Scientific Instruments
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Iron
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Blown Glass, Cut Glass
Mid-20th Century American Modern Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 18th Century German Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
19th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1960s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Rubber, Wood
1930s Italian Futurist Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Iron
20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Brass, Steel, Iron
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Paper
19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Chrome
20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Stone, Iron
1880s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 1800s French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper, Wood
Late 19th Century German Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass
1910s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Nickel
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Paper
1890s Antique Scientific Instruments
Gold
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Oak
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Paper
1910s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1920s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 18th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
1780s French Louis XV Antique Scientific Instruments
Silver Plate
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Bakelite, Walnut
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Mother-of-Pearl
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Mother-of-Pearl
1920s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl
1910s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood, Paper
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1920s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 18th Century German Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper
1860s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Oak
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Metal
1930s German Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 19th Century German Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1960s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Mother-of-Pearl, Glass
Mid-19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Paper
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
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.