Secretary Furniture Antique
18th Century French Louis XV Secretary Furniture Antique
Bronze
Early 20th Century Jacobean Secretary Furniture Antique
Brass
Early 1900s American Mission Secretary Furniture Antique
Copper
Early 20th Century American Jacobean Secretary Furniture Antique
Brass
Early 20th Century Spanish Colonial Secretary Furniture Antique
Walnut
19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique
Walnut
1780s English Chippendale Secretary Furniture Antique
Brass
1770s English Chippendale Secretary Furniture Antique
Brass
Early 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique
Birch
18th Century Swedish Baroque Secretary Furniture Antique
Oak
Mid-18th Century Rococo Secretary Furniture Antique
Wood
Mid-19th Century Italian Secretary Furniture Antique
Mirror, Wood, Paint
19th Century Czech Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique
Walnut
Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary Furniture Antique
Wood
Early 19th Century English Georgian Secretary Furniture Antique
Oak, Walnut
Early 20th Century French Secretary Furniture Antique
Sycamore
19th Century Secretary Furniture Antique
Bone, Ebony
1760s English Secretary Furniture Antique
Brass
1760s English Secretary Furniture Antique
Brass
19th Century French Secretary Furniture Antique
Walnut
1890s Dutch Secretary Furniture Antique
Wood
1850s Swedish Renaissance Revival Secretary Furniture Antique
Walnut
Early 19th Century French Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique
Brass, Other
1750s Irish Georgian Secretary Furniture Antique
Mercury Glass, Mahogany
1790s Chinese Campaign Secretary Furniture Antique
Hardwood
Late 18th Century English George III Secretary Furniture Antique
Brass
18th Century Swedish Secretary Furniture Antique
Wood
Early 19th Century German Empire Secretary Furniture Antique
Walnut
18th Century English Queen Anne Secretary Furniture Antique
Walnut
Mid-18th Century French Secretary Furniture Antique
Wood
Mid-19th Century French Secretary Furniture Antique
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Secretary Furniture Antique
Wood
1770s Secretary Furniture Antique
Mahogany
19th Century Sheraton Secretary Furniture Antique
Glass, Satinwood
19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique
Birch, Cherry
19th Century English Georgian Secretary Furniture Antique
Mahogany
19th Century German Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique
Mahogany
1720s English George II Secretary Furniture Antique
Brass
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary Furniture Antique
Wood
19th Century Secretary Furniture Antique
Birch
Late 18th Century Russian Empire Secretary Furniture Antique
Brass
18th Century Unknown Baltic Secretary Furniture Antique
Brass
1920s Swedish Art Deco Secretary Furniture Antique
Birch
1920s Swedish Art Deco Secretary Furniture Antique
Birch
Late 18th Century European Chinoiserie Secretary Furniture Antique
Brass
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Secretary Furniture Antique
Wood
1810s German Empire Secretary Furniture Antique
Walnut
Early 20th Century American American Classical Secretary Furniture Antique
Oak
19th Century French Secretary Furniture Antique
Brass
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique
Mahogany
Late 19th Century Swedish Secretary Furniture Antique
Wood
18th Century Swedish Chinoiserie Secretary Furniture Antique
Wood
18th Century English Georgian Secretary Furniture Antique
Wood
19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique
Maple
19th Century Louis XV Secretary Furniture Antique
Glass, Walnut
1820s German Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique
Mahogany
19th Century English Sheraton Secretary Furniture Antique
Brass
18th Century British Georgian Secretary Furniture Antique
Walnut
19th Century Swedish Secretary Furniture Antique
Wood
19th Century Directoire Secretary Furniture Antique
Marble, Brass
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Secretary Furniture Antique For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Secretary Furniture Antique?
Finding the Right Storage-case-pieces 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024To identify your antique furniture, look for an engraving, tag, label or other marking that indicates who produced it. You may find it on the bottom or back of your furniture or inside a drawer or cabinet. Once you have located the marking, you can snap a photo of it and use a reverse image search to try and identify the maker. Or, you can type a description of the mark into a search engine. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to get assistance with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique furniture.
- What makes furniture an antique?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
A piece of furniture is considered an antique if it is at least 100 years old.
- Is antique furniture in style?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, antique furniture is in style. Many people appreciate the beauty and handcrafted character of antique furniture and love the idea of owning pieces with a rich history. Remember that style preferences are nothing if not fluid, meaning what's in one year may not be the next. So, in choosing the furniture you're planning to live with, you should pay less attention to interior design fads than to what speaks to you. That way, you can select pieces that will add long-term character to your home. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of antique furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024To know if your furniture is antique, look for labels and markings that indicate the maker. From there, you can use trusted online resources to determine when they were active and examine images to try to estimate the age of your piece. Furniture produced 100 years ago or more is antique. You can also have your furniture assessed by an appraiser or antiques dealer to learn about its age. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024Many antique furniture brands are popular. While trends in collecting do vary over time, some makers consistently remain highly sought after. Among them are J. & J.W. Meeks, John Henry Belter, R. J. Horner and Co., Stickley Furniture, George Hepplewhite, Josef Dannhauser, Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Sheridan. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021There are a number of factors that can indicate if your antique furniture is valuable. When determining the value of antique furniture, consider its rarity. Additionally, it is important to determine the quality and condition of vintage furniture. If unsure of the value of your vintage furniture, have it appraised.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Antique furniture can be worth quite a lot, particularly if it is in good quality. The rarer the piece, the higher the value.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Whether antique furniture is making a comeback is a matter of opinion. Many people would argue that antique furniture never faded from fashion, as there have always been individuals who love the idea of owning pieces that have history. Some of the most popular styles for antique furniture include Art Deco, Arts and Crafts, Renaissance Revival, Elizabethan, Gothic Revival, Victorian and Chippendale. Find a large collection of antique furniture from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024To date antique furniture from the UK, first look for identifying markings on the piece. You can then use trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active. From there, you may be able to estimate the year of production by looking at images of other furniture the maker produced. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also aid you in the dating process. Find a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.
When present, maker's marks can also be helpful. Research the marks to learn more about when the maker was active and producing pieces like yours. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your furniture for you.
Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture. - 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024How old furniture that is called antique can be is typically at least 100 years. People usually call furniture between 20 and 99 years old vintage. Contemporary is the word for furniture manufactured within the last 20 years. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
- PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020
To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024To tell how old your antique furniture is, research the maker using trusted online resources. You may find that the furniture maker was active for only a short period, giving you the ability to roughly estimate its age. For manufacturers and designers with a long history of production, consider the style of your furniture and look for images of similar pieces published online. Because it may be difficult to date furniture on your own, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024To tell what your antique furniture is worth, look at sales histories on trusted online platforms and read valuation guides posted on trusted online resources. The maker, type, style, age and condition of your furniture will impact its value. Researching furniture produced by the same maker is a good starting point. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also aid you in the valuation process. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The best finish for antique furniture is a matter of liking. But film finish is recommended by experts as it leaves a thick coat of film on the wood surface which protects wood from water and scratches. Shellac or varnish and water base are commonly used film finishes. Find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage furniture on 1stDibs
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell who made your antique furniture, seek out a maker's marking. Locations of these marks vary, but they are generally in an inconspicuous location. For example, a dresser may have the mark inside a drawer or on the back, while a hallmark on a table is often on a leg or under the tabletop. Once you locate a mark, you can use trusted online resources to identify the maker and learn more about them. If you can't find a marking on your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Explore a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell antique furniture from reproduction, first check for a maker's mark. By researching the maker associated with the marking using trusted online resources, you can determine when they were active. If the company was in business 100 years ago or more, your piece may be an antique, but if the company's history began more recently, your piece is likely a reproduction. If you can't locate a marking, study the details of the furniture up close. Genuine antiques will often show tool marks and slight variations in carved details because they were typically handcrafted. Most contemporary furniture is machine-made, so you won't usually see these types of characteristics. When in doubt, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your furniture. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024To tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture, first look at hidden areas, such as the backs or insides of the drawers. On reproduction furniture, you may find plywood or engineered wood in these areas, while antique furniture will usually have solid hardwood on drawer interiors and backs. Also, slight irregularities and marks indicating that the furniture was built with hand tools rather than machines usually suggest that the piece is antique. Because it can be difficult to differentiate reproductions from genuine antiques without expertise and training, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer about the age of your piece. Find a diverse assortment of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
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