Scientific Instruments
Late 19th Century Argentine Belle Époque Antique Scientific Instruments
Leather
19th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass
17th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Ceramic
Early 18th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments
Silver
1890s Antique Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
1980s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1820s English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood
1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Magnets
Late 19th Century Argentine Belle Époque Antique Scientific Instruments
Leather
Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1880s Antique Scientific Instruments
Marble
1890s English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood, Paper
20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Silver
1830s French Louis Philippe Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
Early 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
19th Century British George IV Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
17th Century Indian Renaissance Antique Scientific Instruments
Ivory
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Lacquer
20th Century Russian Scientific Instruments
Diamond, Silver, Enamel
19th Century English William IV Antique Scientific Instruments
Rosewood, Mother-of-Pearl
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Agate, Ormolu
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Agate, Ormolu
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Early 18th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
1810s Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
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.