Scientific Instruments
1960s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plastic, Wood
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Wood
1810s Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
19th Century European Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
1950s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Rubber
19th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1940s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Aluminum
1870s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century French Rococo Antique Scientific Instruments
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass
1920s German Black Forest Vintage Scientific Instruments
Glass, Mirror, Walnut
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper
19th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Walnut
1960s American American Classical Vintage Scientific Instruments
Steel
1940s English Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood, Plastic
19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Bakelite
1960s German Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Composition, Metal
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Walnut
Early 20th Century North American Scientific Instruments
Brass, Wrought Iron
1930s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Brass
1860s European Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Walnut
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass
18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Belgian Scientific Instruments
Metal, Steel
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Stone
1730s Swedish Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1940s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze, Brass
Late 18th Century French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Wood
1920s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
2010s Australian Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass
1780s Swedish Gustavian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1930s Italian Futurist Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Other
1970s Polish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal, Iron
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze, Steel
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Iron, Metal
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
19th Century American Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Copper
Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass
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.