Scientific Instruments
Early 20th Century American Rustic Scientific Instruments
Paint
19th Century British British Colonial Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
Late 19th Century Albanian Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Cast Stone
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood
1930s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Linen
1820s Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1870s Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Walnut
1890s Swiss Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
16th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Ceramic
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Russian Victorian Scientific Instruments
Leather
Early 20th Century French Other Scientific Instruments
Leather
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Hardwood
1890s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Gesso, Wood
1960s American American Classical Vintage Scientific Instruments
Steel
1880s Italian Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron, Metal
1920s German Black Forest Vintage Scientific Instruments
Glass, Mirror, Walnut
18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper
Early 17th Century German Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Wrought Iron
19th Century French Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Late 19th Century English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Copper
1920s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood
Mid-18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Silver
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Acrylic
Mid-19th Century Unknown Gothic Antique Scientific Instruments
Wrought Iron
1750s Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper
1920s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Teak
Late 19th Century German Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Paint, Paper
1880s Scottish Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Other
18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper
18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Brass, Steel
1850s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
1970s Polish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal, Iron
19th Century German Rustic Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
19th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plaster
1920s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Rubber, Wood
1940s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Wood
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Mid-19th Century Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Magnets
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
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.





