Scientific Instruments
1940s Belgian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Slate
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Walnut
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Brass
18th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Paper
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Nickel
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Bronze
1920s French Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
20th Century European Other Scientific Instruments
Brass, Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Metal
1880s Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1920s English Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Bronze
1940s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
15th Century and Earlier Spanish Gothic Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Steel
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Marble, Brass
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Glass
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Fruitwood
20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments
Plastic
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Glass
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Plastic
Early 1800s English George III Antique Scientific Instruments
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Chrome
Early 20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments
Glass
Early 20th Century British Industrial Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
1810s Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Metal
1790s British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1880s English Antique Scientific Instruments
Mother-of-Pearl
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Walnut
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass, Copper
20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass, Steel, Iron
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Brass
1850s American Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
19th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
Early 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass
Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Copper
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Abalone, Wood, Shell
Early 18th Century British William and Mary Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
1810s English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1860s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Gold
Early 1900s French Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Walnut
20th Century English 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.





