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Secretaires For Sale
Swedish Gustavian Secretary Desk, Solid Pine, Antique, Circa 1850
Swedish Gustavian Secretary Desk, Solid Pine, Antique, Circa 1850

Swedish Gustavian Secretary Desk, Solid Pine, Antique, Circa 1850

Located in Kramfors, SE

Swedish country secretary desk in gustavian style from around 1850. Beautiful and genuine country furniture made by hand in solid pine in northern Sweden. The piece is made in a clas...

Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Pine

Antique Oak Drop Front Secretary Desk Bookcase Bookshelf Console 65"
Antique Oak Drop Front Secretary Desk Bookcase Bookshelf Console 65"

Antique Oak Drop Front Secretary Desk Bookcase Bookshelf Console 65"

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique Early American style secretary desk / bookcase / writing bureau / larkin / chalet . Made of oak featuring a serpentine design with drop front that opens to multiple cubbies ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Colonial Secretaires

Materials

Oak

Antique Georgian Flame Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Writing Desk Bureau
Antique Georgian Flame Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Writing Desk Bureau

Antique Georgian Flame Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Writing Desk Bureau

Located in Dayton, OH

Exquisite antique early 19th century secretary writing storage desk. Made of flame mahogany featuring Georgian styling with three large dovetailed drawers and a drop front that open...

Category

19th Century American American Colonial Antique Secretaires

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Mahogany

English Chippendale Style Painted Goddard Chest Secretary Writing Desk
English Chippendale Style Painted Goddard Chest Secretary Writing Desk

English Chippendale Style Painted Goddard Chest Secretary Writing Desk

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique circa 1930s Goddard chest / writing desk featuring a drop front door that opens to multiple cubbies, three drawers and paw / claw feet. Yellowin...

Category

Early 20th Century American Chippendale Secretaires

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Rare Antique Barrister's Bureau, English Secretary, Escritoire, Georgian, C.1760
Rare Antique Barrister's Bureau, English Secretary, Escritoire, Georgian, C.1760

Rare Antique Barrister's Bureau, English Secretary, Escritoire, Georgian, C.1760

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a rare antique barrister's bureau. An English, mahogany and boxwood fall-front writing cabinet or secretary with myriad concealed storage, dating to the high Georgian period,...

Category

1760s British Georgian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Boxwood, Mahogany

Antique Empire Classical Flame Mahogany Secretary Desk c1840
Antique Empire Classical Flame Mahogany Secretary Desk c1840

Antique Empire Classical Flame Mahogany Secretary Desk c1840

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Empire Classical Flame Mahogany Secretary with Blind Door Upper, Drop Down Desk and Graduated Drawers C1840 Measures - 69 3/4" x 40 1/2" x 23 3/8"

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Late 18th-Century Scandinavian Two-Part Secretary, Circa 1790
Late 18th-Century Scandinavian Two-Part Secretary, Circa 1790

Late 18th-Century Scandinavian Two-Part Secretary, Circa 1790

Located in Atlanta, GA

This rare Scandinavian two-part secretary dates to the late 18th century and exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of Northern European furniture from the Gustavian era. The upper se...

Category

18th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Glass, Wood

Mid-Century Georgian Style Red & Gilt Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
Mid-Century Georgian Style Red & Gilt Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

Mid-Century Georgian Style Red & Gilt Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a Chinese red Georgian style chinoiserie secretary. It is a mid-century find that is heavily painted with pastoral scenes and go,t accents. It is most likely American and is ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American George III Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Antique Late 18th Century George III Mahogany Bureau Secretary Desk & Bookcase
Antique Late 18th Century George III Mahogany Bureau Secretary Desk & Bookcase

Antique Late 18th Century George III Mahogany Bureau Secretary Desk & Bookcase

Located in Dayton, OH

Late 18th Century George III Period Secretary Desk & Bookcase. Made from mahogany with a hooded pediment showcasing dentil molding over a glass covered display portion with beautifu...

Category

Late 18th Century George III Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary with Fall-Front, Black and Coral
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary with Fall-Front, Black and Coral

Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary with Fall-Front, Black and Coral

Located in Kastrup, DK

A fine Gustavian secretary crafted in black-painted pine with a striking coral-red interior. The top features a moulded edge, complemented by gently canted sides with elegant carved...

Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Secretary / Writing Desk - Painted
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Secretary / Writing Desk - Painted

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Secretary / Writing Desk - Painted

Located in Kvidinge, SE

Swedish Gustavian Secretary / Writing Desk from early 19th century A rectangular top sitting above a slant front desk opening to reveal a gray painted interior and multiple smal draw...

Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

18th Century Black Swedish Oak Bureau - Antique Drop Front Secretary
18th Century Black Swedish Oak Bureau - Antique Drop Front Secretary

18th Century Black Swedish Oak Bureau - Antique Drop Front Secretary

Located in Kvidinge, SE

Fold-down flap with hidden drawers, secret compartment and writing interior Four larger drawers on the lower part of the front. Beautiful brass fittings, working lock and keys inc...

Category

Late 18th Century Rococo Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

South German Biedermeier Secretary in Walnut, circa 1825
South German Biedermeier Secretary in Walnut, circa 1825

South German Biedermeier Secretary in Walnut, circa 1825

Located in Darmstadt, DE

This South German Biedermeier secretary from around 1825 displays a particularly striking walnut veneer with strong, mirrored patterns across the entire front. The warm, expressive g...

Category

Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Louis Philippe Style Commode with Secretary
French 19th Century Louis Philippe Style Commode with Secretary

French 19th Century Louis Philippe Style Commode with Secretary

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A gorgeous 19th century French mahogany secretary style desk, designed as a classic Louis Philippe commode incorporating the work surface and storage compartments into the top “drawe...

Category

19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Iron

Mid 20th Century, Danis Modern Oak Drop‑Front Secretary Desk / Bureau
Mid 20th Century, Danis Modern Oak Drop‑Front Secretary Desk / Bureau

Mid 20th Century, Danis Modern Oak Drop‑Front Secretary Desk / Bureau

Located in Odense, DK

An elegant mid 20th century Danish oak drop‑front secretary desk / bureau featuring a classic fall‑front writing surface with beautiful, decorative brass handles that enhance its vin...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Brass

18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Gray Painted Secretary with Library
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Gray Painted Secretary with Library

18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Gray Painted Secretary with Library

Located in Wichita, KS

A Swedish slant-front secretary with library from the Gustavian period in two parts, circa 1790. A pediment top and upper section with one fixed shelf and 6 drawers with a center op...

Category

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Antique French Secretaire / Bureau in Mahogany
Antique French Secretaire / Bureau in Mahogany

Antique French Secretaire / Bureau in Mahogany

Located in Leicester, GB

Beautiful Antique French flame Mahogany secretaire/bureau/cabinet. The inside is lined with maple and finished with ebonized black details. The cabinet has got lots of charm and char...

Category

1890s French French Provincial Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Adams Style Mahogany Half Cylinder Secretary Writing Desk Hutch Curio 92"
Adams Style Mahogany Half Cylinder Secretary Writing Desk Hutch Curio 92"

Adams Style Mahogany Half Cylinder Secretary Writing Desk Hutch Curio 92"

Located in Dayton, OH

A very large and impressive vintage Adams style half cylinder secretary desk / hutch featuring a mahogany finish with upper bookcase curio cabinet with fretwork doors supported by a ...

Category

Late 20th Century Adam Style Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Secretaire Desk with Secret Compartment
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Secretaire Desk with Secret Compartment

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...

Category

1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany, Maple

French Empire Secrétaire á Abattant
French Empire Secrétaire á Abattant

French Empire Secrétaire á Abattant

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A handsome 19th century French Empire secrétaire à abattant made of richly figured, bookmatched walnut. This desk has a black fossil marble top resting above a hidden drawer, free of hardware and opening by a shallow groove on the bottom of the drawer front. Below is a fold-front door revealing a fitted interior with a functional writing surface, inset with worn green leather with gold tooling. The interior has an open storage shelf flanked by Empire style columns over a set of six drawers of varying sizes. The writing surface is supported with rounded brass hinges. Below are three easy to use drawers...

Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Brass

Empire Secrétaire with Caryatids, Early 19th Century
Empire Secrétaire with Caryatids, Early 19th Century

Empire Secrétaire with Caryatids, Early 19th Century

Located in Greding, DE

Empire secretary featuring four drawers and a flat fall-front writing surface. The piece stands on ebonized and gold-patinated paw feet and is flanked by pilasters carved with wooden...

Category

Early 19th Century German Empire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Drop Front Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch
Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Drop Front Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch

Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Drop Front Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch

By Jasper Furniture Company

Located in Elkhart, IN

A gorgeous Georgian Chinoiserie style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase hutch top In the manner of Jasper Furniture Company USA, Late 20th Century Black lacquered...

Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Iconic vintage dutch design CU07 Cabinet by Cees Braakman for Pastoe
Iconic vintage dutch design CU07 Cabinet by Cees Braakman for Pastoe

Iconic vintage dutch design CU07 Cabinet by Cees Braakman for Pastoe

By Pastoe, Cees Braakman

Located in Meulebeke, BE

The Netherlands / CU07 cabinet / Pastoe / Cees Braakman / metal, teak / Vintage / Mid-century Highboard CU07 designed by the Dutch designer Cees Braakman in 1958 for Pastoe. This mo...

Category

1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Metal

Retro Mid Century Teak Secretaire Bureau
Retro Mid Century Teak Secretaire Bureau

Retro Mid Century Teak Secretaire Bureau

Located in Leicester, GB

We can ship directly to you - please contact us with your country & postcode for an accurate delivery price. A cute retro teak bureau desk with thr...

Category

1970s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern, Unique Handcrafted Oak Secretary Cabinet, Mid 20th Century
Danish Modern, Unique Handcrafted Oak Secretary Cabinet, Mid 20th Century

Danish Modern, Unique Handcrafted Oak Secretary Cabinet, Mid 20th Century

Located in Odense, DK

An elegant rare Danish oak secretary cabinet in Baroque style, crafted in the 1930s by a skilled Danish Cabinetmaker. The piece features a drop-front writing surface that opens to re...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Baroque Secretaires

Materials

Oak

French 19th Century Empire Secrétaire à Abattant
French 19th Century Empire Secrétaire à Abattant

French 19th Century Empire Secrétaire à Abattant

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A stately 19th century mahogany secretaire a abattant from France, circa 1810. This desk has an exceptional charcoal St. Anne marble top resting above a single drawer disguised into the apron. Just below the top drawer, the front of the desk folds forward to reveal a work area inset with vibrant red leather detailed with gold tooling. The leather is in great antique condition making this a comfortable place to work. When open, you can see the theatre is equipped with five drawers and a large, arched top cubby flanked with column forms. With the desk down the maximum depth is 32”; the writing surface is 28-½” above the floor. The desk front...

Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Brass

Arne Vodder Danish Teak Vanity Secretary Desk
Arne Vodder Danish Teak Vanity Secretary Desk

Arne Vodder Danish Teak Vanity Secretary Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Arne Vodder Danish Teak Vanity Secretary Desk Beautifully designed teak vanity secretary desk by Arne Vodder, a celebrated figure in Danish modern design. This multi-functional piec...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

English Regency Style Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid Carlton House Desk
English Regency Style Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid Carlton House Desk

English Regency Style Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid Carlton House Desk

Located in Vero Beach, FL

English Regency style mahogany and satinwood inlaid Carlton house desk. Circa 1880 rare Carlton House desk, typical for the Regency period, is a beautiful piece of furniture. It i...

Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

George III Bureau Desk or Secretary Chest from the 18th Century
George III Bureau Desk or Secretary Chest from the 18th Century

George III Bureau Desk or Secretary Chest from the 18th Century

Located in Austin, TX

A fine George III slant top desk or bureau secretary chest of elm, oak and padouk woods, c.1780 - an inlaid slant front drops to reveal a series of small drawers and document compart...

Category

18th Century English George III Antique Secretaires

Materials

Metal, Brass

Biedermeier Applewood Secretary Cabinet with Mahogany Interior, Germany
Biedermeier Applewood Secretary Cabinet with Mahogany Interior, Germany

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...

Category

1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Fruitwood

Antique Early 19th Century Plantation Desk Secretary + Bookcase Hutch Cabinet
Antique Early 19th Century Plantation Desk Secretary + Bookcase Hutch Cabinet

Antique Early 19th Century Plantation Desk Secretary + Bookcase Hutch Cabinet

Located in Dayton, OH

An exceptional mid to early 19th century primitive American Plantation writing desk / hutch / cupboard / cabinet. Made from Pine and Poplar with a cherry finish. Featuring two piec...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Secretaires

Materials

Poplar, Pine

Antique German Biedermeier Secretaire, Cherrywood & Burlwood, c. 1820
Antique German Biedermeier Secretaire, Cherrywood & Burlwood, c. 1820

Antique German Biedermeier Secretaire, Cherrywood & Burlwood, c. 1820

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A 19th Century, antique German Biedermeier tall secretaire with a writing flap made of hand crafted shellac polished, partly veneered Cherrywood and Burlwood, in good condition. The ...

Category

Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Metal, Brass

Gustavian Secretary Desk in Black-Painted Pine – Sweden, c. 1790
Gustavian Secretary Desk in Black-Painted Pine – Sweden, c. 1790

Gustavian Secretary Desk in Black-Painted Pine – Sweden, c. 1790

Located in Kastrup, DK

Gustavian secretary desk crafted in black-painted pine with brass fittings. The upper section features a broken, architecturally structured pediment with a boldly profiled cornice, ...

Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Ebonized & Inlay Secretary
French 19th Century Ebonized & Inlay Secretary

French 19th Century Ebonized & Inlay Secretary

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

This French Louis XVI style drop front secretary from the 1800s has impressive etched brass inlay on its exterior, which is made even more dramatic by the deep ebonized finish. The t...

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Brass

19th Century Swedish Mahogany Chiffonje, Writing Agency - Cabinet by Karl Johan
19th Century Swedish Mahogany Chiffonje, Writing Agency - Cabinet by Karl Johan

19th Century Swedish Mahogany Chiffonje, Writing Agency - Cabinet by Karl Johan

By Karl Johan

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A 19th Century, antique Swedish Biedermeier writing agency, secretary table made of hand crafted polished, partly veneered Mahogany with a writing flap, designed by Karl-Johan in goo...

Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage Councill Secretary Desk
Vintage Councill Secretary Desk

Vintage Councill Secretary Desk

Located in Annville, PA

From Niagara Furniture a Vintage Councill Secretary Desk in very good, ready to use in your home, condition. With a sophisticated design this beautiful Vintage Councill Secretary De...

Category

1990s Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

French Art Deco Secretary Cabinet by André Arbus
French Art Deco Secretary Cabinet by André Arbus

French Art Deco Secretary Cabinet by André Arbus

By André Arbus

Located in grand Lancy, CH

Andre Arbus Sloping mahogany secreter with two drawers and a drop-leaf door. Sycamore maple interior with six small drawers and a central niche lined with parchment; gilt bronze knob...

Category

1940s French Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Antique English Fall Front Secretary Desk in Oak
Antique English Fall Front Secretary Desk in Oak

Antique English Fall Front Secretary Desk in Oak

Located in Meer, VAN

Antique Fall Front Secretary Desk in solid oak, England, late 18th to early 19th Century. This is a wonderful English antique fall front secretary desk in solid oak with brass fitti...

Category

Early 19th Century British George III Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Cabinet Bookshelf Teak 1960's Denmark
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Cabinet Bookshelf Teak 1960's Denmark

Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Cabinet Bookshelf Teak 1960's Denmark

By Hvidt & Mølgaard

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A classic, minimalist, open book case-cabinet by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Søborg DK. Beautiful teak with dovetail joints and nice details. The teak has turned to a dar...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Teak

19th Century Danish Black Painted Oak Secretary Bureau
19th Century Danish Black Painted Oak Secretary Bureau

19th Century Danish Black Painted Oak Secretary Bureau

Located in Round Top, TX

19th-century baroque oak secretary with a newer professionally applied black painted exterior finish, lightly distressed to reveal natural wood beneath. The interior is painted a con...

Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Baroque Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Roger Landault — “Junior” Secretary Desk for Meubles ABC, France, 1951
Roger Landault — “Junior” Secretary Desk for Meubles ABC, France, 1951

Roger Landault — “Junior” Secretary Desk for Meubles ABC, France, 1951

By Pierre Guariche, Marcel Gascoin, Rene Gabriel, Roger Landault

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

An exceptionally rare “Junior” secretary desk in light oak, designed by Roger Landault and produced by Meubles ABC, one of the most distinguished French furniture manufacturers of th...

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Oak

George III Mahogany Breakfront Bureau Bookcase
George III Mahogany Breakfront Bureau Bookcase

George III Mahogany Breakfront Bureau Bookcase

Located in Huntington, NY

This exceptional George III Mahogany Breakfront Bureau Bookcase with Glazed Doors, has wonderful flame & crotch grain Mahogany. Comprised of a large central cabinet, flanked by 2 sma...

Category

18th Century English George III Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

18th Century Dutch Burr Walnut Floral Marquetry Bureau
18th Century Dutch Burr Walnut Floral Marquetry Bureau

18th Century Dutch Burr Walnut Floral Marquetry Bureau

Located in London, GB

This is a wonderful antique late 18th century Dutch burr walnut and marquetry bombe' bureau. It has been accomplished in burr walnut, with exquisite hand cut floral marquetry typica...

Category

1780s Dutch Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Antique English Secretary Campaign Chest With Brass Hardware
Antique English Secretary Campaign Chest With Brass Hardware

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...

Category

19th Century English Campaign Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Antique Eastlake Chip Caved Walnut Barrel Roll Cylinder Secretary Desk c1890
Antique Eastlake Chip Caved Walnut Barrel Roll Cylinder Secretary Desk c1890

Antique Eastlake Chip Caved Walnut Barrel Roll Cylinder Secretary Desk c1890

Located in Big Flats, NY

***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique Eastlake Chip Caved Walnut Barrel Roll Cylinder Secretary Desk C1890. Measures - 87 1/2" x...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Danish Modern Rosewood Secretary Desk
Danish Modern Rosewood Secretary Desk

Danish Modern Rosewood Secretary Desk

Located in Fulton, CA

A Danish Modern drop-front or secretary desk with 3 drawers and writing surface. Beautiful rosewood grain with a deep and rich patina. Desk retains its original finish and is in exce...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Rosewood

19th Century Swedish Clock Secretary Circa 1820
19th Century Swedish Clock Secretary Circa 1820

19th Century Swedish Clock Secretary Circa 1820

Located in Atlanta, GA

This exceptional 19th-century Swedish clock secretary, circa 1820, combines functionality with timeless Gustavian elegance. Crafted from pine, this impressive piece features a beauti...

Category

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Empire Walnut Secretary
19th Century Empire Walnut Secretary

19th Century Empire Walnut Secretary

Located in Houston, TX

French first Empire period Secretaire à Abattant, also known as a drop-front secretary, fall front or cantilevered desk. Under the dark grey marble top is a secret, entablature drawe...

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

20th Century Swedish Birchwood Writing Agency - Chest Attributed to Axel Larsson
20th Century Swedish Birchwood Writing Agency - Chest Attributed to Axel Larsson

20th Century Swedish Birchwood Writing Agency - Chest Attributed to Axel Larsson

By Axel Larsson

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A vintage Swedish Art Deco secretary made of hand crafted polished, partly veneered Birchwood, designed most likely by Axel Larsson in good condition. The Scandinavian cupboard, cabi...

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Secretaires

Materials

Metal, Brass

George III English Antique Mahogany Bookcase Secretary Desk circa 1780
George III English Antique Mahogany Bookcase Secretary Desk circa 1780

George III English Antique Mahogany Bookcase Secretary Desk circa 1780

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of this distinguished George III Secretary Bookcase, a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship and refined proportions. Crafted with meticul...

Category

1790s English George III Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Louis Phillipe North German Fall-Front Secretary in Flame Mahogany, circa 1855
Louis Phillipe North German Fall-Front Secretary in Flame Mahogany, circa 1855

Louis Phillipe North German Fall-Front Secretary in Flame Mahogany, circa 1855

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

A captivating one of a kind Louis Phillip secretary in book-matched, flame mahogany with shaped, curvi-linear drawer fronts and faux drawer fronts on the fall-front and the sides. Of...

Category

Mid-19th Century German Louis Philippe Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Teak Secretary Desk
Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Teak Secretary Desk

Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Teak Secretary Desk

By Egon Ostergaard

Located in San Jose, CA

Vintage secretary desk in teak circa 1970's, made in Sweden. This piece is equipped with three deep storage drawers accessorized with sculpted wood handles. Features a roll top door ...

Category

1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Birch, Teak

Federal Style Flame Mahogany Secretary Desk / Display Cabinet & Brass Eagle
Federal Style Flame Mahogany Secretary Desk / Display Cabinet & Brass Eagle

Federal Style Flame Mahogany Secretary Desk / Display Cabinet & Brass Eagle

By Mahogany Associates

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a beautiful inlaid flame mahogany Federal style secretary desk with tambour doors. It has two glass shelves. The body has several areas with inlaid satinwood designs. It date...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Secretaires

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

George III Bureau Desk or Secretary Chest of Mahogany from the 18th Century
George III Bureau Desk or Secretary Chest of Mahogany from the 18th Century

George III Bureau Desk or Secretary Chest of Mahogany from the 18th Century

Located in Austin, TX

A fine George III slant top desk or bureau secretary chest of patinated mahogany, c.1770 - an inlaid slant front drops to reveal a series of small drawers and document compartments, ...

Category

18th Century English George III Antique Secretaires

Materials

Metal, Brass

Antique, New and Vintage Secretaires

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.