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Secretaires For Sale
Period: 20th Century
Period: 19th Century
Early 19th Century Secretary, Birch and Birch burl veneered
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Secretary Desk, circa 1820, Braunschweig
An exceptional secretary desk from around 1820, crafted in Braunschweig. This elegant piece is made of birch and birch burl, veneered with f...
Category
1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Birch
Spectacular masterspiece ladies writing secretary desk Napoleon III, 1860 France
Located in Wien, AT
A masterpiece of French craftsmanship - a Napoleon III era ladies writing secretary desk, circa 1860.
The piece of furniture has a slender, high structure, with a richly decorated f...
Category
1860s French Antique Secretaires
Materials
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Italian Marquetry Marble Top Commode Secretary Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Finely detailed with exquisite marquetry, this Italian commode secretary features a beautiful gray green marble top and drop front desk behind a faux drawer, revealing a burlwood int...
Category
20th Century Italian Secretaires
Materials
Leather, Mahogany, Satinwood, Burl
Solid Dark Mahogany Ball & Claw Chippendale Style Secretary Desk Bureau Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Dark Mahogany Ball & Claw Chippendale Style Secretary Desk Bureau Cabinet CLEAN!
Category
20th Century American Chippendale Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Secretary, Danish Teak desk model 37 by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Mobelfabrik
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Very pretty secretary, scriban, Scandinavian.
3 large drawers on the lower part (the top drawer locks with keys) a folding door which serves as a desk and locks with a key, it opens...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Very Fine Antique Secretary Bookcase with Brass Eagle Crest
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Well constructed with fine mahogany veneer with Federal style brass eagle finial on a pedestal. The carved cornice with urn form finials over a carv...
Category
Late 19th Century Federal Antique Secretaires
Materials
Leather, Glass, Mahogany
A Beautiful & Rare Napoleon III 19th Century, Chinese Lacquer & Gilt Secretaire
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Beautiful & Rare Napoleon III 19th Century, Chinese Lacquer & Gilt Secretaire On Lion Paw Feet
A fall front reveals a letter rack and inkwells and pen holder...
Category
19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Antique Diminutive Renaissance Revival Walnut & Burl Cylinder Secretary, c1880
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Renaissance Revival diminutive cylinder desk offers walnut and burl construction with upper case having carved cartouche over double glass door bookcase...
Category
Late 19th Century European Renaissance Revival Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut, Glass
19th Century Lion Secretary Empire Berlin
Located in Berlin, DE
Cuba mahogany on solid oak and softwood partly ebonized. High-rise, architecturally designed corpus. In the front three drawers of different sizes. Straight writing board, behind it ...
Category
Early 19th Century German Empire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Empire Secretary Desk, Germany 1810
Located in Belmont, MA
German Empire Secretary Desk, circa 1810–1820 – Walnut Veneer, Brass Details, Shellac Finish
This elegant early 19th-century Empire secretary desk was crafted in Germany between 1810 and 1820. It features exquisite book-matched walnut veneer with rich, natural grain patterns that highlight the refined craftsmanship of the Empire style.
The lower section includes two paneled doors that open to reveal three spacious interior drawers, offering ample concealed storage. The upper section features a fall-front writing flap, which opens to a well-organized interior with several small drawers and open compartments—ideal for correspondence and personal items. Above this is a wide additional drawer for extra storage.
Two striking full-length columns with brass capitals and bases frame the piece, adding a classical architectural touch. The entire desk has been beautifully restored with a traditional hand-applied shellac polish, enhancing its depth and sheen while preserving its historic character.
Key Features:
Authentic Empire period desk, Germany, circa 1810–1820
Book-matched walnut veneer
Original architectural details: brass-mounted columns
Writing flap with interior drawers and compartments
Large drawer above writing section
Fully restored with hand-applied shellac polish
Ships from Germany – shipping to Boston included
This antique Empire secretary desk...
Category
1810s German Empire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Oak Bureau with Ceramic Handles by Guillerme & Chambron, France, 1960s
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Guillerme et Chambron, 1960 secertary cabinet with ceramic handles by Boleslaw Danikowski. Votre Maison Edition.
We can organize fast shipping fo...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Ceramic, Oak
19th Century English Walnut Bookcase or Secretary
Located in Savannah, GA
This is a bookcase / secretary or Bureau bookcase, made in England, circa 1825. There is a Pagoda Shaped layered crown molding to the top of the piece (very unusual). There is a pair...
Category
1820s English George IV Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Louis XVI Style Dutch Chinoiserie Secretary and High Chest
Located in Greven, DE
Pair of chinoiserie furniture - secretary and chiffonier
The Netherlands
Satinwood and others, lacquered panels
around 1890
Dimensions: H x W x D: 130 x 63 x 39 cm
Description:
Ve...
Category
Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Secretaires
Materials
Satinwood
Hepplewhite Style Apprentice Miniature Secretary Chest
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a stunning Hepplewhite style apprentice miniature secretary chest.
Made in England circa 1900-10 this piece is a miniature of much la...
Category
Early 20th Century English Hepplewhite Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Rare Two Piece Antique Dutch Marquetry Secretary Desk Cabinet with Mirrored Door
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a truly unique and rare form of secretary abatant in Flemish or Dutch marquetry. The marquetry is done in walnut and satinwood and features a...
Category
Early 1900s Dutch Dutch Colonial Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mirror, Satinwood, Walnut
Midcentury Danish teak secretary, vanity /Make up table By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Midcentury Danish vintage teak secretary, vanity /Make up table By Arne Wahl Iversen, 1960s
Usable as: desk / office / secretary / closet / dresser / Make up Table
Dimensions:
45 ...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Teak
Early 19th c. French Empire Flame Mahogany Drop Front Secretary Desk
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Early 19th c. French Empire Flame Mahogany Drop Front Secretary Desk. Gray black marble top. Bronze hardware. Unfortunately at this time we do not have keys but we are continuing to ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Country French Louis XVI Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Country French Louis XVI Secretary represents the essence of efficiency with a flair for style! Hand-crafted from solid oak, i...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Teak Secretary by Gunnar Falsig 1960s
Located in Asaa, DK
Scandinavian Modern teak secretaire by Gunnar Falsig 1960s.
Mid-century Modern Danish secretaire with curved front. Very elegant and versatile, both a writing desk and a chest of dr...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Teak
Intarsia Secretary
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted, this piece has been obviously been designed and created with love. Elegant intarsia inlays adorn the outside of this case piece. Inside hides a whimsical array of storag...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Birch
English 19th Century Walnut Campaign Butler's Desk with Three Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English walnut Campaign butler's desk from the 19th century with writing area, three drawers, bracket feet and brass hardware. This 19th-century English walnut Campaign butler's d...
Category
19th Century English Campaign Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Biedermeier secretaire, circa 1830
Located in London, GB
A Biedermeier secre´taire a` abattant of unusual tapered form, goncalo alves with ebonized, inlaid and pewter decoration, and an enclosed fitted interior, Russian/Baltic, circa 1830.
Category
1820s Baltic Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Pewter
Biedermeier Cylinder Roll Top Desk with drawers
By Biedermeier
Located in Pasadena, TX
A fine example of a classic Biedermeier design desk. Clad in fine mahogany veneer and sophisticatedly book matched, the roll top is just the beginning. The interior is done in a beau...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
19th Century Louis XV Chinoiserie Writing Desk
Located in Charlottesville, VA
This petite desk has the most charming decoration. It is done in chinoiserie.
Category
19th Century French Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Paint
Georgian Style Walnut & carved Bureau
Located in Dereham, GB
Georgian Style Walnut & carved Bureau
circa 1930s
Walnut Veneer on top
Burr Walnut Veneer on Fall with Walnut Cross Banding
Working Lock with Key, Open to Reveal :
Centre cupboard, 2...
Category
1930s British George II Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Russian Antique Veneered Mahogany Secretary by Heinrich Gambs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Russian secretary with a writing flap made of hand crafted shellac polished, partly veneered Mahogany, designed and produced by Heinrich G...
Category
Early 19th Century Russian Empire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Metal, Brass
Louis XVI Style Fall Top Secretaire
Located in Belmont, MA
Louis XVI style fall top secretaire, France second half of the 19th century, mahogany veneer with white marble top. In very good condition.
The se...
Category
1890s French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Scandinavian Modern Teak Drop Front Desk Secretary in a Box, 1960-2000
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome MCM (a.k.a. Mid-Century Modern) vintage Scandinavian Modern drop front desk or secretary in a box. It is in wonderful vintage condition. There...
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Materials
Teak
Louis XVI Style Parquetry Secrétaire, circa 1890
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Louis XVI style gilt bronze mounted parquetry and marquetry fall-front Secrétaire with a marble top.
Stamped to the carcass ‘10298’.
This elegantly shaped Secrétaire is deco...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
English Fall-Front Secretary Desk in Carved Oak, Circa 1800
Located in North Miami, FL
This piece just took our breath away - all the carved wood details and medallions are master craftsman quality. See all detail images to truly appreciate what an excellent antique pi...
Category
Early 19th Century English British Colonial Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Dutch Walnut Miniature Secretaire Bookcase, 18th Century
Located in Southall, GB
An 19th century Dutch walnut secretaire bookcase with undeniably striking colours. Several shelves open up to various platforms to provide a beautiful interior with a lock and key me...
Category
19th Century Dutch Dutch Colonial Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Swedish Small Gustavian Fall Front Desk with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian fall front desk from Burtrask Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden.
Scraped by hand to its original color.
Small cute model in child size.
Fits so nicely i...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Pine
Dutch Marquetry Burl Walnut Bombay Figural and Foliage Inlaid Desk, Circa 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
Dutch Marquetry burl walnut Bombay figural and foliage desk with exotic exterior inlays, fitted interior, three lower case drawers, original urn brasses, carved scalloped skirt, and ...
Category
1850s Dutch Dutch Colonial Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Louis XVI Style Mahogany Secretaire Abattant
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early-mid 19th century Louis XVI style mahogany secretaire abattant
The top having a drawer above the drop front with felt writing surface, multiple compartments/drawers. Bottom hal...
Category
Mid-19th Century European Louis XIII Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass
19th Century Bombe Marquetry Secrétaire à Abattant, Marble Top and Bronze Mounts
Located in Miami, FL
19th century bombe marquetry secrétaire à abattant, marble top and bronze mounts.
Offered for sale is a late 19th century Louis XV styl...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Secretaires
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Rare Golden Lacquer and Brass Maison Jansen Secretary Cabinet 1970s
Located in Paris, IDF
An exciting example of French design firm Maison Jansen’s commissioned pieces. This secretary cabinet is made from solid mahogany, lacquered in a rich dark brown and bronze–golden fi...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Paolo Buffa & Giovanni Gariboldi Inlaid Brass Secretary Cabinet c 1950, Restored
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Experience the elegance of mid-20th century Italian craftsmanship with this beautifully restored secretary cabinet, crafted circa 1950. Designed by the renowned Italian artist Paolo Buffa (1903-1970), and featuring intricate brass intarsia by Giovanni Gariboldi (1908-1971), this piece is a testament to both artistry and functionality.
The upper section is framed by glazed doors adorned with brass star inlays. Unlocking these doors reveals a burgundy velvet-lined interior with two fixed glass shelves. Above, a majestic brass-inlaid swan neck split-pediment design crowns the case.
Opening the secretary desk door unveils a gorgeous fruitwood fitted interior accented with inlaid trim. A central brass crest with a working lock and decorated brass key adds a touch of security and sophistication. Flanked by three drawers on either side, each adorned with decorated brass knobs in similar style of Tommi Parzinger, the desk provides ample storage with its five central file dividers.
The lower cabinet features a pair of finely reeded doors that open to reveal additional finished storage space. Supported by brass sabots, every detail of this secretary showcases exceptional craftsmanship and enduring beauty, making it a prized addition to any collection of fine furniture.
The two parts can separate for easier transportation and shipping. There are brackets on the reverse that help to hold the top in place while in use.
This Italian secretary cabinet...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Brass
A Viennese secrétaire from the early 19th century, Burl birch
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
A Viennese secrétaire from the early 19th century
Burl birch
A Viennese secrétaire from the early 19th century is a true masterpiece of cabinetmaking. Its body is crafted from softw...
Category
1820s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Birch
Art Deco Secretaire Cabinet by Jules Deroubaix
Located in North York, ON
This Jules Deroubaix display cabinet secretaire is timeless, functional, and effortlessly chic. Made of burl sandalwood, it showcases a drop door paneled wit...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Brass, Chrome
English George III Style Lacquered Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stunning Italian chinoiserie decorated secretaire bookcase crafted in the English George III taste. Beautifully decorated in the chinoiserie revival period of the late 19th century t...
Category
20th Century Italian George III Secretaires
Materials
Brass
19th Century Wellington Mahogany Chest Of Drawers Secretary Desk Dovetails Clean
By Wellington
Located in Rockaway, NJ
19th Century Wellington Mahogany Chest Of Drawers Secretary Desk Dovetails Clean
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Neoclassical Style Mahogany Bronze Ormolu Mounted Secretaire
Located in Tarry Town, NY
19th century mahogany wood neoclassical style bronze ormolu mounted secretary. The secretary is raised on tapered feet mounted bronze ormolu. The center section is fitted with a pane...
Category
1820s French Neoclassical Antique Secretaires
Materials
Ormolu
Drexel Heritage French Provincial Louis XV Carved Walnut Secrétaire À Abattant
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style drop-front secretary desk
By Drexel Heritage, "Brittany Collection"
USA, Circa 1970s
Carved walnut, w...
Category
1970s American Louis XV Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Elegant Mahogany Empire Secretary Desk with Satinwood Intarsia
Located in Kastrup, DK
This small charming Empire secretary desk, crafted in Copenhagen around 1810, consists of three sections.
The upper section has three doors: a l...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Empire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bone, Leather, Mahogany, Maple, Satinwood
20th Century Walnut Wood with Antiqued Mirrors Italian Trumeau Desk Cabinet 1950s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Venetian trumeau from the mid-20th century. Double body furniture carved and veneered in walnut, olive, burl and beech woods of beautiful lines and pleasant decor. Moved and rounded ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Mirror, Wood
19th Century English Writing Desk with Drawers and Hinged Door and Original Hand
Located in Marbella, ES
19th Century English Writing Desk with Drawers and Hinged Door and Original Handles
Category
19th Century English Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Louis XVI Country French Secretary Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Louis XVI Country French Secretary Desk is the epitome of efficiency with style! Artfully hand-crafted from dense, old-growth oak, it features a slant front design wher...
Category
Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Empire Style Secretary Made In Mahogany & Intarsia From 1820s
Located in Lejre, DK
This impressive Empire style secretary from the year 1820 is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and aesthetic beauty. Hand-polished mahogany wo...
Category
1820s Danish Empire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century English Regency Mahogany Secretary Bookcase with Brass Knobs
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century English Regency Mahogany Secretary Bookcase with Brass Knobs
Category
19th Century English Regency Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Oak Neo-Rustic Sideboard by Guillerme & Chambron France 1960's
Located in HYÈRES, FR
Oak Neo-Rustic Sideboard by Guillerme & Chambron France 1960's
By Votre Maison
Nice details of manufacturing, leather and brass parts.
In good condition
Category
1960s French Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Danish Design Rosewood Secrétaire, 1960s
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Easy does it: a writing desk when you want it to be one! This writing desk has it all is made in rosewood veneer and has a pull out desk. Could beauty up your living room and transfo...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Rosewood
Davenport Desk in Walnut, 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb Davenport in walnut and burl walnut from England from the 19th century V
ery elegant small travel desk in walnut and burl walnut which has a very elegant base
The right side...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
solid pine secretary desk by WASA, Germany 1990s
Located in ECHT, NL
Secretary desk made by German company Wasa in 1992. it is made from solid pine.
It has a lid that folds down to function as a work top. Behind the lid there are shelves and drawers....
Category
Late 20th Century German Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Materials
Pine
Fine Quality French Mahogany Bronze Mounted Secretary Desk Bookcase Top
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is an absolutely gorgeous and superb quality diminutive secretary desk from France. The desk features a bookcase top with adjustable shelf and a marble top and trimmed in bronze...
Category
1940s French Directoire Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Secretary
Located in San Angelo, TX
This beautiful and unique 19th century Swedish Gustavian writing desk is perfect for any room or hallway. The colors are amazing with th...
Category
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Pine, Paint
20th Century Lacquered and Painted Wood Venetian Trumeau Desk, 1950s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Venetian trumeau from the mid-20th century. Double body cabinet in lacquered and hand painted wood with very pleasant chinoiserie decorations. Trumeau in beautiful patina, finely dec...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Vintage Louis Phillipe Mahogany Drop Front Desk High Chest of Drawers
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful warm highboy dresser with drop-front secretary. Leather embossed writing surface with 3 drawer storage. Perfect size with versatility for an apartment or stately home. Rich...
Category
20th Century Federal Secretaires
Materials
Leather, Wood, Birdseye Maple
Meuble secrétaire vintage en rotin et bois clair des années 60
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Meuble secrétaire vintage des années 60, en rotin et bois de hêtre clair. Beaucoup de rangements : 1 niche ouverte, 1 partie secrétaire/bureau, 2 portes en partie basse avec une étag...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Rattan, Wood
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.