Scientific Instruments
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Steel
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Rosewood
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Paper
Mid-20th Century American Modern Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Paper
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Paper
Early 1900s Austrian Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Enamel
1870s Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century Swedish Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass
1880s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Mother-of-Pearl
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
19th Century English High Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Natural Fiber, Birdseye Maple, Pine
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1850s British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Natural Fiber, Hardwood
1890s British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1960s German Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Composition, Metal
Early 20th Century German Late Victorian Scientific Instruments
Bakelite
Early 20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments
Optical Glass, Oak
1890s British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Agate, Brass
Late 19th Century German Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century Canadian Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century American Victorian Scientific Instruments
Brass
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1890s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Mother-of-Pearl
1850s Unknown Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Natural Fiber
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
Early 1900s German Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Natural Fiber
1860s European Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Walnut
Late 18th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Walnut
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Paper
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 19th Century German Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass
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.