Scientific Instruments
Mid-20th Century Belgian Scientific Instruments
Metal, Steel
1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Oak
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Glass
1950s French Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Silver
1960s Japanese Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1910s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Latex, Wood
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Streamlined Moderne Scientific Instruments
Aluminum
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Ceramic
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Walnut
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Glass, Blown Glass
1960s German Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Composition, Metal
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1960s German Folk Art Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper, Wood
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Nickel
1930s American Other Vintage Scientific Instruments
Aluminum
1910s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass, Steel
1940s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1960s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Machine Age Scientific Instruments
Bakelite
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Iron
1960s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Bakelite, Plaster
1940s Belgian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Slate
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
1910s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal, Chrome
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Iron
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Scientific Instruments
Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Iron
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass
1910s Scottish Vintage Scientific Instruments
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1940s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood, Paper
1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-20th Century Czech Scientific Instruments
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Louis XVI Scientific Instruments
Wood
1940s Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Iron
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Metal
1960s Japanese Machine Age Vintage Scientific Instruments
Chrome
1960s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Rubber, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Wood
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Bakelite
1910s French Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Nickel
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal, Enamel
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Wood
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.