Scientific Instruments
1920s French Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1880s Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plaster
1840s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper, Plaster
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Metal
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood, Glass
Late 18th Century European Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
1980s Swiss Vintage Scientific Instruments
Aluminum
Early 20th Century Unknown Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
1830s French Louis Philippe Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
20th Century Swedish Scientific Instruments
Glass
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Ormolu
Mid-18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Rubber
Late 19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Mirror, Pine
1780s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century European Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Mid-20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Iron
Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Copper
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass
1940s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Brass
1890s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Early 18th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments
Silver
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Enamel
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1880s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1880s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1880s English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
20th Century Swedish Scientific Instruments
Glass
1880s Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Mid-18th Century English George II Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1860s Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
19th Century English William IV Antique Scientific Instruments
Rosewood
Early 19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Beech
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass
1880s Swiss Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Lacquer
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
1920s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Oak, Paper
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Resin
1940s Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Fiberglass, Wood
Mid-19th Century European Grand Tour Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
19th Century European Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Copper, Iron
Early 19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Walnut
1880s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Sheet Metal
Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Boxwood
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.