Antique Secretaries Desk
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Antique Secretaries Desk
Wood
1790s American Federal Antique Secretaries Desk
Birch, Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Antique Secretaries Desk
Oak
17th Century American Agra Antique Secretaries Desk
Hardwood, Walnut
1860s French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaries Desk
Wood, Walnut
Early 1900s American American Empire Antique Secretaries Desk
Rosewood
Early 19th Century English Sheraton Antique Secretaries Desk
Mahogany
1750s Swiss Baroque Antique Secretaries Desk
Walnut
1880s French Antique Secretaries Desk
Wood
1790s Dutch Baroque Antique Secretaries Desk
Mahogany
18th Century Italian Antique Secretaries Desk
Walnut
Early 1900s Spanish Spanish Colonial Antique Secretaries Desk
Brass
Mid-19th Century American Empire Antique Secretaries Desk
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century American Regency Antique Secretaries Desk
Metal
1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaries Desk
Elm, Walnut
19th Century British Antique Secretaries Desk
Mahogany
1810s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaries Desk
Walnut
1780s German Louis XVI Antique Secretaries Desk
Walnut
19th Century American Country Antique Secretaries Desk
Mahogany
1760s French Louis XV Antique Secretaries Desk
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Secretaries Desk
Copper
1750s French Louis XV Antique Secretaries Desk
Kingwood
Mid-19th Century American Victorian Antique Secretaries Desk
Birdseye Maple, Walnut
Late 18th Century North American Victorian Antique Secretaries Desk
Cherry
Early 20th Century European Biedermeier Antique Secretaries Desk
Oak
19th Century French Antique Secretaries Desk
Brass
Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Secretaries Desk
Leather, Walnut
1920s Scandinavian French Provincial Antique Secretaries Desk
Walnut
Mid-19th Century British George III Antique Secretaries Desk
Brass
1920s French Louis XV Antique Secretaries Desk
Oak
1920s French Louis XV Antique Secretaries Desk
Oak
Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Secretaries Desk
Ebony
1860s Scandinavian Biedermeier Antique Secretaries Desk
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Italian Other Antique Secretaries Desk
Walnut
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaries Desk
Wood
Mid-19th Century Swedish Country Antique Secretaries Desk
Pine
1860s Antique Secretaries Desk
Walnut
Late 19th Century American Chippendale Antique Secretaries Desk
Mahogany
Late 19th Century English Chippendale Antique Secretaries Desk
Metal, Brass
Late 19th Century North American Aesthetic Movement Antique Secretaries Desk
Walnut
Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Antique Secretaries Desk
Oak
Early 20th Century American American Classical Antique Secretaries Desk
Oak
1850s French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaries Desk
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century European Biedermeier Antique Secretaries Desk
Mahogany, Baize
Late 19th Century American Chippendale Antique Secretaries Desk
Brass
Late 19th Century Danish Empire Antique Secretaries Desk
Metal
19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Secretaries Desk
Maple, Oak
19th Century French Antique Secretaries Desk
Ormolu
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Secretaries Desk
Wood
1840s European Antique Secretaries Desk
Elm
1870s Norwegian Biedermeier Antique Secretaries Desk
Walnut
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Secretaries Desk
Lacquer
19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Secretaries Desk
Mahogany
19th Century American Chippendale Antique Secretaries Desk
Wood, Maple
Mid-19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Secretaries Desk
Brass
19th Century French Directoire Antique Secretaries Desk
Bronze
1790s Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaries Desk
Steel
19th Century Edwardian Antique Secretaries Desk
Leather, Mahogany
Early 20th Century European Antique Secretaries Desk
Mirror, Mahogany, Pine
Early 20th Century English Georgian Antique Secretaries Desk
Walnut
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Antique Secretaries Desk For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Antique Secretaries Desk?
Finding the Right storage-case-pieces for You
Of all the antique and vintage case pieces and storage cabinets that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items.
In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior.
Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time.
Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of storage case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room.
In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.
A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard made of colored glass and metals, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021An 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.
- How does a secretary desk work?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A secretary desk works with the help of hinges that secure the writing surface to the rest of the piece. To use one, you simply pull down on the wooden door to open the hinge and lower the writing surface. Return the desk to its closed position by lifting the writing surface up. You'll find a selection of secretary desks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Secretary desks originated in the early 18th century. They were typically used by secretaries and clerks and featured plenty of compacted drawers for stationary storage. On 1stDibs, find a collection of secretary desks from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023A secretary desk is called by its name because of its original function. When the desks first emerged in 19th-century France, the secretaries of estates used them to conduct business. Once they finished paying bills and reconciling accounts, they could raise the hinged writing surface and close the desk. Secretary desks are the workstations of choice in many busy households, especially those with spaces pulling double duty as offices by day and living rooms, dining rooms or bedrooms at night. On 1stDibs, shop an array of secretary desks.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To 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.
- What are antique desks called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023What antique desks are called depends on their design. A desk with chair cutouts on both sides is a partner desk, while one with a pull-down writing surface is a secretary. On a Davenport desk, the desktop lifts to reveal a storage area. Find a variety of antique, vintage and contemporary desks on 1stDibs.
- What is an antique Davenport desk?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An antique Davenport desk is a small writing desk, usually with four drawers on one side. The desk would have elaborately decorated supports and a recessed space for adequate legroom. Shop a collection of Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Davenport desk is a type of small desk with a distinct inclined desktop. The desktop covers a large storage compartment meant for keeping paper and other writing materials. Popular in the 19th century, Davenport desks are still sought after today. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To tell if a roll-top desk is an antique, look closely at the materials. Real antiques feature hardwoods like cherry, mahogany and black walnut. If you detect the use of engineered woods, the desk is a reproduction. Also, early pieces show off irregular dovetail joints. Joints that appear perfectly uniform indicate that a roll-top desk is a more recent mass-produced piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted antique roll-top desks.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A variety of factors can determine the exact age of an antique roll top desk. Some things to look for is the type of wood and craftsmanship used to create the desk. Typically, older desks will be made from heavier wood. You can also check for a maker’s marks to determine the age. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your roll top desk. You’ll find a variety of expertly vetted roll top desks on 1stDibs.
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