Scientific Instruments
18th Century English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1780s Unknown Antique Scientific Instruments
Natural Fiber
16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Gold Leaf
17th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Giltwood, Parchment Paper
Mid-18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1730s Swedish Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood
Late 18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper
17th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Late 18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Silver, Brass
1790s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
1780s British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Early 18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 18th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood
Early 18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Early 18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Mid-17th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Slate
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
Late 18th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
Early 17th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Ivory
1750s Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
16th Century French Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
17th Century Japanese Edo Antique Scientific Instruments
Gold
Early 18th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Early 18th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
16th Century Iraqi Islamic Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 18th Century European Queen Anne Antique Scientific Instruments
Lacquer
1770s Antique Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
Early 17th Century German Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Wrought Iron
15th Century and Earlier Antique Scientific Instruments
Bone
Late 18th Century French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Blown Glass, Giltwood, Paint
16th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Late 18th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 18th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
18th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Ceramic
17th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Ceramic
17th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Ceramic
17th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Ceramic
18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper
Late 18th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
17th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Ceramic
Early 17th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Marble, Pewter
17th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Ceramic
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.