Scientific Instruments
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Blown Glass, Cut Glass
20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
1930s Italian Futurist Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
Early 1900s German Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Iron
1920s German Brutalist Vintage Scientific Instruments
Aluminum, Gold, Steel
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1930s British Other Vintage Scientific Instruments
Bakelite
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Iron
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Oak
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Brass
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Metal
1920s European Biedermeier Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1970s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Stainless Steel
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass, Bronze
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1920s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Walnut
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Walnut
20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Felt, Faux Leather, Oak
Late 20th Century United States Minor Outlying Islands Modern Scientific Instruments
Silver
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 20th Century North American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Chrome
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Silver
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Iron
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plywood
1950s English Rustic Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paste, Porcelain
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass
1910s English Vintage Scientific Instruments
Bakelite
20th Century Czech Scientific Instruments
Wood
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Paper
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Metal
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Metal
20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Metal
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Metal
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Metal
20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Metal
20th Century Belgian Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Oak
20th Century Belgian Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass, Copper
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern 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.