Scientific Instruments
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood, Giltwood
1860s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Bakelite
18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
1850s Austrian Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Steel
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
1920s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Marble
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
1970s Korean Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
1970s Korean Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
15th Century and Earlier Spanish Gothic Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Mid-19th Century Danish Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Aluminum
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Walnut
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
1970s Korean Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Ceramic, Porcelain
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1970s Korean Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
Mid-19th Century European Grand Tour Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
1910s French Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Copper
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Beech
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Nylon, Rubber
Mid-18th Century English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Oak
1780s Swedish Gustavian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century American American Colonial Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Early 1900s Art Deco Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass
1730s Swedish Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Late 19th Century Danish Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century Swedish Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Paper
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
20th Century German Other Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Mid-18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Walnut
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Iron
1940s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Composition
Early 20th Century Rustic Scientific Instruments
Steel
2010s French Modern Scientific Instruments
Glass
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Marble, Brass, Copper, Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Aluminum
1940s German Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Porcelain, Bakelite, Wood
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Beech
20th Century Italian Grand Tour Scientific Instruments
Wood, Walnut
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.





