Scientific Instruments
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Gold
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
20th Century Czech Scientific Instruments
Metal
1890s Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood
Mid-20th Century Mexican Rustic Scientific Instruments
Stone
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Copper
Early 19th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron, Metal
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1820s Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass
Early 1800s French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper, Wood
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1820s Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
1820s Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Aluminum
Early 20th Century Czech Industrial Scientific Instruments
Brass, Bronze, Steel
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century Dutch Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Wood, Oak
Late 19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1890s American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Mid-20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Metal
1920s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
20th Century Unknown Scientific Instruments
Plastic
1860s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Oak
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Natural Fiber, Birdseye Maple, Pine
Early 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass
1930s Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Walnut
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Leather
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Other
Late 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Copper
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
1970s German Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Brass, Bronze
19th Century English High Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
20th Century American Classical Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century Belgian Scientific Instruments
Metal, Steel
1960s German Folk Art Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper, Wood
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
1950s French Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Silver
19th Century French Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Scientific Instruments
Metal
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.