Scientific Instruments
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Silver, Brass
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood
1910s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass, Steel
Late 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Brass
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 1900s Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Glass
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Chrome, Metal
Early 20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Metal, Chrome, Brass
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Metal, Chrome
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Leather, Hickory
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Metal, Chrome
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Glass
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass, Chrome
19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze, Ormolu
1880s English Antique Scientific Instruments
Oak
19th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1870s Belgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Porcelain
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Steel
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Iron, Metal
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Bronze, Nickel
1890s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Mother-of-Pearl
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1880s Antique Scientific Instruments
Marble
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1940s Belgian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Slate
Early 1900s German Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Natural Fiber
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Metal
1820s Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Plastic
1960s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
1940s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century American Victorian Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-19th Century French Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Walnut
1850s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1920s German Black Forest Vintage Scientific Instruments
Glass, Mirror, Walnut
1790s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
Late 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Vintage, New and Antique Scientific Instruments
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.