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Vintage Mid Century Danish Modern Drop Down Secretary Desk Cabinet.
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid Century Danish Modern Drop Down Secretary Desk Cabinet. Circa Late 1960s.
Features a
Category
Vintage 1960s Secretaires
Materials
Teak
Danish Mid Century Modern Drop Down Secretary Desk Cabinet by Domino Mobel
By Domino Møbler
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Drop Down Secretary Desk Cabinet by Domino Mobler. Circa 1970s
Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Teak
H 75.5 in. W 31 in. D 19.5 in.
Burled Maple Cabinet Secretary with Drawers / Flat File, USA, 1960's
By Edward Wormley
Located in Austin, TX
Edward Wormley style Mid-Century Modern case piece with drawers at base and drop-down secretary at
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Wood
“Elefantini” Secrétaire by Roberto Rida, Italy, 2016
By Roberto Giulio Rida
Located in New York, NY
Palm wood drop-down secretary/vanity, comprising a console-base supporting a cabinet decorated with
Category
2010s Italian Modern Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Poul Hundevad Rosewood Secretary Cabinet
By Poul Hundevad
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish modern, two piece, rosewood, bookcase secretary cabinet by Poul Hundevad features a 26 inch
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Materials
Rosewood
Gilbert Rhode 'Paldao Group' Modular Bookcase System
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
rich rosewood color. The drop-down secretary door is set with an elegantly cast brass knob, and opens
Category
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Bookcases
Materials
Brass
English Victorian 19th Display-Bookcase Secretary Breakfront Cabinet
Located in Miami, FL
your books.
The lower section has 3 drawers, the central one with a system of drop down secretary
Category
Antique 1850s English Victorian Cabinets
Materials
Mahogany
H 90.50 in. W 86.50 in. D 19 in.
Large Scandinavian Modern Teak 4 Part Bookcase Display Cabinet Dry Bar Secretary
Located in Miami, FL
grain. The left section has a drop down secretary that can be used as a home office desk. We recommended
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Teak
H 76 in. W 120 in. D 17 in.
19C Irish Georgian Style Secretary Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
hinges that have been attached to the drop down secretary to give it more support and stability.
Again
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Irish George III Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Mahogany, Satinwood
Walnut Mid Century Modern Drop Down Desk Secretary
By James Mont, Harvey Probber
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Square and straigh lines Mid Century Danish modern drop down front secretary desk with large Art
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Aluminum
Antique French Empire Mahogany Secretary Drop Down Desk Abattant
Located in West Hartford, CT
patterns, created by the rich mahogany grain, and a drop down with black leather writing surface. It
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Secretaires
Materials
Granite
19th Century Standard Grade Wooton Desk
By Wooton Desk Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
tabernacle on the left side.
The Secretary is fronted with a solid walnut drop down desktop section with 4
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Late Victorian Desks
Materials
Walnut
Architectural Drop Front Secretary Desk
By 't Woonhuys
Located in Dronten, NL
Elegant drop front desk secretary in cherry, designed in the 1950's by a well known Dutch architect
Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Buffets
Materials
Nickel
Scandinavian Modern Teak Drop Front Secretary Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
generous drop down writing surface with sliding door storage above, and four large drawers below. Please
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks
Materials
Teak
French Empire Mahogany Drop Front Secretary "Secrétaire à Abattant"
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A 19th century French Empire drop front secretary with black as a marble top and side columns with
Category
Antique 1870s French Empire More Carpets
Materials
Mahogany
French Empire Mahogany Drop Front Secretary "Secrétaire à Abattant"
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Early 19th century French mahogany wood Empire style drop front secretary with a removable black
Category
Antique 1810s French Empire Secretaires
Materials
Brass
French Provincial Walnut Desk / Commode with Drop Down Front
Located in Essex, MA
A stunning French solid walnut commode with a fold-down secretary desk housed in its top drawer
Category
Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Desks
Materials
Satinwood, Walnut
Antique Spanish Walnut Burl and Rosewood Claw Foot Drop Front Secretary Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Spanish Walnut Burl and Rosewood Claw Foot Drop Front Secretary Desk
This beautiful
Category
Antique Early 1900s Spanish Spanish Colonial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
H 39 in. W 42 in. D 20 in.
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Mengel Drop Front Secretary Desk by Raymond Loewy
By Mengel Furniture Co., Raymond Lowey
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Mid-Century Modern Mengel drop front secretary desk by Raymond Loewy. Comprised of
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Metal
H 47.25 in. W 36 in. D 19.25 in.
Vintage Scandinavian Modern Teak Drop Front Desk Secretary in a Box, 1960-2000
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome MCM (a.k.a. Mid-Century Modern) vintage Scandinavian Modern drop front desk or secretary
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks
Materials
Teak
H 48 in. W 36 in. D 18.25 in.
Antique French Secretary
Located in Malibu, CA
This early 19th-century drop-leaf secretaire features the traditional Biedermeier ebony accents
Category
Antique Early 19th Century French Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Brass, Other
Secretary by Sigfred Omann
By Sigfred Omann, Ørum Møbler
Located in Mørkøv, 85
Beautiful secretary desk by Sigfred Omann in rosewood. Features 6 drawers, a drop-down surface with
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Russian Empire Commode Secretary
Located in Newport Beach, CA
An exceptional Russian Empire fruitwood and ebonized 4 drawer chest/secretary. The top drawer
Category
Antique 1850s European Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Marble, Carrara Marble, Brass
Antique Country French Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Country French Secretary is the perfect answer to an efficient floor plan or a cozy room
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Secretaires
Materials
Brass
1930s Art Deco Secretary Cabinet
Located in Pasadena, TX
doors featuring fretwork design. The center features a drop down work surface secretary and pidgeon hole
Category
Vintage 1940s European Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
19th c. Venetian Painted Secretary
Located in New Orleans, LA
Fantastic Italian Venetian Painted secretary/cabinet. This piece has a wonderful color palette but
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Directoire Cupboards
Materials
Wood
Vintage Boho Moorish Petite Secretary Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
An exceptional vintage Boho secretary desk. A chic petite frame with beautiful Moorish carvings on
Category
Mid-20th Century American Moorish Desks
Materials
Wood
Antique Venetian Painted Secretary ~ Bookcase ~ Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Venetian Painted Secretary ~ Bookcase ~ Commode is a remarkable piece that is both
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Baroque Revival Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Regency Secretary Bookcase
Located in Essex, MA
Period Regency mahogany secretary bookcase. Carved neoclassical elements. Pediment with carving and
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique Country French Regence Style Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Country French Regence style Secretary was hand-crafted from solid oak, and features a
Category
Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Secretaires
Materials
Brass
French Louis XV Secretary, circa 1850
Located in Evergreen, CO
This beautiful quarter sawn oak secretary is comprised of three pieces. It features a top shelf
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Secretaires
Materials
Oak
Early 19th Century Country French Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
Early 19th Century Country French secretary was hand-crafted and hand-carved from solid oak in a
Category
Antique Early 19th Century French French Provincial Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Hepplewhite Style Apprentice Miniature Secretary Chest
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a stunning Hepplewhite style apprentice miniature secretary chest.
Made in England
Category
Early 20th Century English Hepplewhite Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Midcentury George Nelson Gentlemens Secretary Chest
By George Nelson
Located in Pasadena, TX
example of early George Nelson design. Secretary desk and dresser in walnut with a drop-down work surface
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Drexel Heritage Secretary Desk With Glass Shelves
By Drexel
Located in Amherst, NH
Vintage 1970s Drexel Heritage tall secretary desk with glass shelves. The desk front drops down and
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Glass, Wood
Antique White Painted Secretary Bureau from Sweden
Located in Round Top, TX
This oak secretary or "bureau" reflects the grace and class of Swedish styling from the early 1800
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Oak, Paint
19th Century, Country French Louis XV Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Country French Louis XV secretary is a classic slant-front design, originally
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Stephen Casey "Remembering Sam Maloof" Craft Secretary Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully crafted walnut secretary with drop down desk inscribed "Remembering Sam Maloof" by
Category
Early 2000s Desks
Materials
Walnut
Early 20th Century Walnut & Leather Secretary Desk
Located in Miami, FL
French, in reference to the sloping-front drop-down desk surface, this particular example features the
Category
Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
Early 19th century French Louis XVI secretary was fashioned from hand-selected indigenous oak to
Category
Antique Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Vintage Burl Walnut Small Secretary Desk Table Chest
Located in West Hartford, CT
Elegant and small in size, a traditional burl walnut secretary desk. Features a drop down writing
Category
Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
DREXEL HERITAGE Et Cetera Mediterranean Style Secretary Desk
By Drexel
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Mediterranean style secretary desk by Drexel Heritage, from their Et Cetera Collection.Solid oak
Category
Mid-20th Century American Other Secretaires
Materials
Oak
CRAFTIQUE Solid Mahogany Chippendale Secretary Desk w/ Bookcase
Located in Charlotte, NC
A stunning secretary desk with bookcase by top-quality furniture maker Craftique, in the style of
Category
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Outstanding Early 18th Century English George I Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a stunningly gorgeous and outstanding early 18th century English George I Secretary
Category
Antique Early 18th Century English George I Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood, Walnut
Vintage Country French Secretary ~ Commode in Stripped Oak
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Country French Secretary ~ Commode in Stripped Oak is a remarkable design from the
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Rustic Secretaires
Materials
Brass
18th Century Louis XVI Style French Inlaid Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
18th century Louis XVI style French inlaid secretary desk with four shelves, five drawers and a
Category
Antique 18th Century French Louis XVI Secretaires
Materials
Glass, Wood
Vintage Danish Midcentury Teak Secretary Desk Attributed to Johannes Andersen
By Johannes Andersen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is terrific and rare Scandinavian Modern secretary desk in teak wood reminiscent of Johannes
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Materials
Teak
H 47 in. W 31.75 in. D 18.5 in.
Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Fold Out Secretary Office Desk Cabinet
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage office secretary cabinet desk in rosewood, made in Germany, circa 1960s. This clever piece
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Metal
Art Deco Tiger Oak Wood Bureau Bookcase Secretary Desk, 1920s
Located in Hawthorne, CA
Beautiful Art Deco bureau bookcase / secretary desk. Solid tiger oak construction featuring open
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cabinets
Materials
Chrome
Small French Directoire Cherry Secretary, Cherry Stained, Cream Leather Pad
Located in Landivy, FR
This Secretary is a handmade modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of
Category
2010s French Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood, Cherry, Lacquer
H 52.76 in. W 24.81 in. D 15.75 in.
Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Chrome Modular Secretary, Desk, Shelves & Cabinet
Located in Big Flats, NY
hardware and includes secretary, shelving, cabinets and drop down desk, en verso serial number 3177111
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Walnut
H 79.5 in. W 128.5 in. D 19 in.
Vintage French Provincial Hand Carved White Secretary Desk and Display Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
secretary desk has three drawers and a drop down desk. The top portion of this secretary desk can hold
Category
Vintage 1940s French French Provincial Cabinets
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint
H 91 in. W 41 in. D 19.5 in.
Antique Italian Figural Mahogany Secretary Credenza, Carved in Relief, c1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Italian figural secretary credenza offers walnut construction with upper having double
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Credenzas
Materials
Mahogany
H 59 in. W 41.25 in. D 21.5 in.
Danish Modern Teak Secretary Cabinet by Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Stockholm, SE
Danish Modern teak secretary cabinet by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen.
Manufactured by
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets
Materials
Teak
H 32.68 in. W 35.44 in. D 18.9 in.
Early 19th Century Original Folk Art Painted Tall Cabinet Secretary
Located in Round Top, TX
This highly unusual secretary is a special find. The remarkable folk art painted finish is all
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Cabinets
Materials
Paint, Wood
Golden Oak Secretary / Desk, Carvings, Mirror, Drawer, American, ca. 1900
Located in Petaluma, CA
This dazzling golden oak secretary/desk is feast for the eyes. The leaf drops down for use, and
Category
Antique Early 1900s American Late Victorian Secretaires
Materials
Brass
H 57.5 in. W 29 in. D 16 in.
TOMLINSON Crotch Mahogany Block Front Secretary Desk with Blind Bookcase
By Tomlinson
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Chippendale style secretary desk by Tomlinson. Crotch mahogany with brass hardware, pediment top
Category
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Baker Furniture French Library Cabinet Lighted Secretary Desk Stacking Unit
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in West Chester, PA
detail and crown molding all around. Middle section with a full length drawer above a locking drop down
Category
Vintage 1960s American French Provincial Secretaires
Materials
Brass
H 84.5 in. W 42.75 in. D 20.38 in.
Danish Modern Teak Secretary Foyer Cabinet, Made in Sweden, Circa 1970s
Located in Peabody, MA
Teak secretary desk / cabinet, made in Sweden circa 1970s. Unusual finger joints at top edges. Drop
Category
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
H 37 in. W 39.5 in. D 13.75 in.
Vintage Danish Mid-Century Modern Teal Secretary Desk by Erling Torvitz
By Erling Torvits
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful Scandinavian modern secretary desk in teak wood designed by Erlingb Torvitz in
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Materials
Teak
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Drop Down Secretary For Sale on 1stDibs
Find many varieties of an authentic drop down secretary available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, hardwood and teak, every drop down secretary was constructed with great care. Your living room may not be complete without a drop down secretary — find older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. A drop down secretary, designed in the Mid-Century Modern or Art Deco style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Many designers have produced at least one well-made drop down secretary over the years, but those crafted by (after) Raymond Loewy, Peter Hvidt and Randers Møbelfabrik are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much is a Drop Down Secretary?
The average selling price for a drop down secretary at 1stDibs is $2,348, while they’re typically $700 on the low end and $5,800 for the highest priced.
Finding the Right Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets 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 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.
Questions About Drop Down Secretary
- What is a Larkin secretary?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Larkin secretary is a type of wooden case good produced by the Larkin Company, which opened in 1875 in Buffalo, New York. The furniture featured a pull-down writing surface and upper and lower shelves. Some also had side storage cabinets and drawers. You'll find a variety of vintage and antique secretaries 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.
- 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.
- What is a drop dial clock?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A drop dial clock is similar to a dial clock, but it has a longer drop or extends further from the bottom of the clock to accommodate a longer pendulum. Drop dial clocks also have different gearing than dial clocks, but it's the way the clocks look that most quickly distinguishes them from other clocks. Shop a collection of drop dial clocks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a drop-waist top?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A drop-waist top is a garment worn on the top half of the body. It features a waist seam positioned below the natural waist area and creates the illusion that the wearer has a longer torso. On 1stDibs, find a variety of vintage and designer tops.
- What is a drop arm sofa for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A drop-arm sofa is designed to save space by converting into a comfortable single bed when the arms are dropped. The next morning, returning the arms to their original position turns the bed back into a sofa. Shop a collection of drop arm sofas from sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a drop-leaf table?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A drop-leaf table has a fixed section in the center and a hinged section, or leaf, on each side that can be folded down.
- Why did YSL drop Yves?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Yves portion of Yves Saint Laurent was dropped in 2012, when Hedi Slimane took over as creative director of the fashion house. Slimane wanted to transition the brand into a more youthful image, and rebranded it as Saint Laurent Paris. Shop an array of vintage and contemporary Saint Laurent Paris apparel and accessories from top boutiques 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 drop leaf table work?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021A drop-leaf table features a fixed section and one or more foldable sections. The well-made hinges hold the fixed and foldable sections and allow the leaves to pop up. These sections are anchored with the help of swing-out legs for secure placement. Find antique and vintage drop-leaf tables on 1stDibs.
- What is a Knole drop-arm sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A Knole drop-arm sofa is a settee developed during the 17th century. It usually has a rectangle back with a decorative wood trim and tall fully upholstered arms positioned at a diagonal. Originally, the sofa served as a royal seat for monarchs. You'll find a variety of Knole sofas on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A drop-waist dress is also called a flapper dress. It is characterized by a low waistband, which falls at the hips, and gives the illusion of lengthening the body. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer flapper dresses and gowns from top fashion boutiques around the world.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A drop-leaf table is a type of table that has a fixed portion in the center and foldable portions on either side joined by hinges. These foldable portions can be dropped and closed to save space when the table is not in use. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage drop leaf dining tables.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023A drop-front desk is usually called a secretary. Other names for this type of desk include writing cabinet, fall-front desk and secrétaire à abattant. The name secretary can be traced back to the 18th century when estate secretaries used the drop-front desks as workstations for paying bills and reconciling accounts. On 1stDibs, find a range of secretary desks.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023The first drop-leaf tables emerged during the era of the early 17th century. These first pieces usually feature a gate leg that swings out to support the leaf. Drop-leaf tables with side brackets debuted in the early 19th century. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of drop-leaf tables.
- How do I date a drop-leaf table?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To date a drop-leaf table, first look for saw marks. If you see straight ones, your table likely dates back to before the early 19th century. Pieces made after should show curved saw marks. A licensed furniture appraiser can assist you with determining an exact date. Find a range of expertly vetted drop-leaf tables on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023While you can look for markings and other details to try and determine the maker, the best way to identify an antique drop leaf table is to work with a certified appraiser. Trusted online venues and search engines can be helpful when conducting research on a specific collectible, piece of jewelry, art work or other item about which you may have questions, but qualified professionals, such as an antiques dealer or an appraiser at an auction house, have the knowledge and experience needed to make more accurate identifications. Shop a selection of antique, vintage and modern tables on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023The difference between a gateleg table and a drop leaf table is the design of the section that you can raise to expand the piece. On a drop leaf table, the extension does not have any lower support. A gateleg table has a leg that swings out to rest beneath the extension. Find a selection of tables from some of the world's best sellers on 1stDibs.
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