Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
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
Related Questions
- What is a writing desk?1 Answer
- What is a small writing desk called?1 Answer
- What is a writing desk with drawers called?1 Answer
- What is a writing slope?1 Answer
- What are writing slopes?1 Answer
Shop for Antique Drop Front Desk on 1stDibs
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
Antique 19th Century Dovetail Joints Secretary Drop Front Desk w Drawers Dresser
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Antique 19th Century Dovetail Joints Secretary Drop Front desk w drawers dresser.
Category
Antique 19th Century American Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
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 Mahogany Hepplewhite Drop Front Desk with Graduated Drawers
Located in Big Flats, NY
Mahogany Hepplewhite Drop Front Desk with Graduated Drawers, Shaped Skirt, Tapered Legs & Opalescent Glass
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Hepplewhite Desks
Materials
Opaline Glass, Mahogany
$1,560 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
