Scientific Instruments
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Metal, Chrome
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Steel
1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Jade, Metal, Brass
1980s Japanese Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
19th Century European Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Glass
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Shell
Mid-20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Walnut
Early 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Shell
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Shell
19th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Shell
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Aluminum
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Shell
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Metal
1920s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Ceramic, Porcelain
Mid-19th Century British Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Natural Fiber, Parchment Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Scientific Instruments
Aluminum, Steel
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Shell
1850s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Brass, Steel
18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Resin
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 20th Century German Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass
20th Century French Louis XVI Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Mid-19th Century European Grand Tour Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Early 20th Century German Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Nickel
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Gold
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
1880s English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Mid-19th Century Indian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
1880s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plaster
1830s English William IV Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper, Wood
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Brass
1850s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Steel
1880s British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Giltwood
20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Metal, Chrome
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 19th Century German Art Deco Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Wood
20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass
18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
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.