Hutchinson Scott presents antique scientific instruments, maritime objects and navigational equipment through our seasonal Fine Interiors Auctions and subsequent Timed Auctions.
From telescopes, microscopes and globes to sextants, compasses and marine chronometers, careful research and international online bidding connect distinctive instruments with collectors in the UK and overseas.
Our auctions cover instruments associated with astronomy, navigation, surveying, medicine and natural philosophy, alongside maritime objects that reflect the history of travel, trade and scientific discovery.
Scientific and maritime instruments are offered through our seasonal Fine Interiors Auctions and subsequent Timed Auctions.
Our sales can include telescopes, microscopes, globes, orreries, barometers, medical instruments and surveying equipment.
Sextants, compasses, marine chronometers, naval telescopes and other maritime objects appeal to specialist collectors.
Clear photographs of makers' names, scales, mechanisms, cases and accessories help our team assess an instrument for auction.
Hutchinson Scott has handled scientific and maritime instruments by respected makers including Cary, Askania, Harris of London, Dollond, Ross, Watkins & Hill, Negretti & Zambra, Gardner & Co. and Thomas Mercer.
Maker, date, accuracy, completeness, original finish and provenance can all influence collector interest. Instruments retaining their fitted cases, lenses, filters, stands, labels and associated documentation are carefully catalogued so their construction and history can be understood.
Celestial and terrestrial globes by Cary are recognised by collectors for their detailed engraved gores and elegant stands, including a nineteenth-century Cary celestial globe sold by Hutchinson Scott.
Telescopes and optical instruments by makers such as Askania, Dollond and Ross demonstrate the precision and engineering sought by scientific-instrument collectors.
Navigational instruments by Harris, Heath & Co. and J. Coombes, together with marine chronometers by makers such as Thomas Mercer, represent important areas of maritime collecting.
These selected results demonstrate the variety of scientific and navigational instruments sold by Hutchinson Scott, from precision optics and celestial globes to rare portable maritime instruments.
A nineteenth-century lacquered brass Askania telescope, number 90470, mounted on a geared altazimuth head and adjustable timber tripod. It reflects demand for substantial antique astronomical telescopes and precision optical instruments.
A nineteenth-century 12-inch Cary's New Celestial Globe supported on its turned mahogany stand. It demonstrates collector interest in antique celestial globes, astronomy and finely presented scientific instruments.
A matched pair of early nineteenth-century 12-inch Cary terrestrial and celestial globes on mahogany tripod stands, the terrestrial globe dated London 1833. The pair highlights demand for complete antique globe collections.
A rare cased early nineteenth-century miniature brass pocket sextant by Harris of London, retaining its rosewood handle and original red Morocco leather case. It illustrates the specialist market for compact antique navigational instruments.
Antique globes, telescopes, microscopes and navigational instruments attract specialist interest from collectors, historians, dealers and institutions in the UK and overseas. Detailed online catalogues and multiple bidding platforms give suitable pieces broad exposure.
Clear descriptions of makers, scales, mechanisms, materials, dimensions, condition, accessories and provenance help buyers assess each instrument and understand its place within scientific or maritime history.
Find answers to common questions about valuing, buying and selling antique scientific instruments, globes, telescopes and maritime collectables with Hutchinson Scott.
Request an initial valuation through our online service. Include clear photographs, measurements and details of makers' names, serial numbers, scales, labels, inscriptions, cases, accessories, condition and provenance.
Suitable auction entries can include antique telescopes, microscopes, globes, orreries, sundials, barometers, medical instruments, surveying equipment, drawing instruments and other objects connected with science and technology.
Our auctions can include sextants, octants, compasses, marine chronometers, naval telescopes, course correctors, ship's instruments and other objects associated with navigation and maritime history.
Maker, age, rarity, purpose, technical innovation, accuracy, originality, condition, completeness and provenance can all affect value. An original fitted case and associated accessories may also be important.
Demand depends on the individual object, but makers represented in our auctions include Cary, Askania, Harris, Dollond, Ross, Watkins & Hill, Negretti & Zambra, Gardner & Co. and Thomas Mercer.
Photograph the complete item from several angles and include close-ups of signatures, labels, calibrated scales, lenses, mechanisms, damage, repairs, stands, fitted cases and every loose accessory.
No. Seek specialist advice before polishing brass, cleaning globe surfaces, repairing mechanisms or replacing components. Original finishes, paper gores, labels and fittings can be important to collectors.
Yes. Our team can advise private owners, families and executors about individual instruments or larger inherited collections, including valuation and suitability for auction.
Yes. Illustrated online catalogues and internet bidding help suitable instruments reach collectors in the UK and overseas, subject to any applicable shipping or export requirements.
Speak to our team about buying, selling or arranging a valuation for an antique scientific instrument, globe, telescope or maritime collectable.
