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Secretaires For Sale
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
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
19C Irish Georgian Style Secretary Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING a STUNNING 19C Irish Georgian Style Secretary Bookcase.
From circa 1850-60 and most definitely, “IRISH”.
Made of gorgeous flamed Cuban mahogany which would have been imported from the British Colonies at the end of the 18th Century and early 19th Century.
This piece of is of IMPRESSIVE PROPORTIONS ….. it is a real STATEMENT piece and EXTREMELY HIGH QUALITY !
It has a very ‘Regency Style’ pelmet or crown with egg and dart moldings under a very straight line crown.
The top section consists of a 4 door bookcase, each with 3 shelving areas. It appears to retain it’s original glass, but it could likewise have been replaced at some time during it’s long life, as it is very rare to find pieces that have not suffered breakages over 150+ years.
Each bookcase door still retains the original moldings to the front with a star shape above and below a central circular viewing panel.
Each section is separated by a carved and fluted roman column/pillar.
The bookcase section rests on top of the base, which consists of a beautiful central secretaire desk accessed by drop down front with working lock and key and rests on 2 pull out rests on either side. The secretary portion has a central tabernacle, with an inlaid oval satinwood medallion above another scallop shell drawer. It has 6 smaller drawers and 8 cubbies. The 2 pillars on either side of the central tabernacle are secret drawers and pull out. The curved crowns above the cubbies on either side are likewise secret drawers and pull out.
Either side of the secretary there are 2 drawers (4 total) with a press or cupboard underneath.
Under the secretary there are 4 large central drawers.
The brasses and hardware are all original to the piece (save 2 extra hinges that have been attached to the drop down secretary to give it more support and stability.
Again, each section is separated by a turned and fluted column/pillar which replicates the 2 side pillars to the central tabernacle of the secretary.
The piece sits on 8 curved feet.
This was an extremely high quality piece when made. This is also supported by the fact that the secondary woods are also mahogany and not pine or oak for slightly lesser quality pieces of the era.
This piece is specifically identifiable as an Irish Georgian Style piece by virtue of the scallop shell moldings on the base side presses (see photos).
Irish Georgian furniture...
Category
Mid-19th Century Irish George III Antique Secretaires
Materials
Glass, Mahogany, Satinwood
Stunning 1900s Burr & Burl Walnut Drop Front Bureau Desk Lovely Timber Patina
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely circa 1900 Burr & Burl Walnut drop front bureau
A good looking and well-made piece, you don't come across many in Burr walnut, it i...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
André Sornay Secretaire, circa 1930
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Andre´ Sornay secretaire, circa 1930
Signed.
Restored.
Certificate of authenticity from Thierry Roche, French expert for Andre´ Sornay.
Category
1930s French Art Deco 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
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
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
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
Antique Early 20th Century Mahogany Biedermeier Drop Front Secretary Desk from G
Located in Round Top, TX
Rich dark wood and stately lines define this handsome Biedermeier drop front secretary from Germany. Note the concave curve of the upper cabinet door and beautiful mahogany grain pat...
Category
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Light Blue Large Secretaire with Storage Designed by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This large secretary desk is designed by the famous parisian Designer Eric Gizard and delivered fully mounted.
The overall dimensions of the b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
60s 70s Teak Secretary Dresser Danish Modern Desk Design Denmark 60s 70s
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
60s 70s teak secretary dresser Danish Modern Desk Design Denmark 60s 70s
Object: secretary
Manufacturer:
Condition: good
Age: around 1960-1970
...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Teak
French 19th Century Walnut Secrétaire à Abattant
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This wonderful walnut secre´taire a` abattant was constructed in the style of Louis XVI during the 19th century. Topped with a great piece of black and white marble. A single, slim d...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Stone, Marble, Metal, Brass
19th Century English Chinoiserie Ladies Secretaire Writing Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Extraordinary 19th century English ladies secretaire desk or writing table. The two part desk was made in the Chinoiserie revival period of Europe ...
Category
19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Circa 1810. French Empire Mahogany Secretary With Ormolu Fittings & Trim
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Circa 1810. French Empire Mahogany Secretary With Ormolu Fittings & Trim
Category
Early 19th Century French French Provincial 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
Louis-Philippe Secretary Desk in Burl Walnut, Circa 1845
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-LA-PLACE, FR
Antique Louis-Philippe Secretary Desk in Burl Walnut, Circa 1845 – From the Loire Valley
This extraordinary Louis-Philippe secretary originates from a historic château nestled in a ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
19th C. French Empire Style Louis Philippe Period Secretaire Abattant
Located in Forney, TX
A Louis Philippe period (1830–1848) fruitwood secretaire abattant fall front desk.
Born in France in the mid-19th century, hand-crafted of rich solid fruitwood with warm wood tones, subtle grain detail, and nicely aged mellow patina over the whole. Finished in French Empire taste, having a molded cornice, concealed ogee frieze drawer with dovetail joinery, over fall front panel, opening to reveal original fitted interior gallery, with inset gilt tooled leather writing surface, large open shelf cubby, six drawers of various size, above double-door cabinet with brass shield escutcheon that opens to provide generous storage space, and an additional lower drawer for valuables hidden in the base molding, rising on square feet.
Dimensions: (approx)
56.75" High 41" Wide, 17.5" Deep
History/Back Story:
Louis Philippe furniture had the same types and forms as the earlier French Restoration style, but with less decoration; comfort was the primary consideration.
During the turbulent French Revolution and following Napoleon rule, Louis Philippe (1773-1850) remained in exile for 21 years until the Bourbon Restoration, when he became the King of the French from 1830 to 1848.
For the first time, the developing upper class–not the monarchy–influenced the progression of this style’s characteristics.
However, King Louis Philippe’s personality still inspired many aspects. His casual nature reflected this style’s informal, comfortable build. Much of the style was taken from the personality of the King himself. Unlike his Bourbon predecessors, he wore business dress...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaires
Materials
Leather, Fruitwood
1950 Compact Home Office Desk in walnut and Blond Wood
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1950 compact home office desk in walnut and blond wood.
Original lamp.
Interesting desk storage.
114 x 82 x 53 cm closed.
114 x 164 x 50 cm open.
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Sycamore, Walnut
Biedermeier Secretaire, Walnut, Maple, Paw Feet, Austria circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
High-quality early Biedermeier Secretaire, Drop-Front or Secretary Desk from Austria around 1820.
Walnut veneered on hardwood (walnut and mahogany). Partly ebonized and details vene...
Category
1820s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
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
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
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
English Regency Rosewood Secretaire
Located in Queens, NY
English Regency rosewood secretaire cabinet with two upper shelves supported by a lyre form over a secretaire drawer fitted with a leather wri...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Regency Antique Secretaires
Materials
Rosewood
19thc French Painted Secretary
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautiful 19thc Robin’s egg blue secretary/fall front desk.
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
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
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 English Black Lacquered Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely 19th century English black lacquered Chinoiserie secretary. Beautiful painted Asian designs and many compartments. A true w...
Category
19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
W029 Cabinet, Citronnier Wood & Marble with Gilt Bronze & Gold, Zanaboni
By Zanaboni
Located in MEDA, IT
W029 is a masterpiece cabinet in citronnier, with 46 marble “Bianco B” elements, crystal bowls, 70 Kg of brass details finishing gold 24 Kts, bas-relief in marble, inlaid in mother o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Biedermeier Walnut Secretary
Located in Hudson, NY
Biedermeier Walnut Secretary Chest, Biedermeier walnut secretary with cabinet below. Desk has four small drawers and a letter shelf. Cab...
Category
19th Century Czech Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Stunning Poul Hundevad Rosewood Secretary Cabinet , Denmark
Located in Buffalo, NY
Danish modern, two piece, book matched rosewood, bookcase secretary cabinet by Poul Hundevad ... Birch wood interior,,, features a 26 inch height bottom cabinet with sliding doors, a...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Birch, Rosewood
Antique English Mahogany Glass Front Bureau Bookcase, circa 1830
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English mahogany glass front Bureau bookcase with Fitted Interior, circa 1830.
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany, Glass
18th Century Louis XV Bureau Italian Genoese Walnut Marquetry Drop-Front Desk
Located in Milano, MI
An exceptional Italian Genoese walnut veneered and inlaid fall front bureau secretaire desk, dating back to the third quarter of 18th century, of Genoese origin.
The fall opening to a fitted interior of six small drawers, pigeon holes and one central small door with an engraving.
The waving, curved front of this antique Italian drop front bureau shows two short, small and convex drawers above two long and deep drawers; the scalloped lower front, the shaped apron is part of the lower drawer. Sides in solid walnut. The whole raised on curved cabriolet feet.
The veneer is placed obliquely, in a herringbone pattern, within jutting frames and makes this antique Italian bureau...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Liberty & Co A Moorish Walnut Desk with Angular Design & 4 Opposite Side Drawers
Located in London, GB
Liberty & Co.
A Moorish Walnut Desk with Mushrabia turnings to the upper shelf, just below to the turned uprights there are dowel holes which I have shown in the images, they are the...
Category
1890s English Moorish Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Shapland & Petter, Arts & Crafts Mahogany Desk with a Pierced Heart to the Top
Located in London, GB
Shapland & Petter. A wonderful Arts & Crafts mahogany writing desk with a pierced heart to the top, shaped back and sides, with upper three quarter shelf and a stylized floral leaded glass back below. A period style leather writing area with hand tooled gilt decoration to the edges. A bow fronted drawer with stylized copper heart...
Category
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Secretaires
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Secretary Made In Teak, 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 teak wood, the secretary exudes a warm and na...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Teak
Empire Secretaire, Vienna, circa 1810/15
Located in Greding, DE
An elegant Empire secretary featuring a two-door lower cabinet, a smooth writing flap, and a top drawer. The piece is adorned with fine inlays depicting stars, lyres, and palmettes, ...
Category
1810s Austrian Empire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Charles Spooner Arts & Crafts Oak secretaire Cabinet with Serpentine Stretchers
Located in London, GB
Charles Sydney Spooner, probably made by J H Brandt.
A rare oak secretaire cabinet on stand, with quarter veneered panels to the doors and drawers with black and green diamond shaped handles. The doors open to reveal adjustable shelves. The sides and lower stand are all made from solid quarter sawn oak with beautiful figuring. The slightly graduated mouldings to the waist frame the tidy little writing area. Standing on squashed ball feet, united with serpentine entwined stretchers.
This is an oak variation of the cabinet Charles Spooner exhibited at the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society in 1910. One can see that both cabinets are essentially the same design, one with drawers one with a pull down writing area. Both have quartered veneered panels to the doors, the Mahogany one with applied moulded decoration to the doors.
See : illustration below from : Arts and Crafts Furniture by John Andrews.
See also : Charles Spooner Arts and Crafts Architect, page 209 illustration 10:28.
: Fine Art Society for a Coromandel variation and Puritan Values : Important Furniture Page 1, for a larger four door lacquered panelled variation.
Charles Spooner is noted as one of the most influential people and also credited as one of the fathers of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
Born at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington (London), Spooner was the second of 5 children of Charles Spooner and Sarah Frances Trinder, who lived at Brook Green, Hammersmith. Spooner became an architect and an instructor of furniture design at the London County Council's Central School of Arts and Crafts. He was a pupil and then assistant of Sir A W Blomfield and in 1890 won the RIBA’s Soane Medallion (Proc RIBA). He specialised in smaller churches and houses turning out some beautiful and complete buildings. He was influenced by E W Godwin and contemporary American architects such as H H Richardson. He was a member of the Society and Protection of Ancient Buildings and the Art Workers Guild, he worked in the tradition of William Morris, teaching...
Category
1920s English Arts and Crafts Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Oak
Louis XVI Cylinder Secretary, Writing Desk, Walnut, circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Louis XVI cylinder secretary in walnut, writing desk
West Germany
Walnut and others
Louis XVI around 1800
Dimensions: H x W x D: 112 x 96 x ...
Category
Early 19th Century German Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Early 19th Century German or Danish Secretaire, Mahogany, Biedermeier, c. 1815
Located in Greven, DE
Small antique Biedermeier secretary
Schleswig-Holstein
Mahogany and others
Biedermeier around 1815
Dimensions: H x W x D: 137 x 88 x 45 cm
Description:
Piece of furniture standing...
Category
1810s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Birch, Mahogany, Maple
Directoire Bureau a Cylindre - France, circa 1800, Mahogany Secretaire or Desk
Located in Greven, DE
Desk with mirror attachment - Bureau à cylindre
France
Mahogany
Directoire circa 1800
Dimensions: H x W x D: 149 x 97 x 50 cm
Description:
Top-mounted desk standing on tapered rou...
Category
Early 1800s French Directoire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Marble, Brass
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
20th Century Inlaid Wood Lombard Trumeau Desk, 1950
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Elegant mid-20th century Lombard trumeau. Double body cabinet in Baroque style carved in walnut, ebonized wood and fruitwood. Trumeau for living room or study equipped with three dra...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Wood
French Louis Philippe Drop Front Secretary, late 19th Century
Located in South Salem, NY
Experience the timeless allure of a Louis Philippe secretary, resplendent in mahogany veneer and a black stone top. This exquisite piece of 19th-century craftsmanship boasts a drop f...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
19th Century Italian Painted Secretary, Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Italian painted secretary ~ bookcase is a fanciful and marvelous expression of the unique stylistic flair that originated in Ven...
Category
1890s Italian Baroque Revival Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Unique Venetian Italian Paint Decorated Secretary Desk with Bookcase Circa 1890s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category
1890s Italian Neoclassical Revival Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
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
Chrome, Brass
19th Century English Mahogany Estate Office Lockers, c.1890
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique late-19th Century English mahogany, multi-doored, large set of lockers, primarily would have been used as an estate cupboard, as the description...
Category
19th Century British Antique Secretaires
Materials
Metal
Neoclassic Period French Commode W/Hidden Butler's Secretary & Writing Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Neoclassical commode, with hidden secretary and original hardware, from the turn of the 18th and 19th century. This antique commode from France gives the appearance of being a three drawer chest at first glance. However, discreetly hidden behind the upper "drawer" is in fact a fall-front, which opens to reveal a small writing desk with three open cubbies for organization within. The lower portion of the chest houses two full-sized drawers. The rectangular-shaped top has pronounced and rounded front corners, which carry through down the side posts and are flute-carved. Each drawer front is adorn with brass trim and retains the original brass (and really great) hardware; a pair of rectangular bail pulls with a beautiful Neoclassic escutcheon set at center. This commode is presented upon conical legs with exaggerated tops that canopy over their tapered feet. The rich fruitwood has a wonderful old patina throughout. Note that there have been some prior repairs to the top. This late 18th century French...
Category
Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Edwardian Bureau Secretary 4 Drawers Chest with Original Mirror, circa 1920s
Located in Germantown, MD
C. 1920s American Oak 4 drawers bureau secretary Chest of drawers with original mirror. Mirror shows some spots of aging marks in glass.
Very nice carvings in front drawer doors an...
Category
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Secretaires
Materials
Maple, Oak
American Block Front Dropdown Mahogany Secretary Desk
Located in Queens, NY
American (18/19th Century) block front mahogany secretary desk with a slant top drop front over 3 drawers supported on ogee bracket feet.
Category
19th Century American Country Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Circa 1810 Empire Period Secretaire à Abatant
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Empire period, c.1810, Secretaire à Abatant, French. Walnut. Demi-columns with bronze dore mounts. Bronze dore pulls & escutcheons. Chic black marble top with white-grey figure. Grea...
Category
1810s French Empire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Georgian 18th Century Mahogany Secretaire Cupboard
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A superb quality late 18th century Georgian mahogany
secretaire cupboard having well figured and banded
top over one secretaire drawer to frieze, enclosing
attractive satinwood in...
Category
Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
French Secretaire à Abattant, First Empire Period
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French first Empire period Secretaire à Abattant, also known as a drop-front secretary, fall front or cantilevered desk. Under the dark grey marble top is a secret, entablature drawe...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Italian Olive Burl Wood Bombe Secretary Vanity with Display Top & Matching Chair
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous Italian bombe drop front secretary cabinet in olive wood with the matching chair. Bookcase top with Two drawers with brass hardware and exquisite cabriole legs. Expert craft...
Category
1940s Italian Baroque Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Italian 18th Century Style Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
Ebonized and burl walnut 18th century style secretary with panel doors that are mirrored inside and out so can display open or closed. The upper cabinet has been lined with fabric wh...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
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
Baker Furniture French Library Cabinet Lighted Secretary Desk Stacking Unit
Located in West Chester, PA
Baker Furniture from the 18th century French Stacking Units Collection as shown in the Baker Catalogue Volume 1 page 62. Upper wire door cabinet section...
Category
1960s American French Provincial Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Brass
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.