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Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Antique Cased Microscope, English, Scientific Instrument, Swift & Son, Edwardian
Antique Cased Microscope, English, Scientific Instrument, Swift & Son, Edwardian

Antique Cased Microscope, English, Scientific Instrument, Swift & Son, Edwardian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique cased microscope. An English, black enamel scientific instrument by J.

Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Antique Pocket Field Microscope, English, Brass, Instrument, Edwardian, C.1910
Antique Pocket Field Microscope, English, Brass, Instrument, Edwardian, C.1910

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.

Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Leitz Brass Compound Microscope
Leitz Brass Compound Microscope

Leitz Brass Compound Microscope

By E. Leitz

Located in New Orleans, LA

Brass Compound Microscope in Case Ernst Leitz Dated 1897 This rare late 19th-century compound microscope was crafted by the renowned optical firm Ernst Leitz GmbH of Wetzlar, German...

Category

19th Century Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Optical Glass, Wood

Smalll Victorian Monocular Field Microscope
Smalll Victorian Monocular Field Microscope

Smalll Victorian Monocular Field Microscope

Located in Norwich, GB

Small Victorian monocular field microscope Brass framed monocular field microscope house in it’s original mahogany box with hinged brass carrying handle. The interior of the ...

Category

1890s English Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A Fine Adams, London Culpepper Microscope
A Fine Adams, London Culpepper Microscope

A Fine Adams, London Culpepper Microscope

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A late 18th century brass lacquered Culpepper design microscope by Adams, London in the original mahogany case. The two drawers contain a good selection of lenses and accessories. Th...

Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Dancer Field Microscope in Fine Condition
Dancer Field Microscope in Fine Condition

Dancer Field Microscope in Fine Condition

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A very clean and complete Dancer field microscope designed to fit into a small case for use in the field. This example is numbered 38 and has a Wenham prism that neatly slides into ...

Category

19th Century Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Microscope in Original Box, circa 1900
Antique Microscope in Original Box, circa 1900

Antique Microscope in Original Box, circa 1900

Located in Greven, DE

Antique travel microscope in unrestored found condition. The brass should be polished and the glasses cleaned. All parts appear to be complete, no guarantee, see photos.

Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Brass Microscope in a Wooden Case, 1880
Antique Brass Microscope in a Wooden Case, 1880

Antique Brass Microscope in a Wooden Case, 1880

Located in Wien, AT

A collector's item from the late 19th century: an antique drum/pocket microscope made of solid brass, complete with its original wooden case and rare period accessories. The housing...

Category

1880s Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Compound Microscope with Box and Key by R. Winkel, Göttingen, Nr. 18507
Compound Microscope with Box and Key by R. Winkel, Göttingen, Nr. 18507

Compound Microscope with Box and Key by R. Winkel, Göttingen, Nr. 18507

Located in Austin, TX

A fine working German compound microscope, circa 1910, by R. Winkel, Gottingen, Germany, in a fitted box of mahogany with nickel hardware and key. Marked on column front: R. Winke...

Category

Early 20th Century German Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Nickel

Antique Microscope by W. Klein Wetzlar with Carl Zeiss optical lenses, Germany
Antique Microscope by W. Klein Wetzlar with Carl Zeiss optical lenses, Germany

Antique Microscope by W. Klein Wetzlar with Carl Zeiss optical lenses, Germany

Located in Beograd, RS

In this listing you will find a rare antique Microscope manufactured by W. Klein in Wetzlar. The microscope features a solid brass body that has developed a rich patina and it featur...

Category

Early 1900s German Industrial Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Milan 1910/20 F.lli Koristka Antique Microscope  Wooden Box with Accessories
Milan 1910/20 F.lli Koristka Antique Microscope  Wooden Box with Accessories

Milan 1910/20 F.lli Koristka Antique Microscope Wooden Box with Accessories

Located in Milan, IT

Tri-ocular optical microscope Euskop model, antique scientific instrument of painted brass and chromed steel, with four-magnification turret n. 40122 by Fratelli Koristka, Milano, ci...

Category

1910s Italian Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Carl Zeiss Stand IV Brass Continental Microscope W/ Case and Slides, circa 1891
Carl Zeiss Stand IV Brass Continental Microscope W/ Case and Slides, circa 1891

Carl Zeiss Stand IV Brass Continental Microscope W/ Case and Slides, circa 1891

By Carl Zeiss

Located in Norwalk, CT

This incredible microscope dates from the late 19th century, during which Carl Zeiss and Edward Abbe were the foremost innovators of revolutionary microscope lens technology. It is a...

Category

1890s German Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Milan 1920/30 Antique Microscope by F.lli Koristka Wooden Box with Accessories
Milan 1920/30 Antique Microscope by F.lli Koristka Wooden Box with Accessories

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 Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Recent Sales

Double Horizontal Microscope
Double Horizontal Microscope

Double Horizontal Microscope

Unavailable

H 11 in W 19 in D 18 in

Double Horizontal Microscope

Located in Hudson, NY

Double horizontal microscope on goniometer stand with case by Hall & Benjamin, NY. circa 1880. Ex. Elli Buk Museum Collection, NYC.

Category

1880s American Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Spencer Brass Microscope
Antique Spencer Brass Microscope

Antique Spencer Brass Microscope

Unavailable

H 13 in W 6 in D 4 in

Antique Spencer Brass Microscope

Located in Austin, TX

A brass and iron microscope by Spencer of buffalo, New York. circa late 19th century. This microscope is in very good working condition, the brass dials on each side easily glide the...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Pocket Microscope, circa 1880
Pocket Microscope, circa 1880

Pocket Microscope, circa 1880

Unavailable

H 1 in Dm 0.75 in

Pocket Microscope, circa 1880

Located in Umberleigh, Devon

A nice English brass pocket microscope/magnifier in cylindrical protective box with adjustable screw-top lens, circa 1880. Measurements: Diameter across base: 3/4" (approx 1.75cm...

Category

1880s European Victorian Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Armstrong & Bro. Monocular Microscope
Armstrong & Bro. Monocular Microscope

Armstrong & Bro. Monocular Microscope

Unavailable

H 19.5 in W 11.9 in D 9.8 in

Armstrong & Bro. Monocular Microscope

By Armstrong & Bro.

Located in Shakespeare, ON

88 Deansgate, Manchester, England Lenses and Eyepieces in Case

Category

19th Century English Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Robert Huntley Compound Microscope
Robert Huntley Compound Microscope

Robert Huntley Compound Microscope

Unavailable

H 11.9 in W 8.8 in D 6.25 in

Robert Huntley Compound Microscope

By Robert Huntley

Located in Shakespeare, ON

Includes Eight Ivory Mounted Slides

Category

19th Century English Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Cased Horizonal Microscope on Geometer
Cased Horizonal Microscope on Geometer

Cased Horizonal Microscope on Geometer

Unavailable

H 13 in W 9 in D 15 in

Cased Horizonal Microscope on Geometer

Located in Stamford, CT

Cased Horizonal Microscope on geometer stand with case by Hall and Bergemen, NY circa 1880s. Elle Buck Museum NYC. The piece is used by mineralogists to measure crystal angles. Made ...

Category

1880s American Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Unique English Pancratic Dissecting Microscope, circa 1870-1880
Unique English Pancratic Dissecting Microscope, circa 1870-1880

Unique English Pancratic Dissecting Microscope, circa 1870-1880

Located in Paris, FR

The shape of this microscope is unique, certainly designed to fit the needs of a specific client for a specific environment. Furthermore, it’s a very rare preserved and complete pan...

Category

1870s English Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Antique Monocular Microscope, English Brass, Scientific Instrument, Victorian
Antique Monocular Microscope, English Brass, Scientific Instrument, Victorian

Antique Monocular Microscope, English Brass, Scientific Instrument, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique cased monocular microscope. An English brass scientific instrument, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.

Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Laboratory Microscope, German, Scientific Instrument, Carl Zeiss Jena
Antique Laboratory Microscope, German, Scientific Instrument, Carl Zeiss Jena

Antique Laboratory Microscope, German, Scientific Instrument, Carl Zeiss Jena

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique laboratory microscope. A German, brass and enamelled metal scientific instrument by Carl Zeiss Jena, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920.

Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Compound Microscope, English, Instrument, Negretti & Zambra, Victorian
Antique Compound Microscope, English, Instrument, Negretti & Zambra, Victorian

Antique Compound Microscope, English, Instrument, Negretti & Zambra, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique compound microscope. An English, brass instrument within a mahogany case by Negretti & Zambra, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1870. Delightful portable m...

Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Compound microscope
Compound microscope

Compound microscope

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A fine example of an early 18th century brass compound microscope in superb condition retaining it's original lacquer and in the fitted mahogany case. Signed Day, London

Category

19th Century English Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Culpeper Compound Microscope
Culpeper Compound Microscope

Culpeper Compound Microscope

Sold

H 17.5 in W 7.75 in D 7.5 in

Culpeper Compound Microscope

Located in New Orleans, LA

Compound Monocular Microscope Edmund Culpeper Circa 1730 This extraordinary early 18th-century microscope is a museum-worthy example of scientific innovation and craftsmanship made ...

Category

18th Century English Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Fine microscope by Steward
Fine microscope by Steward

Fine microscope by Steward

Sold

H 24 in W 12 in D 9 in

Fine microscope by Steward

By steward

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A superb example of a binocular microscope in great condition and a complete set of accessoires in the original mahogany case. This wonderful microscope was almost certainly made by ...

Category

19th Century English Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Early Microscope Bullseye Lens
Early Microscope Bullseye Lens

Early Microscope Bullseye Lens

Located in Culver City, CA

Microscope Bullseye Lens on original brass stand.

Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Rare microscope by Ramsden
Rare microscope by Ramsden

Rare microscope by Ramsden

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A fine and rare compound microscope by Ramsden , London in superb condition with the original mahogany box and a near complete set of Accessories.

Category

18th Century and Earlier English Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Jones Improved Brass Microscope
Jones Improved Brass Microscope

Jones Improved Brass Microscope

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A good example of a Jones improved microscope in it's original mahogany case and an almost complete set of accessories, although not signed this is an identical model to ones that are.

Category

19th Century British Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Bausch & Lomb Brass Microscope
Antique Bausch & Lomb Brass Microscope

Antique Bausch & Lomb Brass Microscope

Sold

H 17.5 in W 9 in D 18 in

Antique Bausch & Lomb Brass Microscope

By Bausch & Lomb

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

Made of heavy brass and beautiful form, a work of art as well as a functional scientific instrument.      

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Bausch and Lomb Brass Microscope
Antique Bausch and Lomb Brass Microscope

Antique Bausch and Lomb Brass Microscope

Sold

H 15 in W 8.5 in D 7.13 in

Antique Bausch and Lomb Brass Microscope

By Bausch & Lomb

Located in San Mateo, CA

Brass Bausch and Lomb microscope. This has a patent date of February 16, 1897. This microscope has two objectives. The box this is in may not be the correct one. The dimensions liste...

Category

Early 1900s American Victorian Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Regency Period William Harris Culpeper Microscope
Regency Period William Harris Culpeper Microscope

Regency Period William Harris Culpeper Microscope

Sold

H 15.95 in W 5.91 in D 5.91 in

Regency Period William Harris Culpeper Microscope

By William Harris

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A Regency period brass Culpeper design microscope by William Harris, London. In lovely condition retaining the original lacquer throughout, signed on the stage and the mahogany case ...

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Compound Microscope By Hensoldt Wetztar Of Germany
Compound Microscope By Hensoldt Wetztar Of Germany

Compound Microscope By Hensoldt Wetztar Of Germany

By Wetztar

Located in Culver City, CA

Together with Leitz and Zeiss, they made the best microscopes of the early 20th century

Category

Early 20th Century German Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Powell And Lealand Number 3 Monocular Microscope
Powell And Lealand Number 3 Monocular Microscope

Powell And Lealand Number 3 Monocular Microscope

Sold

H 19.02 in W 9.01 in D 9.01 in

Powell And Lealand Number 3 Monocular Microscope

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A good example of a Number 3 model microscope retailed by Carpenter and Westley, London in the original fine quality mahogany case. It has a signed Powell and Lealand achromatic cond...

Category

19th Century English Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Victorian Brass Microscope, c. Late 19th Century England
Victorian Brass Microscope, c. Late 19th Century England

Victorian Brass Microscope, c. Late 19th Century England

Located in Queens, NY

Nineteenth century Victorian brass microscope in wood case.

Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Brass and Wooden Microscope Culpeper Model, circa 1770-1790
Brass and Wooden Microscope Culpeper Model, circa 1770-1790

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 instrument with a cylindrical optic pipe supported by three supports fixed on a wooden b...

Category

1780s Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Early 19th Century Abrahams of Bath Culpepper Brass Microscope
Early 19th Century Abrahams of Bath Culpepper Brass Microscope

Early 19th Century Abrahams of Bath Culpepper Brass Microscope

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

An early 19th century brass culpepper type microscope by Abrahams of Bath in the original mahogany case. The base of the microscope with a fitted drawer containing extra lenses and a...

Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Fine Example of a Jones Most Improved Microscope by Dolland
Fine Example of a Jones Most Improved Microscope by Dolland

Fine Example of a Jones Most Improved Microscope by Dolland

By Dollond, London

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A Jones most improved compound microscope by Dollond, London. The original fitted mahogany case complete with the set of accessories. The instrument is in superb original condition a...

Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique German "Hofeptiker Spindler Stuttgart" Microscope in Case, Circa 1910
Antique German "Hofeptiker Spindler Stuttgart" Microscope in Case, Circa 1910

Antique German "Hofeptiker Spindler Stuttgart" Microscope in Case, Circa 1910

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique German "Hofeptiker Spindler Stuttgart" Microscope in Fitted Case with optical eyepieces, Circa 1910. Microscope case dimensions: 4.5" H x 13.75" W x 6.38" D. Microscope dim...

Category

Early 20th Century German Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Late 19th Century American Bausch & Lomb Microscope, circa 1890
Antique Late 19th Century American Bausch & Lomb Microscope, circa 1890

Antique Late 19th Century American Bausch & Lomb Microscope, circa 1890

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique 19th century American compound monocular microscope signed Bausch and Lomb Co., circa 1890.

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Antique American "Ernst Gundlach" Field Microscope with Carrying Case circa 1900
Antique American "Ernst Gundlach" Field Microscope with Carrying Case circa 1900

Antique American "Ernst Gundlach" Field Microscope with Carrying Case circa 1900

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique American field microscope with carrying case signed, "Gundlach Manhattan Optical Co.," circa 1900. Ernst Gunlach was a renowned American microscope maker. A successful optic...

Category

Early 20th Century North American Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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Antique Microscopes Scientific Instruments For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of antique microscopes scientific instruments is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct antique microscopes scientific instruments — often made from metal, brass and wood — can elevate any home. There are all kinds of antique microscopes scientific instruments available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Antique microscopes scientific instruments made by Victorian designers — as well as those associated with Empire — are very popular at 1stDibs. Bausch & Lomb, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar and Armstrong & Bro. each produced beautiful antique microscopes scientific 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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