Scientific Instruments
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1860s European Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Shell
Mid-19th Century French Country Antique Scientific Instruments
Copper
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Blown Glass, Giltwood, Paint, Wood
1890s Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Oak
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Horn, Leather, Glass
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Oak
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Iron
19th Century French Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood, Giltwood, Paint
1810s Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
1820s English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Shell
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass, Tin
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Metal, Silver Plate, Steel
Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Glass, Mahogany
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Walnut
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1770s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze, Brass
Mid-19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Coral
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Shell
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Shell
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Shell
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
20th Century Unknown Other Scientific Instruments
Other
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plastic
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Shell
Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Leather
1960s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Brass
1920s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Beech
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Oak
1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Shell
1940s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass
20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Shell
1860s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1850s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Shell
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Oak
1890s Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Lucite
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Granite
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Bone, Glass, Oak
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass
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.