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Secretaires For Sale
Late 19th Century Italian Walnut Burl Inlaid Louis XIV Secretary Drop Leaf Desk
Located in Encinitas, CA
Late 19th Century Italian Walnut Burl Inlaid Louis XIV Secretary Drop Leaf Desk.
Trim three-drawer bureau chest featuring secretary drop lid with lock and key revealing small drawers and compartments. Beautiful walnut veneers and solids with rosewood inlaid detail. Handsome hardware, hinges and pulls. Lock and key.
Due to the curved shape of the desk and components, some measures are a close approximation.
Exterior measures of the desk: 39" W x 20.5" D x 40.75" H
99.1 cm W x 52 cm D x 103.5 cm H
Opened drop lid desk...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Louis XIV Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Danish Teak Secretary by Erling Torvits for Klim Møbelfabrik, 1960s
Located in Rosendahl, DE
This elegant vintage design secretary from the 1960s was designed by Erling Torvits for Klim Møbelfabrik and impresses with its timeless aesthetics and functionality. The secretary h...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Materials
Teak
Pilastro Wall Mounted Secretaire With Built-in Light
Located in Dronten, NL
Minimalist wall system designed by Reijenga for Pilastro, The Netherlands.
Two shelves and a drop down desktop in beige.
The desk has a hidden light behind front panel.
Mid Century M...
Category
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Steel
1940's French Art Deco Exotic Rosewood Secretary Cabinet
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1940's French Art Deco Exotic Rosewood Secretary Cabinet. Top glass enclosed display area. Interior with special sections for desk needs. Rare form.
Category
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Antique Walnut French Provincial Secretary Cabinet
Located in Portland, OR
Exceptional in every way! Imported from Belgium this French display cabinet with secretary desk is as enchanting as it is functional. Exquisitely crafted of walnut with incredible ha...
Category
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Secretaires
Materials
Glass, Walnut
French Ormolu-Mounted Secrétaire À Abattant by Millet
Located in London, GB
The brèche d'Alep marble top above a long frieze drawer, the hinged fall front with gilt-tooled brown leather writing-surface, the fitted interior with four open compartments and a long drawer, above two cupboard doors, the interior with one shelf, on spreading foliate feet, the gilt-bronze banding to the left side signed Millet à Paris.
Category
19th Century French Antique Secretaires
Materials
Fruitwood, Tulipwood
Vintage Danish Teak Secretary by Børge Mogensen for Søborg
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Danish modern secretary desk. Fold down table with office storage and four dresser drawers. Classic Danish modern design by Bø...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Teak, Wood, Hardwood
Burl Walnut Art Deco Cabinet
Located in Dronten, NL
Period Dutch Art Deco secretary in wonderful burl walnut veneer in symmetrical pattern.
Cut-glass pane, drop front desk, ebony wood door handles.
Comes with three beautiful original ...
Category
1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Cut Glass, Ebony, Burl
20th Century French Louis XV Walnut Marquetry Secretary Chest with Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant, antique "Secretaire a Battant" in an office or a bedroom. Crafted in Paris circa 1920, the tall fruitwood secretary stands on cabriole legs ending with bronze sabots feet over a scalloped apron. The cabinet features intricate marquetry and parquetry decor, decorative bronze mounts, and is topped with a black marble top. The cabinet has classical and straight lines, and many useful compartments, including four large drawers across the front (one at the top, three at the bottom). The cabinet has a center door decorated with floral motifs, which pulls down to reveal a fully outfitted inside theater. The inside has five drawers, (including a large one at the top and bottom), and a wide open niche for books and letters...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Louis XV Secretary Desk, France 18th century
Located in Belmont, MA
Exquisite 18th-Century Louis XV Secretary Desk
This stunning Louis XV Secretary Desk, dating back to 1770, showcases the elegance of 18th-century Fr...
Category
1760s French Louis XV Antique Secretaires
Materials
Kingwood, Rosewood
Louis XVI Walnut Fall Front Desk / Secretaire
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This Louis XVI walnut slant-front secretary desk is a fine example of 18th-century French craftsmanship and sophistication, ideal for collectors and interior enthusiasts seeking time...
Category
18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Spruce, Walnut
Midcentury Cabinet or Highboard by František Mezulánik for UP Závody, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare mid-century cabinet/highboard, made by František Mezulánik for UP Závody, in the 1960's.
Made of wood.
Cleaned, applied reviving oil, shows signs of age, overall in good shape.
...
Category
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Antique Painted Gustavian Grey/White Secretary with Fall-Front & Birch Interior
Located in Miami, FL
A very lovely Louis Philippe fall-front secretary in pine with a light Gustavian-grey/white painted finish, and original French-polished birch wood interior. Features a carved bonnet...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Louis Philippe Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Ramsay French Mid-Century Dark Green Lacquered Secretary
Located in Queens, NY
French Mid-Century (1940s) dark green lacquered drop front secretary with bronze dore rope design and trim (signed RAMSAY )
Category
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Antique Italian or Dutch Small Rococo Bombe Secretary Desk w/ Marquetry, c 1870
Located in Miami, FL
An exquisite 19th century Rococo secretary in mahogany with bombe front & sides, with floral & foliate inlays in tulipwood, kingwood & satinwood on the top, front panels of the drawe...
Category
Mid-18th Century Dutch Rococo Antique Secretaires
Materials
Kingwood, Tulipwood, Satinwood, Mahogany
Original Antique Baroque Secretary Desk, Germany 18th century, Walnut
Located in Leimen, DE
Original Antique Baroque Secretary Desk, Germany, 1750
This exquisite antique Baroque secretary desk from Germany (circa 1750) is a rare find for antique furniture collectors. Featur...
Category
1750s German Baroque Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Queen Anne Style Burton-Ching Black Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Bookcase
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Queen Anne Style Burton-Ching Black Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Bookcase
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
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
French Louis XVI Secretaire Abattant / Secretary desk, circa 1800
Located in Lucenec, SK
The secrétaire à abbatant or fall front desk is nearly identical to the desk 5th President James Monroe brought back from France in 1797. These desks are ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Austria, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This beautiful Secretary comes from Austria and was made in 19th century. The piece is made of oak wood, veneered with mahogany veneer. When opening the main section the doors transf...
Category
19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Maple, Oak
Empire Style French Secretary “Retour d’Egypte”
Located in Austin, TX
Secretary from France in the Empire style. This piece is made of mahogany that has been ebonized and finished with a lustrous French polish of museum quality. The cabinet boasts two ...
Category
1820s French Empire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Marble, Brass
Swedish Gustavian Period 1790s Painted Slant Front Secretary with Three Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period painted wood secretary from the late 18th century, with slant front desk, multiple drawers, dark painted interior, three drawers in the façade and rustic c...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Biedermeier Antique Secretary Circa 1840 Veneered With Mahogany
Located in Opole, PL
Biedermeier Antique Secretary Circa 1840 Veneered With Mahogany
Furniture in the Biedermeier style, made of soft wood veneered with mahogany, dated around 1840. The monumental shape...
Category
1840s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Solid Oak Cabinet and Desk by Guillerme et Chambron, France, 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and rare "dos d'âne" style desk and cabinet by French designers Guillerme and Chambron featuring leather straps holding the desk tray. Chest of 4 drawers In overall good vint...
Category
1960s French Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Laminate, Oak
Meuble secrétaire scandinave danois vintage Tibergaard en teck des années 50 60
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Meuble de rangement secrétaire scandinave danois vintage des années 50 60, du designer Gunnar Nielsen Tibergaard (avec estampille Made in Denmark, Designed by Tibergaard), très belle...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Teak
Antique 18th Century English George III Mahogany Secretary with Secret Drawer.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Exceptional Antique 18th Century English George III Mahogany Secretary Bookcase with Secret Drawer.
Category
18th Century English George III Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
English Mahogany Secretary
Located in Wilson, NC
The top of this secretary has shaped raised panels. It has the original four lever lock and key. The top is fully fitted out with drawers and cubby holes. T...
Category
1760s English Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass
American Victorian Walnut Secretary Glass Front Cabinet
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian two-piece walnut secretary cabinet with a base having a drawer whose front folds down to create a desktop with interior drawers and green felt over two doors with ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Glass, Wood, Walnut
Fine French Ormolu-Mounted Marqueterie Secretaire Abattant
Located in Rome, IT
A fine French ormolu-mounted, kingwood , tulipwood and stained sycamore marqueterie and parquetry secretaire abattant with rectangular moulded white marble top , above a frieze drawe...
Category
18th Century and Earlier French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Fruitwood
Mid-century Torbjorn Afdal Danish Rosewood Secretary Desk
Located in Oakland, CA
Danish secretary desk designed by Torbjørn Afdal for Nesjestranda Møbelfabrik, Norway, 1965. Crafted from Brazilian rosewood, the secretary desk ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Materials
Rosewood
Arne Vodder Rosewood Vanity Dresser
Located in Oakland, CA
circa 1955 Brazilian rosewood vanity with flip-top mirror and lights. Crafted of stunning Brazilian Rosewood with dark grains and dynamic book-matched patterns across the front of dr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Materials
Glass, Rosewood
Empire Secretaire, Ebonized, Maple, Ink Painting, Brass, Gold, Vienna circa 1815
Located in Regensburg, DE
Fine neoclassical Empire or early Biedermeier Secretaire / Drop Front Desk from Vienna, Austria around 1810-15.
Ebonized veneer on oak.
Classicist gable cornice with surrounding gol...
Category
1810s Austrian Empire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass, Iron, Gold Leaf
Modernist Secretary Showcase, Tubular Steel, Lacquer/Veneered Wood, Customizable
By GMD Berlin
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist secretary showcase made of chrome plated tubular steel and lacquered or veneered wood. Customizable, production time: 9-10 weeks.
Category
2010s German Modern Secretaires
Materials
Metal
Biedermeier Secretaire, Cherry Veneer, Ebonized, Brass, South Germany circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Straightened early Biedermeier Secretaire or Drop-Front Secretary / Writing Desk in Cherry Veneer from South Germany around 1820.
Neoclas...
Category
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass, Iron
Lovely Yew Wood Secretary Campaign Chest
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this lovely yew wood secretary campaign chest made by Kennedy of Ipswich and retailed by Harrods London , this is a ver...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Campaign Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Swedish Secretary
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Early 19th Century Swedish secretary.
Decorative carved pediment with two doors with reeded carving. With a fall front desk opening to a useful workspace and six drawers, below with...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
1940's Traditional Burl Wood Secretary/ Desk
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Beautiful Grand Scale 1940's Traditional style Burl Wood Secretary/ Writing Desk.
This secretary is in very good condition. Miami Beach acquisition.
Category
1940s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Wood
19th Century German Biedermeier Veneered Mahogany Cabinet - Antique Secretary
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early 19th Century, antique German Biedermeier two-part cabinet with a writing flap made of hand crafted shellac polished, partly veneered Mahogany, in good condition. The bottom part of the secretary is composed with two large drawers, standing on four wide wooden legs. The inside consists five drawers and two compartments, particularized by polished brass hardware, columns. The top part of the buffet is composed with one large drawer and two small drawers, the center is consisting a storage compartment with an arched...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Metal, Brass
Edwards and Roberts Antique Inlaid Secretary Desk, 1860-1875, London
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Stately Mahogany inlaid leather top secretary desk, London England 1860-1875 by Cabinetmakers Edwards and Roberts. Moulded cornice over arched glazed panel doors with green fabric lined interior above a rolled front inlaid fan, shell and scroll decoration.
Pull out embossed green leather writing surface above graduated drawers on narrow feet: stamped "Edwards and Roberts" on top drawers edge. Famous cabinetry makers.
The firm Edwards and Roberts were among the best English antique furniture cabinet makers of the second half of the nineteenth century. The company was founded in 1845 and by 1854 was trading as ‘Edwards and Roberts’, 21 Wardour Street, ‘Antique and Modern Cabinet...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany, Leather, Glass
19th Century Empire / Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire
Located in Darmstadt, DE
A beautiful small secretary made of walnut veneer and solid walnut from the Biedermeier / Empire period at the beginning of the 19th century. The secretary is covered on the outside ...
Category
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique 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
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
A rare wall-mounted secretary desk - 1950s French Reconstruction Style
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A rare 1950s wall-mounted secretary desk in the French Reconstruction style. Crafted from solid oak and oak veneer, this piece combines elegance and functionality. Its drop-down fron...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Oak
Antique Louis XV Style Oak Secretary Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Louis XV style oak secretary desk with intricate and highly detailed carvings on front, top and sides. The scalloped door, with a working key, drops...
Category
19th Century Louis XV Antique Secretaires
Materials
Metal
19th Century German Biedermeier Two Part Pine Bureau - Antique Secretary
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique German Biedermeier two part bureau, secretary with a two door glass display made of hand crafted Pinewood, in good condition. The upper part of the secretaire is composed ...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Glass, Pine
French 19th Century Empire Secrétaire à Abattant
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A statley 19th century mahogany secre´taire a` abattant from France, circa 1810. This desk has an exceptional charcoal 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” heigh. The desk front...
Category
19th Century French Empire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Marble, Brass
Danish Teak Secretary Desk with Hidden Vanity Mirror
Located in Oakland, CA
Danish teak secretary desk crafted of teak with book-matched grain across the drawers. The secretary features a pull-out writing surface over three drawers. A pair of sliding glass c...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Materials
Glass, Teak
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
19th Century Gustavian Style Walnut Secretaire Avatant
Located in Madrid, ES
A Swedish writing desk, made of walnut wood, also decorated with gilded lateral grooves in the late Gustavian style. The writing desk is divided into two parts, each of which has bro...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Fine English Queen Anne Walnut Bookcase with Secretary Desk
Located in Miami, FL
A fine 18th century English Queen Anne-period furnishings such as this walnut secretary are incredibly rare and important examples of English cabinetmaking, all original. This secret...
Category
18th Century French Queen Anne Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mirror, Walnut
A fine pair of Japanese export lacquer secretaires owned by Sir Stamford Raffles
Located in Amsterdam, NL
'The Stamford Raffles Secretaires.'
A pair of Japanese Kyoto-Nagasaki style export lacquer secretaires by ‘Lakwerker Sasaya’ each with the name ‘Ol...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Secretaires
Materials
Gold, Brass
George II Walnut Slant Front Bureau Bookcase / Secretary
Located in Woodbury, CT
George II walnut and walnut burl slant front bureau bookcase / secretary with original hand beveled mirrored doors on bracket feet. Upper cabinet with candle slides conceals book she...
Category
18th Century British George II Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut, Burl
Victorian Enameled Waterfall A Abattant Secretary Chest of Drawers
Located in Germantown, MD
Victorian White Enameled Waterfall A Abattant Secretary Chest of Drawers
Measures 29.5" in width, 17" in depth and 45.5" tall. Knee clearan...
Category
Early 20th Century American Victorian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Midcentury Danish vintage Secretary /Make up by Dyrlund, 1960s
By Dyrlund
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Midcentury Danish vintage Secretary by Dyrlund, 1960s
Secretary of Dyrlund in teak. 4 drawers. Pulling out the first drawer opens the writing desk. Under the writing tablet is a mi...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Teak
19th Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
19th-Century Biedermeier Secretary
Date of Origin: 1825–1830, (Germany, Berlin)
Material: Pyramid Mahogany
This extraordinary 19th-century Secretary with an upper cabinet, crafted ...
Category
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
18th Century French Folding Secrétaire in Walnut Veneer, Époque Directoire
Located in Sofia, BG
19th century folding secretary in walnut veneer and flamed mahogany opening to a drawer in the upper part and three drawers in the lower part, the fluted uprights resting on small sp...
Category
Late 18th Century French Directoire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Marble
19th Century Swedish Two-part Secretaire
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Gustavian writing desk from the early 19th century is a stunning two-piece piece that combines practicality with classic Swedish elegance. Crafted from pine, it features a soft,...
Category
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Pine
Roll Top Secretary Desk, French Walnut with Marquetry Inlay
Located in Toronto, CA
Elegant Edwardian Cylinder Roll Top Secretary Desk, French Walnut with Marquetry & Parquetry Inlay– English Craftsmanship
Step back in time with this exquisite Edwardian cylinder ro...
Category
20th Century English Edwardian Secretaires
Materials
Hardwood
Louis Philippe Amboyna Secretaire Abbatant
Located in Essex, MA
With a rectangular top over a drawer over a fold down writing surface exposing a fitted interior with secret compartment. The interior with arcade with parquetry floor and fitted dra...
Category
1830s French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaires
Materials
Amboyna
English Mahogany Secretary Desk, 19th Century
Located in Southampton, NY
English Mahogany secretary desk, 19th century
Three pieces: Crown, upper drawers and lower cabinet. Lowest draw pulls out as a secretary desk.
Measures: 21" deep x 46.5" wide x 80.5"...
Category
19th Century British Antique Secretaires
Materials
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
19th Century French Directory Cherry Wood Secetary Desk
Located in Madrid, ES
A French Directory era secretary desk, from the early 19th century, made of beautiful cherry wood, in a light tone with bronze handles and bronze keyholes as well. In their lower par...
Category
Early 19th Century French Directoire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Dorothy Draper Lacquered Viennese Secretary Desk for Henredon, circa 1963
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Everyone can have a taste of iconic Dorothy Draper Hollywood Regency style with this perfectly sized and oh so elegant Viennese Collection Secretaries Desk Breakfront. Regal. Whimsical and gregarious flair. The scroll cornice of the cabinet recalls some of the mill work Dorothy designated in her iconic hotel design work. A more petite version of Dorothy Draper's Viennese China...
Category
1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Metal, Brass
French Directoire Style Narrow Secretary Desk in Wood, Orange Gray Lacquered
Located in Landivy, FR
This Secretary is a handmade modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period design is remarkable with its straight, classical an...
Category
2010s French Neoclassical Secretaires
Materials
Leather, Wood, Cherry, Lacquer
Rhode Island Chestnut Slant Front Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very nice late 18th century American Chestnut slant front desk likely Rhode Island 1770-80 in origin. Constructed of solid Chestnut with Poplar and Pine secondary woods. Nicely ap...
Category
1790s American Chippendale Antique Secretaires
Materials
Chestnut
Large English 19thC Ebonised Mahogany Glazed Bookcase Secretaire
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Circa 1870.
Large English 19thC Ebonised Mahogany Glazed Bookcase Secretaire with 4 glazed cabinet doors above a pull out mid section leather writing slide. With 2 large dovetailed d...
Category
19th Century Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Fine 19th Century English Chinoiserie and Red Lacquered Slant Front Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine and elaborated 19th century Chinoiserie red lacquered slant front secretary. Hand painted and raised decoration. The interior with pigeon holes and drawers and a writing ...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
"Swedish Grace" Period Secretary
Located in New York, NY
Grace was the inspiration for this lovely birch secretary which makes working from home a joy! Three locking drawers sit beneath a generous drop-front with 6 interior drawers, a pair...
Category
1920s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Birch
Italian Venetian Chinoiserie and Creme Paint Decorated Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a rare form of Louis XV style Italian-made secretary desk with chinoiserie painted cranes and various scenes in gold raised detail. The desk is in good condition and will sho...
Category
1950s Italian Louis XV Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
18th Century, Italian Neoclassical Marquetry Wood Secretary
Located in IT
18th Century, Italian Neoclassical Marquetry Wood Secretary
Dimensions: cm H 143 x W 97 x D 40. Depth with the drop-down door open 90 cm. Writing desk height 75 cm.
This elegant sec...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Boxwood, Rosewood
American Victorian Walnut Drop Front Secretary
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian walnut drop front secretary with two glass doors.
Category
20th Century American Victorian Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Biedermeier Secretary, Bookcase, Cherry, Walnut, 1840s
Located in Greven, DE
Antique cabinet secretary from the biedermeier period around 1845.
Body in cherry, parts of the front and the wreath veneered in walnut. Handles and fittings made of brass in the sh...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Cherry, Walnut
Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Slant-Top Desk
Located in Pembroke, MA
A stunning, petite French slant-top desk or "bureau de pente" in the Louis XV style, turquoise and gold polychromed with Chinoiserie detailing, and red under-body. Desk opens to rev...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
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.