Scientific Instruments
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Leather, Glass, Wood
1910s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood
Late 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Bakelite
Early 1700s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper
Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood, Glass
Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Enamel
Early 20th Century American Rustic Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood, Paper
1910s English Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Bakelite
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Wood
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Glass
1870s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1860s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Bakelite
18th Century European Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Early 20th Century English Other Scientific Instruments
Brass, Steel
1940s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Aluminum, Brass
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass
1780s Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Scientific Instruments
Glass, Opaline Glass, Wood
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
Early 20th Century American Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Hardwood
Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Metal
1780s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
1890s Swiss Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Wood
1790s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1860s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster
20th Century Swedish Scientific Instruments
Glass
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Brass
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plaster
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood
Early 19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Mid-20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments
Marble
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments
Brass
1880s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Stone
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Stone, Metal
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster
1970s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Ceramic
1750s English George II Antique 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.