Scientific Instruments
Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Early 17th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Marble, Pewter
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1780s Unknown Antique Scientific Instruments
Natural Fiber
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood, Glass
1880s Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass
Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Paper
Mid-19th Century Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
20th Century British Renaissance Revival Scientific Instruments
Glass
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Beech
1780s Swedish Gustavian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1950s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Rubber
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze, Enamel
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Wood
1970s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Metal, Chrome
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass, Bronze
19th Century German Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
1920s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal, Iron
1930s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century Swedish Industrial Scientific Instruments
Brass, Metal
19th Century French Rustic Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass, Copper, Iron
20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood
19th Century American Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Copper
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal, Iron, Brass
19th Century European Antique Scientific Instruments
Pewter
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
1820s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Steel
1880s Scottish Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Other
1940s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Paper
1880s Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass
1950s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Bone
Mid-19th Century Danish Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Brass, Steel
20th Century American Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass
1960s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
1850s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Wood
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood, Glass
1730s Swedish Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Late 18th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1940s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Bronze
1890s Swiss Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Wood
Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Wood
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
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.