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Secretaires For Sale
Rare Gunnel Nyman for Boman Secretaire in Pyramid Mahogany
Rare Gunnel Nyman for Boman Secretaire in Pyramid Mahogany

Rare Gunnel Nyman for Boman Secretaire in Pyramid Mahogany

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Gunnel Anita Gustafsson-Nyman for Oy Boman Ab, secretaire, pyramid mahogany, Finland, ca. 1937 The Finnish artist Gunnel Anita Gustafsson-Nyman (1909–1948) is best known for her gl...

Category

1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Brass

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

Italian Venetian Pink Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Cabinet
Italian Venetian Pink Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Cabinet

Italian Venetian Pink Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Cabinet

Located in LOS ANGELES, CA

Italian Venetian Pink Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Cabinet. It is beautifully hand painted with yellow inside and pink outside. It comes apart in two p...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

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 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

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

Early 19th Century Danish Black Painted Secretary Bureau

Located in Round Top, TX

Late 18th-century Danish bureau or secretary featuring a newer professionally applied black layered painted finish, lightly distressed to reveal natural oak beneath and suit the age ...

Category

Early 19th Century Danish Rococo Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

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

18th Century Italian Painted Drop Front Secretaire
18th Century Italian Painted Drop Front Secretaire

18th Century Italian Painted Drop Front Secretaire

Located in Charleston, SC

18th century large Italian charming rustic later painted drop front secretary with multiple cubby holes and drawers above two large base drawers on short tapered legs. circa 1780, It...

Category

18th Century Italian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Iron

English Antique Oak Secretaire, Arts and Crafts Style, UK, 1910
English Antique Oak Secretaire, Arts and Crafts Style, UK, 1910

English Antique Oak Secretaire, Arts and Crafts Style, UK, 1910

Located in Leicester, GB

A beautiful solid oak English antique secretaire / bureau. There's a space for a laptop and a slim drawer under the table section. Lovely curved shape with ski feet. Bureaux size...

Category

1910s British Arts and Crafts Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Oak

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Bureau in Dry-Scraped Pine
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Bureau in Dry-Scraped Pine

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Bureau in Dry-Scraped Pine

Located in Mckinney, TX

18th-century Swedish bureau crafted in pine with a fixed, writing-height top and original dry-scraped surface. Multiple small drawers over deeper storage below, finished with simple ...

Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Pine, Paint

Swedish bureau with beautiful details in black
Swedish bureau with beautiful details in black

Swedish bureau with beautiful details in black

Located in Atlanta, GA

This Swedish painted bureau dates to the mid-19th century, circa 1840–1860, and represents a restrained yet elegant example of Scandinavian case furniture. Finished in a deep black p...

Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood

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

George II Style Burl Walnut & Oak Slant-Front Diminutive Secretary Bookcase
George II Style Burl Walnut & Oak Slant-Front Diminutive Secretary Bookcase

George II Style Burl Walnut & Oak Slant-Front Diminutive Secretary Bookcase

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A George II style burl walnut and oak slant front secretary bookcase with the upper case featuring a molded crown over a wide frieze, with a large single cabinet door with brass shie...

Category

18th Century George II Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pyramid Secretary, Southwestern Germany, 1835
Pyramid Secretary, Southwestern Germany, 1835

Pyramid Secretary, Southwestern Germany, 1835

Located in New York, NY

Biedermeier secretary with pyramidal case. The piece rests on plinth legs and features three drawers of varying heights in the lower section. The flat writing flap is decorated with ...

Category

Early 19th Century Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Maple

Secretary Desk In English Style With Drop-Front & Display Cabinet In Mahogany
Secretary Desk In English Style With Drop-Front & Display Cabinet In Mahogany

Secretary Desk In English Style With Drop-Front & Display Cabinet In Mahogany

Located in Lejre, DK

Secretary desk in mahogany with drop-front and display cabinet in classic English style from around 1890. Elegant and functional antique furniture. — Origin: England / Europe — Peri...

Category

1890s English Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

Scandinavian 18th Century Bureau, c.1790
Scandinavian 18th Century Bureau, c.1790

Scandinavian 18th Century Bureau, c.1790

Located in Atlanta, GA

A refined Scandinavian bureau dating to circa 1790, crafted in pine with a beautifully aged painted finish that reflects the understated elegance of late 18th-century Northern Europe...

Category

Late 18th Century Scandinavian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood

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

Antique Danish Pine Drop-Front Secretary with Upper Cabinet, Mid 19th Century
Antique Danish Pine Drop-Front Secretary with Upper Cabinet, Mid 19th Century

Antique Danish Pine Drop-Front Secretary with Upper Cabinet, Mid 19th Century

Located in Odense, DK

A charming Antique Danish drop-front secretary in solid pine, dating to the mid 19th century. The piece features a well-balanced architectural composition with a lower drop-front wri...

Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Antique Secretaires

Materials

Iron

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

Slant Front Secretary Bookcase In French Country Style
Slant Front Secretary Bookcase In French Country Style

Slant Front Secretary Bookcase In French Country Style

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Very well made and finished slant front secretary on four carved saber form legs with carved, scalloped apron. The case is fitted with a pair of long drawers, with gilt foliate form ...

Category

20th Century French Provincial 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 Cees Braakman, Pastoe

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

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

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

Early 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Bureau
Early 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Bureau

Early 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Bureau

Located in Round Top, TX

Early 19th century Swedish Biedermeier mahogany secretary featuring a drop-front desk and three lower drawers. Constructed with mahogany veneer throughout, the drawers retain lionhea...

Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

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

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

19th-Century Swedish Painted Secretary in Blue with White Highlights, circa 1830
19th-Century Swedish Painted Secretary in Blue with White Highlights, circa 1830

19th-Century Swedish Painted Secretary in Blue with White Highlights, circa 1830

Located in Atlanta, GA

A refined 19th-century Swedish secretary, beautifully painted in soft blue with subtle white highlights that accentuate its clean lines and understated Scandinavian elegance. The s...

Category

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Original Painted Secretary Bureau, Dated 1850
19th Century Swedish Original Painted Secretary Bureau, Dated 1850

19th Century Swedish Original Painted Secretary Bureau, Dated 1850

Located in Round Top, TX

19th-century Swedish pine secretary or "bureau" retaining its original "Allmoge" painted decoration, dated 1850 with monogram noted on the interior right door and central drawer. The...

Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Country Antique Secretaires

Materials

Pine, Paint

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

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

Early 19th Century Swedish Secretary
Early 19th Century Swedish Secretary

Early 19th Century Swedish Secretary

Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

Early 19th Century Swedish secretary. Doors carved with decorative detailing and opening to shelf storage. Below, a fall front desk space with nine various size drawers for storage. ...

Category

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood

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

Midcentury French Style Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary Desk / Cabinet
Midcentury French Style Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary Desk / Cabinet

Midcentury French Style Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary Desk / Cabinet

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a midcentury French style hand painted chinoiserie secretary with a unique bombe form base and glass top. It works so well for both display and functional desk. It is unmarke...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Leather, Glass, Lacquer

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

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 Rene Gabriel, Pierre Guariche, Marcel Gascoin, 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

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

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

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

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

Mid-20th Century Danish Oak Drop-Front Secretary Desk
Mid-20th Century Danish Oak Drop-Front Secretary Desk

Mid-20th Century Danish Oak Drop-Front Secretary Desk

Located in Nørre Aaby, DK

An elegant Danish secretary desk from the mid-20th century, crafted in beautifully grained oak with a warm, rich patina. The classic fall-front reveals a practical writing surface, i...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Italian Venetian Hand Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
Mid-Century Italian Venetian Hand Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

Mid-Century Italian Venetian Hand Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a beautiful piece. This is a lovely mid-century Italian chinoiserie secretary desk. The coral and gilt interior makes such a vibrant statement. Each panel of the serpentine f...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Poplar

Baroque Bureau / secretary In Walnut from Northern Germany
Baroque Bureau / secretary In Walnut from Northern Germany

Baroque Bureau / secretary In Walnut from Northern Germany

Located in Kastrup, DK

An elegant and architecturally refined 18th-century Baroque secretary desk crafted in oak and beautifully veneered with mirror-cut walnut in a classic and distinctive Baroque design....

Category

Mid-18th Century German Baroque Antique Secretaires

Materials

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.