How do I date an antique secretary?

To date an antique secretary desk, start by determining the type of hinge used to secure the writing surface. Consult an authoritative resource to find out which furniture makers worked with that type of hinge. You can also look for the name of the manufacturer on the back or bottom of the piece. Find a range of expertly vetted antique secretaries on 1stDibs.

How much is my antique secretary desk worth?

An antique secretary desk will range in value depending on its authenticity and condition. The price can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. On 1stDibs find the antique secretary desk you’re looking for today.

Antique Pine Secretary

Gustavian Secretary

Early 19th Century Secretary Desk

Glass Cabinet Secretary

Swedish Painted Secretary

Rococo Secretary

Swedish Gustavian Secretaire

Materials

Materials

Cherry, Pine

Dutch Lacquer Table Secretary

Unavailable

Unavailable

Sold

H 68.5 in W 32 in D 22 in

19th Century French Pine Faux Bamboo Secretary

Located in Hixson, TN

A fun!!! and unique French pine secretary with a faux bamboo look. The top cabinet opens to reveal adjustable shelves and has two doors.

Antique Single-Door Pine "False Front Secretary, " circa 1870

Sold

H 70.75 in W 40.25 in D 19.25 in

Antique Single-Door Pine "False Front Secretary, " circa 1870

Located in Round Top, TX

This single door pine armoire was known as a "False front secretary" because the door was styled to give the appearance of a secretary, with one functional drawer below.

Category

Late 19th Century Danish Antique Pine Secretary

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Pair of Country French Pine Library Bookcases Beveled Glass Doors

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Amazing pair of matching country French bibliotheque library bookcases or display cabinets featuring beveled glass windows and doors. Constructed from mostly pine with a whitewash pa...

Category

20th Century French Country Antique Pine Secretary

Materials

Iron

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Antique Pine Secretary For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal antique pine secretary for your home. Frequently made of wood, pine and softwood, every antique pine secretary was constructed with great care. Your living room may not be complete without an antique pine secretary — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. An antique pine secretary, designed in the Rococo, Georgian or Baroque style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. You’ll likely find more than one antique pine secretary that is appealing in its simplicity, but Adrianus Apol produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Antique Pine Secretary?

The average selling price for an antique pine secretary at 1stDibs is $5,531, while they’re typically $979 on the low end and $185,000 for the highest priced.

Finding the Right Secretaires for You

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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