Scientific Instruments
Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Agate, Ormolu
2010s Italian Victorian Scientific Instruments
Gold Leaf
1950s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Rubber
Mid-20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Brass
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Brass
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Iron
19th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass
Late 19th Century French Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments
Onyx
1930s Czech Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plaster
1870s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Early 20th Century Canadian Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Lucite
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1960s Japanese Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Steel, Cut Steel
1860s British Antique Scientific Instruments
1960s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Composition
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Bakelite
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.