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Secretaires For Sale
Federal Style Inlaid Mahogany Ladies Tambour Writing Desk & Secretary.
Federal Style Inlaid Mahogany Ladies Tambour Writing Desk & Secretary.

Federal Style Inlaid Mahogany Ladies Tambour Writing Desk & Secretary.

Located in Vero Beach, FL

Federal Style Inlaid Mahogany Ladies Tambour Writing Desk & Secretary. An elegant Federal style ladies tambour writing desk and secretary. This classical two-piece case piece is mod...

Category

Early 20th Century English Federal Secretaires

Materials

Brass

19th Century German Biedermeier standing secretary desk walnut veneer
19th Century German Biedermeier standing secretary desk walnut veneer

19th Century German Biedermeier standing secretary desk walnut veneer

Located in Münster, DE

Biedermeier standing secretary desk, walnut veneer, beautifully mirrored veneer, architectural interior with maple and burl maple veneer, mirrored compartment and secret compartment...

Category

1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Walnut

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

An antique Swedish bureau in antique white.
An antique Swedish bureau in antique white.

An antique Swedish bureau in antique white.

Located in Atlanta, GA

An antique Swedish bureau in antique white. This piece of furniture consists of two stacked sections. The upper section is a bureau with a flap ...

Category

1850s Swedish Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Vintage Henning Kjaernulf Oak Secretary Bureau with Drop Desk Denmark 1970s
Vintage Henning Kjaernulf Oak Secretary Bureau with Drop Desk Denmark 1970s

Vintage Henning Kjaernulf Oak Secretary Bureau with Drop Desk Denmark 1970s

By Henning Kjærnulf

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This oak secretary bureau combines a drop-front writing surface with six small interior drawers and three full-width lower drawers. Sculpted legs and a shaped apron add character to ...

Category

1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Oak

Danish 18th Century Bow-Fronted Rococo Secretary
Danish 18th Century Bow-Fronted Rococo Secretary

Danish 18th Century Bow-Fronted Rococo Secretary

Located in Atlanta, GA

Made in Denmark in the eighteenth century, this bow-fronted rococo secretary has been repainted in black with a blue interior. The rococo form, with its curved bow front, is seen her...

Category

18th Century Danish Rococo Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Antique Folk Art Secretary Desk from Northern Sweden with Original Blue Paint
Antique Folk Art Secretary Desk from Northern Sweden with Original Blue Paint

Antique Folk Art Secretary Desk from Northern Sweden with Original Blue Paint

Located in Kramfors, SE

Antique folk art secretary desk from northern Sweden made by hand in solid pine around 1850. Untouched original condition with unusual light blue paint. The desk has an interior with...

Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Folk Art Antique Secretaires

Materials

Pine

Rare 1920's English Art Deco Curved Secretaire Desk Bureau in Oak
Rare 1920's English Art Deco Curved Secretaire Desk Bureau in Oak

Rare 1920's English Art Deco Curved Secretaire Desk Bureau in Oak

Located in Leicester, GB

1920's bureaux with a host of three drawers with wooden handles. The desk can be closed with an attractive rounded lid. The desk area is lined with leather and has a tiny drawer for ...

Category

1920s British Art Deco Vintage 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

À battant” secretary desk Jean Nicolas Adriaansen Antwerp ca. 1825/30
À battant” secretary desk Jean Nicolas Adriaansen Antwerp ca. 1825/30

À battant” secretary desk Jean Nicolas Adriaansen Antwerp ca. 1825/30

Located in Münster, DE

“À battant” secretary desk, Jean Nicolas Adriaansen, Antwerp, ca. 1825/30 Mahogany, solid and veneered, symmetrically designed body with full columns and bronze capitals, top draw...

Category

1820s French Empire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Bronze

18th century Swedish Gustavian secretary cabinet
18th century Swedish Gustavian secretary cabinet

18th century Swedish Gustavian secretary cabinet

Located in Atlanta, GA

An elegant late 18th century Swedish Gustavian secretary cabinet, handcrafted in pine and finished in a softly distressed original white paint with beautiful age and patina throughou...

Category

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood

1960’s Italian Inlaid Secretaire
1960’s Italian Inlaid Secretaire

1960’s Italian Inlaid Secretaire

Located in Bradenton, FL

An Italian inlaid Venetian-style secretaire, circa 1960. Decorated throughout with walnut veneers, the drop front desk and two serpentine drawers are inlaid with satinwood marquetry ...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Burl & Carved Walnut Slant Front Marquetry Secretary Desk c1900
Burl & Carved Walnut Slant Front Marquetry Secretary Desk c1900

Burl & Carved Walnut Slant Front Marquetry Secretary Desk c1900

Located in Big Flats, NY

This exquisite antique secretary desk, crafted circa 1900, showcases a sophisticated combination of burl walnut and carved walnut construction. The piece features a distinctive slant...

Category

Early 20th Century Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Biedermeier Cherrywood Secretaire, Germany, circa 1825
Biedermeier Cherrywood Secretaire, Germany, circa 1825

Biedermeier Cherrywood Secretaire, Germany, circa 1825

Located in Stahnsdorf, DE

A fine German Biedermeier secretaire dating to circa 1825, distinguished by its elegant architectural form and beautifully preserved period cherrywood veneer. The restrained design ...

Category

1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Cherry, Pine

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

George III Period Mahogany Bureau Desk / Bookcase, late 18th / early 19thc
George III Period Mahogany Bureau Desk / Bookcase, late 18th / early 19thc

George III Period Mahogany Bureau Desk / Bookcase, late 18th / early 19thc

Located in Houston, TX

An exceptional English George III period mahogany bureau bookcase, circa 1790. This classic two-body secretary features a slender, well-proportioned silhouette. This versatile piece...

Category

Late 18th Century British George III Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

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

19th Century Danish Biedermeier Secretary with Secret Compartements, circa 1830
19th Century Danish Biedermeier Secretary with Secret Compartements, circa 1830

19th Century Danish Biedermeier Secretary with Secret Compartements, circa 1830

Located in Greven, DE

Antique Biedermeier secretary desk with numerous secret compartments Denmark Mahogany, etc. c. 1830 Dimensions: H x W x D: 189 x 108 x 59 cm Description: Antique Scandinavian Bied...

Category

19th Century Danish Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

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

Antique American Federal Hepplewhite Mahogany Slant Drop Front Secretary Desk
Antique American Federal Hepplewhite Mahogany Slant Drop Front Secretary Desk

Antique American Federal Hepplewhite Mahogany Slant Drop Front Secretary Desk

Located in Dayton, OH

This antique American Federal period Hepplewhite slant-front desk is meticulously crafted from warm, richly grained mahogany dating back to the early 19th century (circa 1800–1820). ...

Category

19th Century American Federal Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

19th Century German Biedermeier Secretaire with Hidden Compartement, circa 1835
19th Century German Biedermeier Secretaire with Hidden Compartement, circa 1835

19th Century German Biedermeier Secretaire with Hidden Compartement, circa 1835

Located in Greven, DE

Antique Biedermeier secretary desk Rhineland Walnut, etc. Biedermeier, c. 1835 Dimensions: H x W x D: 163 x 108 x 50 cm Description: The tall, rectangular cabinet body rests on ro...

Category

Mid-19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut, Burl

French Provincial Style Secretary Desk with Marquetry Inlays and Key
French Provincial Style Secretary Desk with Marquetry Inlays and Key

French Provincial Style Secretary Desk with Marquetry Inlays and Key

Located in Soquel, CA

French Provincial Style Walnut Secretary Desk with Marquetry Inlays and Key. Original Finish.

Category

1860s French Provincial Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Tesselated Black Marble Stone and Brass Inlay Secretaire by Maitland-Smith
Tesselated Black Marble Stone and Brass Inlay Secretaire by Maitland-Smith

Tesselated Black Marble Stone and Brass Inlay Secretaire by Maitland-Smith

Located in Casteren, NL

A monumental secretaire made by Maitland-Smith in the late 20th century. The whole piece was decorated with tessellated black marble and solid brass inlaid Greek key pattern. The low...

Category

1980s Philippine Greek Revival Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Brass

Late 18th-Century Swedish Secretary, c. 1780-90
Late 18th-Century Swedish Secretary, c. 1780-90

Late 18th-Century Swedish Secretary, c. 1780-90

Located in Kastrup, DK

Beautiful Gustavian secrétaire desk / bureau crafted in oak and finished in a decorative light blue hue with an attractive patina. The piece is constructed in two sections, with an ...

Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass, Iron

18th Century French Louis XVI Marquetry Secretaire Desk in Mahogany
18th Century French Louis XVI Marquetry Secretaire Desk in Mahogany

18th Century French Louis XVI Marquetry Secretaire Desk in Mahogany

Located in Winter Park, FL

An 18th century French Louis XVI marquetry secretaire, or secretary desk with bookcase. Beautifully made with book matched veneer of mahogany and fine inlay of walnut and mahogany. I...

Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

19th Century English Sheraton Mahogany Secretary Desk, 1820
19th Century English Sheraton Mahogany Secretary Desk, 1820

19th Century English Sheraton Mahogany Secretary Desk, 1820

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A slender mahogany bureau bookcase with secretary desk, made in England, circa 1820. The secretary’s upper body is crowned with a broken pediment–a classic Sheraton feature–above gla...

Category

19th Century English Sheraton Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Swedish Gustavian Style Secretary and Vitrine
Swedish Gustavian Style Secretary and Vitrine

Swedish Gustavian Style Secretary and Vitrine

Located in Atlanta, GA

A beautifully crafted Swedish Gustavian style secretary vitrine finished in hand-painted black with a softly aged character. The upper cabinet features glazed doors opening to displa...

Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Glass, Wood

19th Century English Gothic Revival Slant-Top Secretary
19th Century English Gothic Revival Slant-Top Secretary

19th Century English Gothic Revival Slant-Top Secretary

Located in Allerum, SE

19th-Century English Gothic / Renaissance Revival Ebonized Oak Slant-Top Secretary. Constructed from oak with a dark ebonized finish, this slant-top secretary desk features extensi...

Category

18th Century English Gothic Revival Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Federal Cherrywood Bureau Cabinet / Desk, circa 1790
Federal Cherrywood Bureau Cabinet / Desk, circa 1790

Federal Cherrywood Bureau Cabinet / Desk, circa 1790

Located in Houston, TX

This Federal Cherrywood Bureau cabinet dates to 1790. It is a beautifully preserved example of early American Federal craftsmanship. The piece combines graceful proportions, warm p...

Category

Late 19th Century American Federal Antique Secretaires

Materials

Cherry

Swedish Rococo Black Painted Fall Front Bureau, Circa 1770
Swedish Rococo Black Painted Fall Front Bureau, Circa 1770

Swedish Rococo Black Painted Fall Front Bureau, Circa 1770

Located in Kastrup, DK

Swedish Rococo fall front bureau crafted in the distinctive Scandinavian Rococo style, featuring elegantly curved sides and balanced proportions. The fall front opens to reveal a bea...

Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century French Provincial Pine Secretary
Early 19th Century French Provincial Pine Secretary

Early 19th Century French Provincial Pine Secretary

Located in Astoria, NY

An early 19th century French Provincial pine secretary, sourced in Provence, France. Constructed in solid pine and retaining a warm, naturally aged surface, the piece has a beautiful...

Category

1820s French French Provincial Antique Secretaires

Materials

Pine

George III Double Secretary Bookcase of Mahogany
George III Double Secretary Bookcase of Mahogany

George III Double Secretary Bookcase of Mahogany

Located in Austin, TX

A fine English double secretary bookcase of mahogany from the late Georgian era, c.1780, featuring a crown moulded top with two astragal glazed doors, each side opening to four long ...

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass, Metal

Antique Gentleman's Bureau, English, Walnut, Writing Desk, Secretaire, Georgian
Antique Gentleman's Bureau, English, Walnut, Writing Desk, Secretaire, Georgian

Antique Gentleman's Bureau, English, Walnut, Writing Desk, Secretaire, Georgian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique gentleman's bureau. A fine English, walnut writing desk or secretaire, dating to the Georgian period, circa 1760. Wonderful Georgian example, with a delightful v...

Category

Mid-18th Century British Georgian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

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

18th Century Original Painted Writing Desk Secretary, Sweden
18th Century Original Painted Writing Desk Secretary, Sweden

18th Century Original Painted Writing Desk Secretary, Sweden

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

A late 18th Century Folk Art Baroque Scandinavian original painted writing desk secretary. This unique antique storage piece from Sweden features mounted original iron handles as wel...

Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Baroque Antique Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

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

Mid 19th Century French Louis-Philippe Secretaire a abbattant, Ash Burl, c. 1840
Mid 19th Century French Louis-Philippe Secretaire a abbattant, Ash Burl, c. 1840

Mid 19th Century French Louis-Philippe Secretaire a abbattant, Ash Burl, c. 1840

Located in Greven, DE

Antique French Louis-Philippe secretary desk France Figured ash c. 1840 Dimensions: H x W x D: 140 x 102 x 41 cm Description: A French writing desk, known as a ‘secrétaire à abatt...

Category

1840s French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaires

Materials

Ash

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

Antique German Biedermeier Secretaire, Cherrywood & Burlwood, 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 Venetian Lacquer Painted Secretary Bookcase Desk
19th Century Venetian Lacquer Painted Secretary Bookcase Desk

19th Century Venetian Lacquer Painted Secretary Bookcase Desk

Located in Rio Vista, CA

An elegant and imposing late 19th century two-part Italian secretary bookcase cabinet or desk crafted in the Venetian and Rococo Revival period styles. The piece features a beautiful...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Rococo Revival Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Paint, Glass

Mid-19th Century Swedish Painted Secretary in Pine, circa 1840–1850
Mid-19th Century Swedish Painted Secretary in Pine, circa 1840–1850

Mid-19th Century Swedish Painted Secretary in Pine, circa 1840–1850

Located in Atlanta, GA

This classic Swedish antique secretary dates to the mid-19th century and exemplifies the restrained elegance of Scandinavian furniture from the period. Crafted in pine and finished i...

Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Secretaires

Materials

Pine

Parma Blue Doge Secretary with Gold Chinoiserie Dresser
Parma Blue Doge Secretary with Gold Chinoiserie Dresser

Parma Blue Doge Secretary with Gold Chinoiserie Dresser

By Porte Italia

Located in Milan, IT

The Parma Blue Doge secretary showcases exquisite chinoiserie artistry with delicate golden figures and serene landscapes. Its elegant double-door top reveals an interior in calming ...

Category

2010s Italian Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Mahogany Veneer Drop-Front Secretary Desk by René-Jean Caillette
Mahogany Veneer Drop-Front Secretary Desk by René-Jean Caillette

Mahogany Veneer Drop-Front Secretary Desk by René-Jean Caillette

By Marcel Gascoin, Rene Gabriel, René-Jean Caillette, Pierre Guariche

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

A beautiful drop-front secretary desk in mahogany veneer, designed by René-Jean Caillette for Rosier SNA furniture, stamped on the back and dating from the 1950s. This piece exemplif...

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire, Antique Desk from Germany, Circa 1830
Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire, Antique Desk from Germany, Circa 1830

Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire, Antique Desk from Germany, Circa 1830

Located in Darmstadt, DE

This stunning Biedermeier secretary desk is an authentic antique piece crafted from walnut wood, both inside and out. Dating back to the early 19th century, this masterpiece showcase...

Category

Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Pine, Walnut

Victorian Mahogany Fall Front Secretaire Desk, Antique, 1890
Victorian Mahogany Fall Front Secretaire Desk, Antique, 1890

Victorian Mahogany Fall Front Secretaire Desk, Antique, 1890

Located in Leicester, GB

This is a wonderful English antique fall front secretary desk with Mahogany finish. The secretaire is elegantly designed with beautiful sculpted feet. Beautiful colour and patina to ...

Category

1890s British Victorian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany, Pine

French 19th Century Louis Philippe Flame Mahogany Marble Top Secretaire
French 19th Century Louis Philippe Flame Mahogany Marble Top Secretaire

French 19th Century Louis Philippe Flame Mahogany Marble Top Secretaire

Located in Carmine, TX

French 19th-century Louis Philippe secretary crafted in richly figured flame mahogany, featuring a dramatic bookmatched grain, paneled fall-front writing desk, lower cabinet storage,...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Early 20th century Dutch Marquetry Trumeau Library Cabinet with Drop-Front Desk
Early 20th century Dutch Marquetry Trumeau Library Cabinet with Drop-Front Desk

Early 20th century Dutch Marquetry Trumeau Library Cabinet with Drop-Front Desk

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Early 20th century Dutch marquetry trumeau library cabinet with drop-front desk, finely crafted in burl walnut and richly decorated with detailed floral marquetry inlay throughout. T...

Category

1930s Dutch Baroque Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Walnut, Burl

Antique Early George II Inlaid Mahogany Secretaire Chest 18th Century
Antique Early George II Inlaid Mahogany Secretaire Chest 18th Century

Antique Early George II Inlaid Mahogany Secretaire Chest 18th Century

Located in London, GB

This is a beautiful antique George II flame mahogany and floral marquetry secretaire chest of drawers, circa 1760 in date. The chest is fitted with brass handles, the drawer bears t...

Category

Late 18th Century English George II Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

George III Mahogany Secretary
George III Mahogany Secretary

George III Mahogany Secretary

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

George III mahogany secretary, circa 1800. The pediment with dental moldings, two glass doors with through mullions, a slant top, desk interior with central prospect door flanked by ...

Category

Early 1800s English George III Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Antique Queen Anne Secretary Desk 19th Century
Antique Queen Anne Secretary Desk 19th Century

Antique Queen Anne Secretary Desk 19th Century

Located in Fulton, CA

A 19th century Queen Anne secretary desk crafted in solid mahogany with flame mahogany detail. Fitted interior with pigeon hole and drawer storage...

Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Queen Anne Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Industrial Style Iron Gunmetal Finish Secretary Cabinet 8.5 Ft.
Industrial Style Iron Gunmetal Finish Secretary Cabinet 8.5 Ft.

Industrial Style Iron Gunmetal Finish Secretary Cabinet 8.5 Ft.

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Imposing industrial style secretary bookcase cabinet with a 2 part construction. Crafted in India from iron featuring a dark gunmetal finish. The top has an arched bonnet fronted by ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Industrial Secretaires

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique Georgian Mahogany Bookcase Secretary Collectors Doctors Cabinet 1790
Antique Georgian Mahogany Bookcase Secretary Collectors Doctors Cabinet 1790

Antique Georgian Mahogany Bookcase Secretary Collectors Doctors Cabinet 1790

Located in Portland, OR

A very rare antique George III English Mahogany secretary bookcase, with a fitted collector's or doctor's cabinet to the base, circa 1790. The bookcase in two sections; the top section with a flared cornice with a frieze of dentil molding below, the bookcase with twin glazed doors with intersecting curvilenear astragals, the doors enclosing a pair of adjustable shelves. The base having a deep drawer with a locking fall front desk, fitted with a tooled & gilded leather writing surface, and a fitted interior with pigeonholes with removable doors and drawers each fitted with an oval gilded name label. Below are a pair of locking doors enclosing an elaborately fitted interior; comprising one long shallow tray shaped drawer above a host of 13 drawers of various sizes, all with the original brass hardware and corresponding oval gilded name tag, to the left side is a file space. The secretary bookcase is raised on bracket feet with a shaped skirt, it is made from the finest figured Cuban mahogany, all original finish and hardware. Georgian bookcase secretaries...

Category

1790s English Georgian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Early 19th Century Danish Black Painted Oak Baroque Secretary
Early 19th Century Danish Black Painted Oak Baroque Secretary

Early 19th Century Danish Black Painted Oak Baroque Secretary

Located in Round Top, TX

Early 19th century tall Danish Baroque secretary, crafted in oak. A newer professionally applied black painted finish is distressed throughout, revealing areas of the natural wood an...

Category

1780s Danish Baroque Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

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

19th Century Danish Oak Blue Painted Secretary Bureau

Located in Round Top, TX

This oak rococo secretary reflects the grace and class of European styling in the early 1800's. The dramatic serpentine drawers with curvaceous front add a romantic touch, all restin...

Category

Early 19th Century Danish Rococo Antique Secretaires

Materials

Oak, Paint

18th Century English Pine Georgian Slant-Front Bureau Secretary Desk
18th Century English Pine Georgian Slant-Front Bureau Secretary Desk

18th Century English Pine Georgian Slant-Front Bureau Secretary Desk

Located in Houston, TX

A handsome late 18th-century English Georgian slant-front bureau crafted in pine, retaining a wonderfully warm, mellow surface and understated character. The fall-front opens to rev...

Category

Late 18th Century British Georgian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Fruitwood, Pine

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.