Surveying Instrument
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Brass, Bronze
Antique 19th Century German Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century French Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Metal
Antique Mid-19th Century Danish Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Brass, Steel
Antique 1810s English Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique Late 17th Century Dutch Maps
Paper
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Sundials
Stone, Limestone, Granite, Metal, Bronze
Antique 19th Century Russian Other Serving Pieces
Silver
Recent Sales
Antique Early 18th Century French Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique Early 1900s American Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Industrial Scientific Instruments
Brass, Enamel, Steel
Antique 1890s British Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique 1840s British Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique 1880s American Scientific Instruments
Antique 1860s Italian Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique 19th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Antique 19th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique Late 18th Century American American Colonial Scientific Instruments
Blown Glass, Wood
Antique 1890s American Scientific Instruments
Brass
Vintage 1930s Scientific Instruments
Brass
Vintage 1920s American Machine Age Industrial and Work Tables
Iron
Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Wall Clocks
Wood
Vintage 1910s Swiss Scientific Instruments
Brass
Vintage 1910s Swiss Scientific Instruments
Brass
Vintage 1910s Swiss Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique 1870s Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique 1870s Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique 1890s American American Empire Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique 1870s Scientific Instruments
Brass
Vintage 1910s Swiss Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments
Metal
Antique 1780s Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique 1870s Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
Antique 19th Century English Nautical Objects
Brass
Early 20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Oak, Pine
Antique 1820s Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique Early 1900s Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique 1870s Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
Early 20th Century American Industrial Industrial and Work Tables
Steel, Iron, Brass
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique 19th Century American Scientific Instruments
Antique Late 19th Century British Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Vintage 1910s Swiss Scientific Instruments
Antique Late 19th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass
Vintage 1940s American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Aluminum, Brass
Antique 1780s Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique 1860s Italian Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Industrial Historical Memorabilia
Metal
Antique 1860s American Historical Memorabilia
Brass
Antique 1830s American Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique Mid-18th Century Scientific Instruments
Brass
Vintage 1940s Japanese Metalwork
Brass, Aluminum, Steel
People Also Browsed
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
2010s American Modern Music Stands
Brass
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Tableware
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Stools
Aluminum
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Beds and Bed Frames
Gold
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Inkwells
Malachite, Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century American Victorian Fountains
Concrete
2010s Brazilian Organic Modern Armchairs
Wicker
Antique 19th Century French Rococo Barware
Crystal, Ormolu
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Vintage 1920s French Louis XV Sofas
Fabric
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Stairs
Walnut
Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Decorative Art
Other
Antique Early 1900s French Empire Inkwells
Glass
Vintage 1980s Hong Kong Modern Toys and Dolls
Plastic
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Architectural Models
Lucite
Surveying Instrument 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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