Maritime & Scientific Instrument Auctions

Maritime auctions and nautical antiques

Navigation and instruments

Sextants, octants and other navigational instruments combine practical use with the history of travel at sea. Include any fitted case, accessories, maker’s details and records. Photographs of engraved names, scales and labels can help us begin an assessment.

Ship models and maritime objects

Ship models, ships’ wheels, plaques and other nautical objects form part of this field. For models, show the whole vessel, its base and any case or label. Tell us about missing rigging, repairs or loose parts without trying to put them right first.

Marine paintings and pictures

Marine art can include ship portraits, harbour scenes and seascapes. Photograph the full work and any signature, inscription or visible labels on the reverse. A vessel’s name or a documented link to its owner may provide a useful starting point for research.

For the wider field of pictures, see our Paintings, Pictures & Prints department. You can make one enquiry if your collection includes both pictures and nautical objects.

Antique scientific instruments

Microscopes, telescopes and optical instruments

Our department covers microscopes, telescopes, binoculars and related optical equipment. Keep cases, lenses, slides and instructions together. Photograph the instrument as it stands, then show maker’s names, serial numbers and any accessories.

Measuring, drawing and surveying

The wider field includes drawing sets, surveying instruments, scales, calculators and engineered models. An unfamiliar object may still be worth assessing. Show its shape and fittings from several angles and tell us anything known about how it was used.

Globes, weather and time

Globes, barometers, meteorological instruments, sundials and astrolabes connect science with everyday life and exploration. Show printed or engraved details clearly, along with the stand, case and any damage. For globes, include the maker’s panel if visible.

We also welcome enquiries about historic medical and dental instruments and other scientific apparatus. Describe what you have before arranging delivery, particularly if an object is fragile, heavy or difficult to handle.

Examples from our catalogues

Bishop & Miller’s catalogues have featured a Culpeper-type microscope with an 1827 manual, a Cary-Gould-type pocket microscope and a cabinet of nineteenth-century microscope slides. These show why accessories and records are worth keeping with the main instrument.

Scientific and maritime objects can also appear in our Travel & Exploration sales. One catalogue includes a James Short reflecting telescope, an octant by Solomon Marks & Co and a sextant by George Gibson, alongside a lighthouse lamp and a ship’s plaque.

Explore the Travel & Exploration catalogue for examples of that range. It is a reference catalogue; use our auction calendar to check current sale dates and available catalogues.

What affects an auction estimate?

Maker, date and construction

A maker’s name, address, patent reference or serial number can help with research. We consider those details alongside the object itself. Age alone does not establish value, and similar-looking instruments can differ in quality and interest.

Condition and completeness

Cases, original fittings and accessories can be relevant to an assessment. Tell us about missing parts, repairs, corrosion or damage you know of. Do not assume an instrument works because it appears complete; explain what has and has not been checked.

History and records

Invoices, manuals, old photographs and earlier catalogue entries can help explain an object’s history. A documented link to a ship, expedition or former owner may guide further research. Make clear which details are recorded and which come from family memory.

Buyer interest

An estimate also considers demand for comparable objects. It is a guide to a possible auction result, rather than a guaranteed price. An initial view from photographs may need an inspection or further research.

Selling maritime antiques and instruments

Start with photographs, a short description and the object’s location. For a collection, give an overview and the approximate number of pieces. There is no need to identify everything before contacting us.

We can discuss the assessment needed, a possible estimate and a suitable sale route. Ask about reserve options, commission and any other agreed costs before consigning. Our selling guide explains the process and current terms.

For larger models, globes or collections, agree arrangements with the team before moving or sending them. If the objects form part of an estate, tell us whether you need a formal probate valuation as well as advice on an auction sale.

Photographs and preparation

Take an overall photograph first, then show the base, case and any marks. Include dimensions in centimetres and close-ups of damage. Photograph accessories together so we can see what belongs with the object.

Leave instruments assembled and avoid polishing, restoring or testing them for the first enquiry. Do not force stiff controls or open sealed parts to find a mark. You can explain what is visible and we can advise on any further assessment.

Keep loose components, instructions and labels with the relevant piece. For a ship model, photograph fragile details in place rather than moving it simply to improve the view.

Buying at maritime and scientific auctions

Use our auction calendar and catalogues to find available sales. Relevant objects may appear in a themed catalogue or another sale, so check the lot descriptions as well as the auction title.

Read condition information and ask about completeness, repairs and any testing before bidding. For instruments, check which cases and accessories are included. For ship models and globes, confirm dimensions and plan collection or delivery.

Our buying guide explains registration and bidding. Set a budget that includes the applicable fees, VAT and transport costs. For related material, explore Travel & Exploration and Books, Maps & Manuscripts.