Scientific Instruments
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
1840s English Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Mid-20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Iron
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Oak
Early 19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Composition
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper, Plaster
Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Boxwood
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Resin
Late 19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Mirror, Pine
20th Century Swedish Scientific Instruments
Glass
1840s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Mid-18th Century English George II Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1780s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Boxwood
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Walnut
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Walnut
1850s Austrian Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Steel
Early 20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Oak
Mid-20th Century American Steampunk Scientific Instruments
Rubber
19th Century British George IV Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Enamel
1790s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1850s American Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood, Paper
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Metal
1880s Swiss Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Enamel
1880s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
19th Century French Directoire Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 18th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments
Silver
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Oak
1920s French Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-19th Century French Steampunk Antique Scientific Instruments
Leather
Early 20th Century American Country Scientific Instruments
Brass, Copper
1750s English George II Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1860s Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
20th Century Unknown Other Scientific Instruments
Metal, Other
1790s English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Steampunk Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron, Brass, Metal, Steel
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
18th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
1920s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Copper, Iron
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood, Paper
Mid-20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments
1730s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood, Paper
1880s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Late 19th Century French Régence Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
1780s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Giltwood
1830s English William IV Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper, Wood
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Wood, Plaster
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.