Scientific Instruments
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Pine
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
1880s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Enamel, Bronze
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
20th Century Unknown Other Scientific Instruments
Metal, Other
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Resin
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
1830s Italian Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Late 19th Century Austrian Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Iron
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Ceramic
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
16th Century French Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Late 19th Century German Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Paint, Paper
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Glass
Early 20th Century Indonesian Scientific Instruments
Copper, Iron
1920s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Paper
1810s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Marble, Brass
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
1950s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Copper
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
19th Century Great Britain (UK) Gothic Antique Scientific Instruments
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Wood
17th Century Indian Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments
Ivory
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Blown Glass, Wood
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Ceramic
1970s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-19th Century French Country Antique Scientific Instruments
Copper
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood, Paper
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Iron
1890s American Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Steel
1890s American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Copper
17th Century British Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century British Colonial Scientific Instruments
Leather
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Oak
17th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
1890s North American Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
20th Century French Other Scientific Instruments
Glass, Plastic
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Copper
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Walnut
19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Copper, Brass
16th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
19th Century French Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Wire
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.





