$1,570
H 15 in W 38.5 in D 8.2 in
1893 Antique Lippich Brass Polarimeter Antique Physic Analysis Instrument
By Societé Genevoise
Located in Milan, IT
Lippich polarimeter, scientifi instrument made in 1893 signed Societé Genevoise Genève, brass and
Brass
$1,026
H 7.09 in W 14.18 in D 8.67 in
Refractor Polarimeter Physic Measuring Instrument Made by Steindorff & Co 1920s
Located in Milan, IT
Refractor polarimeter made of painted brass with cast iron tripod base by Steindorff & Co. Berlin
Brass
Sold
H 19.69 in W 19.69 in D 7.88 in
Late 19th century Wooden and Brass Polarimeter Antique Physic Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Wooden and brass polarimeter with cast iron tripod base from the late 1800s. It is an instrument
Brass
Saccharimetre a Penombres by Jj Duboscq
By J. Duboscq, Paris 1
Located in London, by appointment only
index (refractometer) or the angle of rotation of polarization of optically active sugars (polarimeter
Steel, Brass
17th Century English Carved Stone Griffin
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Dating from the 17th century, this English carved stone griffin or stylised dragon statue is an architectural fragment from history. Over 350 years old, it likely once served as a de...
Limestone
$595
H 1.5 in W 4 in D 2.5 in
Colmont Ft Paris Mother of Pearl French Opera Glasses With Leather Case, 1890s
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A stunning set of opera or theatre glasses in original leather case. By Colmont FT Paris France, Circa 1890s Gorgeous Mother-of-pearl and abalone inset on brass cylindrical body w...
Brass
Old Tree Trunk Sculpture Object
Located in Rochester, NY
An ancient looking tree trunk fragment that at first glance appears to be faux bois rather than real wood. Beautifully aged color and wear to surface from many years of exposure to t...
Wood
$3,950
H 14.75 in W 13 in D 3.38 in
Art Deco Table or Desk Top Brass Mounted 7" Double Convex Magnifying Glass
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Art Deco desk/table top adjustable magnifying glass. A 7" diameter double convex lens in an open topped brass frame suspended between two vertical posts rising from a stepped two-tie...
Brass
Striking Art Deco Fire Mantel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A unusual reclaimed Art Deco fire mantel, veneered in Sapele wood to striking effect. This impressive reclaimed fireplace is a statement piece for any 1920s inspired interior with it...
Wood
$5,435
H 31.89 in W 107.49 in D 23.23 in
Antique Large French Oak Apothecary / Museum Cabinet, ca 1900
Located in Nijmegen, NL
This large oak apothecary cabinet was made circa 1900s in France. It was originally a museum cabinet. The interior dimensions of the drawers are: D W H 48 x 79 x 10 / 25 cm.
Oak
Elegant 19th Century Etched Crystal And Dore Mounted Bowl
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A flared rectangular bowl with etched crystal medallions decorated with roses and flowers on the long sides, and roses and bows on the ends. With elaborate elegant dore mounts with l...
Crystal, Bronze
$2,429 / item
H 39.38 in W 31.5 in D 19.69 in
1970s Cast Aluminium & Steel Flame Proof Floor Lamp Tripod - Warm White T8 Led
By Daeyang
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Reclaimed and modified 1970s Daeyang Electric Co. Ltd flame proof luminaire with fully updated electrics and fitted with T8 Warm white LED tubes. The tube light has been fitted t...
Aluminum, Steel
Italian Venetian Grotto Seashell Settee
By Pauly et Cie
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Venetian Grotto (19th cent.) silver gilt settee with triple seashell seat and dolphin & seahorse motif (att: Pauly et Cie, Venice)
Silver Leaf
Early 20th Century French Oak Library Ladder
Located in Chicago, IL
A monumental and sculptural early 20th century French oak library ladder with eight steps, handrails, and a shelf at the top for setting books on. The perfect decorative and function...
Oak
$1,041 / item
H 31.5 in W 9.06 in D 9.06 in
Vintage Industrial Wall Mounted Flameproof Led Aluminum Striplight with Cage
By Industrial Production
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
A retro Industrial aluminum wall-mounted flameproof striplight with protective cage by Wittenberg. Reclaimed from supertankers and military vessels then professionally stripped, rest...
Aluminum, Steel
$1,295
H 10.5 in W 13.25 in D 5 in
Vintage Industrial Machinists Stack Sculpture Relic Obsolete Device
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Machinists stacked solid steel measuring device pyramid sculpture. Some oxidation stains to the steel, no dents or impact damages. On a black wooden base. Very heavy. Measures: W 13...
Stainless Steel
$1,207
H 14.18 in W 7.88 in D 9.65 in
Milan 1920/30 Antique Microscope by F.lli Koristka Wooden Box with Accessories
Located in Milan, IT
Optical microscope signed F.lli Koristka Milano n. 42870 produced between 1920/30, of chromed and black painted brass, three-magnification turret, consisting of a stand and a plate w...
Brass
$1,980 / item
H 17.33 in W 22.05 in D 7.09 in
German Reflecting Telescope in Limited Edition from the Deutsches Museum in 1978
Located in Sofia, BG
Gregory brass spyglass - Deutsches Museum 1978/79 limited edition. This reflecting foldable telescope is being published in a worldwide limited edition of up to 1,500 numbered copie...
Brass
Industrial Metal Side Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This factory table has been refinished and re-purposed as a chic industrial style end table with extending leaf. Rolling casters that can be locked, bare metal style, unique living r...
Metal
Italian Venetian Grotto Carved Seashell Rocker
By Pauly & Co.
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Venetian Grotto (19th cent.) silver gilt rocker with carved seashell seat & back and seahorse sides (att: Pauly et Cie, Venice)
Silver Leaf
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.
Produced in 1843, the well-preserved volume is evidence of the author's exacting specifications.
New or old, the coverlets add old-time charm to any space.
Get into the games! These items celebrate the events, athletes, host countries and sporting spirit.
French trendsetter and serial collector Daniel Rozensztroch tells us about his obsession with objects related to seafaring men.
It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.
The sought-after designer worked with the team at Hoffman Creative to produce a monograph that beautifully showcases some of Studio Shamshiri's most inspiring projects.
Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.
Hollywood A-listers, ex-pat aristocrats and art collectors and style setters of all stripes appreciate the allure of the coastal California hamlet — much on our minds after recent winter floods.