Scientific Instruments
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Plastic
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 20th Century Chinese Art Nouveau Scientific Instruments
Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Iron
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Iron
1970s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plastic, Rubber
1970s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century North American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Chrome
1980s Taiwanese Futurist Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plastic
21st Century and Contemporary British Scientific Instruments
Silver
1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plastic
Late 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Aluminum, Steel
Late 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Composition, Metal
1970s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1970s German Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Plastic
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Plastic
Late 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Metal
1980s Slovak Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Steel
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Plastic
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Plastic
1980s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plastic
21st Century and Contemporary Scientific Instruments
Steel
2010s Australian Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Glass
2010s Australian Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass, Stainless Steel
2010s Australian Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1970s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Plastic
Late 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Metal
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 20th Century German Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass
Late 20th Century German Modern Scientific Instruments
Gold, Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
1990s Chinese Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Foam, Rubber
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Scientific Instruments
Brass, Steel, Aluminum
1980s South Korean Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plastic
Late 20th Century German Modern Scientific Instruments
Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Brass
1970s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1980s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 20th Century French Space Age Scientific Instruments
Plastic
Late 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Aluminum, Steel
1970s Polish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal, Iron
1970s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1970s Austrian Space Age Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plastic
1970s Japanese Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plastic
Late 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Resin
Early 2000s Maltese Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Paper
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Resin
Late 20th Century Italian Organic Modern Scientific Instruments
Wood, Fruitwood
Late 20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments
Glass, 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.