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What was the term in French furniture for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface?
1 Answer
In French, the term for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface is secretaire. This type of desk is called a secretary desk in English. Simply put, a secretary desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture with a hinged writing surface that folds open or drops down. When the leaf is folded out, small inner storage compartments, which are called pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers, are revealed. On 1stDibs, shop antique secretary desks from some of the world's top sellers.
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
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Shop for Antique Drop Front Desk on 1stDibs
Antique "Lifetime" Drop Front Desk - Stickley Era - W7422
By Lifetime
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Antique "Lifetime" Drop Front Desk - Stickley Era - w 7422
This is an
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
$720 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 1800's English George III Style Drop Front Desk
Located in Louisville, KY
This early 19th century Georgian drop-front desk is reflective of an era when form and function
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English George III Desks
Materials
Brass
19th Century Italian Cherrywood Drop-Front Desk Secretaire with Inlay
Located in San Francisco, CA
A cherrywood drop front desk with four small drawers fitted in the upper interior and three drawers
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Desks
Materials
Cherry
Dutch Rococo Bombe Marquetry Inlaid Drop Front Desk / Secretary
Located in Queens, NY
Dutch Rococo (Late 18th Century) drop front desk / secretary with elaborate foliate marquetry inlay
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Dutch Biedermeier Desks
Materials
Wood
Antique Berkey & Gay Victorian Inlaid Black Walnut & Gilt Drop Front Desk c1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
& Gay Victorian Inlaid Black Walnut & Gilt Drop Front Desk c1890.
Measures - 43.75" x 22" x 15.25
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
$960 Sale Price
20% Off
Empire Drop Front Desk, Kopenhagen, 1820
Located in Belmont, MA
Empire drop front desk, Copenhagen 1810-20.
This unique Danish secretary desk is embellished with
Category
Antique 1810s Danish Empire Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
