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Secretaires

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Secretaires For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 1980s
Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk, circa 1860, after Renovation
Located in Opole, PL
We present you another incredible piece of furniture in our collection -- this elegant and highly exquisite Biedermeier secretary desk circa 1860. The secretary desk was manufactu...
Category

1860s Scandinavian Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

English Secretary, Cabinet with Mahogany Glass Top, circa 1850, Victorian
Located in Berlin, DE
High rectangular carcass, two doors. over it extendable writing board provided with several drawers and shelves. Rear-mounted glass top with rung glazing. Extremely rare in this vers...
Category

1840s English Victorian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Dresser/Desk/Dressing Table Veneered with Mahogany, circa 1860
Located in Opole, PL
A piece of furniture on turned legs, with a liftable top and an extended desktop inside. Under the desktop, there are two drawers, including the one with compartments padded with a ...
Category

1860s European Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Petite Queen Anne Style 1880s Walnut Slant-Front Desk on Cabriole Legs
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A late 19th century Queen Anne style small walnut mini slant front desk on stand resting on graceful cabriole legs ending in pad feet. The slant drop front, topped with a Chippendale...
Category

Late 19th Century Queen Anne Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Mahogany Architects Table by Jean-Joseph Chapuis, 1810
Located in Hellouw, NL
Beautiful Empire mahogany architects table by Jean-Joseph Chapuis (1765-1864). Jean-Joseph Chapuis (born in Brussels) was a famous furniture maker. He obtained a master craftsman ti...
Category

Early 1800s Belgian Empire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

19th Century Two-Piece English Butler's Secretary
Located in Asheville, NC
This two-piece secretary is constructed of oak with contrast mahogany banding, the compartmented fall front desk forms the top drawer of the base cabinet when closed, the upper cabin...
Category

19th Century American 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

Unique Mahogany Antique Secretary Desk, Northern Europe, circa 1870
Located in Chorzów, PL
Historic secretary from the second half of the 19th century. Very good condition, after professional renovation. Wood: Mahogany Dimensions: he...
Category

1870s Swedish Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

French 19th Century Brass and Mahogany veneered Directoire Style Cylinder Bureau
Located in Berlin, DE
French 19th Century Brass Inlaid and Mahogany veneered Directoire Style Cylinder Bureau A 19th century mahogany cylinder bureau with the rectangular top surrounded by a pierced brass gallery, above two mirrored panelled doors, the roll-top opening to reveal a sliding leather writing surface surmounted by three drawers and a shelf, above two frieze drawers, on fluted circular tapering legs headed by asperges and terminated by cast sabot. The mirrored paneled doors, and the roll top are distinguished by its brass inlays that beautifully frame and outline the design of the item. Together with the brass handles, the brass gallery and the brass toupie feet this cylinder bureau displays...
Category

19th Century French Directoire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Antique Biedermeier Secretary shelve circa 1810 Cuba Mahogany veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
High-quality Cuba mahogany on solid oak . Rectangular body on pointed legs. Provided with three drawers . Straight writing tablet, behind it architectur...
Category

19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Scandinavian Birch Empire Bureau Secretary with Bookcase, c. 1820
Located in Miami, FL
A very fine Scandinavian Empire/Biedermeier secretary in beautiful birch wood with mahogany interior, Denmark, circa 1820. The highly sculptural form makes this piece an outstanding ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Empire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Birch

Antique English Adams Decorated Satinwood Drop-Front Desk, 18th-19th C
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique English Adam decorated drop-front desk offers satinwood construction with slant front having neoclassical reserve of woman and cherub in co...
Category

19th Century English Adam Style Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Satinwood

Original Paint Swedish Secretary
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
An unusual Swedish Secretary from Jamtland with a three door design on the top section. A folding front desk opens to drawers and storage space, benea...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Rare Gothic Revival Writing Desk Carved Oak Antique 19th Century Angels Dragons
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Exceptional & Breathtaking ! This very high quality Gothic Revival writing desk / secretaire marked 1887. Carved from European oak with superb craftsmanship and numerous details ! The 2 doors are decorated with angels & the top also displays 2 angels. There are 2 dragons on the top piece, gothic faces are made as handle grips for the 4 drawers. The desk has carved gothic panels...
Category

1880s French Gothic Revival Antique Secretaires

Materials

Velvet, Oak

Antique Genuine Swedish Escritoire, Original Faux Paint Country Secretary Desk
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine antique Swedish escritoire from the early 1800s. This escritoire, or secretary desk, is a genuine country furniture from northern Sweden made around 1820 to 1840. Made by han...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Country Antique Secretaires

Materials

Pine

Antique Louis XVI Style Ormolu and Sèvres Porcelain Mounted Secretaire
Located in London, GB
Antique Louis XVI style ormolu and Sèvres porcelain mounted secretaire French, c. 1840 Height 127cm, width 76cm, depth 37cm This magnificent secretaire was crafted around 1840 from ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires

Materials

Ormolu

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

Antique secretary's office, Northern Europe, circa 1870. After renovation.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique secretary from around 1870, Northern Europe. The furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation. Dimensions: height 131 cm / width 109 cm / depth 75 cm
Category

1870s Scandinavian Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Antique Italian Renaissance Revival Walnut Figural Carved Writing Desk 52"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Neo-Renaissance Revival writing desk. Made of walnut featuring Neoclassical styling with high relief figural carvings of cherubs / puttis, Northwind faces, and acanthus / fl...
Category

Late 19th Century Renaissance Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Fantastic American Centennial Solid Walnut Philadelphia Carved Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
From Slatoff Estate. Walnut. 2piece. Top has 2 glass doors containing 2 shelves. Bottom has 5 dovetail drawers and drop down door with fitted interior. 98 3/4" h x 41 7/8" w x 22 1/2...
Category

1870s American Federal Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Louis XVI Style Dutch Chinoiserie Secretary and High Chest
Located in Greven, DE
Pair of chinoiserie furniture - secretary and chiffonier The Netherlands Satinwood and others, lacquered panels around 1890 Dimensions: H x W x D: 130 x 63 x 39 cm Description: Ve...
Category

Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Secretaires

Materials

Satinwood

Venetian painted cabinet/secretary 19 th century
Located in Houston, TX
The exceptional painting on this piece makes it a real Showpiece. The pale mint green and silver gilt accents Are of the best quality. The doors open wide for a diplay The front drop...
Category

Early 1800s Italian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Fruitwood, Paint

Rattan Secretary Desk by Pierce Martin
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Dramatic in scale and proportion. An exceptional eye catching tropical motif fall front desk by the iconic designer. The piece is superbly crafted with multiple drawers and fitted w...
Category

1980s Philippine Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Rattan

Tall Walnut Cabinet with a Bureau Desk Compartment
Located in Dubai, AE
Tall walnut desk cabinet in Baroque style with gilded brass ornamentation. The upper glazed part reveals seven drawers, a leaf, and fifteen lockers, the flap revealing six drawers, s...
Category

19th Century German Baroque Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

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

Exceptional Consulate Period Mahogany Secretary 1800s -1X42
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Step into the grandeur of the Consulate era with this exceptional mahogany secretary, crafted towards the end of the 18th century. Rich in history and elegance, this piece embodies t...
Category

Early 1800s Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

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

Antique English Edwardian Mahogany Chest of Drawers Secretary Desk Bureau
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Edwardian Mahogany Chest of Drawers Secretary Desk Bureau. Item features a fall front top drawer with green tooled leather writing surface and fitted interior, hand d...
Category

19th Century Edwardian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Louis Philippe Period Secretary, Mid 19th Century, Burl Walnut
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-LA-PLACE, FR
Secretary period Louis Philippe, mid 19th century, is in walnut bramble. A video of this piece of furniture is available on Instagram. Join me at: antiquites_guideau. Walnut brambl...
Category

1840s French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

19th Century American Chippendale Maple Slant Front Secretary / Desk
Located in Houston, TX
The 19th Century American Chippendale Maple Slant Front Secretary/Desk is a testament to the meticulous artistry and timeless allure of traditional craftsmanship. Painstakingly craft...
Category

19th Century American Chippendale Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Maple

Secretary Period Louis Philippe, Mid 19th Century, In Walnut Bramble
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-LA-PLACE, FR
Secretary period Louis Philippe, mid 19th century, is in walnut bramble. Walnut brambles are flamed because they have many aesthetic designs. These drawings have complex, highly con...
Category

1840s French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Secretary/davenport In Bamboo And Lacquer With Asian Decor - 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
superb and unique secretary called davenport in bamboo and Chinese lacquer with Asian decoration from the 19th century from England Very beautiful little secretary, the first we ha...
Category

19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Antique Secretaires

Materials

Bamboo

American Indianapolis, Indiana Mahogany Wooton Armoire Desk, circa 1880
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A Wooton desk, produced from 1874 to 1890 in Indianapolis, Indiana Designed by entrepreneur William S. Wooton. Produced in mahogany on large sledge feet, four large brass hinges op...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Victorian Walnut & Burl Barrel Roll Top Secretary Bookcase & Desk C1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Ask About Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Reliable Professional Service & Fully Insured*** Antique Victorian Walnut & Burl Barrel Roll Top Secretary, Double Glass Door Bookcase ...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut, Glass

Stunning Louis XV Marquetry Secretary, circa 1850 -1X22
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Elevate your interior with the timeless elegance of this stunning Louis XV marquetry secretary, crafted around 1850. Imbued with the opulence and refinement of the French Rococo peri...
Category

1850s Antique Secretaires

Materials

Marble

Antique French Empire Mahogany Gilt-Bronze Mounted Marble-Top Abattant Secretary
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Imported French Empire Flame Mahogany Gilt-Bronze Mounted Marble-Top Abattant Secretary Desk This 19th-century French Empire-style secretary desk is a true work of art. Craf...
Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Brass

Antique Danish Louis Philippe Empire Style Mahogany Secretary Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Danish Louis Philippe Empire Style Mahogany Secretary Desk This exquisite 19th-century secretary desk beautifully combines the influence of the Louis Philippe and Danish Emp...
Category

Late 19th Century Danish Empire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Metal

Antique 19th Century Flame Mahogany Rope Twist Abatante Secretary Desk
Located in Charlotte, NC
An antique Biedermeier style abatante secretary desk, unbranded. Mahogany with flame mahogany veneers, decorative overhang to top, later added white marble top, brass keyhole escutch...
Category

19th Century European Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Brass

Antique secretary desk from around 1870, Northern Europe. After renovation.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique secretary desk from the second half of the 19th century, Northern Europe. The furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation. Dimensions: height 113 cm ...
Category

1870s Norwegian Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

French Secretaire Cartonnier, Transition , wood leather
Located in Valladolid, ES
A sensational and unique French PP S XIX cartonnier, Transition style from Louis XV to Louis XVI, high quality, mahogany, mahogany palm and leather. The cartonnier rises on a solid m...
Category

Early 1800s French Regency Antique Secretaires

Materials

Metal

19th c. Swedish Rococo Secretary with Library in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A rare, early 19th century Swedish Rococo style slant-front secretary from Fryksdalen in Värmland with arched cornice, circa 1820. The paint has been hand-scraped down to the origina...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Paint

Empire Style Secretary Made In Mahogany & Intarsia From 1820s
Located in Lejre, DK
This impressive Empire style secretary from the year 1820 is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and aesthetic beauty. Hand-polished mahogany wood gives the secretary an elegant and ...
Category

1820s Danish Empire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Secretaire "a Abbatant" Napoleon III Empire, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Title: Secretaire "a Abbatant" Date/Period: 19th century Dimension: 147cm x 105cm x 51cm. Material: Mahogany wood Additional Information: Secretaire "a Abbatant" French, Empire Style...
Category

Early 19th Century European Empire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Painted Swedish Gustavian Style Secretary
Located in Houston, US
Really beautiful Swedish secretary with drop front, interior drawers, cubbies and a secret compartment. Two doors sit on two drawers on the top and there are two small drawers over t...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century George II Walnut Secretary With Mirrored Doors
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A petite size secretary with lots of style. Mirrored doors are beautiful.
Category

Early 19th Century British Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mirror, Walnut

19th Century Louis XVI Style French Secretaire with Black Marble Top
Located in Houston, TX
In the lavish world of 19th-century French design, the Louis XVI Style Secretaire with a Black Marble Top stands as a masterpiece of sophistication and functionality. Adorned with th...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires

Materials

Marble

Baker Furniture French Empire Burl Wood Secrétaire á Abattant With Brass Ormolu
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding French Empire or Neoclassical style drop front secretary desk By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Gorgeous burl wood, with ebonized columns, and original brass hard...
Category

1980s American Empire Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Secretary, Memphis Style
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Secretary, Memphis Style
Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Hand-Painted & Decorated Front Neoclassical Style Breakfront Secretary Bookcase
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Introducing our exquisite 19th-century Neoclassical Style Hand-Painted & Decorated Front Breakfront/Secretary Bookcase, a stunning blend of artistry and functionality that adds a tou...
Category

1840s French Neoclassical Antique Secretaires

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

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

A fine 19th c Biedermeier birch secretary. Ebonized details and gilt bronze
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine Biedermeier period drop front secretary. Fine Empire gilt bronze details . Ebonized details . Beautiful walnut and birch woods
Category

Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

Early 19th Century Mahogany Secretary
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Early XIX Century Mahogany Secretary Germany, 1800 Mahogany This classicist cylinder bureau made of mahogany dates from 1810 and is an original from the Empire & Biedermeier era. Th...
Category

Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Blue painted Biedermeier Secretaire, around 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier secretary with three-drawer chest of drawers and two-door glazed top and sloping writing flap. The light blue painting is set off in white at the edges and the interior i...
Category

1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Softwood

Italian 19th Century Secretaire
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Wonderful Painted Secretaire, this piece is very rafraishing.
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood

French secretary desk in Louis Philippe style, made of mahogany wood from the 18
Located in Barletta, IT
Secrétaire français de la deuxième moitié du XIXe siècle, de style Louis Philippe, en bois de mahogany et de plume de mahogany. Il présente deux tiroirs dans la partie supérieure, un...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Chinese Chippendale Style English Bamboo Slanted Lift-Top Secretary Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Hand Crafted English Chinese Chippendale Bamboo Secretary. This handsome and special Secretary has two top facing doors and a Middle "cubby Hole" opening for Books, small decorative pieces, etc., The tilt top Desk...
Category

19th Century English Chinese Chippendale Antique Secretaires

Materials

Leather, Bamboo, Wood, Maple

Louis Philippe Style Marquetry Secretaire, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Louis Philippe Style Marquetry Secretaire Cabinet, Circa 19th Century, the top drawer with gilt bronze pulls and key above a drop front opening to reveal leather-inset writing surfac...
Category

19th Century Louis Philippe Antique Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

A Biedermeier Chest with Secretaire Circa 1850
Located in Flower Mound, TX
A magnificent mid 19th century Biedermeier chest with figured mahogany secretaire cabinet, with a raised serpentine single drawer, a frieze drawer over paneled fall front, and the in...
Category

Mid-19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

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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