Antique English Secretary Campaign Chest With Brass Hardware
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Diminutive Antique English mahogany campaign secretary chest with four drawers, the upper of which opens to reveal a secretary with cubbies, 3 shallow drawers and gold tooled leather...
Brass
$9,500
H 90.5 in W 45 in D 22 in
Antique Georgian Mahogany Bookcase Secretary Collectors Doctors Cabinet 1790
Located in Portland, OR
The secretary bookcase is raised on bracket feet with a shaped skirt, it is made from the finest figured Cuban mahogany, all original finish and hardware.
Leather, Mahogany
$6,720
H 35.75 in W 49.25 in D 23.75 in
Neoclassic Period French Commode W/Hidden Butler's Secretary & Writing Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Neoclassical commode, with hidden secretary and original hardware, from the turn of the 18th and 19th century.
Wood
$4,314
H 47.25 in W 46.07 in D 20.08 in
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary with Fall-Front, Black and Coral
Located in Kastrup, DK
Beneath the writing surface are three generously sized drawers with moulded fronts and brass hardware. The secretary stands on tapered legs and retains its original locks and keys.
Brass
Stunning Lacquered Inlay Secretary with Gorgeous Hardware
Located in Memphis, TN
Bring the grandeur into your home with this fantastic secretary desk with stunning marquetry design from the first half of the 20th century.
Wood
Unavailable
H 57.01 in W 40.75 in D 18.5 in
Early 1800s Swedish Pine Secretary with Original Brass Hardware
Located in Memphis, TN
Early 1800s Swedish pine secretary with original brass hardware. Substantial and gorgeous, the authentic aged Swedish pine glows with a golden patina.
Pine
Anglo Indian Rosewood Campaign Secretary Bookcase
Located in Houston, TX
Important Anglo-Indian secretary bookcase with campaign hardware. It has a soft fragrance when it is opened from the rosewood.
Rosewood
Louis XVI Hickory Secretaire (ref. PAR 70)
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hickory 12 drawer secretary with drop front. Brass hardware. Simple and clean design with great functionality.
Hickory
Sold
H 42.75 in W 40.75 in D 20 in
French 19th C. Secretary Chest Neoclassic Brass Hardware, Black Finish w/Blue
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th century French secretary chest, with its masculine colors and soft/Neoclassic touches, will make a wonderful addition to your home or office.
Wood
18th Century Scandinavian Secretary
Located in Wichita, KS
A beautifully carved Scandinavian secretary with original locks and hardware from the 18th century.
Secretary Baroque Period Sweden
Located in New York, NY
A stunning low secretary with original brass hardware. Interior with several compartments and drawers.
Oak
19th Century Painted Swedish Secretary
Located in Richmond, VA
19th century painted Swedish secretary with the date 1841 painted on the top. Blind paneled door bookcase with wrought iron hardware over a secretary that opens to reveal a beautiful...
Iron
Ebonized Antique Louis XVI Secretary
Located in Austin, TX
The entire piece boasts gilt brass trim and hardware. The secretary is topped with an intact Carrara marble slab.
Carrara Marble, Brass
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Period Secretary
Located in Wichita, KS
A beautiful Swedish Gustavian period secretary with original lock and hardware. The interior has five drawers on either side with four small drawers, one long drawer, and a door in ...
Swedish Gustavian Period Secretary with Library
Located in Wichita, KS
This is an exquisite, richly carved Swedish Gustavian secretary with library and original hardware and lock.
Late 18th Century Swedish Folk Art Secretary
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish Folk Art secretary with original hardware. The original lock and key are present and in fully functional condition.
Pine
Antique Black Painted Oak Secretary Bureau from Sweden
Located in Round Top, TX
It has recently been given a black painted finish, updating the look and is accented with brass hardware. This secretary has been restored, all drawers work, desk top is solid and re...
Wood
Antique Black Painted Oak Secretary Bureau from Sweden
Located in Round Top, TX
It has been given a newer, professionally applied black painted finish with brick red interior, updating the look and accented with brass hardware. This secretary has been restored, ...
Wood, Oak, Paint
Antique Mahogany French Empire Style Fall Front Secretary
Located in Westfield, MA
A small section of wood has split off the left rear corner on the top (pictured) but does not affect the structural integrity. The secretary retains its original hardware and finish,...
Mahogany
Antique Oak Secretary Bureau, Denmark circa 1800-40
Located in Round Top, TX
It has been given a newer, professionally applied yellow/mustard painted finish with brown undertones and a contrasting black interior, updating the look and accented with brass hard...
Brass
19th Century Gray Painted Secretary Bureau from Denmark
Located in Round Top, TX
It has been given a newer, professionally applied steel gray painted finish with a contrasting brick red interior, updating the look and accented with brass hardware. This secretary ...
Brass
19th Century Gustavian Style Swedish Painted Black Secretary Chest
Located in Round Top, TX
Adorable black painted chest that has a drop front top drawer to become a secretary with gold brass hardware. Great for a bedside chest or focal point piece.
Wood
Louis XVI Period Bookmatched and Inlaid Secretary or Bureau Cabinet
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This Louis XVI period secretary has its original bronze hardware and marble top.
Bronze
Sold
H 40.25 in W 38.88 in D 18.13 in
Swedish Gustavian Fall-Front Secretary Chest with Reeded Detail, 19th Century
Located in Wichita, KS
A 19th century Swedish painted fall-front secretary chest from the Gustavian period with brass hardware.
Sold
H 82 in W 49.75 in D 23.5 in
Swedish 1790s Gustavian Period Two-Part Painted Secretary with Slant Front Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Alternatively, position it in a living room to display collectibles or in a bedroom where it doubles as a vanity and storage hub. This secretary, with its authentic brass hardware, i...
Brass
George III Secretaire Bookcase in the Manner of Thomas Chippendale
By Thomas Chippendale
Located in Greenwich, CT
The use of laminated glue blocks and batten holes to the underside for packing are often found on Chippendale's pieces and not recorded on known works by other cabinetmakers. The lay...
Mahogany
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary with Library
Located in Wichita, KS
This is an exquisite Swedish Gustavian period painted secretary with library. Brass hardware and original locks, circa 1820.
Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary with Library
Located in Wichita, KS
A Swedish Gustavian period painted secretary with library. Brass hardware and original locks, circa 1820.
Brass
Pair of Regency Style Secretary Desk on Casters
Located in Asheville, NC
Three small drawers sit atop the writing surface and one large drawer sits below, all draws feature dainty iron hardware. These secretaries are constructed on a smaller scale and are...
Iron
Sold
H 48.75 in W 42.75 in D 20 in
1790s Swedish Period Gustavian Painted Drop-Front Secretary with Lower Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period painted wood drop-front secretary with original hardware from the late 18th century.
Wood
Sold
H 40 in W 36 in D 17 in
Antique Barley Twist Jacobean Desk Secretary Drop Front Oak Bureau, circa 1890s
Located in Germantown, MD
great trim molding & paneling Drop front desk design with great oak markings Original hardware Secretary lid with rope carving with center oval varved medallion Two roomy drawers...
Oak
Sold
H 48.82 in W 51 in D 23.44 in
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Painted Fall-Front Desk with Brass Hardware
Located in Wichita, KS
A beautiful 18th century Swedish painted fall-front secretary chest from the Gustavian period with brass hardware.
Wood, Paint
Gustavian Secretary with Original Hardware
Located in Sheffield, MA
Inside is a fitted interior with two disguised drawers. The original brass hardware has unusual covered escutcheons. Solid oak construction.
Wood
Traditional Secretary Desk with Brass Hardware
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Traditional drop-leaf mahogany secretary desk with three large drawers. Brass pulls and interior moulding details.
Two Part Baroque Secretary with Original Hardware
Located in Great Barrington, MA
Original massive brass hardware includes carrying handles on the sides and an oversized key.
Bronze
Early Two-Part Secretary with Original Hardware
Located in Great Barrington, MA
Swedish slant-front secretary cum library, circa 1740. The upper section has two doors with recessed panels under an arched cornice. The interior is fitted with drawers and shelves s...
Brass
Gustavian Style Cream Painted Secretary with Brass Hardware
Located in Memphis, TN
Cream painted secretary with the fluted legs and graceful lines quintessential of the Gustavian style.
Brass
Provencial Secretary
Located in Fredericksburg, TX
Handsome French secretary has all original hardware and construction.
Swedish Gustavian Secretary
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Provincial Gustavian Secretary with ribbed drawers. Original hardware.
Swedish Rococo Secretary
Located in Houston, TX
Very handsome Swedish secretary with beautiful hardware. Great color and overall presence.
Period Rococo Secretary
Located in Sheffield, MA
Swedish rococo secretary, circa 1790, with original hardware. Upper library section has three shelves, one notched, behind double doors with raised, arched panels.
Brass
Painted 19th century Swedish Secretary
Located in Stamford, CT
Painted fallfront Swedish secretary. Pleated panel doors. Original hardware
Circa 1825 Biedermeier Cherry Secretary
Located in San Francisco, CA
Circa 1825 Biedermeir Cherry Secretary w/ orig. hardware. Solid & veneered cherry 42"W x 18.5"D x 56"H (also: desk, secretaire, bibliotheque)
Circa 1825 Biedermeir Cherry Secretary
Located in San Francisco, CA
Circa 1825 Biedermeir Cherry Secretary w/ orig. hardware. Solid & veneered cherry 42"W x 18.5"D x 56"H (also: desk, secretaire, bibliotheque)
Swedish Secretary, early 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Early 19th Century Swedish secretary with original hardware and secret drawer.
Wood
c. 1830's Biedermeier chest / secretary
Located in New York, NY
Burl wood veneers, ebonized columns and feet, top drawer secretary, original hardware. 40in.Hx52.5in.Wx25.5in.D
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Period Bureau
Located in Madrid, ES
Late 18th Century Gustation Swedish secretary with original paint, brass hardware and hand-carved decorations in drawers.
Brass
Early Swedish Secretary with Original Hardware
Located in Great Barrington, MA
Beautiful original brass hardware, later paint.
Brass
$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
$5,681
H 32.68 in W 42.13 in D 20.08 in
Antique Genuine Swedish Original Gustavian Period Handmade Chest of Drawers
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish chest of drawers from the 1700s in gustavian style. The chest is a genuine Swedish gustavian furniture with four drawers made by hand in solid pine around 1790. Class...
Pine
20th Century Art Nouveau Majolica Vase by Gerbing & Stephan, AT ca. 1910
By Gerbing & Stephan
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Remarkable, rare Art Nouveau majolica vase by the world famous manufactory of Gerbing & Stephan from the early period in Austria around 1910. The beautiful shaped grey blue color...
Ceramic, Majolica
Swedish Late 18th Century Painted Captain's Chest
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking Swedish captain’s chest from the late 18th century, crafted in pine and finished in an original dark painted surface with beautifully worn edges exposing warm wood tones b...
Pine
$6,699 / set
H 31.7 in W 35.83 in D 17.52 in
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Breakfront Commodes
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant pair of Gustavian-style breakfront commodes from Sweden, circa 1840–1860. Each is painted in a light blue tone with a charming patina. Below the top runs a finely carved à l...
Pine
$2,100 / set
H 33.25 in W 35 in D 18.25 in
Pair of Gustavian Style Blue Painted Chest of Drawers Commodes
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Gustavian Style Blue Painted Chest of Drawers Commodes, A Pair Classic Pair Swedish Style Painted Chest of Drawers. Two drawer chests based on an 18th Century Gustavian anti...
Brass, Bronze
$7,200 / set
H 1 in Dm 10.38 in
12 Coalport for Tiffany 1899 Gold, Ivory and Cobalt Blue Dinner Plates
By Coalport for Tiffany
Located in Great Barrington, MA
A set of 12 rare Coalport, made for Tiffany and Co. dinner plates featuring six alternating reserves of two colors of cobalt blue enamel with profuse raised paste gold overlay. The p...
Porcelain
$4,500
H 32 in W 32.75 in D 17.5 in
Swedish Gustavian-Style Blue Chest of Drawers with Faux Marble Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined Swedish Gustavian-style chest of drawers. Crafted in pine, this piece is painted in a soft blue tone, a color popular beginning with late 19th-century Scandinavian interpre...
Wood
$41,031
H 28.35 in W 30.32 in D 12.21 in
Antique Tiffany Studios Adjustable Lamp Base with Later Stained Glass Shade
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Tiffany adjustable bronze lamp base, stamped "Tiffany Studios, New York, 7984", circa 1915. The base was acquired with its current Tiffany Style stained glass shade with Dragonfly mo...
Bronze
C20th Decorative Glass Bonsai Tree
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Decorative Bonsai Tree Porcelain Pot included Very Colourful
Glass
$3,950
H 32.25 in W 40.5 in D 18.375 in
French Louis XVI Style Light Walnut Commode with Three Drawers and Fluted Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XVI style light walnut commode from the 20th century with three drawers, fluted side posts and legs, ornate hardware. This French Louis XVI style light walnut commode ...
Walnut
$4,950
H 38.625 in W 51 in D 21.5 in
Antique Directoire period chest of drawers in walnut - Italy 18th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant chest of drawers from the Directoire period, crafted in solid walnut, dates to the late 18th century and originates from Italy’s Veneto region, a hub of refined furnitur...
Walnut
19th Century English Campaign Chest
Located in High Point, NC
19th century mahogany campaign chest from England. This style of chest is so wonderful in its simplicity. It can be blended with many different styles and in that way is very versa...
Brass
$5,950
H 34.75 in W 43 in D 24 in
French Louis XVI Period 1790s Walnut Three Drawer Commode with Fluted Side Posts
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XVI period walnut commode circa 1790 with three drawers, linear brass hardware, cylindrical tapered legs and rounded fluted side posts. Step into the elegance of the F...
Brass
18th Century Italian Painted Drop Front Secretaire
Located in Charleston, SC
18th century large Italian charming rustic later painted drop front secretary with multiple cubby holes and drawers above two large base drawers on short tapered legs. circa 1780, It...
Iron
19th C English Brass Bound Campaign Style Chest on Chest
Located in New York, NY
Classic two section Campaign style chest on chest, constructed of solid wood, with brass bound corners, pulls, and eschews, and heavy iron handles. The chest features an upper secti...
Brass, Iron
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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