Antique Optical Instruments
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Antique Cased Optometrist's Set, English, Optical Instrument, Boxed, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique cased optometrist's set. An English, mahogany optical instrument box, dating to
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Wood
H 2.56 in W 17.33 in D 14.18 in
Antique Pair of Cased Binoculars, English, Brass, Optical Instrument, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pair of cased binoculars. An English, enamel brass optical instrument, dating to
Category
Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 5.71 in W 4.73 in D 2.96 in
Antique Optometrist's Set, English, Optical Instrument Case, Victorian, C.1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique optometrist's set. An English, mahogany optical instrument case, dating to the
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Wood
H 2.76 in W 17.52 in D 13.98 in
Antique Optometrist's Skiascope, French, Ebony, Optical Instrument, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique optometrist's skiascope rack. A French, ebony and glass optical instrument
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Ebony
H 42 in W 6.5 in D 0.5 in
1893 Antique Lippich Brass Polarimeter Antique Physic Analysis Instrument
By Societé Genevoise
Located in Milan, IT
black metal. It is an optical instrument of analysis used to determine the concentration of sucrose and
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Pair of Brass Field Binoculars by W. Watson &. Sons of London
Located in High Point, NC
. Watson & Sons, London, who were the finest optical instrument manufacturers in England. These glasses
Category
1910s English Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Field Artillery Theodolite by Srb & Stys of Prague, 1930s
Located in Doylestown, PA
Field artillery theodolite by Srb & Stys of Prague, signed, 1930s.
Spectacular precision optical
Category
Early 20th Century Czech Industrial Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Steel
Saccharimetre a Penombres by J Duboscq
Located in London, by appointment only
quality of his optical instruments, 1817- 1886. His work was shown with prominence at the Great Exhibition
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Optical Instruments
Holland Circle by Baumann and Kinzelbach
Located in New Orleans, LA
surveying and is a precursor to the theodolite, an optical instrument for measuring angles. Baumann and
Category
19th Century German Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Bow-Front Marine Barometer by John Dollond
By Dollond, London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
Dollond, set up as an optician at the age of 20 and became the most eminent optical instrument maker of
Category
1820s English Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Extra Large Antique Mounted Magic Lantern Condensing / Magnifying / Optical Lens
Located in Lisse, NL
the development of modern cinema or because you like scientific instruments or maybe because you are
Category
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical Blue Refractor Phoropter Medical Eye Exam Machine
By Bausch & Lomb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical Blue Refractor Phoropter Medical Eye Exam Machine. Early 20th Century
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Metal
H 11 in W 12.5 in D 4 in
19th C Pair of Large Optical Experimental Scientific Mirrors Concave & Convex
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A large pair of scientific optical mirrors, one concave the other convex.
These where used in
Category
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th C. Scientific Optical Mirror in Black Hardwood Frame on Tripod Brass Stand
Located in Haarlem, NL
A large 19th Century scientific optical mirror in round blackened hardwood frame on brass
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 26.38 in W 11.42 in D 6.3 in
Refractor telescope by François Can, 81 Quai de l'Hôpital, Lyon
Located in London, GB
Information on François Can is listed in: Dictionnaire des fabricants français d'instruments de mesure du XVe
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Universal Microscope by R & J Beck of London, 1867.
Located in London, GB
Universal Microscope by R & J Beck of London, 1867.
Serial number: 4757.
Circular base marked: UNIVERSAL MICROSCOPE - R & J BECK LONDON
In original fitted case with brass handle.
...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Microscope cloth counting glass by Casartelli
Located in London, GB
marked: 23.
Textile merchants would have such pocket-sized instruments to check the quality of the cloth
Category
Early 20th Century English Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 19th century brass surveyor's level with compass
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century brass surveyor's level with telescope, compass and spirit level.
With original brass mounted pine case.
Telescope length: 18 1/4 inches. - 46.5 cm.
Fitting f...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
1920s 35 Zeiss-Ikon 35 Cm Cinema Projector
By Zeiss Ikon
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 contains the parabolic mirror.
Prove...
Category
Early 20th Century German Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel, Iron
Sunshine Recorder by Casella of London
Located in London, GB
A Campbell–Stokes sunshine recorder, attributed to Casella & Co, circa 1910.
Mounted on a later wooden display plinth.
Marked with serial number to base: 1852.
The Campbell...
Category
Early 20th Century English Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze
French Brass & Polished Steel Telescope w/ Spotting Scope on Tripod Stand C 1850
By Bardou & Son
Located in Charleston, SC
French brass and polished steel telescope with removable lens cap, spotting scope, and mounted on folding tripod stand, 19th Century.
Signed on focal tube by prolific telescope make...
Category
1850s French Louis Philippe Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
H 57 in W 74 in D 4.75 in
American Brass Telescope w/ Spotting Scope & Stabilizer Bar on Tripod Stand 1870
Located in Charleston, SC
American brass and polished steel telescope with spotting scope, adjustable stabilizer bar, and mounted on folding tripod stand, Late 19th Century. Telescope is in working condition.
Category
1870s American American Empire Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
H 64 in W 55 in D 3.75 in
Impressive Antique Brass Dolland & Co. Telescope With Case for Restoration
By Dolland
Located in Bridgeport, CT
label reads "G. Dollond, London, Optical, Mathematical and Philosophical Instrument Maker to her Majesty
Category
19th Century English Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 59.5 in W 34.5 in D 34.5 in
English Stick Barometer by Worthington of London
Located in New Orleans, LA
predecessors and thus they were in high demand, crafted by mathematical, optical and philosophical instrument
Category
19th Century English Georgian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
20th Century English Theodolite by W.F. Stanley London in Original Wooden Box
By W. F. Stanley
Located in Sofia, BG
20th century English surveyor's theodolite or transit instrument of brass by W.F. Stanley (Optical
Category
Early 20th Century English Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 5.12 in W 17.72 in D 5.12 in
Oxidised Surveyors Level by Reid and Young
Located in Norwich, GB
addresses in Glasgow.
James White is listed as a Optical, Mathmatical and Philosophical instrument maker
Category
1920s British Edwardian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Fluorite Crystal in Brass Stand
Located in Scorton, GB
optical instruments.
Origin: DM Mine, Durham, England
Class: Fluorite Calcium Fluoride CaF₂
Fluorite: H
Category
15th Century and Earlier British Prehistoric Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Rock Crystal, Brass
Fluorite Crystal in Brass Stand
Located in Scorton, GB
optical instruments.
Origin: DM Mine, Durham, England
Class: Fluorite Calcium Fluoride CaF₂
Fluorite: H
Category
15th Century and Earlier British Prehistoric Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Rock Crystal, Brass
Blue Fluorite Crystal in Bronze Stand
Located in Scorton, GB
, and optical instruments.
Type: Fluorite Calcium Fluoride CaF₂ [RARE Discovery]
Geometry: Octahedral
Category
15th Century and Earlier British Prehistoric Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Rock Crystal, Bronze
Blue Fluorite Crystal in Bronze Stand
Located in Scorton, GB
, and optical instruments.
Type: Fluorite Calcium Fluoride CaF₂ [RARE Discovery]
Geometry: Octahedral
Category
15th Century and Earlier British Prehistoric Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Rock Crystal, Bronze
Blue Fluorite Crystal in Bronze Stand
Located in Scorton, GB
, and optical instruments.
Type: Fluorite Calcium Fluoride CaF₂ [RARE Discovery]
Geometry: Octahedral
Category
15th Century and Earlier British Prehistoric Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Rock Crystal, Bronze
19th Century R. & J. Beck Stereoscope
By R.&J. Beck 1
Located in Norwood, NJ
early 20th centuries, R. & J. Beck was a leading manufacturer of optical instruments, including
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Figures of a Jewish Porcelain Peddler and his Wife, Derby, England, Circa 1770
Located in New York, NY
marine storekeepers, optical instrument dealers and tailors in the West Country seaports. In the 19th
Category
1770s European Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Porcelain
H 7.5 in W 4 in D 4 in
Commoners and Friars - Pencil Drawing on Paper y T. Duclère - Mid 1800
By Teodoro Duclère
Located in Roma, IT
characterized by a very realistic, clear and illustrative style, undoubtedly favored by the use of the optical
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Pencil
H 5.01 in W 7.88 in D 0.08 in
Fine Scottish Two-Day Marine Chronometer Signed and Numbered D. McGregor
By D. McGregor & Co. 1
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
advertised themselves as manufacturers of nautical, mathematical and optical instruments, chronometers and
Category
Mid-19th Century Scottish Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 7.09 in W 7.09 in D 7.09 in
Wall Mounted Calipers from the Ross Optical Company London
Located in London, GB
, optical and philosophical instruments , founded in 1830 by Andrew Ross. Ross & Co traded at 6 Wigmore
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Steel
"China Town" Ernest Fiene, 1925 Modernist Watercolor on Paper Chinatown Scene
By Ernest Fiene
Located in New York, NY
and Louisiana to record the operations of the oil industry. He also recorded the making of optical
Category
1920s Modern Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Paper, Watercolor
Antique Nautical Brass Parallels Original Mahogany Box made in Plymouth, 1860
By W. Heath, Plymouth 1
Located in Milan, IT
Brass parallels signed W. Heath Plymouth, optical and scientific instruments maker active since
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 0.79 in W 18.19 in D 2.45 in
Early Electric Scientific Micro Slide Projector
Located in North Beninngton, VT
can see. Made in Boston circa 1900. Cord seen in photo has been replaced. Great looking optical
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Optical Instruments
Late 19th Century Bardou & Son Paris Brass Telescope with GB Trademark on Tripod
By Bardou & Son
Located in Atlanta, GA
Late 19th century Words & Works St Louis, Bardou & Son Paris Brass Telescope with GB Trademark on wood tripod stand. Includes original wooden case.
The tripod base measures 24" dia...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass, Metal
H 58.25 in W 44.25 in D 3.5 in
George I Walnut Stick Barometer
Located in Kent, GB
increasing in popularity and were made by optical and scientific instrument-makers as well as clockmakers
Category
18th Century and Earlier English Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Vernier Sextant by Heath and Company, London
By Heath & Co.
Located in Norwich, Norfolk
works dated 25/1/1928.
Heath and Company were respected mathematical, nautical and optical instrument
Category
1920s Great Britain (UK) Other Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Museum Quality Measuring Instrument, PH & F. Pellin, Paris, circa 1900
Located in Nijmegen, Gelderland
mainly produced high-quality lenses for optical measuring instruments. But name recognition came about
Category
Early 20th Century French Industrial Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
H 29.93 in W 10.24 in D 132.29 in
Shagreen Etui by W & S Jones Opticians with Scientific Instruments Circa, 1800
Located in London, GB
instruments as pictured.
Dimensions: 18 cm x 7cm.
William Jones was an English maker of many optical and
Category
19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Pair of Antique Binoculars, English, Brass, Leather, Optical Instrument, c.1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of antique binoculars. An English, brass and leather optical instrument, dating to
Category
Early 20th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Rare Pair of Round Cut Mirrors, Optical Scientific Instrument Components.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare Pair of round cut mirrors, part of optical instruments.
Category
19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Glass
Brass and Wooden Microscope Culpeper Model, circa 1770-1790
Located in Milan, IT
Antique brass and wooden microscope Culpeper model, circa 1770-1790. It is an antique optical
Category
1780s Antique Optical Instruments
19th Century Brass Telescope Antique Marine Navigation Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
observation, creating the first rudimentary instrument for optical approaching. But Lipperhey was unlucky, in
Category
1870s Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Saccharimetre a Penombres by Jj Duboscq
By J. Duboscq, Paris 1
Located in London, by appointment only
, for the high quality of his optical instruments. 1817- 1886 His work was shown with prominence at the
Category
19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
Through the Looking Glass: Napoleon III Magnifying Graphoscope
Located in New York, NY
functionality and elegance, making this piece a fine example of 19th-century optical instruments and decorative
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Wood, Glass
Brass Camera Lucida Made in the First Half of the 19th Century
Located in Milan, IT
box. Good condition. Measures box 27 x 10 cm.
This is an optical instrument used as an aid to the
Category
1840s French Antique Optical Instruments
19th Century 3 Draw Brass and Wood French Antique Terrestrial Telescope
Located in Milan, IT
, creating the first rudimentary instrument for optical approaching. But Lipperhey was unlucky, in fact when
Category
1850s Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
English or French Antique Brass Surveyor's Transit Theodolite, last quarter 19th
Located in Atlanta, GA
From Wikipedia:
“A THEODOLITE is a precision optical instrument for measuring angles between
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Hughes Telescope, English, 5 Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Regency
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
example of Regency optical instrument making
Displaying a desirable aged patina
Leather shows deep
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Telescope, Dollond, Refracting Library Scope in Mahogany Case circa 1800
By Dollond, London
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
optical instrument maker Dollond.
Clear sharp optics with 2" achromatic objective glass
Additional
Category
Late 18th Century Great Britain (UK) Georgian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 19.69 in W 40.16 in D 12.21 in
Early 19th Century French Walnut and Brass Telescope Signed Vincent Chevalier
Located in Dallas, TX
received prices from 1827 to 1834. (see label inside the box)
A telescope is an optical instrument that
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 50 in W 48 in L 50 in
Georgian III Mahogany Thermometer by John Dollond
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
eminent optical instrument maker of the late 18th century. Such was his success that his father gave up
Category
1790s English Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Adjustable Concave Ebonised and Brass Optical Scientific Mercury Mirror
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A scientific optical doubled sided mirror with one concave mirror plate the other flat
These
Category
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Mirror, Optical Glass, Hardwood
19th C Concave Ebonised and Brass Optical Scientific Foxed Mercury Mirror
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A scientific optical doubled sided mirror with one concave mirror plate the other flat.
These
Category
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Mirror, Optical Glass, Hardwood
19th Century English Optical Refractor Form
Located in London, GB
19th Century English Optical Refractor Form
Used by optometrists to determine corrective lens
Category
1890s British Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Metal
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Antique Optical Instruments For Sale on 1stDibs
Find a variety of antique optical instruments available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of glass, metal and brass, all antique optical instruments available were constructed with great care. There are all kinds of antique optical instruments available, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Victorian, Industrial and Georgian antique optical instruments are consistently popular styles. Bardou & Son, Bausch & Lomb and D. McGregor & Co. each produced beautiful antique optical instruments that are worth considering.
Finding the Right Scientific-instruments for You
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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