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Secretaires For Sale
Biedermeier Walnut Secretary Desk with Brass Fittings, Germany, 1820
Biedermeier Walnut Secretary Desk with Brass Fittings, Germany, 1820

Biedermeier Walnut Secretary Desk with Brass Fittings, Germany, 1820

Located in Leimen, DE

Biedermeier secretary desk, South west German, 1820. This beautiful drop front desk has three drawers in the lower part, they are embellished with original lion head brass fittings a...

Category

1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Italian Mid-Century Sideboard with Secretarie by Vittorio Dassi, 1950s
Italian Mid-Century Sideboard with Secretarie by Vittorio Dassi, 1950s

Italian Mid-Century Sideboard with Secretarie by Vittorio Dassi, 1950s

By Vittorio Dassi

Located in Buccinasco, MI

An elegant Italian Mid-Century sideboard designed by Vittorio Dassi in the 1950s, crafted in teak with refined brass details. The left side opens through two doors revealing a spacio...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Napoleon III French Travel Fall Front Desk in Rosewood and Boxwood Veneer 1860s
Napoleon III French Travel Fall Front Desk in Rosewood and Boxwood Veneer 1860s

Napoleon III French Travel Fall Front Desk in Rosewood and Boxwood Veneer 1860s

Located in Huntington, NY

Napoleon III French travel fall front desk in rosewood and boxwood veneer 1860s. With inset leather fall front. Small compartment in top. Cut outs to interior for ink wells & paper organizing...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

19thc French Painted Secretary
19thc French Painted Secretary

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

Majestic Blue painted Rococo Bureau / Secretary
Majestic Blue painted Rococo Bureau / Secretary

Majestic Blue painted Rococo Bureau / Secretary

Located in Kastrup, DK

A Rococo secretary desk with a cabinet or bookcase top, beautifully painted in blue with a black-painted interior. This piece consists of two sections: Upper section consists of a c...

Category

Mid-18th Century Danish Rococo Antique Secretaires

Materials

Metal, Brass

19th Century Empire Drop-Front Oak Secretary Desk or Abattant, Chest France
19th Century Empire Drop-Front Oak Secretary Desk or Abattant, Chest France

19th Century Empire Drop-Front Oak Secretary Desk or Abattant, Chest France

Located in Miami, FL

Secretaire a abattant, France circa 1820, Biedermeier period. The outside with fall front and two drawers flanked by two ebonized columns shows a beautiful oak veneer design. The woo...

Category

Early 19th Century French Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Swedish antique rustic Gustavian Secretary with Original Paint
19th Century Swedish antique rustic Gustavian Secretary with Original Paint

19th Century Swedish antique rustic Gustavian Secretary with Original Paint

Located in Boden, SE

A Swedish antique rustic Gustavian slant front secretary from early 19th century that is perfect for any home. This originalpainted features a slanted top that pulls down to make a ...

Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Pine

Late 18th Century German Louis XVI Secretaire with outstanding Marquetry, c 1790
Late 18th Century German Louis XVI Secretaire with outstanding Marquetry, c 1790

Late 18th Century German Louis XVI Secretaire with outstanding Marquetry, c 1790

Located in Greven, DE

Classicist top-mounted secretary with elaborate marquetry Southern Germany Walnut and others Classicism around 1790 Dimensions: H x W x D: 213 x 115 x 57 cm Description: Exception...

Category

Late 18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Secretaires

Materials

Maple, Walnut

18th Century English Chippendale Secretaire
18th Century English Chippendale Secretaire

18th Century English Chippendale Secretaire

Located in Chicago, IL

Step into the grace and sophistication of the 18th century with our exquisite English oak secretaire, an embodiment of Georgian Chippendale-style craftsmanship. Elegantly merging for...

Category

18th Century English Chippendale Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Empire style secretary desk in flamed mahogany in the style of Aldo Tura work
Empire style secretary desk in flamed mahogany in the style of Aldo Tura work

Empire style secretary desk in flamed mahogany in the style of Aldo Tura work

By Aldo Tura

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

Empire style secretary desk in flamed mahogany and bronze locks. This is an Italian work in the style of Aldo Tura. Circa 1970

Category

1970s Italian Neoclassical Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

Venetian Rococo Style Walnut Secretary Lacquered by Ira Yeager
Venetian Rococo Style Walnut Secretary Lacquered by Ira Yeager

Venetian Rococo Style Walnut Secretary Lacquered by Ira Yeager

By Ira Yeager

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Fantastic late 19th century Italian secretaire cabinet or bookcase made in the Venetian Rococo taste. Crafted from walnut the two-part case features a speckled lacquer finish centered by a cartouche shaped window with a painted bust by artist Ira Yeager (American 1938-2022). The bureau cabinet has a bombe shaped dresser base with a drop front diminutive writing table. The drop front has two storage drawers and a small pigeon hole storage above. Below the desk are two small drawers and two large storage drawers with rocaille patinated brass pulls. The dresser is supported by small cabriole legs with scrolled feet. The dresser is surmounted by a bookcase with a painted door depicting a nobleman holding a chicken. The painting is painted on board titled "Venezia" and signed by Yeager with a fictitious date of 1725. The door opens to a three-shelf bookcase. The case is topped with a pediment having a cartouche shaped window and corniced top. The entire secretary is speckled with a mustard yellow tone over a taupe background. This whimsical cabinet...

Category

19th Century Italian Rococo Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

19th Century Empire Drop-Front Oak Secretary Desk or Abattant, Chest France
19th Century Empire Drop-Front Oak Secretary Desk or Abattant, Chest France

19th Century Empire Drop-Front Oak Secretary Desk or Abattant, Chest France

Located in Miami, FL

Secretaire a abattant, France circa 1820, Biedermeier period. The outside with fall front and two drawers flanked by two ebonized columns shows a beautiful oak veneer design. The woo...

Category

Early 19th Century French Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

Louis XVI Secretary Desk, France, 1780-1800
Louis XVI Secretary Desk, France, 1780-1800

Louis XVI Secretary Desk, France, 1780-1800

Located in Belmont, MA

Exquisite Louis XVI Secretary Desk – France, c. 1780-1800 This stunning Louis XVI secretary desk, crafted in France between 1780 and 1800, is a masterpiece of 18th-century craftsman...

Category

1780s French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires

Materials

Kingwood, Rosewood

Large Secretaire With Flap In Marquetry, Late 19th Century
Large Secretaire With Flap In Marquetry, Late 19th Century

Large Secretaire With Flap In Marquetry, Late 19th Century

By Jean-François Oeben

Located in MARSEILLE, FR

Massive secretaire with flap in marquetry of cubes on the doors and sides and bronzes (partly gilded): the flap covered with leather inside opens on...

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

Scandinavian 18th Century Bureau
Scandinavian 18th Century Bureau

Scandinavian 18th Century Bureau

Located in Atlanta, GA

Made in Scandinavia in the eighteenth century, this bureau is fitted with unusual and rare hardware. The bureau, a sloping-front writing and storage piece, combines a fall front with...

Category

18th Century Scandinavian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Antique French Louis XVI Secretary Chest Commode, Carrara Marble
Antique French Louis XVI Secretary Chest Commode, Carrara Marble

Antique French Louis XVI Secretary Chest Commode, Carrara Marble

Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire

Antique French Louis XVI secretary chest of drawers topped with a white Carrara marble, fluted legs finished with golden bronze clogs and thorough dressed in bronze and brass details...

Category

1940s French Louis XVI Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Carrara Marble

Italian Baroque Ebonized and Eglomise Bureau Cabinet
Italian Baroque Ebonized and Eglomise Bureau Cabinet

Italian Baroque Ebonized and Eglomise Bureau Cabinet

Located in Essex, MA

Slightly arched top that may have held a bust at some point, over a middle section with drawers with reverse painted panels with scenes of ancient towns and ruins with a central mirr...

Category

1690s Italian Baroque Antique Secretaires

Materials

Pine

19th Century Grey Swedish Gustavian Pine Two Part Bureau - Antique Secretaire
19th Century Grey Swedish Gustavian Pine Two Part Bureau - Antique Secretaire

19th Century Grey Swedish Gustavian Pine Two Part Bureau - Antique Secretaire

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A 19th Century, light-grey, white antique Swedish Gustavian two part bureau made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian secretaire is composed with two...

Category

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Metal

George III circa 1760 English Oak Thomas Chippendale Carved Bureau Bookcase
George III circa 1760 English Oak Thomas Chippendale Carved Bureau Bookcase

George III circa 1760 English Oak Thomas Chippendale Carved Bureau Bookcase

By Thomas Chippendale

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer absolutely stunning hand made in England George III circa 1760-1780 Bureau bookcase with Thomas Chippendale carvings This is a true piece of classic Engl...

Category

1760s English George III Antique Secretaires

Materials

Oak

Louis XV period marquetry secretary from the mid-18th century
Louis XV period marquetry secretary from the mid-18th century

Louis XV period marquetry secretary from the mid-18th century

Located in Beuzevillette, FR

A very elegant and rare Louis XV period drop-leaf secretary desk, characteristic of Rococo furniture with its sinuous silhouette and refined proportions. The curved front rests on ar...

Category

18th Century French Louis XV Antique Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Bronze

18th Century English Painted Bureau
18th Century English Painted Bureau

18th Century English Painted Bureau

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Pretty 18th century narrow painted bureau with a fitted interior and working lock and key. The interior features a hidden well and a lovely original chinoiserie lacquer. 1790. Heigh...

Category

18th Century English George III Antique Secretaires

Materials

Oak

Lovely French Louis XVI Style Secretaire
Lovely French Louis XVI Style Secretaire

Lovely French Louis XVI Style Secretaire

Located in Crawley, GB

This Lovely French Louis XVI Style Secretaire is a timeless and elegant piece of furniture, perfect for adding a touch of vintage charm to any room. Handmade from wood, brass, and ma...

Category

Late 19th Century Louis XVI Antique Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Brass

Classicist Vienna Secretary, circa 1790
Classicist Vienna Secretary, circa 1790

Classicist Vienna Secretary, circa 1790

Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj

Richly inlaid classicist secretary circa 1790-1800 original from Vienna. Some repairs in the past. Very good original condition with sigs of usage.

Category

18th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood

RARE AND IMPORTANT ENGLISH STATIONERY GEORGE III 18th Century
RARE AND IMPORTANT ENGLISH STATIONERY GEORGE III 18th Century

RARE AND IMPORTANT ENGLISH STATIONERY GEORGE III 18th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

RARE AND IMPORTANT ENGLISH STATIONERY GEORGE III 18th Century in lacquered wood in shades of red. Decoration with gold chinoiseries representing birds, fantastic animals and pagodas...

Category

18th Century English Chinese Export Antique Secretaires

Materials

Lacquer

Rare Cabinet Chest of Drawers with Marble in the antique Biedermeier Style
Rare Cabinet Chest of Drawers with Marble in the antique Biedermeier Style

Rare Cabinet Chest of Drawers with Marble in the antique Biedermeier Style

Located in Berlin, DE

Maple root on solid conifers. Single-door cabinet in cylindrical shape. Corpus on corresponding frame. Gering marble top surface with light-grey grain. Partially ebonised. Interior s...

Category

19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Edwardian Bureau Secretary 4 Drawers Chest with Original Mirror, circa 1920s
Edwardian Bureau Secretary 4 Drawers Chest with Original Mirror, circa 1920s

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

Antique Austrian Flame Mahogany Inlaid Rosewood Biedermeier Secretary Chest 1820
Antique Austrian Flame Mahogany Inlaid Rosewood Biedermeier Secretary Chest 1820

Antique Austrian Flame Mahogany Inlaid Rosewood Biedermeier Secretary Chest 1820

Located in Portland, OR

A fine, elegant, antique Austrian inlaid mahogany Biedermeier secretary desk chest/cabinet, circa 1820. A fine quality Biedermeier made from the highest quality book-matched figured...

Category

1820s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Secretaire
Secretaire

Secretaire

$13,800

Secretaire

Located in Vienna, AT

This elegant and truly exceptional early Viennese Biedermeier Secretaire, crafted in Vienna around 1825, embodies the refined proportions, purity of form, and outstanding craftsmansh...

Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Very Fine Antique Secretary Bookcase with Brass Eagle Crest
Very Fine Antique Secretary Bookcase with Brass Eagle Crest

Very Fine Antique Secretary Bookcase with Brass Eagle Crest

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Well constructed with fine mahogany veneer with Federal style brass eagle finial on a pedestal. The carved cornice with urn form finials over a carv...

Category

Late 19th Century Federal Antique Secretaires

Materials

Leather, Glass, Mahogany

Antique North German/Danish Empire Cylinder-Top Secretary with Bookcase, c. 1815
Antique North German/Danish Empire Cylinder-Top Secretary with Bookcase, c. 1815

Antique North German/Danish Empire Cylinder-Top Secretary with Bookcase, c. 1815

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

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

Fine Swedish three-part bureau with charming carvings and marble-painted columns
Fine Swedish three-part bureau with charming carvings and marble-painted columns

Fine Swedish three-part bureau with charming carvings and marble-painted columns

Located in Atlanta, GA

This fine Swedish three-part bureau, dating to circa 1790, is an elegant example of late 18th-century Scandinavian case furniture. The piece is distinguished by its architectural for...

Category

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Pine

Spanish Fall-Front Secretary Desk in Carved Oak, Spain, circa 1950
Spanish Fall-Front Secretary Desk in Carved Oak, Spain, circa 1950

Spanish Fall-Front Secretary Desk in Carved Oak, Spain, circa 1950

Located in Miami, FL

Mid 20th century walnut Spanish fall-front secretary with molded carvings in drawers and doors. Measures: Height from the floor to the open leaf: 32.40in.

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Secretaires

Materials

Oak

19th Century Louis XVI Style Walnut Secretary with Ormolu Accents and Marble Top
19th Century Louis XVI Style Walnut Secretary with Ormolu Accents and Marble Top

19th Century Louis XVI Style Walnut Secretary with Ormolu Accents and Marble Top

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Secretary with Ormolu accents Gorgeous piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions. Desk i...

Category

19th Century European Louis XVI Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Le Corbusier, P. Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC20 Casier Standard for Cassina
Le Corbusier, P. Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC20 Casier Standard for Cassina

Le Corbusier, P. Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC20 Casier Standard for Cassina

By Franco Albini, Cassina

Located in Berlin, DE

Prices vary dependent on the color, size and material of the piece. Casier designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1925. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. The Casiers standard...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Metal

French 19th Century Louis XVI Mahogany Marble Top Secretaire
French 19th Century Louis XVI Mahogany Marble Top Secretaire

French 19th Century Louis XVI Mahogany Marble Top Secretaire

Located in Carmine, TX

Elegant 19th-century Louis XVI style secretary desk, crafted in richly figured wood with a warm, polished finish. Featuring a fall-front writing surface, four spacious drawers, origi...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Henri 2 Cabinet or Secretaire in Sculpted Oak Renaissance Style, 19th Century
Henri 2 Cabinet or Secretaire in Sculpted Oak Renaissance Style, 19th Century

Henri 2 Cabinet or Secretaire in Sculpted Oak Renaissance Style, 19th Century

Located in Beuzevillette, FR

Rare cabinet desk Henri II style in carved oak. The base is made up of two boxes each with a drawer and a door carved and framed by columns. On the wooden top rests the cabinet treat...

Category

1870s French Renaissance Revival Antique Secretaires

Materials

Oak

Émile Gallé Game Table in Walnut and Marquetry of Veneered Wood with a Floral
Émile Gallé Game Table in Walnut and Marquetry of Veneered Wood with a Floral

Émile Gallé Game Table in Walnut and Marquetry of Veneered Wood with a Floral

By Émile Gallé

Located in Ixelles, BE

"Émile Gallé Game Table in Walnut and Marquetry of Veneered Wood with a Floral Thistle Motif (c. 1895). Émile Gallé’s game table is an exceptionally refined work of art, perfectly e...

Category

1880s French Art Nouveau Antique Secretaires

Materials

Nutwood

Arts & Crafts Secretaire
Arts & Crafts Secretaire

Arts & Crafts Secretaire

Located in London, GB

Arts & Crafts secretaire.  Circa 1930's. Dark green stained wood with aged foxed mirror, geometric carvings, scrolled metal details and velvet backing.  In good soli...

Category

1930s Arts and Crafts Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Glass, Wood

Regency Period Mahogany Davenport Circa 1810 With Mechanism
Regency Period Mahogany Davenport Circa 1810 With Mechanism

Regency Period Mahogany Davenport Circa 1810 With Mechanism

Located in Brussels, Brussels

Superb and rare Regency mahogany Davenport desk, circa 1810. This small English piece can serve as a writing desk or a superb display cabinet of exceptional quality. Such fine pieces...

Category

Early 19th Century British Regency Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Late 19th Century Spanish Walnut Bureau Bookcase ‘Secretaire’
Late 19th Century Spanish Walnut Bureau Bookcase ‘Secretaire’

Late 19th Century Spanish Walnut Bureau Bookcase ‘Secretaire’

Located in Miami, FL

A late 19th century Spanish Walnut Bureau bookcase ‘secretaire’ with fretwork open swan neck pediment, centred by a shaped finial, above a pair of doors, slant front enclosed writing...

Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Hand-Painted Baroque Secretary, 18th Century
Hand-Painted Baroque Secretary, 18th Century

Hand-Painted Baroque Secretary, 18th Century

Located in Greding, DE

Baroque secretary with three drawers and slant-front writing flap decorated with recessed panels. Fitted with iron side handles and brass mounts. Below the upper section are two pull...

Category

18th Century German Baroque Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass, Iron

19th Century Swedish Black Painted Pine Secretary Bureau
19th Century Swedish Black Painted Pine Secretary Bureau

19th Century Swedish Black Painted Pine Secretary Bureau

Located in Round Top, TX

19th century Swedish secretary or "bureau," crafted in pine. The piece has Rococo styling with a curved bonnet crown and three gracefully curved large drawers below. It has been give...

Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Secretaires

Materials

Pine, Paint

Directoire Bureau a Cylindre - France, circa 1800, Mahogany Secretaire or Desk
Directoire Bureau a Cylindre - France, circa 1800, Mahogany Secretaire or Desk

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

Vintage Danish Modern Rosewood Secretary Desk
Vintage Danish Modern Rosewood Secretary Desk

Vintage Danish Modern Rosewood Secretary Desk

Located in Gardiner, NY

Authentic vintage mid century Danish / Scandinavian Modern rosewood secretary desk / dresser / chest of drawers / cabinet / sideboard. This piece is in excellent condition with very...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Rosewood

1940s lacquered wood writing desk attributed to René Drouet French art deco
1940s lacquered wood writing desk attributed to René Drouet French art deco

1940s lacquered wood writing desk attributed to René Drouet French art deco

By René Drouet

Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Rare '40s secrétaire attributed to French designer René Drouet. Structure in lacquered solid wood with attractive floral decoration on the top door (original paint, gilding and lacqu...

Category

1940s French Art Deco Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Wood

1960's Mid Century Modern Obelisk Form Secretary/ Display Case/ Cabinet
1960's Mid Century Modern Obelisk Form Secretary/ Display Case/ Cabinet

1960's Mid Century Modern Obelisk Form Secretary/ Display Case/ Cabinet

Located in Opa Locka, FL

Rare Form 1960's Mid Century Modern Obelisk Display Case/ Secretary/ Cabinet. This is the first time I have seen one like this. There is a writing area, storage cabinets and upper gl...

Category

1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Oak secretary desk by Pierre Cruège, France, ca. 1950
Oak secretary desk by Pierre Cruège, France, ca. 1950

Oak secretary desk by Pierre Cruège, France, ca. 1950

By Pierre Cruège

Located in GRENOBLE, FR

This unique secretary desk by Pierre Cruege perfectly illustrates French design from the 1950s and 60s, combining functional minimalism with refined elegance. Constructed from light ...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Late 18th Century English George III Mahogany Bureau Bookcase ‘Secretaire’
Late 18th Century English George III Mahogany Bureau Bookcase ‘Secretaire’

Late 18th Century English George III Mahogany Bureau Bookcase ‘Secretaire’

Located in Miami, FL

A late 18th century English George III mahogany Bureau bookcase ‘secretaire’ with fretwork open swan neck pediment, centred by a shaped finial, above a pair of glazed doors, slant fr...

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Secretaires

Bright and Beautiful Italian-Made Rococo Paint Decorated Secretary Desk
Bright and Beautiful Italian-Made Rococo Paint Decorated Secretary Desk

Bright and Beautiful Italian-Made Rococo Paint Decorated Secretary Desk

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This Italian-made Rococo secretary desk is a bright and beautiful example of 20th-century craftsmanship inspired by 18th-century elegance. With its curvaceous bombe form, delicately ...

Category

1950s Italian Rococo Revival Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

18th Century German Baroque Inlaid Marquetry Secretary Bureau
18th Century German Baroque Inlaid Marquetry Secretary Bureau

18th Century German Baroque Inlaid Marquetry Secretary Bureau

Located in Round Top, TX

18th-century German secretary or "bureau" crafted from walnut, featuring extensive marquetry. The inlaid decoration continues across the façade, with ...

Category

Late 18th Century German Baroque Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Antique Queen Anne Revival Kneehole Desk, Burl Walnut, 1920s-1940s
Antique Queen Anne Revival Kneehole Desk, Burl Walnut, 1920s-1940s

Antique Queen Anne Revival Kneehole Desk, Burl Walnut, 1920s-1940s

Located in Trenton, NJ

A distinguished and well-proportioned kneehole pedestal desk in the Queen Anne revival manner, produced in the 1920s to 1940s during the sustained American and English enthusiasm for...

Category

20th Century Queen Anne Secretaires

Materials

Wood

18th century Georgian secretary in hand painted blue wedge wood swirl finish
18th century Georgian secretary in hand painted blue wedge wood swirl finish

18th century Georgian secretary in hand painted blue wedge wood swirl finish

Located in Richmond, VA

Wonderful 18th century Georgian mahogany secretary with hand painted wedgewood swirl finish by “The Fabulous Things”. This piece is a statement piece that will elevate any room. The ...

Category

18th Century English Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Paint

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.