Antique Optical Instruments
Late 19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Wood
Late 19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Wood
Late 19th Century French Antique Optical Instruments
Ebony
1890s Swiss Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Czech Industrial Antique Optical Instruments
Brass, Bronze, Steel
Mid-19th Century French Antique Optical Instruments
19th Century German Antique Optical Instruments
Bronze
1880s English Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
1820s English Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Antique Optical Instruments
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Optical Instruments
Blown Glass, Giltwood, Paint, Wood
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
19th Century British Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century English Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century English Antique Optical Instruments
Brass, Steel
1850s British Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century English Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Optical Glass, Oak
Early 19th Century English Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century German Antique Optical Instruments
Brass, Steel, Iron
Early 20th Century English Antique Optical Instruments
Brass, Bronze
19th Century Scottish Antique Optical Instruments
Brass, Metal, Steel, Iron
Early 20th Century English Antique Optical Instruments
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century English Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
1910s Italian Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
1920s British Edwardian Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Optical Instruments
Mahogany
19th Century American Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Silver
Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments
Metal, Chrome
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments
Metal, Chrome, Brass
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments
Metal, Chrome
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments
Metal, Chrome
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments
Metal, Chrome
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
Mid-19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century German Antique Optical Instruments
Glass
Early 20th Century German Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
1920s Italian Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
1880s French Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Mother-of-Pearl
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Glass, Walnut
Late 19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Leather
Mid-19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
1770s European Antique Optical Instruments
Porcelain
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
Mid-19th Century Antique Optical Instruments
Pencil
Mid-19th Century Scottish Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century English Industrial Antique Optical Instruments
Steel
19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Late 19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
1860s American Antique Optical Instruments
Brass
Late 18th Century Antique Optical Instruments
Paper
17th Century Old Masters Antique Optical Instruments
Oil
1920s French Art Nouveau Antique Optical Instruments
Crystal, Iron
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Antique Optical Instruments For Sale on 1stDibs
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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