Empire or Biedermeier Secretary Mahogany, 1815
Located in Berlin, DE
Very well preserved conical secretary with stepped head Front with multiply mirrored pyramid mahogany entire surface with original shellac hand polish high-quality cabinet part wi...
Mahogany
19th Century Biedermeier Secretary Mahogany, 1835
Located in Berlin, DE
Pyramids mahogany on pine tree. Architecturally arranged inner life. Not long ago, the secretary was grounded. Several drawers from inside as well as from outside. With secret compar...
Mahogany
$6,177Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Biedermeier-Style Drop-Front Mahogany Secretary Chest
By Biedermeier
Located in Milano, IT
This marvelous Biedermeier-style drop-front secretary chest, dating back to around 1830 and crafted in Austria, is a true work of art.
Metal
$9,218Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
19th Century Conical Shape Secretary, Germany, 1820 This fine Biedermeier secretary made of mahogany is a real gem for every lover of antique furniture.
Mahogany
Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Cabinet, circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Large Biedermeier secretary cabinet with a shaped apron, rounded corners, and three lower drawers.
Mahogany
19th Century German Mahogany Biedermeier Secretary Bureau
Located in Round Top, TX
19th century German mahogany secretary or "bureau" in the Biedermeier style, featuring refined proportions and architectural details.
Mahogany
19th Century Danish Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Bureau
Located in Round Top, TX
19th century Danish Biedermeier-style secretary or "bureau" crafted in mahogany veneer.
Brass
19th Century Danish Biedermeier Bleached Mahogany Secretary
Located in Carmine, TX
Biedermeier Secretary chest of drawers hand-made in Denmark in the early 1800s using mahogany.
Mahogany
19th Century Biedermeier Style Cuba-Mahogany Secretary
Located in Berlin, DE
Classicist secretary, circa 1800-1810. Cuba mahogany on solid softwood partly ebonized. High-right, architecturally designed body on conical legs. In the front three drawers. Straig...
Wood, Mahogany, Softwood
$7,412Sale Price|20% Off
Biedermeier Antique Secretary Circa 1840 Veneered With Mahogany
Located in Opole, PL
Biedermeier Antique Secretary Circa 1840 Veneered With Mahogany Furniture in the Biedermeier style, made of soft wood veneered with mahogany, dated around 1840.
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Bureau
Located in Round Top, TX
Early 19th century Swedish Biedermeier mahogany secretary featuring a drop-front desk and three lower drawers.
Mahogany
$2,946Sale Price|20% Off
Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk, circa 1860, after Renovation
Located in Opole, PL
We present you another incredible piece of furniture in our collection -- this elegant and highly exquisite Biedermeier secretary desk circa 1860. The secretary desk was manufactu...
Mahogany
Biedermeier Pyramid Secretary, Mahogany & Bronze, Germany, Circa 1810
Located in Greding, DE
This pyramid-shaped secretary from the early 19th century impresses with its architectural design and high-quality craftsmanship. The gable-shaped top with segmental filling is accen...
Bronze
Biedermeier Secretary, Flame Mahogany, Unknown Maker, Circa 1815
Located in New York, NY
A perfect example of the wealthy, elegant Biedermeier period, this impressive, secretary is veneered in flame mahogany and birch intarsia, with bone escutcheons, secret compartments,...
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Cabinet with Superstructure
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Cabinet with Superstructure An exceptional early 19th century Biedermeier secretary cabinet of architectural form, distinguished by...
Mahogany
Antique Austrian Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk Tabernacle Cabinet 1820
Located in Portland, OR
A fine, elegant, antique Austrian mahogany Biedermeier secretary desk cabinet, circa 1820.
Ormolu
Antique Biedermeier Secretary shelve circa 1810 Cuba Mahogany veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
High-quality Cuba mahogany on solid oak . Rectangular body on pointed legs. Provided with three drawers . Straight writing tablet, behind it architectural interior with 5 columns. Se...
Mahogany
Biedermeier Applewood Secretary Cabinet with Mahogany Interior, Germany
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Biedermeier Applewood Secretary Cabinet with Mahogany Interior, Germany, circa 1820 An elegant and finely crafted Biedermeier secretary cabinet made of beautiful applewood and datin...
Fruitwood
$7,133Sale Price|20% Off
19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk in Beautiful Graining
Located in Opole, PL
19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk in Beautiful Graining We present you this piece of furniture with three drawers at the bottom, a drop front, and a narrow drawer und...
Baize, Mahogany
Antique Austrian Flame Mahogany Inlaid Rosewood Biedermeier Secretary Chest 1820
Located in Portland, OR
A fine, elegant, antique Austrian inlaid mahogany Biedermeier secretary desk chest/cabinet, circa 1820.
Mahogany
Antique Austrian Flame Mahogany Biedermeier Secretary Desk Cabinet Chest 1860
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique Austrian Biedermeier flame mahogany secretary chest, circa 1860.
Mahogany
Biedermeier Secretary, Austria, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier secretary with three drawers, fall-front writing surface and top drawer with diamond panel and inlaid velarium motif.
Bronze
Antique 19th Century Danish Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk
Located in Round Top, TX
This stunning Biedermeier secretary was crafted in Denmark during a peak era known for high quality furniture craftsmanship. Enlarge photos to appreciate the beauty of the wood, note...
Wood, Mahogany
19th Century Biedermeier Column Secretary
Located in Berlin, DE
Cuba mahogany on pine tree. Architecturally arranged front. High-right body on padfoot feet. Fitted with three drawers of different sizes, the base drawer is curved. Straight writing...
Mahogany, Wood
19th Century Biedermeier Bureau Secretary Desk
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This early 19th century mahogany Biedermeier secretary bureau was made in two sections, circa 1830.
Mahogany
Biedermeier Secretary, likely Berlin, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
A representative Biedermeier secretary featuring full column supports with fire-gilt bases and capitals.
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Mahogany Secretary
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Early XIX Century Mahogany Secretary Germany, 1800 Mahogany This classicist cylinder bureau made of mahogany dates from 1810 and is an original from the Empire & Biedermeier era.
Mahogany
20th Century Petite Secretary in Biedermeier Style
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century Petite Secretary in Biedermeier style Mahogany partially blackened, on solid softwood.
Wood
19th Century Danish Biedermeier Secretary with Secret Compartements, circa 1830
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Biedermeier secretary desk with numerous secret compartments Denmark Mahogany, etc. c. 1830 Dimensions: H x W x D: 189 x 108 x 59 cm Description: Antique Scandinavian Bied...
Mahogany
Museum Biedermeier Secretary Signed by Adolph Friedrich Voigt, circa 1825
Located in Berlin, DE
Museum Biedermeier secretary signed by Adolph Friedrich Voigt, circa 1825 Fire-gilt fittings.
Wood, Mahogany
19th Century Danish Mahogany Tall Secretary Bureau
Located in Round Top, TX
19th century Danish tall secretary bureau, crafted in mahogany with burlwood veneer. The upper section features three doors with concave and convex shaping, while the hinged desktop ...
Mahogany, Burl
19th Century Empire Mahogany Bureau Secretary with Bookcase
Located in Miami, FL
A very fine Empire secretary in West Indies mahogany, also known as Cuban mahogany, considered to be among the finest mahoganies because of its beautiful grain and color, Denmark, ci...
Mahogany
Biedermeier Secretary w. Transfer Decoration, J. G. Hiltl (1771–1845), Mun. 1825
By Johann Georg Hiltl
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier secretary veneered in mahogany with thuja burl and green-patinated surfaces, adorned with gilt-bronze mounts.
Bronze
Early 19th Century German or Danish Secretaire, Mahogany, Biedermeier, c. 1815
Located in Greven, DE
Small antique Biedermeier secretary Schleswig-Holstein Mahogany and others Biedermeier around 1815 Dimensions: H x W x D: 137 x 88 x 45 cm Description: Piece of furniture standing...
Birch, Mahogany, Maple
Ancient secretary, Northern Europe, turn of the 19th centuries.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Stylish secretary from the mid-19th century in mahogany wood. Antique furniture with a more beautiful form will add elegance to any interior. Interesting desk - a desk that focuses o...
Mahogany
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Secretaire Desk with Secret Compartment
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Berlin Biedermeier secretary in mahogany Berlin Mahogany a.o. around 1825 Dimensions: H x W x D: 169 x 101 x 53 cm Description: When closed, this piece of furniture presen...
Mahogany, Maple
Unavailable
H 62.21 in W 41.74 in D 23.63 in
Biedermeier Mahogany Folding Secretary with Columns from circa 1840
Located in Senden, NRW
On offer you can find an original antique Biedermeier mahogany secretary from circa 1840. The wood was hand polished with shellac and polished to a high gloss so that the stunning wa...
Mahogany
Unavailable
H 94.49 in W 47.25 in D 22.05 in
19th Century Danish Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk with Fall-Front
Located in Firenze, Tuscany
An outstanding mahogany stipo or secretary desk with three large drawers on its lower body, a fall front with a beautiful interior featuring several drawers in its centre and three d...
Mahogany
Unavailable
H 46.86 in W 46.86 in D 22.05 in
Biedermeier Period Cylindrical Secretary from Hamburg, 1830s
Located in Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein
Biedermeier period cylindrical secretary from Hamburg, 1830s.
Mahogany, Oak
Unavailable
H 56.7 in W 37.21 in D 18.71 in
1820-1830 German Empire-Biedermeier Secretary in Mahogany and Gilded Bronze
Located in Handewitt, DE
A 1820-1830 German Empire-Biedermeier secretary in mahogany and gilded bronze.
Brass, Bronze
Unavailable
H 58.27 in W 37.01 in D 33.67 in
Biedermeier Period Pyramid Lady's Secretary by Johann Heinrich Dumrath, 1830s
By Johann Heinrich Dumrath
Located in Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein
Biedermeier Period Pyramid Lady's Secretary, Made by Johann Heinrich Dumrath, early 1830s.
Mahogany
Unavailable
H 165 in W 104 in D 46 in
Northern European Biedermeier-style secretary from the second half of the 1800s
Located in Barletta, IT
Beautiful Northern European secretary from the second half of the 1800s, Biedermeier style, made of mahogany and mahogany featherwood.
Mahogany
German Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary
Located in Queens, NY
German Biedermeier (circa 1820) mahogany secretary cabinet with Corinthian columns on top and bottom section and a centered drop front revealing a series of drawers and columns
Mahogany
Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk, circa 1840
Located in Opole, PL
We present you another incredible piece of furniture in our collection -- this elegant and exquisite Biedermeier secretary desk, circa 1840. The secretary desk was manufactured in No...
Mahogany
19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk
Located in Opole, PL
We present you a secretary desk made in mahogany and less noble wood veneered with pyramidal mahogany. Al is from the 1st half of the 19th century. This piece of furniture is compose...
Mahogany
Antique German Mahogany Biedermeier Secretary Desk
Located in Round Top, TX
Outstanding early 19th century German Biedermeier secretary desk, circa 1830, with exceptional book matched mahogany drawer and desk front.
Wood
19th Century Danish Biedermeier Bleached Mahogany Secretary
Located in Viterbo, VT
Biedermeier Secretary chest of drawers hand-made in Denmark in the early 1800s using mahogany.
Mahogany
Biedermeier Fall-Front Secretary in Mahogany, circa 1825
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A very fine Biedermeier secretaire in beautifully book matched flame West Indies mahogany with fall-front opening to an ample desk surface with one long exterior drawer above, and th...
Mahogany
Biedermeier Secretary Desk Veneered with Mahogany, circa 1880
Located in Opole, PL
This intriguing piece of furniture is veneered with mahogany. It is dated circa 1880. The secretary has rounded shapes with rounded corners and cornices. The front is composed of fou...
Mahogany
Period Austrian Biedermeier Neoclassical Secretary
Located in Essex, MA
Period Austrian Biedermeier Fallfront Secretary or Secretaire Abattant --Mahogany and Ebony --Fitted Interior --Neoclassical Panel in Front
Mahogany
Sold
H 83.5 in W 47 in D 22 in
Early 19th Century Flame Mahogany Biedermeier Cylinder Roll Desk Secretary
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A German ‘Biedermeier’ secretary in flame mahogany, the cylinder roll opening to an interior with drawers and inlaid cabinet above a pull-out writing surface with further compartments.
Mahogany
Biedermeier Secretary from Around 1910s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier secretary from around 1910. After renovation.
Mahogany
Sold
H 72 in W 30.5 in D 20.5 in
Antique Austrian Mahogany Maple Inlaid Biedermeier Secretary Chest Cabinet 1850
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique Austrian flame mahogany & bird's eye maple Biedermeier secretary cabinet, circa 1850.
Mahogany, Birdseye Maple, Ebony
Biedermeier secretary, Northern Europe, circa 1860.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier secretary, Northern Europe, circa 1860.
Mahogany
19th-Century Biedermeier Secretary Desk
Located in Opole, PL
We present you a wall piece of furniture of a simple form, veneered with mahogany. The rectangular case hides three high drawers at the bottom, a removable writing panel in the cente...
Mahogany
Sold
H 85.04 in W 47.25 in D 24.81 in
19th Century Danish Mahogany Brown Secretary Cabinet in the Biedermeier Style
Located in Opole, PL
19th Century Danish Mahogany Brown Secretary Cabinet in the Biedermeier Style We present you a high piece of furniture veneered with pyramidal mahogany.
Mahogany
Sold
H 83.5 in W 21.5 in D 20 in
Biedermeier Fall Front Secretary in West Indies Mahogany, c. 1820, Denmark
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
Classic Northern Europe Biedermeier fall front secretary over a flight of drawers with original pediment top.
Mahogany
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Western Europe, 1950s
Located in Chorzów, PL
A secretary from the 1950s. Biedermeier style. Excellent condition Dimensions: height 113 cm, width 113 cm, depth 52 cm.
Mahogany
Secretary Desk Biedermeier, Northern Europe, 1870s
Located in Chorzów, PL
The antique secretary made of mahogany wood was created in the second half of the 19th century. The huge secretary has three roomy drawers at the bottom and many small drawers and a ...
Mahogany
Secretary Desk Biedermeier, Northern Europe, 1870s
Located in Chorzów, PL
The antique, stylish secretary was made of mahogany wood in the second half of the 19th century. A neat piece of furniture for the office in the company or at home, a little forgotte...
Mahogany
Secretary Desk Biedermeier, Northern Europe, 1870s
Located in Chorzów, PL
The antique, stylish secretary was made of mahogany wood in the second half of the 19th century. A neat piece of furniture for the office in the company or at home, a little forgotte...
Mahogany
Antique Danish Mahogany And Inlay Secretary, Late Biedermeier; S
Located in Round Top, TX
The stunning presence of this secretary is due to the remarkable beauty of the mahogany wood and finish which one notices at first sight. Upon closer inspection, the delicate inlay, ...
Mahogany
Sold
H 84.5 in W 44.25 in D 25 in
Antique Early 20th Century Mahogany Biedermeier Drop Front Secretary Desk from G
Located in Round Top, TX
Rich dark wood and stately lines define this handsome Biedermeier drop front secretary from Germany. Note the concave curve of the upper cabinet door and beautiful mahogany grain pat...
Wood, Mahogany
German Biedermeier Secretary, Birchwood, circa 1830-1840
Located in Greven, DE
Biedermeier writing secretary Northern Germany birch, mahogany Biedermeier around 1835 Dimensions: H x W x D: 163 x 111 x 56 cm Description: Birch veneered secretaire sta...
Birch, Mahogany
The authentic Biedermeier furniture on 1stDibs is representative of the first modern European decorative style not dictated by the tastes of the aristocracy. Following the Napoleonic wars, a growing, wealthy urban middle class in the German-speaking states of Central Europe began to demand rights and privileges once granted only to nobles. To avoid trouble, the upwardly striving confined their political discussions to one another’s homes. And so the salon was born.
Cabinetmakers in cities such as Vienna, Berlin and Mainz began to offer goods that reflected the tastes and needs of the new class. The makers of Biedermeier chairs, tables and other furniture used little or no gilding, silver hardware or other lavish ornament. Ebonized trims are common on Biedermeier cabinetry, and neoclassical elements — lyre-shaped chair splats, carved scrollwork, table supports shaped like Greek columns. But the strongest aesthetic statement came from the wood — richly-grained, honey-colored, often book-matched veneers of walnut and fruitwood.
There are two iconic Biedermeier furniture forms, both made to outfit rooms designed for conversation. One is the sofa, deeply upholstered with a strong, architectural wooden frame. The second is the circular pedestal table, which stood at the center of the room, offering a surface on which to place coffee and cake services; or to roll out a map, or sketch out ideas on paper.
“Biedermeier” was originally a derogatory term — it derives from the pen names of two German magazine writers who mocked bourgeois manners. Looking at the elegant and refined antique, new and vintage Biedermeier furniture offered on 1stDibs, that is now an amusing irony.
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.