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Secretaires For Sale
Midcentury George Nelson Gentlemens Secretary Chest
Located in Pasadena, TX
George Nelson
George Nelson (1908-1986) was an important modernist whose work cut across the fields of interior, industrial and exhibition design. Nelson studied architecture at Yale University in the 1920s, and in the next two decades earned a strong reputation as a writer on design for Architectural Forum, Interiors and Fortune.
In 1945 Nelson began a long association with the Herman Miller Furniture Company of Zeeland, Michigan, where as head designer he developed an innovative line of furniture and commissioned new designs from others. His first commission was Isamu Noguchi`s biomorphic glass-topped coffee table, which began production in 1947, the first of many designs that the sculptor would create for Herman Miller in the late Forties. Nelson also was responsible for bringing the designs of Charles Eames to Herman Miller, and he collaborated with R. Buckminster Fuller on a number of projects.
Among Nelson`s own creations are classic works of 1950s design, including the bubble lamp, ball clock, marshmallow sofa and the pole-supported wall-storage system. Nelson also designed numerous exhibitions, including the 1959 American National Exhibition in Moscow, and the Chrysler Corporation display at the 1964 New York World`s Fair.
Vintage midcentury George Nelson walnut secretary
1960s
A great example of early George Nelson design. Secretary desk and dresser...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
$3,920 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$10,834 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Southern German Secretaire, Cherry, Biedermeier circa 1830
Located in Greven, DE
Plain Biedermeier Secretaire
South-West Germany
Cherry
Biedermeier circa 1830
Dimensions: H x W x D: 149 x 101 x 52 cm
Description:
Secretary standing on blackened block feet with...
Category
1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Cherry
Sophie Gallardo and Georges Casssan, "Australian Desk", Unic and Stamped Piece
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Full height : 133 cm including 2 cm marble
Length : 90 cm
Depth : 44 cm
Table top : 82.5 x 70 cm
Inner dimensions « lower part »
Length : 76 cm
Depth : 44 cm
Made from an Italian desk from the late 1940s.
Birch bark marquetry and mineral inlays : stone, labradorite (inside outside), amethyst, crystals. The inside is enriched with straw marquetry and patinated silver foils.
The two doors present marquetry on both sides with an inner mirror to provide light and reflect the top marquetry. Rock crystal handles, Rain forest green marble from Rajahstan.
Sophie Gallardo has studied interior design before learning wood painting restoration...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Other Secretaires
Materials
Birch
Antique North German/Danish Empire Cylinder-Top Secretary with Bookcase, c. 1815
Located in Miami, FL
From the Hamburg/Schleswig-Holstein region of Germany, once part of Denmark, a very handsome Empire secretary with bookcase in ash with inlays and marquetry silhouettes of neoclassical Roman images. Cylinder top opens to a pull-out desk which offers a felt-lined lectern or writing surface flanked by sliding storage compartments, as well as a series of small drawers and a central cabinet. Above desk, are three cupboards and below, there are three long drawers. Northern Germany or from the Danish Jutland region, circa 1815.
Note: Green baize on writing surface can be replaced with leather.
Measures: 46" wide x 21" deep x 83" high (With desk top open...
Category
Early 19th Century German Empire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Ash
Secretary Made In Rosewood, Danish Design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This secretary, designed and produced in Denmark around the 1960s, is a beautiful example of Danish furniture art from this era. Made of rosewood, the secretary exudes a warm and nat...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Rosewood
18th Century Black Swedish Gustavian One Part Pine Bureau - Antique Secretary
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black, antique Swedish Gustavian one part bureau, secretaire made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian writing table, desk is composed with a writi...
Category
Mid-18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Luciano Frigerio Credenza Diamante, 1970's
Located in bari, IT
Mid-Century Modern 12-drawer Diamante chest of drawers is made of walnut and is decorated with a complex block pattern designed by Luciano Frigerio di Desio.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
$3,991 Sale Price
20% Off
Swedish Gustavian 1790s Painted Slant-Front Desk with Carved Diamond Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period slant front desk from the late 18th century, with carved diamond motifs, multiple drawers, original lock and key. Created in Sweden during the last decade ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Painted Swedish Secretary, 19th Century
Located in South Salem, NY
This 19th-century Swedish secretary is a captivating example of timeless design. Its cream-painted exterior exudes classic charm, while the writing surface features the popular faux ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Biedermeier Secretaire, Cherry Veneer, Mahogany, South Germany circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Elegant early Biedermeier / neoclassical secretaire from south Germany around 1820, early 19th century. Cherry wood book-matched veneered on softwood and cherry solid wood, partly ebonized. Inside in mahogany veneer with drawers and three open compartments. Above one long drawer under the cornice. Below two long drawers with old box locks. Fully restored and hand-polished with shellac.
Dimensions:
* Metric: H 150 cm x W 96...
Category
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Cherry, Softwood
19th Century Biedermeier Chest of Drawers/ Writing Commode, Austria, ca. 1830
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Remarkable 19th century nutwood chest of drawers/ writing commode from the early Biedermeier era in Austria around 1830. Impressing with an absolute outstanding looking grain which r...
Category
Mid-19th Century Austrian Biedermeier 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
$2,360 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Eastlake Incised Walnut and Burl Slant Front Secretary, circa 1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Eastlake secretary offers paneled walnut construction with upper having shaped crest surmounting shelf and slant front opening to writing...
Category
19th Century American Eastlake Antique Secretaires
Materials
Burl, Walnut
$1,800 Sale Price
20% Off
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings, Widdicomb, Walnut, Highboy Secretary, USA, 1960s
Located in Manhasset, NY
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings, Widdicomb, American Mid-Century Modern, Walnut, Highboy Secretary, USA, 1960s
A walnut and glass highboy dresser designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings and produ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Glass, Walnut
18th Century Swedish Beechwood Herrbyrå, Chiffonje - Mens Writing Agency, Chest
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 18th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian Herrbyrå, Chiffonje mens writing agency, secretary table with a writing, folding flap made of hand crafted polished Beechwood, in good ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Metal
$5,920 Sale Price
20% Off
Scandinavian Modern Teak Sideboard
By Bodafors
Located in New York, NY
A multifunctional piece, this piece was primarily used to hold the traditional and festive Smörgåsbord, the centerpiece of every holiday, as well as storing the dishes, table linens ...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Teak
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
Secretary by Marcel Gascoin edited by Arhec
Located in PARIS, FR
This oak desk from 1949 is an emblematic piece of Marcel Gascoin's work and of the Reconstruction period in French housing.
Marcel Gascoin, born August 24, 1907 in Le Havre and died...
Category
1950s French Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Oak
Italian modern walnut wood archive cabinet with brass details, 1940s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern walnut wood archive cabinet with brass details, 1940s.
Office filing cabinet in walnut wood with double column of drawers with brass details.
1940 ca.
Good condition.
...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Fine Red Chinoiserie Gold Leaf Italian-Made Rococo Venetian Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic, versatile and luminous Chinoiserie red and gold paint decorated secretary desk with a bookcase top. The desk is two pieces and does come apart and has a fantasti...
Category
1930s Italian Chinoiserie Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Mid-19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Secretary desk with exquisite ash veneer and a three-drawer commode base. Behind the leather-covered writing surface lies a spacious arched compartment, complemented by six small dra...
Category
Mid-19th Century Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
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
Antique French Secretary Desk, France 1770-80
Located in Belmont, MA
Antique French Secretary Desk from the Late 18th Century
Explore this French 18th century secretary desk, crafted in France circa 1770-80...
Category
1770s French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Kingwood, Satinwood
$11,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Tallboy Correspondence Desk, French, Kingwood, Escritoire, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique tallboy correspondence desk. A French, drawing room escritoire in bookmatched kingwood, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. A statement in both form a...
Category
Early 20th Century French Late Victorian Secretaires
Materials
Kingwood, Satinwood
Original Painted Pine Secretary Bureau from Sweden, dated 1847
Located in Round Top, TX
This unusual secretary is a special find. The remarkable folk art painted finish is all original, with a traditional faux wood motif in brown and brick red trimmed in a carved and pa...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Folk Art Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Pine, Paint
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
Bonheur du Jour, litterally "Happiness of the Day" Desk in Boulle Marquetry
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This beautiful Bonheur du Jour, litterally "Happiness of the day" desk is made of a Boulle marquetry.
Tiered upper part, opening with two medallion doors and two small drawers. Lower...
Category
1880s French Napoleon III Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass
$7,401 Sale Price
30% Off
Pair of Impressive Marble, Porcelain, and Ormolu Mounted Victorian Secretaires
Located in London, GB
Pair of impressive marble, porcelain, and ormolu mounted Victorian secretaires
English, 19th Century
Height 126cm, width 77cm, depth 37cm
This stunning pair are a showcase of Engl...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Marble, Brass, Ormolu
Art Deco Secrétaire
Located in New York, NY
A practical desk which leaves no aesthetic compromise with its lovely bookmatched mahogany veneer adorning both the inside and outside of the case. Internal drawers are adorned with ...
Category
1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
$4,750
Late 18th Century German Louis XVI Secretary, Walnut, Marquetry, Cylinder Desk
Located in Greven, DE
Louis XVI cylinder desk with marquetry
Germany (Westphalia)
Walnut etc.
Classicism around 1795
Dimensions: H x W x D: 118 x 116 x 62 cm
Description:
Beautiful writing fur...
Category
Late 18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Maple, Oak, Walnut
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
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
Biedermeier secretary, Western Europe, around 1840.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier secretary, Western Europe, around 1840.
Furniture in very good condition, after professional renovation.
Wood: mahogany
dimensions height 169 cm width 106 cm depth 59 cm
Category
1840s Unknown Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
French 19th Century Inlaid Walnut Louis Philippe Fall Front Secretary
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant and functional French 19th Century secretaire desk with stunning inlaid walnut marquetry. The fold down writing surface has the original embossed leather writing surface in ...
Category
19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Swedish 1856 Two-part Painted Secretary with Four Doors and Slant Front Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Swedish 19th century two-part painted wood secretary circa 1856 with slant front desk, four doors and bracket feet. of Scandinavian taste for light palettes. Enrich your space with a...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
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
Mahogany Secretary Desk, Sweden, circa 1850
Located in Chorzów, PL
Impressive secretary from the mid-19th century in Biedermeier style. Antique furniture with a more beautiful form will add elegance to any interior. A representative piece of furnitu...
Category
Mid-19th Century Scandinavian Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Antique mid 19th century Dutch honey color oak Biedermeier Secretary Desk
Located in Casteren, NL
Offered here is a stunning Dutch secretary desk in the Biedermeier style, crafted in the mid-19th century, around 1840. This exquisite piece is made entirely from the finest quality ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Dutch Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Oak, Bone
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
Oak Secretary Bureau With Painted Finish from Sweden circa 1760-1800
Located in Round Top, TX
This oak secretary or "bureau" reflects the grace and class of Swedish styling from the early 1800's.
The dramatic serpentine drawers and carved outer panel of the drop down desk add a romantic touch, accented by brass pulls and key escutcheon.
The traditional interior with 12 unique, small drawers and central “cubbie” with two petite drawers offers perfect space to organize.
Under the desk top is three standard large size drawers and upper narrow drawer, each has two brass pulls used to open drawer.
It was later professionally painted with an exceptional layered salmon/desert pink...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Swedish Secretaire from 1857 with Trick Lock and Secret Compartements
Located in Greven, DE
19th Century Secretary with Trick Lock and Secret Compartments
Sweden
Birch, mahogany
Historicism - dated 1857
Dimensions: H x W x D: 126 x 109 x 55 cm
Description:
Unusual piece ...
Category
1850s Swedish Antique Secretaires
Materials
Birch
Louis XVI French Ebonized Scriban Secretary, 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Scriban or secretary chest in the Louis XVI style from France. This piece is made of solid wood construction, primarily mahogany. It has been ebonized and finished with a lustrous Fr...
Category
1880s French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Marble, Brass
Antique English Regency Mahogany Secretary Bookcase, Circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Regency Mahogany Secretary bookcase, Circa 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century English Regency Antique Secretaires
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
18th Century Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase China Cabinet
Located in Lymington, GB
A fine English mid-18th century mahogany secretaire / secretary / bookcase / china cabinet.
Of lovely, deep, rich color, patina and quality.
George III-period, circa 1760.
The bold, detachable, swan-neck pediment carved with 'Gothic' open fretwork, spiral rosettes and a dentil cornice.
The pediment is centred by a small platform below which is a fluted panel. The bookcase / china cabinet section with two, thirteen-pane glazed doors, with three original adjustable shelves with applied beadings for the display of china etc.
The base with a pull-out writing section fitted with small drawers, two of which have secret releases. These secret drawers are faced with blind-fret 'Gothic' tracery, and centred by a carved, shaped arch.
The base with three cock-beaded drawers, and raised on its original bracket feet which are faced with blind fret.
This fine, sophisticated and well-proportioned example of a secretaire / secretary / cabinet / desk / bookcase is remarkable for having survived in its original state including all swan-neck handles and locks.
Of superb quality, color, patination, and well figured throughout. With mahogany drawer linings: further confirmation of its superlative quality.
Measures:
42" wide (107 cm)
23" deep 58.5 cm)
95" high (241 cm) - without cartouche.
A related antique bureau cabinet...
Category
1740s English George III Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
French Art Déco Secretaire Black High Gloss Lacquer Nickel Plated Fittings 1925
By René Prou
Located in Salzburg, AT
French Art Deco secretary Sycomore wood, black high-gloss lacquer nickel-plated fittings.
Elegant secretaire made of solid sycamore wood with a high-quality finish.
The secretaire s...
Category
1920s Italian Art Deco Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Metal
Antique Elm Wood Secretary from 1840
Located in Opole, PL
Antique Elm Wood Secretary from 1840
This exquisite antique roll-top secretary desk exudes timeless elegance with its rich, warm wood grain and intricate craftsmanship. The piece fe...
Category
1840s European Antique Secretaires
Materials
Elm
$2,556 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Swedish Clock Secretary Circa 1820
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional 19th-century Swedish clock secretary, circa 1820, combines functionality with timeless Gustavian elegance. Crafted from pine, this impressive piece features a beauti...
Category
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Pine, Paint
Louis XVI Desk/Secretaire a Abattant c. 1790-1800
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a very good example of a late 18th century Louis XVI Secretaire a Abattant. The secretaire is crafted of solid walnut and is a generous 39.5" wide. The fall front when down r...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
$3,960 Sale Price
20% Off
Biedermeier Secretaire, Central Germany, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier secretaire with three drawers and flat writing flap. The body is veneered in cherry and polished by hand. The secretaire stands on square feet which are flanked by eboniz...
Category
1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Cherry
19th Century Dutch Renaissance Drop-Front Secretary Desk in Stripped Oak
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Dutch Renaissance Drop-Front Secretary Desk in Stripped Oak adds both timeless style and whimsy in one piece! Shallower than most, it is ideal for efficient floor plans...
Category
Mid-19th Century Dutch Renaissance Revival Antique Secretaires
Materials
Oak
*An Exquisite 19th Century French Flame Mahogany Fitted Secretaire
Located in Reading, Berkshire
An Exquisite 19th Century French Flame Mahogany Secretaire.
Complete With Fitted Interior, & Enclosed Shelves, Raised On A Plinth ...
Category
19th Century French Regency Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass, Steel
$9,659 Sale Price
44% Off
19th Century French Bureau de Dame Napoleon III Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Milano, MI
A late 19th century Napoleon III bronze-mounted mahogany bureau à cylinder, an elegant French Bureau de Dame or Bonheur du Jour, a ladies writing desk with cartonnier which opens up ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
$2,078 Sale Price
50% Off
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
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
Secretary, desk, Danish in Teak by Borge Mogensen for Soborg Mobelfabrik 1960.
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb large Scandinavian secretary. 4 large drawers on the lower part. A lockable shelf folds out to provide a large work space. Inside 2 drawers, 2 horizontal compartments and 3 ve...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Teak
$3,326 Sale Price
20% Off
Swedish Secretary with Marquetry
Located in New York, NY
A masterpiece of symmetry, the cantilevered sides of the body meet the rectangular working surface, creating a setback for the upper writing surface. Crafted of Nordic birch and fir,...
Category
1920s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Birch
Biedermeier Pyramid Secretary, Berlin circa 1810
Located in Greding, DE
This pyramid-shaped secretary from the early 19th century impresses with its architectural design and high-quality craftsmanship. The gable-shaped top with segmental filling is accen...
Category
1810s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Antique 19th Century Secretary Simulated Chiffonier, Napoleon III Period
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Antique 19th century secretary simulated chiffonier, Napoleon III period
A magnificent secretary simulated chiffonier. It is created with gre...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
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
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.
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Maple Secretary
Mahogany Secretary Desk Bookcase
Maple Bureau
Italian Painted Secretary
Mahogany Biedermeier Secretaire
Louis Philippe Secretary
Italian Drop Front Desk
Mahogany Georgian Secretary
Queen Anne Bureau
Rosewood Mid Century Secretary
Mahogany Secretaire A Abattant
Roll Top Secretary
Louis Xvi Secretaire A Abattant
Narrow Secretary
Japanese Secretary
Queen Anne Secretary
Side By Side Secretary Bookcase
Venetian Secretary