Scientific Instruments
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass, Nickel
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Brass, Steel
Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Scientific Instruments
Bronze, Iron
19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Gold
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Metal, Chrome
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Granite
1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plaster
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Steel
19th Century German Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Gold
1970s Japanese Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plastic
Early 1800s French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper, Wood
Mid-19th Century European Grand Tour Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Mid-20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Optical Glass, Wood
Late 19th Century German Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass
Early 20th Century French Victorian Scientific Instruments
Metal
20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Metal
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Glass
Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-19th Century French Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
1910s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1780s British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
Late 18th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Aluminum
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Oak
1910s French Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century Spanish Art Deco Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
17th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Stone, Metal
Late 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Metal
1920s Austrian Hollywood Regency Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1960s Italian Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Brass
1940s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 20th Century Chinese Art Nouveau Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Bakelite
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood, Paint
Late 20th Century German Modern Scientific Instruments
Gold, Stainless Steel
Late 19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1940s German Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Porcelain, Bakelite, 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.