Scientific Instruments
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1960s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Rubber, Wood
19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Chrome
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Stone, Iron
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1860s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Oak
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Oak
Early 1800s French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper, Wood
1880s American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
Late 20th Century North American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Chrome
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Agate, Brass
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Iron
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Fruitwood
Because of heliocentric system theorized by Copernicus, it was possible to create mechanical antique orreries...
1860s Czech Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Early 1800s English Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1960s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Bakelite, Plaster
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass, Bronze
Late 18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Silver, Brass
1910s Scottish Vintage Scientific Instruments
Walnut
1880s Antique Scientific Instruments
Marble
1820s Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron, Brass
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Wood
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood
1650s Italian Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Metal
20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Steel
1930s English Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1810s English Regency Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood, Ebony, Giltwood, String
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Marble
1930s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Walnut
Early 19th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century British Colonial Scientific Instruments
Leather
Late 18th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1890s Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass
1960s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Chrome
1940s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Rope
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Iron
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Plastic, Wood
1810s British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
1840s British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal, Iron, Brass
19th Century French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
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.