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Henredon Georgian Yew Wood Drop Front Secretary Desk with Bookcase Hutch
Henredon Georgian Yew Wood Drop Front Secretary Desk with Bookcase Hutch

Henredon Georgian Yew Wood Drop Front Secretary Desk with Bookcase Hutch

By Henredon

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Georgian style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase hutch top By

Category

Late 20th Century American Georgian Desks

Materials

Brass

Bernhard Pedersen and Son Mid Century Rosewood Drop Front Secretary Desk
Bernhard Pedersen and Son Mid Century Rosewood Drop Front Secretary Desk

Bernhard Pedersen and Son Mid Century Rosewood Drop Front Secretary Desk

By Bernhard Pedersen & Son

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Bernhard Pedersen and Son mid century rosewood drop front secretary desk The desk measures: 35.5

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Rosewood

Baker Georgian Walnut Drop Front Secretary Desk with Mirrored Bookcase Hutch
Baker Georgian Walnut Drop Front Secretary Desk with Mirrored Bookcase Hutch

Baker Georgian Walnut Drop Front Secretary Desk with Mirrored Bookcase Hutch

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Georgian or Queen Anne style bureau with drop front secretary desk and mirrored bookcase

Category

Mid-20th Century American Georgian Desks

Materials

Brass

Mahogany Wood Slant Front Secretary / Cabinet
Mahogany Wood Slant Front Secretary / Cabinet

Mahogany Wood Slant Front Secretary / Cabinet

Located in Tarry Town, NY

lockable drop front desk top which conceals six small drawers and six cubbies resting on four claw feet

Category

Vintage 1920s North American Chippendale Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Ib Kofod Larson Teak Secretary Desk
Ib Kofod Larson Teak Secretary Desk

Ib Kofod Larson Teak Secretary Desk

By Ib Kofod-Larsen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A beautiful Danish teak design with a drop front desk, many drawers, sliding doors, and multiple

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Abalone

Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Painted Wood Drop-Front Secretary
Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Painted Wood Drop-Front Secretary

Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Painted Wood Drop-Front Secretary

Located in Atlanta, GA

above a drop-front desk that opens up to reveal a multitude of drawers surrounding a central door. The

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb Secretary Desk
Paul McCobb Secretary Desk

Paul McCobb Secretary Desk

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Miami, FL

also used as a bar cabinet. Fitted with the original brass handle, the drop-front desk opens to an

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Grasscloth, Wood

Anglo-Indian Victorian Campaign Chest with Integrated Writing Desk
Anglo-Indian Victorian Campaign Chest with Integrated Writing Desk

Anglo-Indian Victorian Campaign Chest with Integrated Writing Desk

Located in Astoria, NY

central drawer contains a drop-front desk surface with multiple small drawers and a secret compartment

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

18th Century, Louis XVI Secretaire Abattant
18th Century, Louis XVI Secretaire Abattant

18th Century, Louis XVI Secretaire Abattant

Located in Doylestown, PA

drawers, a middle drop front desk, and a lower two-door cabinet concealing shelves, in walnut, circa 1780.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Secretary with Aluminum Inlaid Pulls
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Secretary with Aluminum Inlaid Pulls

Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Secretary with Aluminum Inlaid Pulls

By Kai Kristiansen

Located in Oakland, CA

1960s rosewood secretary desk with drop-front desk over three drawers with aluminum inlay pulls

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage Solid Maple Secretary Cabinet, Desk, Storage, Entryway, Living Room
Vintage Solid Maple Secretary Cabinet, Desk, Storage, Entryway, Living Room

Vintage Solid Maple Secretary Cabinet, Desk, Storage, Entryway, Living Room

Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

and the drop front desk top. There are some small imperfections, wear and scratches to the finish. If

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown American Colonial Cabinets

Materials

Maple, Wood

Swedish 18th Century Secretary
Swedish 18th Century Secretary

Swedish 18th Century Secretary

Located in Atlanta, GA

Swedish 18th century two part secretary with an upper cabinet over a drop front desk with a

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Secretaires

Mid Century Danish Modern Secretary by Borge Mogensen
Mid Century Danish Modern Secretary by Borge Mogensen

Mid Century Danish Modern Secretary by Borge Mogensen

By Børge Mogensen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This mid century secretary by Borge Mogensen features a drop front desk surface with beautiful teak

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

19th Century Georgian Oak Secretary Bookcase Desk
19th Century Georgian Oak Secretary Bookcase Desk

19th Century Georgian Oak Secretary Bookcase Desk

Located in Rio Vista, CA

features a drop front desk concealing a green leather covered writing table with six small drawers and

Category

Antique 19th Century English Georgian Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Antique Biedermeier Inlaid Drop Front Secretary, 19th Century
Antique Biedermeier Inlaid Drop Front Secretary, 19th Century

Antique Biedermeier Inlaid Drop Front Secretary, 19th Century

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Biedermeier drop front secretary features inlaid banding throughout, drop front writing

Category

Antique 19th Century Biedermeier Desks

Materials

Wood

American 1920s Ebonized Desk with Drop Top
American 1920s Ebonized Desk with Drop Top

American 1920s Ebonized Desk with Drop Top

Located in Buchanan, NY

American 1920s new-classical ebonized drop top desk. It has three drawers and a handled drop front

Category

Vintage 1920s American Neoclassical Revival Desks

Rosewood Danish Freestanding Wall Unit
Rosewood Danish Freestanding Wall Unit

Rosewood Danish Freestanding Wall Unit

By Poul Cadovius

Located in New York, NY

Nice Danish modern wall unit, having floating storage cabinets, a drop front desk, and pullout

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Shelves

Materials

Rosewood

Antique Venetian Secretary Cabinet
Antique Venetian Secretary Cabinet

Antique Venetian Secretary Cabinet

Located in Bridgeport, CT

In all-over pale salmon paint having floral details. Drop-front desk reveals four small drawers and

Category

Antique 19th Century European French Provincial Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Paint

Terrific Mid-Century Standing Wall Unit and Room Divider
Terrific Mid-Century Standing Wall Unit and Room Divider

Terrific Mid-Century Standing Wall Unit and Room Divider

By Poul Cadovius

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Tall teak grain bookcase unit with multiple cabinets, fully adjustable. Drop front desk, book

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Early Alvar Aalto Secretary, Model 802, 1930s
Early Alvar Aalto Secretary, Model 802, 1930s

Early Alvar Aalto Secretary, Model 802, 1930s

By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy

Located in Amarillo, TX

front desk with five small interior drawers and shelves. Below, two drawers, Finland, circa 1930s

Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Brass

4 Drawer Danish Mid-Century Modern Dresser Svend Langkilde Mobler
4 Drawer Danish Mid-Century Modern Dresser Svend Langkilde Mobler

4 Drawer Danish Mid-Century Modern Dresser Svend Langkilde Mobler

By Svend Langkilde, Langkilde Møbler

Located in New York, NY

. Please view the companion pieces to include a two door commode, and a drop front desk we have listed from

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Rosewood

Clean Lined Danish Modern Chest by by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Clean Lined Danish Modern Chest by by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen

Clean Lined Danish Modern Chest by by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen

By Hvidt & Mølgaard

Located in Atlanta, GA

corners. This piece is very versatile and can used as a drop front desk or server in a living area, or as

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Louis XVI Style Antique French Secretary
Louis XVI Style Antique French Secretary

Louis XVI Style Antique French Secretary

Located in Austin, TX

Secretary, drop front desk, French, in the Louis XVI Style. This cabinet is finished in a lustrous

Category

Vintage 1920s French Louis XVI Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Brass

Danish Teak Bookcase Desk Secretary Designed by Poul Hundevad
Danish Teak Bookcase Desk Secretary Designed by Poul Hundevad

Danish Teak Bookcase Desk Secretary Designed by Poul Hundevad

By Hundevad & Co., Poul Hundevad

Located in Topeka, KS

its drop front desk with bookcase above and ample storage below. This one has 8 drawers and adjustable

Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Renaissance Revival Walnut Secretary Cabinet with Arched Doors, 19th Century
Renaissance Revival Walnut Secretary Cabinet with Arched Doors, 19th Century

Renaissance Revival Walnut Secretary Cabinet with Arched Doors, 19th Century

Located in Sarasota, FL

— a rare detail. The drop-front desk reveals fitted cubbies, while the lower section includes paneled

Category

Antique 19th Century European Renaissance Revival Secretaires

Materials

Iron

Antique American Empire Flame Mahogany Bookcase Secretary, circa 1845
Antique American Empire Flame Mahogany Bookcase Secretary, circa 1845

Antique American Empire Flame Mahogany Bookcase Secretary, circa 1845

By Anthony Quervelle

Located in Big Flats, NY

trim with carved palmette crest and opening to shelved interior surmounting case with drop front desk

Category

Antique 19th Century American American Empire Secretaires

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

18th Century Swedish Painted Secretary
18th Century Swedish Painted Secretary

18th Century Swedish Painted Secretary

Located in Dallas, TX

/or books, while the slant front lower section combines more spacious storage underneath a drop front

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Swedish Rustic Secretaires

Materials

Wood

French Drop Front Secretary Desk
French Drop Front Secretary Desk

French Drop Front Secretary Desk

Located in Bradenton, FL

A very nice flame Mahogany 18th century Louis XVI Drop front secretary desk with a nicely fitted

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Georgian Style Two Piece Cerused Secretaire Bookcase
Georgian Style Two Piece Cerused Secretaire Bookcase

Georgian Style Two Piece Cerused Secretaire Bookcase

Located in Rio Vista, CA

desk. The top section has two paneled glass doors opening to a three shelf interior. The drop front

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Georgian Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Gorgeous Danish Secretary Desk
Gorgeous Danish Secretary Desk

Gorgeous Danish Secretary Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-century modern drop front secretary desk with drawers. Beautiful teak grain throughout, nicely

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Lovely Hand Dyed Brown Leather Writing Table Desk or Bureau with Twin Drawers
Lovely Hand Dyed Brown Leather Writing Table Desk or Bureau with Twin Drawers

Lovely Hand Dyed Brown Leather Writing Table Desk or Bureau with Twin Drawers

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to this lovely brown leather upholstered writing bureau desk with drop front and

Category

20th Century English Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather

Pair of 1950s Black Cerused Oak Bachelor Chest Commodes Gilbert Rohde Attributed
Pair of 1950s Black Cerused Oak Bachelor Chest Commodes Gilbert Rohde Attributed

Pair of 1950s Black Cerused Oak Bachelor Chest Commodes Gilbert Rohde Attributed

By Gilbert Rohde

Located in Philadelphia, PA

one chest featuring a drop front hidden desk. The pair features the original black cerused oak wood

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

19th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Secretary with Library
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Secretary with Library

19th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Secretary with Library

Located in Wichita, KS

supports that pull out to support the desk surface. There are four graduated drawers below the drop-front

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Paint

Mid Century Rosewood Secretary Desk
Mid Century Rosewood Secretary Desk

Mid Century Rosewood Secretary Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A mid century Brazilian rosewood drop front secretary desk. Rich wood grain with beige laminate

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Rosewood

19th Century Drop Front Secretary Desk
19th Century Drop Front Secretary Desk

19th Century Drop Front Secretary Desk

Located in Mt Kisco, NY

A lovely architectural form secretary with marquetry inlay doors.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Swedish Art Moderne Secretary Writing Desk
Swedish Art Moderne Secretary Writing Desk

Swedish Art Moderne Secretary Writing Desk

Located in Atlanta, GA

Gorgeous drop-front writing desk in rich combinations of wood with inset parquetry and crotch

Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Modern Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Børge Mogensen Teak Drop Front Secretary Desk
Børge Mogensen Teak Drop Front Secretary Desk

Børge Mogensen Teak Drop Front Secretary Desk

By Børge Mogensen

Located in Berkeley, CA

This lovely drop front Danish modern secretary desk in teak was designed by Børge Mogensen for

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

A drop-front secretary desk - 1950 - France.
A drop-front secretary desk - 1950 - France.

A drop-front secretary desk - 1950 - France.

By Marcel Gascoin, Rene Gabriel, Charlotte Perriand

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

A secretary desk from the 1950s, French craftsmanship. Solid elm wood with a beautiful patina

Category

Vintage 1950s French Secretaires

Materials

Elm

Secretary Desk by Gunnar Nielsen Tibergaard Circa 1960s
Secretary Desk by Gunnar Nielsen Tibergaard Circa 1960s

Secretary Desk by Gunnar Nielsen Tibergaard Circa 1960s

By Gunnar Nielsen Tibergaard

Located in Oakland, CA

Compact secretary desk by Gunnar Nielsen Tibergaard, constructed of teak and brass. The drop front

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Antique English Queen Anne Mahogany Secretary, Bookcase
Antique English Queen Anne Mahogany Secretary, Bookcase

Antique English Queen Anne Mahogany Secretary, Bookcase

Located in Dallas, TX

foundation when the drop-front desk is deployed. All of these wonderful features combine to make this a

Category

Early 20th Century English Queen Anne Secretaires

Materials

Brass

English George III Style Chinoiserie Lacquered Secretaire
English George III Style Chinoiserie Lacquered Secretaire

English George III Style Chinoiserie Lacquered Secretaire

Located in Rio Vista, CA

open to an interior with asymmetrical cubby shelves. The lower portion features a drop front desk with

Category

Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture Georgian Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase With Secretary Desk
Baker Furniture Georgian Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase With Secretary Desk

Baker Furniture Georgian Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase With Secretary Desk

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in South Bend, IN

A beautiful Georgian or Federal style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase hutch top

Category

Vintage 1960s American Georgian Desks

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture Chippendale Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase with Secretary Desk
Baker Furniture Chippendale Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase with Secretary Desk

Baker Furniture Chippendale Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase with Secretary Desk

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Chippendale or Georgian style bureau with drop front secretary desk and lighted bookcase

Category

Late 20th Century American Chippendale Desks

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture French Provincial Walnut Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch
Baker Furniture French Provincial Walnut Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch

Baker Furniture French Provincial Walnut Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase

Category

Vintage 1960s American French Provincial Desks

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture French Provincial Louis XV Walnut Secretary Desk With Bookcase
Baker Furniture French Provincial Louis XV Walnut Secretary Desk With Bookcase

Baker Furniture French Provincial Louis XV Walnut Secretary Desk With Bookcase

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase

Category

Vintage 1960s American French Provincial Desks

Materials

Brass

Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk with Stained Glass Bookcase Hutch
Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk with Stained Glass Bookcase Hutch

Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk with Stained Glass Bookcase Hutch

By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Mission oak Arts & Crafts drop front secretary desk with bookcase hutch In the manner

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks

Materials

Brass

Danish Mid Century Wall Unit Shelves by Paul Cadovius, circa 1950s-1960s
Danish Mid Century Wall Unit Shelves by Paul Cadovius, circa 1950s-1960s

Danish Mid Century Wall Unit Shelves by Paul Cadovius, circa 1950s-1960s

By Poul Cadovius, Cado

Located in New York, NY

) sliding glass display case and (1) Drop front desk. The (3) large cabinets include (1) Bank of 3 drawers

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Shelves

Materials

Walnut

Sheraton Style Mahogany Drop Front Secretary Writing Desk
Sheraton Style Mahogany Drop Front Secretary Writing Desk

Sheraton Style Mahogany Drop Front Secretary Writing Desk

Located in Dayton, OH

Sheraton style drop front secretary desk, circa 1930-40s. Made from mahogany with a bookmatched

Category

Vintage 1930s American Sheraton Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Antique Ebony Asian Buffet Credenza with Square Corner Carved Front
Antique Ebony Asian Buffet Credenza with Square Corner Carved Front

Antique Ebony Asian Buffet Credenza with Square Corner Carved Front

Located in Topeka, KS

. You need to make it yours. Psst….we have also listed a complimentary drop front desk you may want

Category

Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Buffets

Materials

Brass

Louis Philippe Chest of Drawers, France 1840, Walnut
Louis Philippe Chest of Drawers, France 1840, Walnut

Louis Philippe Chest of Drawers, France 1840, Walnut

Located in Belmont, MA

determine its place of origin because of a drop front desk which originally was probably made for the same

Category

Antique 1840s French Louis Philippe Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Børge Mogensen Drop Front Secretary Desk in Teak
Børge Mogensen Drop Front Secretary Desk in Teak

Børge Mogensen Drop Front Secretary Desk in Teak

By Søborg Møbler 1, Børge Mogensen

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: Denmark Designer: Børge Mogensen Manufacturer: Søborg Møbler Era: 1950s Materials: teak Measurements: 39.5? wide x 18? deep x 47.25? tall Condition: In excellent orig...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

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Drop Front Desks For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of drop front desks is available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and hardwood, all drop front desks available were constructed with great care. Drop front desks have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Drop front desks bearing Mid-Century Modern or Louis XV hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. Not every interior allows for large drop front desks, so small drop front desks measuring 14 inches across are available at 1stDibs. Raymond Loewy, Hvidt & Mølgaard and Arne Wahl Iversen each produced beautiful drop front desks that are worth considering.

How Much are Drop Front Desks?

Prices for drop front desks start at $750 and top out at $30,000 with the average selling for $2,997.

Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets for You

Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces 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 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. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.

Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, 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 Front Desks
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    A 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 ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    In French, the term for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface is secretaire. This type of desk is called a secretary desk in English. 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, which are called pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers, are revealed. On 1stDibs, shop antique secretary desks from some of the world's top sellers.

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