Scientific Instruments
19th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1890s American American Craftsman Antique Scientific Instruments
Mirror, Oak
Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1870s Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass
Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Rubber, Hardwood
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1910s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Metal, Enamel
1980s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plastic
Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1910s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Nickel
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Brass, Bronze
Late 19th Century American High Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Iron
Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1930s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Bronze
19th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Slate, Iron
1870s British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1920s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Scientific Instruments
Metal
1910s Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass, Steel
1910s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1850s British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Late 19th Century English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Copper
1920s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century Swedish Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
19th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
19th Century French Directoire Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1950s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 18th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Late 19th Century English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Scientific Instruments
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Glass, Plastic, Wood
1850s British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Ebony, Walnut
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Metal
19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Iron
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass, Iron
20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Steel
1820s French Restauration Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 1800s French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper, Wood
1870s Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century French Mid-Century Modern Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass, Iron
Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century French Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Brass
1940s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1890s American American Craftsman Antique Scientific Instruments
Mirror, Oak
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
Early 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood, Paint
Late 19th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron, Steel
19th Century English High Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
1790s French Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Scientific Instruments
Blown Glass
Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1890s French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper
1870s Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Steel
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Brass
1920s German Black Forest Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century German Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Nickel
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.