Scientific Instruments
Late 19th Century German Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass, Iron
1810s English Regency Antique Scientific Instruments
String, Wood, Ebony, Giltwood
Early 19th Century Persian Islamic Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Wood, Fruitwood
Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1940s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood
1890s Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Mid-20th Century Danish Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Marble, Brass
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Fruitwood, Parchment Paper
Late 19th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Bone
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Natural Fiber, Glass, Pine
19th Century English High Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster
1790s British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Paper
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
20th Century Unknown Scientific Instruments
Plastic
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Optical Glass, Wood
20th Century Unknown Other Scientific Instruments
Other
1970s Czech Vintage Scientific Instruments
Birch
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass, Enamel
20th Century British Industrial Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-19th Century Italian Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Scientific Instruments
Gold
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Scientific Instruments
Linen, Paper
18th Century English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze, Steel
1930s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass, Wire
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1880s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Enamel
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood, Glass
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Metal, Steel, Iron, Sheet Metal, Tin
1890s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1820s French Restauration Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century Balkan Biedermeier Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Steel
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass, Steel, Iron
1940s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Stainless Steel, Enamel, Iron, Chrome, Steel
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Nickel
Late 19th Century Danish Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1890s English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Steel
Early 20th Century Swedish Industrial Scientific Instruments
Brass, Metal
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Glass
Early 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Metal, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Walnut
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Plaster
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.