

1900s French Metal Scale

$595
H 9.4 in W 22.2 in D 10.1 in
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 French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

French 18th Century Balance Scale
French 18th Century Balance Scale

French 18th Century Balance Scale

$1,950
H 24.5 in W 24.5 in D 8 in
Antique Trade Scale Brass and 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 Cast-Iron Patina and signs of use which ma...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron, Brass

Antique Trade Scale Brass and Cast Iron, France, circa 1880
Antique Trade Scale Brass and Cast Iron, France, circa 1880

Antique Trade Scale Brass and Cast Iron, France, circa 1880

$817 Sale Price
20% Off
H 12.6 in W 27.96 in D 10.83 in
A 20th Century Architectural Wooden Model of a Renaissance Baptistry / Church
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A finely rendered octagonal sided wooden model of a Renaissance Baptistry or Church of very good proportions scale, showing distinctive Islamic influences as observed in the ei...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut, Plywood

A 20th Century Architectural Wooden Model of a Renaissance Baptistry / Church
A 20th Century Architectural Wooden Model of a Renaissance Baptistry / Church

A 20th Century Architectural Wooden Model of a Renaissance Baptistry / Church

$1,500
H 24.75 in Dm 10.25 in
Early 20th Century Wooden Prosthetic Articulated Arm and Hand
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
This is a very early and prosthetic arm. Looks like it has been made in England, but i´m not sure. The wooden carved hand is jointed, realistic and ve...
Category

Early 20th Century English French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Early 20th Century Wooden Prosthetic Articulated Arm and Hand
Early 20th Century Wooden Prosthetic Articulated Arm and Hand

Early 20th Century Wooden Prosthetic Articulated Arm and Hand

$1,730
H 16.54 in Dm 3.55 in
English Brass Bankers Balance Scale from the 19th Century with Circular Pans
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English brass bankers balance scale from the 19th century. Born in England during the 19th century, this elegant brass bankers scale features a centra...
Category

19th Century English Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

English Brass Bankers Balance Scale from the 19th Century with Circular Pans
English Brass Bankers Balance Scale from the 19th Century with Circular Pans

English Brass Bankers Balance Scale from the 19th Century with Circular Pans

$2,950
H 25 in W 21.5 in D 14 in
1900s French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This early 1900s French Metal Scale is an evocative piece of history that marries function with rustic charm. Featuring a robust metal frame with an aged, weathered patina, the scale...
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

1900s French Metal Scale
1900s French Metal Scale

1900s French Metal Scale

$505
H 9.4 in W 19.9 in D 9 in
Henry Troemner Apothecary Cast Iron Metal Balance Scale #1, Circa 1890s
By Henry Troemner
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Henry Troemner Apothecary Cast Iron & Metal Balance Scale #1—Circa 1890s This Henry Troemner balance scale #1 is a remarkable antique cast iron scale, likely manufactured between th...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Iron

Henry Troemner Apothecary Cast Iron Metal Balance Scale #1, Circa 1890s
Henry Troemner Apothecary Cast Iron Metal Balance Scale #1, Circa 1890s

Henry Troemner Apothecary Cast Iron Metal Balance Scale #1, Circa 1890s

$1,895
H 15 in W 28 in D 20.5 in
19th Century French Iron Balance - Antique Brass Scale
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique French intricate brass balance with different weights in solid brass, in good condition. The iron scale is topped with the original polished brass plates. The scale reads ...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Iron

19th Century French Iron Balance - Antique Brass Scale
19th Century French Iron Balance - Antique Brass Scale

19th Century French Iron Balance - Antique Brass Scale

$2,500
H 11 in W 25.5 in D 20 in
Clavichord, 20th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Clavichord housed in a veneered walnut case of simple rectangular form. Numbered "284" on the inside. The instrument is currently un-tuned but remains in playable condition. A charmi...
Category

20th Century French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Clavichord, 20th Century
Clavichord, 20th Century

Clavichord, 20th Century

$3,365
H 28.35 in W 51.58 in D 18.51 in
Previously Available Items
19th Century Brass and Wooden Jewelry Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Loyally underhand for quickly weighing out gemstones and precious medals, this trustworthy sidekick was once the prized tool for the detailed work of the jeweler. Made in France in t...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Brass and Wooden Jewelry Scale
19th Century Brass and Wooden Jewelry Scale

19th Century Brass and Wooden Jewelry Scale

H 10.8 in W 10.8 in D 5.5 in
Early 20th Century French Laboratory Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Made in early 20th Century France, this mechanical wonder was crafted with an eye for aesthetics, the richly polished wood and meticulously crafted mechanism elevate this piece with ...
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Early 20th Century French Laboratory Scale
Early 20th Century French Laboratory Scale

Early 20th Century French Laboratory Scale

H 18.3 in W 16 in D 8.6 in
Vintage Metal Scale from Twentieth Century Belgium
Located in High Point, NC
The limelight of everyday life is often put on the home, yet most of our lives happen on the outside, on the surroundings and nearby streets. A butcher, a bakery, a bodega, and the c...
Category

20th Century Belgian French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Vintage Metal Scale from Twentieth Century Belgium
Vintage Metal Scale from Twentieth Century Belgium

Vintage Metal Scale from Twentieth Century Belgium

H 20.1 in W 7.9 in D 9.8 in
Antique French Cast Iron Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This cast iron scale was made in France, circa 1900. A ubiquitous classic in the home or the market, scales of these dimensions were commonly used to weig...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique French Cast Iron Scale
Antique French Cast Iron Scale

Antique French Cast Iron Scale

H 11.4 in W 21.3 in D 9.4 in
19th Century Brass and Wooden Jewelry Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Loyally underhand for quickly weighing out gemstones and precious medals, this trustworthy sidekick was once the prized tool for the detailed work of the jeweler. Made in France in t...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Brass and Wooden Jewelry Scale
19th Century Brass and Wooden Jewelry Scale

19th Century Brass and Wooden Jewelry Scale

H 5.1 in W 7.1 in D 3.5 in
19th Century Brass and Wooden Jewelry Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Loyally underhand for quickly weighing out gemstones and precious medals, this trustworthy sidekick was once the prized tool for the detailed work of the jeweler. Made in France in t...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Brass and Wooden Jewelry Scale
19th Century Brass and Wooden Jewelry Scale

19th Century Brass and Wooden Jewelry Scale

H 10.8 in W 10.8 in D 5.5 in
20th Century, French Copper Measurers, Set of Four
Located in High Point, NC
A set of four 20th century copper measurers crafted in France, these antique decorative cups feature an elegant asymmetric folded spout and a striking rectangular handle. Slightly ox...
Category

20th Century French French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper

20th Century, French Copper Measurers, Set of Four
20th Century, French Copper Measurers, Set of Four

20th Century, French Copper Measurers, Set of Four

H 3.1 in W 3.9 in D 3.1 in
19th Century Maison Béranger Wooden and Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
A 19th century metal and wooden scale produced in France, this piece embodies the savoir-faire of its manufacturer, Maison Béranger. A rectangular wooden case covered with a black me...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th Century Maison Béranger Wooden and Metal Scale
19th Century Maison Béranger Wooden and Metal Scale

19th Century Maison Béranger Wooden and Metal Scale

H 7.7 in W 21.3 in D 9.1 in
Large Marble Pharmacy Mortar, 19th Century, France
Located in Girona, Spain
Large Marble Pharmacy Mortar. Made with Saint Anne des Pyrenees Marble. 19th Century, France. Very good vintage condition. French provincial is gen...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble

Large Marble Pharmacy Mortar, 19th Century, France
Large Marble Pharmacy Mortar, 19th Century, France

Large Marble Pharmacy Mortar, 19th Century, France

H 11.5 in Dm 20.5 in
Antique French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This vintage scale was produced in France, circa 1900. A household classic from the Roberval brand, the cast iron Force model. Fully functional, the ori...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble, Iron

Antique French Metal Scale
Antique French Metal Scale

Antique French Metal Scale

H 13.4 in W 28.3 in L 13.4 in
1900s French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This vintage scale was produced in France, circa 1900. A household classic from the Roberval brand, this cast iron Force model can weigh up to 20kg. Fully functional, the scale is su...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

1900s French Metal Scale
1900s French Metal Scale

1900s French Metal Scale

H 12.8 in W 25.6 in L 12.8 in
Antique French Metal Scale with Weights
Located in High Point, NC
This antique collection of scales and weights was made in France. Scales of these dimensions were commonly used to weigh fruits and vegetables. The burnished brass plates are set on ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique French Metal Scale with Weights
Antique French Metal Scale with Weights

Antique French Metal Scale with Weights

H 12.4 in W 18.1 in D 7.9 in

French Provincial scientific instruments for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique French Provincial scientific instruments for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage scientific instruments created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used French Provincial scientific instruments made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Belgium pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original scientific instruments, popular names associated with this style include and P. Charpentier a Paris. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for scientific instruments differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $300 and tops out at $4,500 while the average work can sell for $795.

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