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Biedermeier Secretaires

Biedermeier Style

The authentic Biedermeier furniture on 1stDibs is representative of the first modern European decorative style not dictated by the tastes of the aristocracy. Following the Napoleonic wars, a growing, wealthy urban middle class in the German-speaking states of Central Europe began to demand rights and privileges once granted only to nobles. To avoid trouble, the upwardly striving confined their political discussions to one another’s homes. And so the salon was born.

Cabinetmakers in cities such as Vienna, Berlin and Mainz began to offer goods that reflected the tastes and needs of the new class. The makers of Biedermeier chairs, tables and other furniture used little or no gilding, silver hardware or other lavish ornament. Ebonized trims are common on Biedermeier cabinetry, and neoclassical elements — lyre-shaped chair splats, carved scrollwork, table supports shaped like Greek columns. But the strongest aesthetic statement came from the wood — richly-grained, honey-colored, often book-matched veneers of walnut and fruitwood.

There are two iconic Biedermeier furniture forms, both made to outfit rooms designed for conversation. One is the sofa, deeply upholstered with a strong, architectural wooden frame. The second is the circular pedestal table, which stood at the center of the room, offering a surface on which to place coffee and cake services; or to roll out a map, or sketch out ideas on paper.

“Biedermeier” was originally a derogatory term — it derives from the pen names of two German magazine writers who mocked bourgeois manners. Looking at the elegant and refined antique, new and vintage Biedermeier furniture offered on 1stDibs, that is now an amusing irony.

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Style: Biedermeier
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 Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Maple, Oak

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 Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

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 Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Brass

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
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Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Inlaid Carved Wood Austrian Biedermeier Style Secretaire Desk, 1960s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Austrian secretaire from the 20th century. Biedermeier style furniture elegantly inlaid, veneered and carved in walnut, maple, beech and fruitwood. Secretaire built in a single body,...
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Wood

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 Antique Biedermeier 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...
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1820s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Softwood

Antique Swedish Golden Ash Biedermeier Secretary Chest Dresser Desk inlaid 1820
Located in Portland, OR
A very fine antique Swedish Biedermeier golden ash secretary chest, circa 1820. The chest is made of the finest gold ash; a beautiful blond wood with figured graining. To the top of ...
Category

1820s Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Ash, Ebony

Burlwood Drop-Front Secretary, One of Four Produced; Båstad, Sweden, c. 1880
Located in Norwalk, CT
Dating from around 1880, this exceptional "secrétaire à abattant" is one of four identical chests, produced by a master Swedish cabinetmaker in the city of Båstad, commissioned as wedding gifts for the four daughters of a prominent local family. This remarkable piece was sourced by Atypical Find...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Burl

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 Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Early 19th Century Biedermeier Secretary, Birchwood
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Secretary, Germany, 1820 Birchwood Antique Biedermeier secretary made of birch wood, handmad...
Category

1820s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Birch

19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk in Beautiful Graining
Located in Opole, PL
19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk in Beautiful Graining We present you this piece of furniture with three drawers at the bottom, a drop front, and a narrow drawer und...
Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany, Baize

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 Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Biedermeier Column Secretary
Located in Berlin, DE
Cuba mahogany on pine tree. Architecturally arranged front. High-right body on padfoot feet. Fitted with three drawers of different sizes, the base drawer is curved. Straight writing...
Category

19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

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 Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

IMPORTANT GERMAN STATIONERY/SECRETAYRE 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
IMPORTANT GERMAN STATIONERY 18th Century plated in fruit wood with inlays representing gallant scenes and floral motifs. Wavy box with three drawers, showing factory interior with d...
Category

18th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Birch Secretary Bureau from Germany, circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
Rich birch and stately lines define this handsome Biedermeier drop front secretary. Refer to close up photos to appreciate the stunning grain pattern of the flame birch veneer. Multi...
Category

Mid-19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Birch

Early 19th Century Neoclassical Karelian Birch Secretary
Located in Houston, TX
An extraordinary early 19th Century Neoclassical style Karelian birch secretary. This wonderful cabinet features four ebonized columns supporting giltwood caryatids, two gothic arched cabinet...
Category

Early 19th Century Baltic Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Biedermeier Secretary
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
19th Century Biedermeier Secretary, Germany, Ca.1820 Walnut Original secretary veneered in walnut, impressive veneer pattern, stepped pedestal, gable, underneath drawer with push bu...
Category

1820s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
19th Century Conical Shape Secretary, Germany, 1820 This fine Biedermeier secretary made of mahogany is a real gem for every lover of antique furniture. With a height of 194 cm, a width of 106 cm and a length of 52 cm, it offers plenty of storage space with its five spacious drawers. The elegant mahogany finish and conical shape make it a real eye-catcher in any room. This 1820 original is free standing and in excellent condition. Carefully restored and hand-polished with shellac. A real highlight for anyone looking for antique furniture.Frame dimensions at top 95 cm, bottom 103 cm.The attachment with gable, underneath a hidden compartment, is opened with a compression spring. Very nice cabinet with 10 drawers...
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1820s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century German Biedermeier Cherrywood Secretaire - Antique Secretary
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th Century, antique German Biedermeier tall secretaire with a writing flap made of hand crafted shellac polished, partly veneered Cherrywood and Burlwood, in good condition. The ...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Metal, Brass

Biedermeier Secretaire in Ashwood, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Spacious secretary featuring a two-door cabinet top and a three-tier chest of drawers base. The secretary is veneered with ash and meticulously hand-polis...
Category

1820s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Ash

Italian Biedermeier Style Mixed Fruitwood Two-Part Secretary Bookcase Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 19th Century Italian Biedermeier Style Walnut Mixed Fruitwood Two-Part Secretary Bookcase Cabinet. Veyr light weight. Measures 24" in width, 17" in depth and stands 75" tall.
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Fruitwood, Walnut, Wood

Antique Biedermeier-Style Drop-Front Mahogany Secretary Chest
Located in Milano, IT
This marvelous Biedermeier-style drop-front secretary chest, dating back to around 1830 and crafted in Austria, is a true work of art. Made from precious mahogany wood, it features b...
Category

Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Metal

Biedermeier secretary, Western Europe, circa 1840.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier secretary, Western Europe, circa 1840. Obacie is undergoing renovation. Wood: mahogany dimensions: height 169 cm width 106 cm depth 59 cm
Category

1840s French Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Antique Swedish Secretary
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Skandinavian secretary with beautiful and functional secretary desk made of solid pine wood. The contrasting center of the secretary is made of walnut with a wonderful grain. The co...
Category

1830s Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Pine, Wood

20th Century Vienna Biedermeier Style Secretaire after Johann Härle
By Johann Härle
Located in Berlin, DE
Aristocratic secretaire of Vienna Biedermeier after Johann Härle, 1813. Highly valuable bird’s-eye maple root veneer on solid pinewood, partially ebonized, crested with classicist m...
Category

20th Century Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Pine, Wood, Birdseye Maple

19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello, This elegant and truly exceptional early Viennese Biedermeier Secretaire was made in Vienna circa 1825. Viennese Biedermeier is distinguished by their sophisticated proportio...
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Maple, Walnut

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire. Vienna, c. 1825
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello, This elegant and rare early Viennese Biedermeier Secretaire was made in Vienna c. 1825. The secretaire is an example of beautiful, rare and refined design and excellent craft...
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Antique Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Early 19 Century
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Early 19C Biedermeier Secretary Desk Extended depth is 31". Additional information: Materials: Ebony Color: Light Yellow Per...
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Ebony

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 Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Antique 19th Century Walnut Austrian Biedermeier Abatante Secretary Desk
Located in Charlotte, NC
An antique Biedermeier style abatante secretary desk, unbranded. Walnut with walnut & other wood veneers, decorative overhang to top, wood keyhole escutcheons to doors with brass key...
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Walnut

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 Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Cherry, Softwood

19th Century German Secretary, Birch, Cherry, Walnut, Biedermeier, c. 1835
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Biedermeier birch and cherry secretaire Central Germany birch, cherry, burr walnut Biedermeier around 1835 Dimensions: H x W x D: 168 x 105 x 51 cm Description: Simple and...
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1830s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Birch, Cherry, Walnut

Biedermeier secretary, Northern Europe, circa 1860.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier secretary, Northern Europe, circa 1860. Wood: Mahogany dimensions : h. 130 cm w. 112 cm d. 62 cm
Category

1860s Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Birch Karl Johan Secretary Bureau from Sweden, circa 1840-60
By Karl Johan
Located in Round Top, TX
Stunning Karl Johan Swedish birch secretary or "bureau" with twelve inner drawers surrounding a 3-part central cubie area. Exterior has one upp...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Birch

Biedermeier Maple Drop Front Secretary
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very attractive early 19th century Maple and Ebony German Biedermeier drop front secretary. Nice deep rich color and patina to the Maple surfac...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Maple

A fine Biedermeier period walnut and inlayed roll top secretary. Circa 1830
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine and rare Biedermeier walnut roll top secretary . Fine satinwood inlay . French polished and ready to place. Several drawers and compartments for storage .
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Satinwood, Walnut

Biedermeier Secretaire, South German, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier secretaire in cherry veneer with a two-door lower part, a flat writing flap and a wide top drawer. The edges are set off with a strip of burl veneer. The escutcheons are ...
Category

1820s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Cherry

Biedermeier Secretaire, Cherry, Maple, Inlays, Brass, South Germany circa 1830
Located in Regensburg, DE
Stately large Biedermeier secretaire from south Germany around 1830. Cherry veneered on softwood and solid cherry. Solid cherry solid columns with carved Corinthian capitals. Protrud...
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1830s Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Iron, Tin

20th Century antique Biedermeier style secretire birdseye maple veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
Exotic maple root veneer on solid softwood. Straight, two-drawer body above short, conical square legs, above an inclined writing flap and staggered office division of drawers and co...
Category

20th Century German Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Biedermeier Writing Desk Chiffonier Secrétaire Cabinet Swedish Ormolu Detail
Located in LONDON, GB
Swedish antique Biedermeier writing desk chiffonier secrétaire cabinet in highly quilted golden birch veneers and finished in the Classic light h...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Birch

19th Century Biedermeier Swedish Mahogany Secretaire Chest
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Biedermeier period swedish mahogany secretaire chest of drawers, circa 1810. Stunning secretaire chest in rich mahogany. 4 drawer chest with architectural elements to the bottom d...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Biedermeier Secretary, Northern Europe, circa 1850
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier secretary, Northern Europe, circa 1850. Very good condition. Wood: mahogany dimensions: height 205 cm width 109 cm depth 59 cm.
Category

1850s Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Oak Secretary, Northern Europe, Around 1820
Located in Chorzów, PL
Oak secretary, Northern Europe, around 1820! Very good condition, after professional renovation. Wood: oak Dimensions: height: 200 cm, width: ...
Category

1820s Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Oak

19th Century Biedermeier Secretary, Walnut, Austria, circa 1825
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Biedermeier Secretary Austria Walnut Biedermeier around 1820 Dimensions: H x W x D: 158 x 108 x 49 cm Description: Strictly cubist secretary standing on square feet. The furniture front and also the sides have a beautiful and carefully selected walnut veneer. The symmetrical laying of the grain makes the piece of furniture look incredibly calm and coherent. The furniture view begins with three drawers at the bottom, the writing flap above and another wide drawer at the very top. The top is finished off with a surrounding profile moulding. The interior consists of eight drawers arranged around a central open compartment. Ornamental marquetry decorates the top and bottom drawers. The lower drawer opens by a secret mechanism...
Category

1820s Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Original Antique Biedermeier Secretaire Desk Mahogany Veneer, circa 1845-1850
Located in Berlin, DE
Mahogany on solid pinewood. High-right body on padfoot feet. In the articulated front four drawers of different sizes. Straight writing plate with a medaillion-shaped depression. Beh...
Category

20th Century German Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Wood

19th Century German Biedermeier Veneered Mahogany Cabinet - Antique Secretary
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, antique German Biedermeier two-part cabinet with a writing flap made of handcrafted veneered Mahogany, in good condition. The bottom part of the shellac polished 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 Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Metal, Brass

Biedermeier Secretary, Northern Europe, circa 1860
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier secretary, Northern Europe, circa 1860. Very good condition, after professional renovation, a piece of furniture finished in polish. Wood: mahogany dimensions: h...
Category

1860s Swedish Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Biedermeier Cherry Fall Front Desk / Secretaire
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Introducing a stunning late Biedermeier Slant-Front Secretary, crafted from solid cherry wood in the 1840s. This exquisite piece of furniture features three drawers spanning the enti...
Category

19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Spruce, Cherry

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 Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Cherry, Walnut

19th Century German Biedermeier Secretary, Light Birch Wood, circa 1830-1840
Located in Greven, DE
Antique top secretary from the Biedermeier period around 1830/1835. Birch veneer with very subtle grain. Architecturally structured interior with marquetry and band inlays. Exten...
Category

1830s German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Birch

Antique Biedermeier Secretary, 20th Century
Located in Kerepes, HU
We present to you this special piece of furniture in the Biedermeier style. The presented piece is appropriate for its age is in condition. Materials and techniques: Wood walnut v...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Early 20th-Century Biedermeier Brown Oak Secretary Desk
Located in Opole, PL
Early 20th-Century Biedermeier Brown Oak Secretary Desk We present you this piece of furniture composed of a three-drawer dresser with a sliding de...
Category

Early 20th Century European Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Oak

Antique Biedermeier Table, Secretaire, 19th Century
Located in Kerepes, HU
We present to you this special small secretaire table in Biedermeier style. This piece of furniture is richly decorated with fine marquetry. With its elegant silhouette and beautif...
Category

19th Century European Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Amazing Secretaire Biedermeier Germany, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Amazing Secretaire Biedermeier Germany 19th century 155x107x50.5cm Secretaire inlaid in various woods with columns. Biedermeier period perfect condition for the age.
Category

19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Wood

19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Bureau-Commode. Vienna, c. 1820-25.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello, This elegant early Biedermeier walnut bureau-commode is the best example of top-quality Viennese piece from circa 1820-25. Viennese Biedermeier is distinguished by their sophisticated proportions, rare and refined design and excellent craftsmanship and continue to have a great influence on modern design. This elegant Biedermeier piece has beautiful, highly figured walnut veneer with gorgeous light deep amber color and 200 hundred years old patina. Two drawer Biedermeier bureau...
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Conical Secrétaire, 19th Century Biedermeier Secretary in Birch, Germany
Located in Greven, DE
Conical secretary North-East Germany birch, 19th century, Biedermeier, circa 1820 Dimensions: H x W x D 150 x 102 (94) x 52 cm Description: Rare conically tapering secret...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Birch

Biedermeier secretaires for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Biedermeier secretaires for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage secretaires created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Biedermeier secretaires made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original secretaires, popular names associated with this style include Biedermeier, Europa Antiques, and Karl Johan. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for secretaires differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,607 and tops out at $56,800 while the average work can sell for $7,258.

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