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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Antique Heath Co Lacquered Brass Vernier Sextant 19th Century
By Heath Co.
Located in London, GB
A rare cased lacquered brass vernier sextant by A Heath & Co of New Eltham London, dating from the late 19th Century. With silvered scale, stamped mark and New Eltham, London, with ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

PRELUDE - Vintage Compact Binoculars/Opera Glasses - Japan - Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
PRELUDE - Vintage travel size folding binoculars for bird watching or the opera - 3 x 25 m/m magnification - adjustable focus - Japan - mid 20th century. Excellent vintage condition...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Antique W. L. E. Gurley Co. Brass Surveyor’s Transit/Theodolite c1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique W. & L. E. Gurley Co. Brass Surveyor’s Transit/Theodolite Signed C1890 Measures - 15" x 7 1/2" x 7 1/2" An antique brass surveyor’s transit/theodolite by W. & L. E. Gurley ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th Century articulated medical human skull
Located in London, GB
19th Century articulated medical human skull Dimensions in inches: H 7.5” x W 8” x D 5.5” Age: 1900 Origin: Unknown Condition: Good Overview This example would have originally bee...
Category

Early 1900s Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Natural Fiber

Antique English Brass Cased Compass Reg. No. For 1903
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome cased late Victorian or Edwardian compass with hinged lid, the little button on the top used to open; just like a full hunter pocket watch. The dial is lucky enough to ha...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Western Electric Tapered Shaft Candlestick Telephone C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Western Electric Tapered Shaft Candlestick Telephone C1920 Measures - 10.75"H x 6.25"W x 4.75"D An antique Western Electric candlestic...
Category

20th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Post War Japanese Opera Glasses With Mother of Pearl; in Orig. Carry Case C.1955
Located in Incline Village, NV
Very well precision made mid 20th century opera glasses manufactured in Japan (marked); they are still very operable today and working very well. Although categorized as "opera glass...
Category

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

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Fotex Mini Tripod with Case, Vintage 1960s
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Vintage Fotex Mini Tripod with Case – 1950s-60s Retro Camera Accessory. This is a beautiful vintage FOTEX mini tripod, complete with its original black leatherette carry case. Likely...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Antique Brass Telescope On Tripod Stand
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The telescope has a selection of the lens that can be removed such that it fits into the case. There is a cover for the end glass. There is a tripod base with cylindrical column pe...
Category

19th Century Arts and Crafts Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Cold War Japanese Defence Agency 15x80 Binoculars with Illumination Control
By Kowa
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Japanese Type 65 Naval Binoculars (1984) by Kowa – With Full Illumination Controls This outstanding set of Type 65 8cm twin-eye naval binoculars, manufactured by Kowa Co., Ltd. in Ap...
Category

1980s Japanese Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Bronze

Large Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English Brass, Leather Spyglass, Victorian, 1860
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large antique three draw telescope. An English, brass and leather terrestrial or maritime spyglass, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1860. Of excellent proportion and ...
Category

1860s British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Sputnik Space Age Table Weather Station, Relative Hygrometer, West Germany, 60s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Midcentury Modern Space Age Weather station made by Huger in the 60s, consisting of a thermometer, hygrometer and barometer made in West Germany the weather station is made of a chro...
Category

1960s German Space Age Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Large Vintage WWII Telescope, English, Brass, Military Broad Arrow, Ottway Co
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large vintage WWII telescope, an English brass terrestrial instrument by Ottway & Co of London, dated 1945 and marked with the military broad arrow. Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky. A striking and substantial example of British wartime optical engineering Crafted in brass, displaying bright golden tones throughout the draw tube and sun shade Single draw tube design with smooth motion and pleasing tactile presence Main barrel dressed in a later textured outer cover, adding visual distinction and grip Engraved with 'Ottway & Co – London – 1945' to the main draw Clearly marked with the military broad arrow and original serial number Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass 'Captain's Stand' for display Ideal for collectors of WWII memorabilia...
Category

1940s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Torricellian barometer French manufacture from the second half of the 19th century
Located in Milan, IT
Torricellian mercury barometer, French manufacture from the second half of the 19th century, made of mahogany veneer wood with cedar wood edge threading complete with rare thermomet...
Category

1870s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Brass and Bakelite telescopic acoustic cornet England early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Telescopic acoustic cornet made of brass and Bakelite , English manufacture of the early 1900s. The principle of its operation is based on the reflection of sound on the inner walls,...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Iron Balance - Antique Small Brass Scale
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A small, 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 ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Iron

Antique 19th century pewter hourglass
Located in Bilzen, BE
A 19th century 4-column hourglass made entirely of pewter. Height 17.5 cm, base 10 x 10 cm.
Category

19th Century German Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Pewter

Box of mid-19th century compasses housed in their tuia burl box
Located in Milan, IT
Box of mid-19th century compasses, housed in their original tuia burl box, nickel-plated brass and ivory instruments, velvet and satin interior, lock and hinges in brass. Embossed ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

19th Century Indian Brass Qibla Compass
Located in Stamford, CT
19th Century Indian etched brass Qibla compass. The compass with brass needle and glass cover, the reverse engraved with tables. 4.2 inches high 2.3 wide A qibla (qiblah) compa...
Category

Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1930s Educational Model Depicting the Belly of the Woman Immediately After Birth
Located in Milan, IT
Educational model depicting the belly of the woman immediately after birth with a part of the placenta. 1930's, sold by the Hygiene Museum in Dresden...
Category

1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Dentist Chair Type III, Series 3266 by J. Corno, Union Frimor, France, ca 1920
Located in Delft, NL
A dentist chair Type III, series 3266 by J. Corno, Union Frimor, France ca. 1920 The heavy chair has the color in a mahogany look with gold line. The chair has leather headrests a...
Category

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Vintage 16 Gallon Pegasus Mobil Oil/Grease Drum Barrel
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage 16 Gallon Pegasus MOBIL Oil/Grease Drum Barrel. Vintage unrestored condition. Dimensions: 27.63 H x 15 Diameter. Delivery within 200 miles from...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Fine pair of Shibayama mother of Pearl Opera Glasses
Located in London, GB
A superb pair of late 19th century Palais Royal Shibayama opera glasses in mother of pearl. Wonderfully decorated with exotic pheasants, peony and bamboo. The Shibayama technique was...
Category

1880s French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Vintage Wood Geloso Television GT1014, 1950s, Italy
Located in Rome, IT
This GTV1014 was one of the first 21-inch b / w televisions produced by Geloso. It uses the intercarrier system as an audio-video medium frequency. The chassis is mounted inside th...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Plastic, Wood

Antique Scholar s Microscope, English, Brass, Scientific Instrument, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique scholar's microscope. An English, brass and enamelled metal scientific instrument by Henry Crouch, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Appealing micr...
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Milan 1920/30 Antique Microscope by F.lli Koristka Wooden Box with Accessories
Located in Milan, IT
Optical microscope signed F.lli Koristka Milano n. 42870 produced between 1920/30, of chromed and black painted brass, three-magnification turret, consisting of a stand and a plate w...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Tabletop Press, English, Cast Iron, Rotary, Flower Pressing, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique tabletop press. An English, cast iron rotary flower pressing machine, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Relive t...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Art Deco Copper German Perpetual Desk Calendar c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original German perpetual desk calendar. Change the day of the week and date by pressing the Bakelite handle on the side. A knob in the back allows you to adjust the date t...
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble, Copper

Small Antique Opera Monocular, German, Brass, Leather, Viewing Scope, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a small antique opera monocular. A German, brass and leather cased viewing scope, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Charming and petite, with a useful origina...
Category

20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage Laboratory Microscope, German, Scientific Instrument, Carl Zeiss Jena
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage laboratory microscope. A German, enamelled metal scientific instrument by Carl Zeiss Jena, dating to the late 20th century, circa ...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Antique Pocket Poco by the Rochester Optical Co. Folding Camera c.1903
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT The original Pocket Poco was manufactured by the Rochester Optical Co. from approximately 1893 to 1905. Designed as a small compact camera, the camera took 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 (qu...
Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Mechanical planetarium representative of the solar system with Sun Earth and Moon
Located in Milan, IT
Mechanical planetarium, or representative model of the solar system, from the second half of the 19th century. The cartouche of the globe reads: GlobusVydal J. Felkl at Syn Roztok ...
Category

1860s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Vintage Military Terrestrial Telescope, Canadian, Officer Of The Watch, CKC, WW2
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage military terrestrial telescope. A Canadian, chromed brass naval Officer of the Watch refractor by the Canadian Kodak Company, dating to the WWII period, circa 1940...
Category

Early 20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Pair of 19th Century Brass Scales
Located in Suffolk, GB
Pair of antique brass scales standing on a mahogany base. A brass centre column having a shaped arm to the left holding a removable brass bowl. Th...
Category

19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Mechanical solar system with Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Moon and Mars 1870
Located in Milan, IT
Tellurium or representative and demonstrative mechanical model of the solar system composed of the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Moon and Mars, realized by the Prague geographer and ...
Category

1870s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Antique Carved Burr Walnut Banjo Barometer, circa 1880
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding carved burr walnut banjo Barometer having a lovely carved burr walnut case with a thermometer and a 12 inch round silver dial. Perfect workin...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Small Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English Brass, Fruitwood, Terrestrial, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a small antique three draw telescope, an English brass and fruitwood terrestrial refractor, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. A delightfully tactile optical instrument, with fine brass barrels and a richly toned wooden main tube. Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky. Charming Victorian period three draw telescope, circa 1900 Bright brass barrels with rich golden tones, showing gently aged character Fruitwood primary barrel with warm caramel hues and fine grain interest Removable dust cap protects the 25mm diameter primary objective lens Flared eyecup fitted with a sliding dust cover for protection when not in use Smooth draw action provides a useful extended length, ideal for terrestrial observation Compact size and appealing form, perfect for a collector’s cabinet, desk, or field use Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass 'Captain's Stand' for display This late Victorian brass and fruitwood telescope is both decorative and practical, making a fine addition to any antique optical instrument...
Category

Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Small Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Terrestrial Spyglass, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a small antique three draw telescope. An English, brass terrestrial spyglass, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Compact yet elegant, this diminutive instrument...
Category

Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Metal Binoculars with Case, 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Binoculars with case. Decoration complements. Silver metal binoculars with graducation nuts and clean and elegant lines. Inspired by classic models. Weight: 945 gr." Size: 9 x 15...
Category

20th Century Unknown Other Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Other

1950s Olympic Tape Measure Peoples Republic of China
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Tricle Bakelite Olympic Tape Measure made Peoples Republic of China Cover made from dappled rich dark tricle bake-lite includes gilt brass fittings and cloth tape. 5.25 dia...
Category

1950s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Hand-Crafted Solid Bronze Mortar with Pestle and Great Original Patina
Located in Lisse, NL
Decorative and tactile, late 18th century mortar set. Mortars have been used for centuries by private people and by people in certain trades. In the kitche...
Category

Late 18th Century European Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Antique Lord Bury 4 Draw Telescope, English, Terrestrial, JH Steward, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Lord Bury 4 draw telescope. An English, leather and brass terrestrial or astronomical refractor by J.H. Steward of London, dating t...
Category

1880s British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Engine Indicator, Scottish, Scientific Instrument, Dobbie McInnes, 1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique mechanical engine indicator. A Scottish, brass scientific instrument by Dobbie-McInnes of Glasgow, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. Presenting a gr...
Category

1920s Scottish Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Hand Carved Coquille Nut Egg Box 19th Century Flea Trap Pomander Needle Case
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful hand carved coquille nut egg box. Beautiful carving, great patina, unscrews at center to open. The original use was a flea trap, things were d...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

French Camera Lucida from the early 20th century. Original case
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Antique French camera lucida, a mid 1800s drawing aide tool with original box. A camera Lucida is generally considered to have been invented by the English chemist W. H. Wollaston in...
Category

1880s French Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Rosewood Stanley No. 12 1/2 Veener Plane c.1904-1943
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Cabinet makers veneer scraper plane with Rosewood handles and bronze knobs. CREATOR Stanley Tools Inc. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1904-1943. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze, Steel

French 19th Century Culinary Scale from Lyon
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A large kitchen / culinary scale made in Lyon, France, circa 1880. This wonderful antique instrument was used to measure various ingredients and product...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble, Brass

Antique Victorian Quartersawn Oak Hand Crank Candlestick Phone Wall Telephone
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Victorian Quartersawn Oak Hand Crank Candlestick Phone Wall Telephone. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 20" H x 9" W x 12" D.
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

Antique 18th Century Diptych Portable Sundial And Compass by Beringer
By David Beringer
Located in Bilzen, BE
Antique 18th Century Diptych Sundial and Compass a portable wooden sundial with compass, of German origin, by David Beringer, Nuremberg, dating back to the 1780 circa, in good age re...
Category

Late 18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

A Very Rare 19th Century Gadget Walking Cane with Brass Telescope
Located in Dublin, IE
A very rare 19th Century well figured gadget walking cane with a hidden brass telescope. This exceptional item is stamped with the Manchester Reg...
Category

19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Luxury Victorian French Lorgnette Opera Glasses Marked "La Roi, Paris" Ca. 1895
Located in Incline Village, NV
Absolutely exquisite pair of operable mother of pearl high quality luxury French Opera Glasses with fancy lorgnette style handle and metal mounts. Premium mother of pearl and only th...
Category

1890s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Antique Master Craftsman s Spirit Level, English, Brass, Desk, Victorian, 1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This an antique master craftsman's spirit level. An English, rosewood and brass ornamental desk tool, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. ...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage Underwood Champion Portable Typewriter c.1946
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A vintage portable Underwood Champion Four bank typewriter in grey finish and original case. This typewriter is very clean and in good working order. It has smooth typing and ...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Antique English Nickel Cased Compass Reg. No. For 1903 - WW1 Military Issue
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome cased World War One issued compass with hinged lid, the little button on the top used to open; just like a full hunter pocket watch. The front is stamped with the war off...
Category

1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Nickel

Antique Pocket Field Microscope, English, Brass, Instrument, Edwardian, C.1910
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique scientist's field microscope. An English, brass, pocket instrument, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Appealing brass ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

ZEISS Ikon Novar-Anastigmat 45mm F3.5 Film Camera 1950s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Zeiss Ikon Contina Camera with Novar-Anastigmat 45mm F3.5 Prontor SVS. Zeiss Ikon Contina 35mm RF style camera with a 45mm f/3.5 Novar-Anastigmat prime lens. Cosmetically in great co...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

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 Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

1920s 35 Zeiss-Ikon 35 Cm Cinema Projector
Located in London, GB
A late 1920s 35 mm Zeiss-Ikon cinema projector. Lens: Neokino 52.5/110 by Emil Busch A.-G. Rathenow. Original black paint. Lamp house contain...
Category

Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel, Iron

Superb Large Pair Antique English Binoculars by W. Watson Sons, London
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous pair of antique English polished brass binoculars meticulously professionally cleaned and polished, restoring them to their former glory; the barrels wrapped in leather. ...
Category

1910s British George IV Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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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