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18th Century Telescope

18th Century mahogany and brass telescope by Nairne & Blunt of London
18th Century mahogany and brass telescope by Nairne & Blunt of London

18th Century mahogany and brass telescope by Nairne & Blunt of London

Located in Martlesham, GB

18th Century mahogany and brass telescope by Nairne & Blunt of London, having a mahogany barrel

Category

Antique 1780s British Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Recent Sales

Brass And Shagreen Telescope
Brass And Shagreen Telescope

Brass And Shagreen Telescope

Unavailable

H 16.54 in W 15.75 in

Brass And Shagreen Telescope

Located in Madrid, ES

A gilt brass and green shagreen skin telescope on stand, from the collection of the Marques de

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Scientific Instruments

18th Century Gregorian Telescope by Watkins and Smith
18th Century Gregorian Telescope by Watkins and Smith

18th Century Gregorian Telescope by Watkins and Smith

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A wonderful example of an 18th century Gregorian reflecting telescope in its original mahogany

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Rare Miniature Dollond Antique Telescope, Refracting Achromatic, 18th Century
Rare Miniature Dollond Antique Telescope, Refracting Achromatic, 18th Century

Rare Miniature Dollond Antique Telescope, Refracting Achromatic, 18th Century

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a rare miniature Dollond antique telescope, 1" refracting achromatic, 18th century. 1

Category

Antique 18th Century Great Britain (UK) Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Late 18th Century Dollond Achromatic Library Telescope, circa 1790
Late 18th Century Dollond Achromatic Library Telescope, circa 1790

Late 18th Century Dollond Achromatic Library Telescope, circa 1790

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique Dollond, achromatic library telescope, circa 1790. Mounted on a solid brass

Category

Antique 18th Century British Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

18th Century French Telescoping Marbletop Candlestand or Martini Table
18th Century French Telescoping Marbletop Candlestand or Martini Table

18th Century French Telescoping Marbletop Candlestand or Martini Table

Located in Essex, MA

Period Provincial Louis XVI Mahogany Marble Top and Galleried telescoping stand for Lighting or

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Candle Stands

Materials

Marble

Antique Cardboard Telescope from the End of the 18th Century
Antique Cardboard Telescope from the End of the 18th Century

Antique Cardboard Telescope from the End of the 18th Century

Located in Milan, IT

of the end of the 18th century. Good condition. Maximum extension cm 72 - inches 28.34, minimum cm 31

Category

Antique 1780s French Scientific Instruments

Adams Telescope

Adams Telescope

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H 0.04 in W 0.04 in D 0.04 in

Adams Telescope

By George Adams

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A good example of a silvered three-drawer telescope by Adams, with a mahogany main tube.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English More Furniture and Collectibles

Table Telescope
Table Telescope

Table Telescope

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H 14 in Dm 3 in

Table Telescope

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A fine reflecting 18th century shagreen covered telescope in the manner of Adams, in working order.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Telescope, Bancks and Son, English 3-Draw, Late 18th Century, circa 1800
Antique Telescope, Bancks and Son, English 3-Draw, Late 18th Century, circa 1800

Antique Telescope, Bancks and Son, English 3-Draw, Late 18th Century, circa 1800

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

Antique telescope, Bancks and Son, English, 3-draw, late 18th century, circa 1800 this is an

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Fruitwood

George Adams Gregorian Telescope
George Adams Gregorian Telescope

George Adams Gregorian Telescope

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H 22.05 in Dm 3.94 in

George Adams Gregorian Telescope

By George Adams

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A fine 18th century lacquered brass 4" reflecting telescope by George Adams, London maker to George

Category

Antique Late 18th Century George III Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Brass Rothwell Manchester Telescope
Brass Rothwell Manchester Telescope

Brass Rothwell Manchester Telescope

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H 19.69 in W 39.38 in D 11.82 in

Brass Rothwell Manchester Telescope

By ROTHWELL

Located in Vlimmeren, BE

This “ROTHWELL, Manchester” (1780-1820) library refractor telescope is a nice decorative piece

Category

Antique Late 18th Century British Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

English Mahogany Telescope. Signed Dollond.
English Mahogany Telescope. Signed Dollond.

English Mahogany Telescope. Signed Dollond.

Sold

H 39.5 in W 47.5 in D 12 in

English Mahogany Telescope. Signed Dollond.

By Dolland

Located in Milan, IT

English Mahogany wood telescope with brass tripode , with rack and pinion focusing. Working focus

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Telescope, 3 Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, English, Georgian
Antique Telescope, 3 Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, English, Georgian

Antique Telescope, 3 Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, English, Georgian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

English, Georgian piece dating to the late 18th century, circa 1780. Perfect for bird watching

Category

Antique 18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique Telescope, English, Single Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Georgian
Antique Telescope, English, Single Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Georgian

Antique Telescope, English, Single Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Georgian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

from the Georgian period and dating to mid-18th century, circa 1760. Perfect for bird watching

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique Telescope on Stand, Terrestrial, Astronomical, English, circa 1770
Antique Telescope on Stand, Terrestrial, Astronomical, English, circa 1770

Antique Telescope on Stand, Terrestrial, Astronomical, English, circa 1770

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

to the mid-18th century, circa 1770. A good example of an 18th century refractor Perfectly good

Category

Antique 18th Century English George III Scientific Instruments

Materials

Fruitwood

Antique Telescope, English, Single Draw, Refractor, Terrestrial, circa 1760
Antique Telescope, English, Single Draw, Refractor, Terrestrial, circa 1760

Antique Telescope, English, Single Draw, Refractor, Terrestrial, circa 1760

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

and dating to the mid-18th century, circa 1760. Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique Telescope, Single Draw Refractor, English, Georgian, circa 1760
Antique Telescope, Single Draw Refractor, English, Georgian, circa 1760

Antique Telescope, Single Draw Refractor, English, Georgian, circa 1760

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

English, Georgian piece dating to the mid-18th century, circa 1760. Perfect for bird watching

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique Telescope on Stand, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, circa 1750
Antique Telescope on Stand, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, circa 1750

Antique Telescope on Stand, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, circa 1750

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

use dating to the mid-18th century, circa 1750. A super example of an 18th century refractor

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English George II Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Telescope, English, Single Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, circa 1790
Antique Telescope, English, Single Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, circa 1790

Antique Telescope, English, Single Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, circa 1790

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique telescope, an English, Georgian, single draw refractor for terrestrial or

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Telescoping Directoire Period Tulipwood Gueridon, France c. 1800
Telescoping Directoire Period Tulipwood Gueridon, France c. 1800

Telescoping Directoire Period Tulipwood Gueridon, France c. 1800

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Directoire Period Two-Tier Gueridon in Tulipwood, each tier a white Marble surface with pierced Brass gallery, mounted around a hexagonal column atop a tripod base with pad feet. <...

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Gueridon

Antique Pocket Telescope, Three-Draw, Refractor, English, Victorian, circa 1900
Antique Pocket Telescope, Three-Draw, Refractor, English, Victorian, circa 1900

Antique Pocket Telescope, Three-Draw, Refractor, English, Victorian, circa 1900

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique pocket telescope, a three draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Victorian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique Telescope, Three-Draw Refractor, English, Late Georgian, circa 1800
Antique Telescope, Three-Draw Refractor, English, Late Georgian, circa 1800

Antique Telescope, Three-Draw Refractor, English, Late Georgian, circa 1800

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique telescope, a three draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Telescope, Two-Draw, Mahogany, Brass, English, Georgian, circa 1780
Antique Telescope, Two-Draw, Mahogany, Brass, English, Georgian, circa 1780

Antique Telescope, Two-Draw, Mahogany, Brass, English, Georgian, circa 1780

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique telescope, a two draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An English

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Fine George III Mahogany and Brass Telescope by Dollond of London
Fine George III Mahogany and Brass Telescope by Dollond of London

Fine George III Mahogany and Brass Telescope by Dollond of London

By Dollond, London

Located in San Francisco, CA

A fine brass and mahogany 2.5 inch diameter table top refracting telescope retaining its original

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English George III Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Telescope, 3 Draw Refractor, English, Georgian, Lincoln of London, 1770
Antique Telescope, 3 Draw Refractor, English, Georgian, Lincoln of London, 1770

Antique Telescope, 3 Draw Refractor, English, Georgian, Lincoln of London, 1770

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique telescope, a three draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Satinwood

Antique Telescope, Dollond, Refracting Library Scope in Mahogany Case circa 1800
Antique Telescope, Dollond, Refracting Library Scope in Mahogany Case circa 1800

Antique Telescope, Dollond, Refracting Library Scope in Mahogany Case circa 1800

By Dollond, London

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

Our Stock # R0667 This is an antique telescope in mahogany case dating to circa 1800 by renowned

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Great Britain (UK) Georgian Scientific Instrum...

Materials

Brass

Late 18th Century Lacquered Brass Table Telescope
Late 18th Century Lacquered Brass Table Telescope

Late 18th Century Lacquered Brass Table Telescope

Located in Huntington, NY

Late 18th century lacquered brass table telescope.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English George III Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

18th Century English Gilbert & Co. Improved Sea Telescope
18th Century English Gilbert & Co. Improved Sea Telescope

18th Century English Gilbert & Co. Improved Sea Telescope

By Gilbert & Co.

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

18th century Gilbert & Co. Improved Sea Telescope. Single draw wood and brass telescope in a fitted

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

18th Century Gregorian Brass Telescope By Springer Of Bristol
18th Century Gregorian Brass Telescope By Springer Of Bristol

18th Century Gregorian Brass Telescope By Springer Of Bristol

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A fine 3" Gregorian telescope by Springer of Bristol, although signed this model is very similar to

Category

Antique 18th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A very rare Collection of 18th Century, French and English Telescopes
A very rare Collection of 18th Century, French and English Telescopes

A very rare Collection of 18th Century, French and English Telescopes

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A very rare collection of nine vintage reflecting telescopes from the early and late 18th Century

Category

Antique Late 18th Century European Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Telescope, 2 Draw Refractor, English, Georgian, 18th Century, circa 1800
Antique Telescope, 2 Draw Refractor, English, Georgian, 18th Century, circa 1800

Antique Telescope, 2 Draw Refractor, English, Georgian, 18th Century, circa 1800

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique telescope, a two draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An English

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Ramsden telescope
Ramsden telescope

Ramsden telescope

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H 12 in W 38 in

Ramsden telescope

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A fine example of a late 18th century brass telescope by Ramsden London contained in its original

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Scientific Instruments

Antique Telescope, 2-Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, English, Georgian
Antique Telescope, 2-Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, English, Georgian

Antique Telescope, 2-Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, English, Georgian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

telescope dating to the mid-Georgian period of the 18th century, circa 1760. Perfect for bird watching

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique Telescope, Single Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Georgian, circa 1760
Antique Telescope, Single Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Georgian, circa 1760

Antique Telescope, Single Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Georgian, circa 1760

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique telescope, a single draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique, Telescope, Three-Draw, Mahogany, Brass, English, Georgian, circa 1780
Antique, Telescope, Three-Draw, Mahogany, Brass, English, Georgian, circa 1780

Antique, Telescope, Three-Draw, Mahogany, Brass, English, Georgian, circa 1780

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique telescope, a three-draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

English Brass Refracting Telescope
English Brass Refracting Telescope

English Brass Refracting Telescope

Located in Wells, ME

A superb English brass refracting telescope with original tripod stand, all in good working

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

English George II Chippendale Mahogany Card Table Telescoping System for Opening
English George II Chippendale Mahogany Card Table Telescoping System for Opening

English George II Chippendale Mahogany Card Table Telescoping System for Opening

Located in Wells, ME

telescoping mechanism for opening (rather than the normal swing leg support) which results in each of the four

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English George II Card Tables and Tea Tables

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Brass Telescopic on Base John Bleuler Optics
18th Century Brass Telescopic on Base John Bleuler Optics

18th Century Brass Telescopic on Base John Bleuler Optics

Located in Plymouth, MA

Fine 18th century brass telescope on 3-legged base. Made by famous London Optician John Bleuler

Category

Antique 1780s English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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Rare Antique 1901 Steinway Model B Rosewood Grand Piano Louis XV Rococo Restored
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1930s Cased Taxidermy Buzzard Bird of Prey Raptor Museum Cabinet Natural History
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Located in Sherborne, Dorset

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Materials

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Venetian Monumental Seated Bird Cage
Venetian Monumental Seated Bird Cage

Venetian Monumental Seated Bird Cage

$425,000

H 168 in Dm 104 in

Venetian Monumental Seated Bird Cage

Located in Queens, NY

Italian Venetian style (20th Cent) octagonal shaped painted and decorated metal and wood bird cage with 8 upholstered seat and back cushions around base. (Franco Zefferelli Collection)

Category

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1920's Reclaimed Italian Carrara Bianco and Nero Marble Checker Flooring Tile
1920's Reclaimed Italian Carrara Bianco and Nero Marble Checker Flooring Tile

1920's Reclaimed Italian Carrara Bianco and Nero Marble Checker Flooring Tile

Located in Costa Mesa, CA

This is a 1920's piece by piece reclaimed Italian Carrara Bianco and Nero marble checker tile. The beautiful antique texture and the visible veining within this old marble flooring g...

Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Neoclassical Flooring

Materials

Carrara Marble

19th Century Paul Storr Silver Tea Urn
19th Century Paul Storr Silver Tea Urn

19th Century Paul Storr Silver Tea Urn

$88,500

H 16 in W 17.5 in D 16 in

19th Century Paul Storr Silver Tea Urn

By Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, Paul Storr

Located in New Orleans, LA

This extraordinarily rare and masterfully crafted tea urn is by the hand of the master Georgian silversmith Paul Storr. Created by Storr while working for Rundell, Bridge and Rundell...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Georgian Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

English Pocket Globe by Herman Moll, Circa 1775-1798, England
English Pocket Globe by Herman Moll, Circa 1775-1798, England

English Pocket Globe by Herman Moll, Circa 1775-1798, England

By Herman Moll

Located in Milano, IT

Pocket globe London, between 1775 and 1798 Re-edition of the globe of Hermann Moll (1678-1732) dated 1719 The globe is contained in its original case, which itself is covered in sh...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English George III Globes

Materials

Shagreen, Paper

A 17th century Augsburg ebonized cabinet with painted pietra paesina panels
A 17th century Augsburg ebonized cabinet with painted pietra paesina panels

A 17th century Augsburg ebonized cabinet with painted pietra paesina panels

Located in PARIS, FR

An ebonized wood cabinet with painted pietra paesina panels Augsburg, southern Germany, mid-17th century Dimensions: h. 43 cm, w. 32 cm, d. 20 cm Ebonized wood, inlay of painted piet...

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Antique Mid-17th Century German Renaissance Cabinets

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Marble

Large Antique Library Telescope, English, Starboy, Astronomical, Broadhurst & Co
Large Antique Library Telescope, English, Starboy, Astronomical, Broadhurst & Co

Large Antique Library Telescope, English, Starboy, Astronomical, Broadhurst & Co

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique library telescope. An English, brass 'Starboy' astronomical mounted refractor by Broadhurst, Clarkson & Co, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. Perfec...

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Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A Large 19th Century Brass Library Telescope Marked A. Bardou, Paris
A Large 19th Century Brass Library Telescope Marked A. Bardou, Paris

A Large 19th Century Brass Library Telescope Marked A. Bardou, Paris

By A. Bardou

Located in San Francisco, CA

A large and impressive 19th century French brass library telescope marked A. Bardou, Paris. (Denis Albert Bardou; 1841 - 1893) The telescope mounted on a brass and cast iron tripod ...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Other Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Ross
Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Ross

Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Ross

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique officer of the watch telescope. An English, leather and nickel silver single draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use, by Ross of London, circa 1920. ...

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Antique Late 19th Century British Scientific Instruments

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Leather

19th-century Carved, Painted and Gilt tortoise shell, 'the Cosmic Turtle'
19th-century Carved, Painted and Gilt tortoise shell, 'the Cosmic Turtle'

19th-century Carved, Painted and Gilt tortoise shell, 'the Cosmic Turtle'

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Antique Late 19th Century Natural Specimens

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Antique Telescope, Large, Single Draw Refractor, Cary London, circa 1820
Antique Telescope, Large, Single Draw Refractor, Cary London, circa 1820

Antique Telescope, Large, Single Draw Refractor, Cary London, circa 1820

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique telescope, a large single draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An English, late Georgian piece dating to circa 1820. Perfect for bird watching, l...

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Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Scientific Instruments

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Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English Brass, Leather, Newton & Co, Victorian, C.1870
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English Brass, Leather, Newton & Co, Victorian, C.1870

Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English Brass, Leather, Newton & Co, Victorian, C.1870

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique 3 draw telescope. An English, brass and leather dressed refractor by Newton & Co, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1870. Perfect for bird watching, landscape...

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Antique 1870s British Victorian Scientific Instruments

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Brass

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18th Century Telescope For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the 18th century telescope you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of brass, metal and wood, every 18th century telescope was constructed with great care. Each 18th century telescope bearing Georgian or Victorian hallmarks is very popular. A well-made 18th century telescope has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Dollond, London, George Adams and ROTHWELL are consistently popular.

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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