Scientific Instruments
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass
Early 19th Century Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Rock Crystal
1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Steel
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Gold
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
1980s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 18th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plastic
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Pine
Early 18th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
17th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal, Aluminum
Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
1780s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Late 18th Century Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Horn, Leather, Glass
Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Iron, Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal, Enamel
1790s English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Steel
Early 2000s Maltese Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Paper
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Granite
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Iron
Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Yew
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper, Plaster
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood, Paper
1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Steel
1750s English George II Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Resin
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Iron
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Ceramic
1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Magnets
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Glass, Plastic, Wood
1980s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Teak
1790s English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1750s English George II Antique Scientific Instruments
Shagreen, Paper
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Linen, Paper
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Shagreen, Paper
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
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.