George III Double Secretary Bookcase of Mahogany
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English double secretary bookcase of mahogany from the late Georgian era, c.1780, featuring a crown moulded top with two astragal glazed doors, each side opening to four long ...
Brass, Metal
Antique English Adams Style Hand Painted Double Bonnet Bookcase Secretary Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Adams Style Hand Painted Double Bonnet Top Bookcase Secretary Desk. Item features a double bonnet top, hand painted figural scenes to the front and sides, 2 swing doo...
Mahogany
19th Century Queen Anne Style Double Bonnet Top Secretary Desk in Walnut
Located in Milford, NH
A splendid Queen Anne style two part double bonnet secretary, its upper case with molded arched double cornice with conforming arched and glazed glass doors, opening to two adjustabl...
Brass
$2,120Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Victorian Walnut & Burl Barrel Roll Top Secretary Bookcase & Desk C1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Victorian Walnut & Burl Barrel Roll Top Secretary, Double Glass Door Bookcase & Desk with Drawer Tower & Cabinet, Adjustable Shelving in Bookcase, C1890 Measures - 89"H x 45...
Walnut, Glass
18th Century Double Dome Secretaire
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Glazed secretary in oak from the first part of the 18th century of very good quality with double dome Double dome secretaries are the rarest and most sought-after Very beautiful sec...
Oak
George III Double Secretary Bookcase of Mahogany
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English double secretary bookcase of mahogany from the Georgian era, featuring a moulded top with two astragal glazed doors, each side opening to three adjustable shelves.
Brass
Sold
H 70.5 in W 58 in D 13.5 in
Antique RJ Horner School Figural Carved Oak & Leaded Glass Secretary, c1920
By R.J. Horner & Co.
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique double secretary in the manner of RJ Horner offers quarter sawn oak construction with upper central cabinet having leaded glass door and flanking open shelves with shaped ...
Oak, Glass
Double dome secretary cabinet, circa 1700.
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Dutch Colonial padouk wood double dome secretary cabinet, circa 1700. The upper case enclosed by a pair of arched paneled mirror doors with candleslides below; the lower case with ...
Padouk, Mirror
Sold
H 63.75 in W 59.25 in D 16 in
Antique Victorian Eastlake Carved Walnut Double Bookcase with Secretary Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful antique Victorian Eastlake double bookcase cabinet with drop front secretary desk USA, Circa 1870s Carved solid walnut, with glass front doors and original brass ha...
Brass
Sold
H 86 in W 47 in D 21.25 in
Fine 18th Century Double Bonnet Georgian Tombstone Mirror Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This 18th-century Georgian tombstone mirror secretary desk is a striking example of refined craftsmanship, combining both functionality and beauty.
Brass
Queen Anne style secretary
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Queen Anne style burl walnut double domed secretary, circa 1920
Brass
Queen Anne Lacquer Secretary
Located in Westwood, NJ
An English Queen Anne style burnt sienna lacquer decorated double-dome secretary with three urn finials over a pair of arched paneled doors, the lower section with fall front and tw...
Queen Anne Secretary Desk, C. 1750
Located in Doylestown, PA
A Queen Anne period double dome secretary desk in walnut, circa 1750, with glass mullion doors, candle slides and fitted interior, above a bank of drawers with brass pulls and escutc...
Walnut
Sold
H 61.82 in W 42.92 in D 18.9 in
German Biedermeier Secretary, Cherrywood, Beautiful Patina, Circa 1835
Located in Greven, DE
All the locks are original, the eye-catching feature here is the impressive double bolt lock on the secretary flap. Worth knowing: The "secretary" type of furniture, as you see i...
Cherry
Sold
H 98.5 in W 49.75 in D 21.75 in
English Regency Mahogany Fall Front Inlaid Secretary with Bookcase, Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
English Regency mahogany secretary with an double arched pediment, centered sphere phoenix finial, upper hinged glass bookcase revealing three interior adjustable shelves, fall front...
Brass
Japanned Black Lacquer Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
A black lacquer secretary / cabinet with double arched bonnet / top with three finials and gilt Chinoiserie decoration.The bottom section is fitted with drawers, the upper section's ...
Brass
Sold
H 78 in W 34.25 in D 21.75 in
Antique Queen Anne Period Double Dome Burl Walnut Bureau Bookcase Secretary 1710
Located in Portland, OR
A fine Queen Anne, Period, burl walnut 'double dome' bureau bookcase/secretary, circa 1710.
Walnut, Burl
Queen Anne Secretary Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
English Queen Anne two part double dome yew wood secretary desk with mirrored arched doors, bun feet, fitted upper interior and concave curved desk interior.
Wood
Sold
H 83.25 in W 46 in D 23.5 in
Antique Neoclassical American Empire Flame Mahogany Secretary Desk C1840
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Ask About Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Reliable Professional Service & Fully Insured*** Antique Neoclassical American Empire Flame Mahogany Secretary with Upper Double Glass ...
Mahogany, Glass
Highly Unique and Detailed 19th Century Green & Gilt Secretary
Located in Larkspur, CA
Late 19th Century Green and Gilt Double Domed Drop Front Secretary. The Arch Doors with Antique Glass.
Italian Double Bonnet Painted Secretary Bookcase
Located in Natchez, MS
Late 19th century double bonnet top painted secretary bookcase
Wood
19th Century Double Dome Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century Double Dome Chinoiserie Secretary. Original Finish throughout.
Wood
18TH CENTURY SPANISH DOUBLE BONNET SECRETARY BOOKCASE
Located in Natchez, MS
The interior of the secretary is exceptionally carved as well as the cornice and double bonnet.
Walnut
18th Century Queen Anne Double Dome Secretary, Bureau Bookcase
Located in Santander, ES
All locks (minus one) functioning with their keys. This secretary is very attractive due to its warm, original and somewhat Provincial look, smaller dimensions and lovely patina; it ...
English 18th Century Queen Anne Oak Secretary Double Dome
Located in San Marino, CA
Need key. Solid oak fall front, two small drawer two large drawers, upper compartment filled with moveable shelves and dividers.
Secretary
Located in Roswell, GA
Fine Quality Queen Anne style walnut double bonnet mirrored secretary. Original bevelled glass.
Brass
Dutch Colonial Secretary Bookcase
Located in Bantam, CT
A Dutch Colonial padouk wood double dome secretary cabinet, circa 1700. The upper case enclosed by a pair of arched paneled mirror doors with candleslides below; the lower case with ...
Padouk
Italian secretary, silver leafed case overlaid in mirror
Located in New York, NY
C14276 DLLL A c. 1900 - c. 1920's Italian drop front secretary. Double dome top, silver leafed case overlaid in mirror.
19th Century French Gilt Bronze with Six-Drawer Secretary Desk
By Rudolf Linke
Located in Pasadena, CA
Double-sided 19th century French secretary desk in excellent used condition.
Bronze
18th Century Provincial English Oak Secretary
Located in Atlanta, GA
18th century Provincial English oak secretary, double bonnet planks with Provincial styling
Oak
George III Mahogany Astral Glazed Secretaire Bookcase
Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire
An early 19th century astral glazed bureau bookcase of large proportions. Displaying a pair of astral glazed doors. The base houses four long drawers, one enclosing a large fitted se...
Mahogany
$5,738
H 87.6 in W 47.25 in D 21.26 in
Outstanding Quality Antique George III Mahogany Inlaid Bureau Bookcase
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding quality antique George III mahogany inlaid bureau bookcase having an outstanding quality carved cornice above a pair of mahogany inlaid satinwood astral glazed doors open...
Other
$3,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 88.25 in W 45.75 in D 23.25 in
Antique Renaissance Revival Walnut & Burl Secretary Desk C1880
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Renaissance Revival Walnut & Burl Secretary Desk Unsigned C1880 Measures - 88 1/4" x 45 3/4" x 23 1/4" A striking example of Renaissance Revival design, this walnut and burl...
Walnut
$2,895
H 93 in W 47 in D 23 in
Vintage Italian Dutch-Style Marquetry Secretary Bookcase Desk circa 1920s
Located in Perkasie, PA
A highly decorative early 20th century Italian secretary desk and bookcase, executed in the Dutch marquetry taste and dating to approximately the 1920s. The tall two-part form is ri...
Brass
$6,105
H 89.77 in W 51.19 in D 22.05 in
Antique Regency Figured Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase Desk With Glazed Doors
Located in Suffolk, GB
A fine quality Regency figured mahogany secretaire bookcase of elegant proportions. The upper section with glazed doors featuring distinctive shaped astral mouldings, enclosing adjus...
Mahogany
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
H 73 in W 35.25 in D 19.25 in
Burl & Carved Walnut Slant Front Marquetry Secretary Desk c1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
This exquisite antique secretary desk, crafted circa 1900, showcases a sophisticated combination of burl walnut and carved walnut construction. The piece features a distinctive slant...
Walnut
Antique Walnut Slant Front Secretary Desk, Queen Anne Style, 1880s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Late 19th century English Queen Anne style slant front desk with three drawers & inner compartments.
Walnut
18th Century George III Secretary Bookcase
Located in Solebury, PA
A distinguished 18th-century George III mahogany astragal glazed bureau bookcase, also referred to as a secretary desk or writing cabinet, is crafted from rich plum pudding mahogany....
Mahogany
$2,796Sale Price|20% Off
H 98.75 in W 42 in D 22.5 in
Fantastic American Centennial Solid Walnut Philadelphia Carved Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Discover timeless elegance with this fantastic American Centennial solid walnut Philadelphia carved secretary desk, a true testament to 19th-century craftsmanship. This exquisite pie...
Walnut
$3,900
H 67.5 in W 40.5 in D 13.5 in
Victorian Burl Walnut Glass-Door Display Cabinet 19th Century English Bookcase
Located in High Point, NC
This stunning 19th-century Victorian burl walnut display cabinet features beautifully figured veneers, rounded corners, and two tall glass-panel doors that open to reveal shelving. T...
Wood
Venetian Italian Style Polychrome Secretary Bookcase
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Embrace the timeless charm of this Classic Venetian Style Italian Polychrome Lacquered Hand-Painted two parts Bookcase, a piece of furniture that exudes both artistry and history. Th...
Wood, Paint
$1,100
H 40.5 in W 31 in D 17 in
English Chippendale Style Painted Goddard Chest Secretary Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique circa 1930s Goddard chest / writing desk featuring a drop front door that opens to multiple cubbies, three drawers and paw / claw feet. Yellowing / off-white color to exteri...
Hardwood, Paint
$1,800Sale Price|61% Off
H 82 in W 40 in D 21 in
Unique Venetian Italian Paint Decorated Secretary Desk with Bookcase Circa 1890s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Venetian Italian paint decorated secretary desk with bookcase, circa 1890s, is a remarkable example of hand-crafted artistry and old-world European charm. Exuding the opulence a...
Walnut
Vintage Italian Neoclassical Paint Decorated Secretary Desk
Located in Perkasie, PA
Vintage Italian Neoclassical Paint Decorated Secretary Desk – Item L73538 This beautiful vintage Italian secretary desk showcases the refined elegance of Neoclassical design with a ...
Wood
George III Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
Located in Westwood, NJ
Elegant Georgian style cabinet with classical pediment, geometric glazing bars over the twin doors with three adjustable shelves within, the lower section with a fall front, fully li...
Mahogany
George III Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Fine George III Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase Item Code: S27-1094 A handsome late 18th-century George III mahogany secretaire bookcase of elegant proportions, retaining its original a...
Mahogany
$4,900 / item
H 34 in W 86 in D 42 in
Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...
Linen, Velvet
Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables
By Theodore Alexander
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Pacific walnut side table, the square top with rounded corners and a reeded edge above a similar under tier, on bobbin turned legs. Dimensions: 26" W x 26" D x 28.5" H.
Wood
Rosso Glass Wall Mirror
By Specchi Veneziani
Located in Milan, IT
Crafted in the finest Murano tradition, this exquisite Venetian mirror is a true work of art. Assembled with crystal and gold elements, and adorned with red glass flowers, each piece...
Glass
Classic Empire Center Table, Oatmeal
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Classic Empire style grey cerused oak oatmeal stained center table with a carved ogee edge, raised on an octagonal pedestal base. Dimensions: 42" W x 42" D x 30" H. Clearance: 27"
Wood
Italian Venetian Pink Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Cabinet
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Italian Venetian Pink Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Cabinet. It is beautifully hand painted with yellow inside and pink outside. It comes apart in two pieces for transport. Made in Italy.
Wood
Antique George III Antique Mahogany Card/Side Table
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique George III antique mahogany card/side table having a lovely inlaid mahogany top, original green baize and attractive inlaid frieze. It stands on four elegant turned legs. A ...
Other
$2,595
H 76.25 in W 36.5 in D 18.75 in
Georgian Solid Birch Drop Front Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Georgian, Chippendale, or Early American style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase hutch top USA, Circa 1970s Gorgeous carved solid birch, with original ...
Brass
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 50.5 in W 60 in D 32 in
Antique Derby School Paneled Oak Roll Top Desk with Full Interior, C1900
By Derby Desk Company
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique roll top desk offers paneled quarter sawn oak construction with s-top opening to full interior over base with flanking drawer towers having foliate carved pulls and centra...
Oak
$2,695
H 82 in W 36 in D 18.5 in
Henredon Georgian Walnut Drop Front Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch
By Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Georgian or Queen Anne style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase hutch top By Henredon USA, Circa 1980s Gorgeous figured walnut, with original bra...
Brass
$13,404 / item
H 49.22 in Dm 70.87 in
Brass and Parchment Paper Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Impressive chandelier made of white enameled brass arms holding six beautiful parchment paper shades, which can be adjusted thanks to the handle of each socket. Signed by the arti...
Brass
Meissen Porcelain Dinnerware Service for 12 People
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautiful German Meissen dinnerware service for twelve people with serving pieces. The dinnerware service is in great condition. Just exquisite & very rare to find a complete service...
Gold
$15,500Sale Price|50% Off
H 37.5 in W 35 in D 22 in
English Mahogany Beau Brummell Gentleman Dressing Desk, Aristocratic Pedigree
By Maple & Co.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
English Mahogany Beau Brummell Gentleman dressing desk. Aristocratic Pedigree. Outstanding example of a rare mechanical piece of furniture of museum quality. The luxurious polish...
Mahogany
Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Two Piece
Located in Bradenton, FL
Spanish Chinoiserie Secretary Desk, two parts. Desk features a lower chest with four storage drawers (two small drawers over two larger drawers), pull down door for writing in mid-se...
Wood
$2,200
H 86 in W 39.5 in D 16 in
Vintage French Provincial Blue Painted Bookcase Tall Secretary Desk by Danby
By Danby
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Provincial Blue Distress Painted Bookcase Tall Secretary Desk by Danby. Item features shell carved accents, working lock and key, solid wood construction, great style ...
Wood
Early 19th Century Regency Mahogany Partners Desk
Located in Essex, MA
Period early 19th century Regency Mahogany Partners desk. Drawers on both sides. Great proportion. Excellent quality Mahogany. Leather top. --Provenance: Hutton Wilkinson for Tony...
Mahogany
Biedermeier Secretary, Bookcase, Cherry, Walnut, 1840s
Located in Greven, DE
Antique cabinet secretary from the biedermeier period around 1845. Body in cherry, parts of the front and the wreath veneered in walnut. Handles and fittings made of brass in the sh...
Cherry, Walnut
Your antique, new or vintage secretary desk has become the (chic) saving grace of the "new normal" at home.
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 — pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers — are revealed.
Traditionally, a secretary is composed of two parts — a chest of drawers on the bottom and a cabinet with shelves on the top. Taking its name from the French word for the piece, secrétaire, the secretary desk dates back to the 18th century, when Paris-based cabinetmaker Jean-François Oeben, known for his exquisite marquetry and clever mechanical desks, is thought to have invented the secrétaire à abbattant, or drop-leaf desk.
While the defining drop-down feature of the secretary desk has remained constant, the materials used, as well as its configuration, size and style have evolved over time.
At first, secretaries were typically made from exotic woods, like rosewood, tulipwood and kingwood; later, hardwoods like cherry, maple, oak and mahogany were more common. The desks also became lighter, with space carved out of the lower half for the writer’s feet or with drawers replaced by legs — making them more table-like.
When open, the secretary is a dynamic, versatile Wunderkammer. When closed, it’s a sophisticated, space-saving piece of furniture.
“A fine secretary with a good provenance adds stature and credence to its owner — it is a cornerstone piece,” says antiques dealer Stanley Weiss, who specializes in 18th- and 19th-century English and American furniture. “In this disposable world, fine furniture is always passed on and speaks to who its owner is.”
No matter what style or period you choose, and no matter how you decide to use it, the timeless, flexible secretary desk is bound to become an indispensable part of your daily routine.
Browse a range of antique and vintage secretary desks on 1stDibs, including mid-century modern secretaires, Georgian secretaires and others.
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