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Secretaires For Sale
Regency Rosewood Secretaire Side Cabinet/Chiffoneer
Located in Folkestone, GB
A superior quality and unusual Regency rosewood Side Cabinet, the top drawer with fold-down, leather-lined front, fully fitted with drawers and pigeon holes. below are a pair of silk...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Secretaires
Materials
Rosewood
English Regency Style Wood and Brass Leather Top Campaign Desk
Located in Queens, NY
English Regency-Style (20th Century) maple and ebonized trim campaign / kneehole desk with two cabinet columns with four drawers each having rectangular inSet brass drawer pulls and ...
Category
20th Century European Regency Secretaires
Materials
Metal, Brass
Small Secretary or Cabinet in Burl Walnut with Dome, 18 ° Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
rare small secretary in walnut from the 18th century of very good quality with its dome
English piece of furniture which stands out by its period, fro...
Category
18th Century British Georgian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Antique Traditional Secretary Wood Desk with Shelf, FR-1062
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Antique Traditional Secretary Wood Desk with Shelf
The secretary desk with shelf originates from France. The wood desk has a warm, worn black fi...
Category
Early 20th Century French Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Secretary Made In Mahogany WQith Inlaid Wood From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
This exquisite secretary, crafted from rich mahogany with intricate inlaid wood details, showcases the elegance and craftsmanship of the 1840s. With its timeless design and impeccabl...
Category
1840s Danish Other Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Extraordinary Signed Zwiener Ormolu Mounted Lady's Secretary
Located in Cypress, CA
Extraordinary Ormolu mounted marquetry kingwood lady's desk, signed Swiener, also dated 1902 and bearing an initial of the persons that it was made for (see attached photo).
Meticulous attention has been given to every details.
Jean-Henri Jansen (1854-1928) founded the famous interior decoration firm of Maison Jansen in 1880. Manufacturing revival and
Nouveau furniture he became Fournisseur de la...
Category
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Secretaires
Materials
Ormolu
Late 19th Century Marquetry and Parquetry Bureau a Cylindre by François Linke
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Special Late 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Marquetry and Parquetry Bureau a Cylindre By François Linke
By François Linke - Index no. 393.
The upper section with...
Category
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Classicist Vienna Secretary, circa 1790
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Richly inlaid classicist secretary circa 1790-1800 original from Vienna. Some repairs in the past. Very good original condition with sigs of usage.
Category
18th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Vintage Louis XV Style Minton Spidell Drop-Front Hand Painted Secretary Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Louis XV Style Minton Spidell Drop-Front Hand Painted Secretary Cabinet
This Vintage Minton-Spidell Louis XV Style Drop-Front Secretary Cabinet...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Louis XV Secretaires
Materials
Gold Leaf
Secretary In Walnut 18 ° Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
a fine Secretary in walnut and burr walnut from the 18th century
Very good quality and small English model
secretary composed of 3 drawers as well as a...
Category
18th Century British Georgian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Saturne Wall Desk
By Elise Fouin, Drugeot
Located in Courbevoie, FR
When Saturne becomes half-moon: with a beautiful decorative panel in oak, Saturne highlights the beauty of solid wood. The LED ribbon behind makes it an original wall lamp. Lifted in...
Category
2010s French Secretaires
Materials
Oak
Fine Sevres Style Porcelain Mounted Secrétaire, 19th Century, After Henry Dasson
By Henry Dasson
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality late 19th century French side cabinet with a marble top, a fall front secrétaire, having wonderful hand painted Sevres...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Porcelain, Mahogany
Baroque Secretaire, Bern ‘Switzerland’ 1750, Attribute to Mathaeus Funk
By Mathaeus Funk
Located in Belmont, MA
Exquisite 18th century Baroque secretaire, Bern (Switzerland) 1750, attributed to Mathaeus Funk (cabinetmaker 1697-1783). Rectangular body with two ...
Category
1750s Swiss Baroque Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Early 18th C Italian Baroque Figured Walnut Secretary w/ Architectural Pediment
Located in Atlanta, GA
Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Figured Walnut Secretary with Architectural Pediment, Arched Mirror Cabinet Door
Category
Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Louis XVI Secretary in Mahogany Called Bonheur Du Jour
Located in Brussels, Brussels
lovely and rare bonheur du jour Louis XVI in mahogany from the end of the 18th century.
Very beautiful little secretary in mahogany with its...
Category
18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Escritorio de madera de nogal tallado a mano con cajones años 1950
Located in Marbella, ES
Escritorio de madera de nogal tallado a mano con cajones años 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Stunning Lacquer Secretary by Pierre DUNAND (1914-1996) circa 1950
By Pierre Dunand
Located in Paris, FR
Art deco period secretary in plum lacquer (frame and base) and coral lacquer (facade). The body is quadrangular on a pedestal base. The lower façade opens with two doors, surmounted...
Category
1950s French Art Deco Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
19th Century Louis XV Style Secretaire
Located in Belmont, MA
Exquisite French Louis XV style secrétaire with straight front adorned with beautiful flower marquetry made of kingwood, rosewood and boxwood veneer, drop front writing desk with fou...
Category
1890s French Louis XV Antique Secretaires
Materials
Satinwood
Austrian Biedermeier Cherrywood Secretary
Located in Queens, NY
Austrian Biedermeier (Circa 1835) cherry veneer drop front secretary with 2 ebonized and gilt dolphins and birch root interior drawers with inlaid trim.
Category
19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Birch, Cherry
Italian Secretaire, circa 1930s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian secretaire circa 1930s, featuring beautiful walnut and maple inlaid.
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Maple, Walnut
Empire Secrétaire Bottega Maggiolini Walnut Italy 19th Century
Located in Milano, IT
Secrétaire consisting of drawer under the plan, tilting door, with cabinet and two drawers at the bottom. Veneered in pedulle walnut and inlaid in various woods. The secrétaire is bi...
Category
19th Century Italian Empire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Secretary furniture in precious wood, stamped J. Popsel, Louis XV - 18th century
By Jean Pöpsel
Located in HÉRIC, FR
A rare and beautiful Louis XV writing desk, stamped Popsel, inlaid with precious wood.
This commissioned piece of furniture is a unique and extraordinary model, specially crafted by ...
Category
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Wooden Writing Desk with Drawers and Folding Door
Located in Marbella, ES
Wooden Writing Desk with Drawers and Folding Door
Category
19th Century European Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Pochette Hanging Container Designed by Barbara Schweizer
By Barbara Schweizer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pochette Is a multifunctional container that can hold small objects such as keys, glasses, phones. It can also be used as vertical garden to place vases and small plants. It is compo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Secretaires
Materials
Iron
Travel Secretary Rococo
Located in New York, NY
A travel secretary with position. Made in Sweden during the Rococo period 1750-1775. Made from oak. Three drawers, a writing disc and compartements. Later painted and later fittings.
Category
Mid-18th Century Rococo Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Cylinder Desk, Germany, 1780
Located in Belmont, MA
Louis XVI cylinder desk, Germany circa 1780, so called "Zopfstil". Walnut, rosewood and maple veneer and intarsia. In very good refinished cond...
Category
1780s German Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Maple, Rosewood, Walnut
Teak Drop Front Bureau
Located in Puslinch, ON
Condition: Pre-Restored
Dimensions: 33” L x 16.5” D x 42.25” H (30.75” Desk Height)
Description: A vintage teak drop front desk with drawers. All locks work and comes with key. Fre...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Teak
1980s Pair of Secretaire Furniture with Shelves with Bookcase Design
Located in Marbella, ES
This stylish pair of shelved secretaire furniture is designed to simulate a classic bookcase, with decorative spines that add a sophisticated and unique touch. The top features a hin...
Category
1980s English Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Fine and Rare Late 18th Century Russian Mahogany Roll Top Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine and rare original late 18thcentury Russian roll top secretary bookcase.
Category
Late 18th Century Baltic Baltic Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Dutch 18th century Cuban mahogany bombé writing cabinet with glass upstand.
Located in AALSMEER, NL
Very beautiful Cuba flower mahogany writing cabinet with 'S-lid' inlaid with olive green leather.
wall cabinet with two (old) glass doors, mirrored flower veneer and carvings on the ...
Category
Late 17th Century Dutch Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany, Oak
Fine Antique Georgian circa 1780 Oyster Venner Bureau Bookcase Chest of Drawers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very fine and important Georgian circa 1780 Oyster veneer Bureau bookcase with original candle holders
A highly decorative and important bu...
Category
1780s English Georgian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Oak
Large and Important French Secretaire of Excellent Cabinet Making
Located in Cesena, FC
Large and important French Secretaire.
Impressive piece of furniture of excellent cabinetry.
Externally, the cabinet looks like a cabinet with drawers and a large door finely inlaid ...
Category
1850s French Antique Secretaires
Materials
Ash, Elm, Walnut
Secretary in Mahogany With Inlaid wood and Brass Handles from the 1790s
Located in Lejre, DK
Light mahogany secretary decorated with inlaid wood decorations and brass handles from around the 1790s.
Measurements in cm: H:130 W:107 D:48
Category
1790s Danish Gustavian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
20th Century French Secretary in Louis Seize Style
Located in Berlin, DE
Palisander mirror veneer on solid softwood. Rectangular body on pointed legs. In the front between four drawers straight flap. Behind it rich office layout. The sides and the front a...
Category
20th Century French Secretaires
Materials
Wood
American Mahogany Writing Desk with Bookcase Norfolk VA
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany writing desk with bookcase Norfolk VA, circa 1840.
Category
1830s American Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Small French Travel Secretary Napoleon III in Rosewood and Boxwood Veneer 1860s
Located in Salzburg, AT
Small French travel secretary Napoleon III in rosewood and boxwood veneer.
Rare and extremely decorative antique furniture due to its size and finish....
Category
1860s French Napoleon III Antique Secretaires
Materials
Leather, Boxwood, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Secretary by Jules Wabbes
By Jules Wabbes
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Secretary by Jules Wabbes
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Metal
Very Rare Italian Hardwood Cylinder Bureau Bookcase Desk with Must See Pictures
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are is delighted to offer for sale this very fine 19th century Italian cylinder top Bureau bookcase with ornately inlaid internals
This is one of the finest flamed mahogany cyl...
Category
1820s English Regency Antique Secretaires
Materials
Hardwood
Edwardian Satinwood Bonheur du Jour by Edwards & Roberts
Located in Montreal, QC
This exquisite desk, made by the celebrated partnership, is of the highest quality. The glazed upper section is perfect for the display of objet d'art, the cylinder top which is open...
Category
19th Century English Edwardian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Satinwood
Late 19th Century English Secretaire Bookcase by Edwards & Roberts
Located in Dublin, IE
An exceptional late 19th century secretaire bookcase by Edwards & Roberts, the upper section with a pierced fretwork swan neck pediment with Greek key moulding. The twin astragal glazed doors open to reveal an adjustable shelved interior, having reeded canted corners. Constructed using the finest figured mahogany with satinwood and boxwood line inlaid detail. The lower section having figured mahogany top, banded in satinwood above a secretaire drawer depicting a central classical urn within a floral swags, enclosing six Satinwood drawers, six pigeon holes and a gilt tooled leather inset writing surface. The twin panelled doors again constructed from figured mahogany with boxwood, satinwood inlaid panels depicting classical urns within a floral border. Also having reeded canted corners and enclosing an adjustable shelve interior, resting on solid mahogany bracket feet.
Circa 1900
English
Artists Biography:
Edwards & Roberts was founded in 1845, and had premises at 21 Wardour Street London. By 1892 they occupied more than a dozen buildings in Wardour Street, where they continued to trade until the end of the century. They became one of the leading London cabinet makers and retailers working in a variety of styles, both modern and revivalist. Their business also involved retailing, adapting and restoring the finest antique furniture and there are many examples of their earlier furniture with later embellishments bearing their stamp. Edwards & Roberts specialized in marquetry, inlay and ormolu. Edwards & Roberts was one of the principal London companies working in the taste of the late 18th century. They started business in 1845 and by 1854 were trading as "Edwards & Roberts, 21 Wardour Street, Antique and Modern Cabinet Makers and Importers of Ancient Furniture". Wardour Street became an important furniture retailing area in the second half of the 19th century. The firm carried a fine and complete library...
Category
Late 19th Century English Edwardian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Empire Secretaire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful classic piece.
Category
19th Century French Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Secrétaire Cabinet by Maison Vervelle Audot Successeur, circa 1860
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A gilt bronze-mounted Secrétaire cabinet with a marble top by Maison Vervelle Audot Successeur.
French, circa 1860.
Signed to the lockplate: ' Mon Vervelle Audot succ Paris / ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Elegant 19th Century French Desk – Solid Fruitwood with Bronze Accents
Located in Madrid, ES
This exquisite 19th-century French desk is a stunning example of fine craftsmanship and timeless design. Constructed from solid fruitwood, this elegant piece features intricate bronz...
Category
1890s Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Louis XVI Style Five Drawers Abattant Secretaire. France, 19th Century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Abattant secretaire with 5 drawers and a folding door made of mahogany rosewood and fruitwood marquetry with bronze handles. Louis XVI style, Napoleon III era, France, 19th century.
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Louise Semainier Secretaires in Mid. Hammered Brass by Paul Mathieu
Located in New York, NY
“Semainier” refers to a French piece of furniture with seven drawers (Fr. Semaine = week). It is part of the Louise Collection designed by renowne...
Category
2010s Indian Other Secretaires
Materials
Metal, Sheet Metal
Etageres by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, 1950s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A well scaled Mid-Century Modern étagère in bleached walnut designed by Paul McCobb. The cabinet or shelf set is constructed in solid walnut wood and brass and features two separate ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Brass
19th Century Sevres Mounted Secretaire Abattant Cabinet
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality 19th century French ebonized secretaire abattant, having its original brocatelle marble-top, classical gilded ormolu mounts of swag, ...
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Secretaires
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century English Oak Root Writing Desk with Bronze Fittings
Located in Marbella, ES
19th century English oak root writing desk with bronze fittings.
Category
Mid-20th Century English Secretaires
Materials
Oak
Art Deco Secretaire in Feather Mahogany
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Art Deco Secretaire in feather mahogany.
Packaging with bubble wrap and cardboard boxes is included. If the wooden packaging is needed (crates or boxes) for US and International Shi...
Category
1930s Art Deco Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Biedermeier Revival Secretaire
Located in Pompano Beach, FL
Biedermeier Revival Secretaire made of blond burl with ebonized columns. Upper section with exterior drawers and cubby hole. Lower section with fall fron...
Category
Early 20th Century Secretaires
Museum Essay / Tabernacle Around 1810, Walnut
Located in Berlin, DE
Museum essay/tabernacle around 1810, walnut.
Extremely rare and high-quality tabernacle with very elaborate and rich inlaid marquetry in walnut/root veneer on fir wood.
High construction consisting of 3 elements. The tabernacle has many drawers...
Category
Early 19th Century Empire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut, Fir
Napoleon III Secretary In Blackened Pear Wood - Brass Marquetry
Located in Brussels, BE
Napoleon III Secretary In Blackened Pear Wood - Brass Marquetry
Category
19th Century Napoleon III Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Contemporary Art Writing Desk Amanuense Nero Black by Adolfo Natalini
Located in Pistoia, IT
Limited edition of 99 numbered and signed copies.
Amanuense, decoded in his characterizing elements (the functional nature of the writing desk-Sécret...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Secretary by Emiel Veranneman, 1950s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Secretary by Emiel Veranneman, 1950s
Neon system not in working condition
Category
1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Wood
19th Century Louis XVI Style Secretaire Cabinet
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality 19th century French Louis XVI style satinwood marquetry inlaid secretaire cabinet, with wonderful inlaid decoration to the fall front, opening to reveal a fitted inter...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Secretaires
Materials
Satinwood
French 18th C. Louis XV/XVI Transitional Ormolu Mounted Secretaire by RVLC
Located in PARIS, FR
A Louis XV/XVI transitional ormolu mounted tulipwood secretaire by RVLC
Rare and elegant secretary of elliptical shape, veneered on all sides of rosewood with herringbone decoration...
Category
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
18th Century, Louis XIV Carved Walnut Wood Drop-Leaf Cabinet
Located in IT
This elegant drop-leaf cabinet was made in the early eighteenth century in walnut wood finely carved with rocaille motifs. It has a particular patina of the carvings, slightly darker...
Category
Early 18th Century European Louis XIV Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Oak Bureau/Vanity w/ Storage
Located in Puslinch, ON
Condition: Pre-Restored
Dimensions: 35.5” L x 17.5” D x 43.75” H (29.75” Desk, H 25.5” H LR)
Description: A vintage oak bureau/vanity with storage under the desk surface. Freshly i...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Oak
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.