Scientific Instruments
20th Century Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Copper, Brass, Wire
18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood, Glass
1950s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Rubber
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Shell
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Yew
1920s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1910s American Late Victorian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Aluminum
Late 17th Century German Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Wrought Iron
1940s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Steel
1870s Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Brass, Bronze
19th Century Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments
Gold
1880s British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Shell
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Gold
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments
Enamel, Ormolu
Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Paper
Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Wood, Fruitwood
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
1850s British Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1790s French Other Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Aluminum, Steel
Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 1800s French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper, Wood
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Ceramic
19th Century European Antique Scientific Instruments
Pewter
1840s Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood, Paper
1920s Austrian Hollywood Regency Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Scientific Instruments
Bronze, Iron
1790s French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Metal
1840s English Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper, Wood
1910s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass, Enamel
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Rubber
Early 19th Century Persian Islamic Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Silver
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood
1910s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Scientific Instruments
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
1880s British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1950s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
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.





