Scientific Instruments
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Brass
20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Steel
Late 19th Century Eastlake Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
19th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
1960s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Rubber, Wood
1950s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Rubber
Mid-19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Lucite
Mid-19th Century European Grand Tour Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Oak
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Bakelite
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Blown Glass, Cut Glass
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass
1920s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Silver
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Natural Fiber, Pine
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Hardwood
1930s American Machine Age Vintage Scientific Instruments
Fabric, Bakelite
21st Century and Contemporary Scientific Instruments
Steel
1850s Unknown Antique Scientific Instruments
Natural Fiber
20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
1930s Italian Futurist Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
Early 1900s German Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 1800s English Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
20th Century Unknown Scientific Instruments
Glass
18th Century English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal, Sterling Silver
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
Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Iron
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Oak
1780s Unknown Antique Scientific Instruments
Natural Fiber
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Iron
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Wood
1970s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century French Mid-Century Modern Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass, Iron
1920s European Biedermeier Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
1880s Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster
1930s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1820s French Restauration Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
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.