Scientific Instruments
1910s Scottish Vintage Scientific Instruments
Walnut
1910s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1910s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Nickel
Late 18th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
1780s French Louis XV Antique Scientific Instruments
Silver Plate
1910s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 18th Century German Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Late 18th Century German Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper
1790s French Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Oak
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Oak
1780s Unknown Antique Scientific Instruments
Natural Fiber
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Walnut
1910s English Vintage Scientific Instruments
Bakelite
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Giltwood, Parchment Paper
1910s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Oak
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Walnut
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Walnut
Late 18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Silver, Brass
1910s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
1910s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass, Steel
1910s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 18th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood
1910s French Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1790s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
1780s British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 18th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Marble
1910s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass, Enamel
1910s French Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass, Steel
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
1910s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1770s Antique Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
Late 18th Century French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
1910s French Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Walnut
1910s Belgian Rococo Revival Vintage Scientific Instruments
Walnut
1910s English Other Vintage Scientific Instruments
Aluminum, Brass
1910s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 18th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 18th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Mahogany
Late 18th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Silver
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Blown Glass, Giltwood, Paint, Wood
1910s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 18th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1770s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1790s English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Steel
Late 18th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
1910s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
Late 18th Century German Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze, Other
1780s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
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.