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Antique F.W. Braun Apothecary Balance Beam Scale c.1920
Antique F.W. Braun Apothecary Balance Beam Scale c.1920

Antique F.W. Braun Apothecary Balance Beam Scale c.1920

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT F.W. Braun antique apothecary balance beam scale in a Mahogany display case with three adjustable copper feet, solid brass scale, Bakelite and copper knobs, and enamel maker's...

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Copper, Enamel

Antique French Cast Iron Press Black Industrial Design Early 20th Century
Antique French Cast Iron Press Black Industrial Design Early 20th Century

Antique French Cast Iron Press Black Industrial Design Early 20th Century

Located in High Point, NC

This 1900s French cast iron press is a striking example of early industrial design, combining robust construction with purposeful form. Crafted from heavy cast iron, the press featur...

Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Pair of Brass Field Binoculars by W. Watson &. Sons of London
Pair of Brass Field Binoculars by W. Watson &. Sons of London

Pair of Brass Field Binoculars by W. Watson &. Sons of London

Located in High Point, NC

. Watson & Sons, London, who were the finest optical instrument manufacturers in England. These glasses

Category

1910s English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Underwood Typewriter No.6 c.1933
Antique Underwood Typewriter No.6 c.1933

Antique Underwood Typewriter No.6 c.1933

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT An original Underwood typewriter No.6 with a 16 inch carriage and an open-frame design. The typewriter works well and functions properly. New ribbon installed. The serial nu...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel, Nickel

19th Century Magnifying Glass with Hand Carved Yorkie Handle
19th Century Magnifying Glass with Hand Carved Yorkie Handle

19th Century Magnifying Glass with Hand Carved Yorkie Handle

Located in High Point, NC

19th century magnifying glass with a hand turned brass and hand-carved Yorkie handle from England. This is a charming piece for any home or office, and so useable too! The hand-car...

Category

1890s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Spice Grinder
Spice Grinder

Spice Grinder

Located in London, England

Rolling spice grinder and trough. Circa 1890 H 14cm x W 34cm x D19cm

Category

1890s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

John Bennett Georgian Barometer
John Bennett Georgian Barometer

John Bennett Georgian Barometer

By John Bennett

Located in New Orleans, LA

This exceptional Georgian barometer by the leading London instrument-maker John Bennett strongly

Category

18th Century English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

English Late 19th Century Large Brass Table Scale and Weights
English Late 19th Century Large Brass Table Scale and Weights

English Late 19th Century Large Brass Table Scale and Weights

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A stunning, large brass table scale made near the turn of the century, England. The scale is no longer operational, but still makes an mighty impact on a space like a kitchen counter...

Category

Late 19th Century English Neoclassical Revival Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble, Brass, Copper, Iron

Large Floor Model Antique Brass Scale With Wooden Case With Glass Panels
Large Floor Model Antique Brass Scale With Wooden Case With Glass Panels

Large Floor Model Antique Brass Scale With Wooden Case With Glass Panels

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Case on four feet with lower drawer. On four legs that are screwed to adjust for level. There is a removable wooden framed door with glass panel that slides in from the top. A bras...

Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Napoleon III Gilt Bronze & Boulle Barometer & Thermometer Gervais Durand
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze & Boulle Barometer & Thermometer Gervais Durand

Napoleon III Gilt Bronze & Boulle Barometer & Thermometer Gervais Durand

By Gervais Durand

Located in Miami, FL

Instruments by Gervais-Maximilien-Eugene Durand. Originals featuring exquisite bronze mounts with cherubs

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze, Brass

Anatomical Cut of Human Skull Papier-maché, Didactical Collectables, Dr.Auzoux
Anatomical Cut of Human Skull Papier-maché, Didactical Collectables, Dr.Auzoux

Anatomical Cut of Human Skull Papier-maché, Didactical Collectables, Dr.Auzoux

By Dr. Louis Auzoux

Located in Leuven , BE

Anatomical cut of a human skull composed in natural painted papier-maché, with numbered labels on the different elements

Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Paper

Ebony, brass and bone pantograph, signed Lennel, Paris 1780.
Ebony, brass and bone pantograph, signed Lennel, Paris 1780.

Ebony, brass and bone pantograph, signed Lennel, Paris 1780.

Located in Milan, IT

instrument shows the signature of the maker Lennel à La Sphére à Paris. France 1780.

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

George III Mahogany Banjo Barometer Edinburgh
George III Mahogany Banjo Barometer Edinburgh

George III Mahogany Banjo Barometer Edinburgh

Located in Huntington, NY

November 1775, Edinburgh – 4 December 1858, Edinburgh) was a Scottish maker of medical instruments

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Country Style Stripped Spinning Wheel
Country Style Stripped Spinning Wheel

Country Style Stripped Spinning Wheel

Located in Queens, NY

American Country-style (19th Century) stripped spinning wheel with single spindle.

Category

19th Century American British Colonial Antique Scientific Instruments

American Victorian Ebonized Stereoscope
American Victorian Ebonized Stereoscope

American Victorian Ebonized Stereoscope

Located in Queens, NY

American Victorian ebonized stereoscope.

Category

19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Antique English Woodworker's Plane Block
Antique English Woodworker's Plane Block

Antique English Woodworker's Plane Block

Located in Queens, NY

2 Antique English woodworkers hand block plane. (PRICED EACH)

Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

English Regency Carved Walnut Barometer
English Regency Carved Walnut Barometer

English Regency Carved Walnut Barometer

Located in Queens, NY

English Regency rustic style (19th Century) carved walnut round barometer over a horizontal thermometer centered by 2 dolphin sides with a floral urn pediment top.

Category

19th Century British Rustic Antique Scientific Instruments

1850s Antique Industrial Press in Patinated White Iron
1850s Antique Industrial Press in Patinated White Iron

1850s Antique Industrial Press in Patinated White Iron

Located in Marbella, ES

Antique industrial press made of solid cast iron with traces of its original white paint and an attractive rust patina that enhances its authentic character. The piece retains its la...

Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Enameled silver thermometer with engraved cut-out stand
Enameled silver thermometer with engraved cut-out stand

Enameled silver thermometer with engraved cut-out stand

Located in Porto, PT

Description: Enameled silver thermometer with engraved cut-out support. Metal: Silver. Origin: Austro-Hungarian. Brand: Head of Diana. Weight: 54.86 grams. Dimensions: 8.6cmx0.8cm. C...

Category

19th Century European Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver

Silver thermometer with reliefs, table stand and hanging ring
Silver thermometer with reliefs, table stand and hanging ring

Silver thermometer with reliefs, table stand and hanging ring

Located in Porto, PT

Description: Silver thermometer with reliefs, table stand and hanging ring. Metal: Silver. Origin: French. Brand: Tête Minerve. Weight: 184.11 grams. Dimensions: 12cm x 18cm. Content...

Category

19th Century European Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver

Collection of 33 old geometric zinc shapes
Collection of 33 old geometric zinc shapes

Collection of 33 old geometric zinc shapes

Located in Haaltert, BE

Unique collection of 33 geometric zinc shapes. Circa 1900-1930. These forms were used by artists and art students to visualize and learn perspective, volumes, light and shadow.

Category

1920s Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Zinc

Cut-out silver thermometer with monogram card & wooden stand
Cut-out silver thermometer with monogram card & wooden stand

Cut-out silver thermometer with monogram card & wooden stand

Located in Porto, PT

Description: Cut-out silver thermometer, monogram card with wooden base, table stand and hanging ring. Metal: Silver. Origin: French. Brand: Tête Minerve. Weight: 505.12 grams. Dimen...

Category

19th Century European Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver

Early 20th century Paris stamped prosthetic arm with hook
Early 20th century Paris stamped prosthetic arm with hook

Early 20th century Paris stamped prosthetic arm with hook

Located in London, GB

Early 20th century Paris stamped prosthetic arm with hook Dimensions in inches: H 24” x W 4” x D 4” Age: 1920 Origin: France (Paris) Condition: aged Overview A child size small ...

Category

1920s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Leather

Large Antique Brass Butcher’s Balance Scale with Ox Head, Circa 1890
Large Antique Brass Butcher’s Balance Scale with Ox Head, Circa 1890

Large Antique Brass Butcher’s Balance Scale with Ox Head, Circa 1890

Located in Barntrup, DE

retail, hospitality, or private collection, particularly those inspired by scientific, culinary, or

Category

Late 19th Century Portuguese Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

English Victorian Surveyor's Measure
English Victorian Surveyor's Measure

English Victorian Surveyor's Measure

Located in Queens, NY

English Victorian-style painted wood and brass adjustable surveyor\'s measure.

Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Massive Industrial Era "C" Camp
Massive Industrial Era "C" Camp

Massive Industrial Era "C" Camp

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Massive Industrial Era C Clamp. C-clamps are generally small tools, but here is a "monumental size" clamps more than likely used for specialized equipment such as handling heavy ston...

Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

English Bronze Weight Sets
English Bronze Weight Sets

English Bronze Weight Sets

Located in Queens, NY

2 English bronze 4 piece weight set with cover and various small weights inside (PRICED EACH) (19/20th Cent.)

Category

19th Century British British Colonial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

American Country Patriotic Painted Milk Pail with Eagle and American Flags
American Country Patriotic Painted Milk Pail with Eagle and American Flags

American Country Patriotic Painted Milk Pail with Eagle and American Flags

Located in Queens, NY

American Country-style decorative milk pail with a painted eagle standing atop two crossed American flags against a black painted background. Minor losses to paint.

Category

Early 20th Century American Rustic Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paint

French Victorian Marble Thermometer

French Victorian Marble Thermometer

Located in Queens, NY

French Victorian small inlaid marble round shaped top thermometer Antique Condition

Category

19th Century French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble

1907 C.C.Rettberg Architects Office Ruler Straight Edge Etched Signature Dated
1907 C.C.Rettberg Architects Office Ruler Straight Edge Etched Signature Dated

1907 C.C.Rettberg Architects Office Ruler Straight Edge Etched Signature Dated

By Globe Wernicke

Located in Hyattsville, MD

Wonderful personalized straight edge ruler from the turn of the 19th century. Does not appear to be altered, the size is 20 1/8 by 2 1/8 inches.

Category

Early 1900s American Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Resin

Antique Mortar and Pestle Set, English Bronze Apothecary Grinder, Georgian, 1750
Antique Mortar and Pestle Set, English Bronze Apothecary Grinder, Georgian, 1750

Antique Mortar and Pestle Set, English Bronze Apothecary Grinder, Georgian, 1750

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique mortar and pestle set. An English, bronze apothecary or chemist’s grinding aid, dating to the mid Georgian period, circa 1750. A fascinating early example, rich wi...

Category

1750s British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

George III Mahogany Barometer
George III Mahogany Barometer

George III Mahogany Barometer

Located in Charlottesville, VA

Mahogany wheel barometer with a swan-neck pediment, brass dial, thermometer, hygrometer, and level, with engraved details and age-consistent wear visible in the close-up images.

Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

Logging Measuring Stick c.1940
Logging Measuring Stick c.1940

Logging Measuring Stick c.1940

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT Yellow surveyor pole has sold. Original logging measuring stick. The logging measuring stick is numbered on 4 sides and has a flat brass base that originally allowed it to s...

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A Very Rare 19th Century Four Inch Diameter Telescope by 'Steward of London'
A Very Rare 19th Century Four Inch Diameter Telescope by 'Steward of London'

A Very Rare 19th Century Four Inch Diameter Telescope by 'Steward of London'

By J.H Steward

Located in Dublin, IE

A very rare 19th Century four inch diameter telescope by 'Steward of London' of exceptional quality with superb optics and is stamped J.H. Steward. The finely cast polished brass te...

Category

19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Large pressure gauge with brass bezel by Dewrance of London
Large pressure gauge with brass bezel by Dewrance of London

Large pressure gauge with brass bezel by Dewrance of London

Located in London, GB

A large early 20th century pressure gauge with brass bezel by Dewrance of London. Dial marked: 0 – 200 pounds per square inch. 0-25-50-75-100-125-150-175-200 POUNDS PRESSURE PER □ ...

Category

Early 20th Century English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Silk strength tester by Goodbrands & Co of Manchester and Stalybridge
Silk strength tester by Goodbrands & Co of Manchester and Stalybridge

Silk strength tester by Goodbrands & Co of Manchester and Stalybridge

Located in London, GB

A wall mounted silk strength tester by Goodbrands & Co of Manchester and Stalybridge, circa 1910. Quadrant scale marked: 16 ozs. X ¼ oz. 4 lbs X 1 oz. (4/330) Vertical scale divide...

Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel

Antique 19th Century Folding English Medical Bloodletting Bleeder Fleam
Antique 19th Century Folding English Medical Bloodletting Bleeder Fleam

Antique 19th Century Folding English Medical Bloodletting Bleeder Fleam

Located in Stamford, CT

Antique 19th Century folding english medical or veterinary bloodletting bleeder fleam also known as phlebotomy, was a common medical practice for centuries, believed to cure a wide r...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel

Antique Microscope by W. Klein Wetzlar with Carl Zeiss optical lenses, Germany
Antique Microscope by W. Klein Wetzlar with Carl Zeiss optical lenses, Germany

Antique Microscope by W. Klein Wetzlar with Carl Zeiss optical lenses, Germany

Located in Beograd, RS

In this listing you will find a rare antique Microscope manufactured by W. Klein in Wetzlar. The microscope features a solid brass body that has developed a rich patina and it featur...

Category

Early 1900s German Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique 1920s Emerson Type 29648 Three Speed Brass Blade Desk Fan Works 16"
Antique 1920s Emerson Type 29648 Three Speed Brass Blade Desk Fan Works 16"

Antique 1920s Emerson Type 29648 Three Speed Brass Blade Desk Fan Works 16"

By Emerson Electric

Located in Dayton, OH

Circa 1920's Emerson 16 inch three speed desk fan with black enameled body and brass fan blades. The Emerson Electric Mfg Co - New York / St Louis - Volts 110 - Type 29648 - Cycles 6...

Category

Early 20th Century American Machine Age Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

A Very Fine Early 19th Century Brass Telescope By W. & T. Gilbert, London
A Very Fine Early 19th Century Brass Telescope By W. & T. Gilbert, London

A Very Fine Early 19th Century Brass Telescope By W. & T. Gilbert, London

Located in Dublin, IE

A very fine early 19th Century (1819 - 1831) brass telescope by W. & T.Gilbert, London. This fabulous well cast polished brass telescope is of exceptional quality with superb op...

Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A Stunning 19th Century Brass Four Draw Telescope by Gardner of Glasgow
A Stunning 19th Century Brass Four Draw Telescope by Gardner of Glasgow

A Stunning 19th Century Brass Four Draw Telescope by Gardner of Glasgow

Located in Dublin, IE

Stock Reference No: A4126 A Stunning 19th Century Polished Brass Four Draw Telescope with Original Tripod by Gardner of Glasgow A stunning 19th Century (1839 - 1882), polished bras...

Category

19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A Fabulous Early 20th Century Brass Telescope by Clarkson, London
A Fabulous Early 20th Century Brass Telescope by Clarkson, London

A Fabulous Early 20th Century Brass Telescope by Clarkson, London

Located in Dublin, IE

A fabulous early 20th Century brass telescope with a plaque marked 'Clarkson, London' This stunning finely cast polished brass telescope is of exceptional quality with superb optics...

Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

‘Royal’ Barometer by John Russell, Watchmaker to the Prince Regent
‘Royal’ Barometer by John Russell, Watchmaker to the Prince Regent

‘Royal’ Barometer by John Russell, Watchmaker to the Prince Regent

By John Russell

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

This superbly crafted wheel barometer and thermometer has a mahogany case surrounded by twisted brass stringing and central panels of foliate tendrils above Russell’s signature thist...

Category

1810s Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Very Large George III Rosewood Gallery Magnifying Glass
Very Large George III Rosewood Gallery Magnifying Glass

Very Large George III Rosewood Gallery Magnifying Glass

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A very large George III rosewood gallery magnifying glass, the circular glass within a rosewood frame, the baluster handle screwing into a brass bracket in the rim. English, circa 18...

Category

Early 19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century Antique George III Mahogany Stick Barometer by Cremonino
Early 19th Century Antique George III Mahogany Stick Barometer by Cremonino

Early 19th Century Antique George III Mahogany Stick Barometer by Cremonino

Located in Devon, GB

A fine and well-proportioned early 19th century figured mahogany barometer signed ‘Cremonino, Fecit.’ This barometer has a broken arch pediment above a flush-glass door, enclosing ...

Category

Early 19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

1925 Swedish Antique Walnut Wall Telephone L.M. Ericsson AB130 Crank Magneto
1925 Swedish Antique Walnut Wall Telephone L.M. Ericsson AB130 Crank Magneto

1925 Swedish Antique Walnut Wall Telephone L.M. Ericsson AB130 Crank Magneto

By L.M. Ericsson

Located in Sweden, SE

This authentic antique Ericsson AB130 wall telephone was manufactured by AB L.M. Ericsson & Co. in Stockholm. The AB130 model was produced from the late 19th through the early 20th c...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Steel

Circa 1920s Torsion Balance Co, New York "Class A" Scale
Circa 1920s Torsion Balance Co, New York "Class A" Scale

Circa 1920s Torsion Balance Co, New York "Class A" Scale

By Torsion Balance Company

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Circa 1920s Torsion Balance Co, New York "Class A" Scale. Glass & nickel plate metal case. According to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, which has an identica...

Category

Early 20th Century American Other Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Nickel

A glass and vulcanite syringe, London 1880.
A glass and vulcanite syringe, London 1880.

A glass and vulcanite syringe, London 1880.

Located in Milan, IT

An end of the 19th-Century medical’s instrument. A glass and vulcanite syringe. London, UK circa

Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

A Very Fine Half Plate Camera on Oak Tripod by Benetfink & Co. London
A Very Fine Half Plate Camera on Oak Tripod by Benetfink & Co. London

A Very Fine Half Plate Camera on Oak Tripod by Benetfink & Co. London

By Benetfink & Co.

Located in Dublin, IE

A very fine well figured mahogany double racked focus half plate camera with beautifully cast brass mounts in excellent condition and of exceptional quality mounted on an extendable ...

Category

Early 1900s English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pair of Rare Life-Sized Pilz Anatomical Flap Manikins, Germany, c. 1890
Pair of Rare Life-Sized Pilz Anatomical Flap Manikins, Germany, c. 1890

Pair of Rare Life-Sized Pilz Anatomical Flap Manikins, Germany, c. 1890

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

century, coinciding with a cultural movement toward public health education and scientific visualization

Category

Late 19th Century German High Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

19th Century French Iron and Brass Scale, Antique Craftsmanship
19th Century French Iron and Brass Scale, Antique Craftsmanship

19th Century French Iron and Brass Scale, Antique Craftsmanship

Located in High Point, NC

This 19th Century French iron and brass scale captures the elegance of traditional workshop craftsmanship, harmonizing strong industrial lines with warm metallic detail. The cast-iro...

Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

19th Century French Iron & Metal Scale
19th Century French Iron & Metal Scale

19th Century French Iron & Metal Scale

Located in High Point, NC

This 19th Century French iron and metal scale blends utilitarian craftsmanship with a distinctive aged character. The cast-iron base, finished in its original deep green paint with w...

Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron, Metal

19th Century French Iron and Brass Scale, Antique Kitchen Decor
19th Century French Iron and Brass Scale, Antique Kitchen Decor

19th Century French Iron and Brass Scale, Antique Kitchen Decor

Located in High Point, NC

This 19th Century French iron and brass scale showcases a striking blend of utilitarian structure and refined material contrast. The cast-iron base, marked by clean lines and a gentl...

Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron, Brass

19th Century French Iron and Brass Scale Antique Architectural Decor
19th Century French Iron and Brass Scale Antique Architectural Decor

19th Century French Iron and Brass Scale Antique Architectural Decor

Located in High Point, NC

This 19th Century French iron and brass scale features an architectural presence that elevates its utilitarian origins. The cast-iron base is richly detailed with arched motifs and a...

Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

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Antique Scientific Instruments For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of antique scientific instruments for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique antique scientific instruments was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, wood and brass. Antique scientific instruments have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Victorian, Industrial and Louis XVI antique scientific instruments are consistently popular styles. Antique scientific instruments have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by LeMaire Paris, W & T Avery and Dollond, London 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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