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Secretaires For Sale
French Louis XVI Style Bronze Mounted Marble Top Secretary by Jules Piret
French Louis XVI Style Bronze Mounted Marble Top Secretary by Jules Piret

French Louis XVI Style Bronze Mounted Marble Top Secretary by Jules Piret

By Maison Forest

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

Dimensions - H: 49 in W: 27 1/4 in D: 13 3/5 in IMPORTANT: This piece is not by Maison Forest it is signed and by Jules Piret but cannot be changed in the listing. An exceptional a...

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Painted Oak Secretary Bureau, Denmark circa 1760-80
Painted Oak Secretary Bureau, Denmark circa 1760-80

Painted Oak Secretary Bureau, Denmark circa 1760-80

Located in Round Top, TX

This striking oak secretary is an elegant statement piece crowned with a beautifully curved and carved bonnet or crown. The entire secretary has been given a professional custom layered salmon/desert...

Category

Late 18th Century Danish Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass, Iron

19th Century English Edwardian Secretary Cabinet in Mahogany
19th Century English Edwardian Secretary Cabinet in Mahogany

19th Century English Edwardian Secretary Cabinet in Mahogany

Located in High Point, NC

A 19th century English Edwardian secretary cabinet, crafted in mahogany and designed with a compact, functional layout. The piece incorporates multiple compartments and storage areas...

Category

19th Century English Edwardian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinoiserie Secretary (Secretaire Abbatant)
19th Century Chinoiserie Secretary (Secretaire Abbatant)

19th Century Chinoiserie Secretary (Secretaire Abbatant)

Located in New Orleans, LA

This striking black lacquered Chinoiserie secretaire abbatant (fall front secretary) is beautifully adorned in golden raised Chinese scenes with flora and fauna. The 19th century pi...

Category

19th Century Antique Secretaires

Materials

Fruitwood, Lacquer

Impressive Antique Slant Top Secretary Bureau
Impressive Antique Slant Top Secretary Bureau

Impressive Antique Slant Top Secretary Bureau

Located in Bridgeport, CT

An antique carved and finished slant top desk with handsome even grained Mahogany, original brass batwing pulls, diamond accent key holes and the top opening to reveal myriad nooks, ...

Category

19th Century Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Swedish 1770s Baroque Period Light Gray Painted Secretary with Slant Front Desk
Swedish 1770s Baroque Period Light Gray Painted Secretary with Slant Front Desk

Swedish 1770s Baroque Period Light Gray Painted Secretary with Slant Front Desk

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish Baroque tall secretary from circa 1770, with slant front desk, light Gustavian gray painted finish, two doors and four drawers. Experience the timeless elegance of this Swedish tall secretary from circa 1770, a piece that seamlessly marries the grandeur of Baroque design with the serene simplicity of the Gustavian painted finish. Indeed, this secretary, with its light gray painted finish, two doors, and four drawers, is a testament to the refined craftsmanship and understated beauty of Nordic furniture. The secretary's tall, imposing structure is softened by the light Gustavian gray finish, creating a sense of calm sophistication. The two doors, featuring simply carved panels, open to reveal an interior bathed in antique powder...

Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Baroque Antique Secretaires

Materials

Glass, Wood

18th Century Swedish Rococo Bombé Secretary Chest
18th Century Swedish Rococo Bombé Secretary Chest

18th Century Swedish Rococo Bombé Secretary Chest

Located in Kastrup, DK

Swedish Rococo secretary desk, dating from circa 1770, crafted in the distinctive bombé form that defines the elegance of the Swedish Rococo period. The piece features a beautiful wa...

Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Large French Bureau Plat/Bureau de Ministre in Mahogany with Gilt Bronze Mounts
Large French Bureau Plat/Bureau de Ministre in Mahogany with Gilt Bronze Mounts

Large French Bureau Plat/Bureau de Ministre in Mahogany with Gilt Bronze Mounts

Located in Miami, FL

Large French Bureau Plat / Bureau de Ministre in Mahogany with Gilt Bronze Mounts, Empire / Napoleon III, French Empire / Napoleon III Bureau de Ministre (Bureau Plat) in Mahogany wi...

Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

Swedish 1856 Two-part Painted Secretary with Four Doors and Slant Front Desk
Swedish 1856 Two-part Painted Secretary with Four Doors and Slant Front Desk

Swedish 1856 Two-part Painted Secretary with Four Doors and Slant Front Desk

Located in Atlanta, GA

Swedish 19th century two-part painted wood secretary circa 1856 with slant front desk, four doors and bracket feet. of Scandinavian taste for light palettes. Enrich your space with a...

Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century George l Style Secretary
Early 19th Century George l Style Secretary

Early 19th Century George l Style Secretary

Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL

This is a charming George l style walnut diminutive secretary. The domed cornice over a conforming cabinet door has a mirror plate. The bottom section contains a drop-front opening t...

Category

Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mirror, Walnut

19th Century French Walnut Secrétaire Abattant
19th Century French Walnut Secrétaire Abattant

19th Century French Walnut Secrétaire Abattant

Located in Charlottesville, VA

A French walnut secrétaire abattant with a fall-front writing surface opening to a fitted interior of shelves and small drawers. A single drawer sits above the fall front, with panel...

Category

19th Century French Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Solid Oak Cabinet and Desk by Guillerme et Chambron, France, 1960's
Solid Oak Cabinet and Desk by Guillerme et Chambron, France, 1960's

Solid Oak Cabinet and Desk by Guillerme et Chambron, France, 1960's

By Guillerme et Chambron

Located in New York, NY

Elegant and rare "dos d'âne" style desk and cabinet by French designers Guillerme and Chambron featuring leather straps holding the desk tray. Chest of 4 drawers In overall good vint...

Category

1960s French Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Laminate, Oak

Louis XVI Walnut Fall Front Desk / Secretaire
Louis XVI Walnut Fall Front Desk / Secretaire

Louis XVI Walnut Fall Front Desk / Secretaire

Located in Darmstadt, DE

This Louis XVI walnut slant-front secretary desk is a fine example of 18th-century French craftsmanship and sophistication, ideal for collectors and interior enthusiasts seeking time...

Category

18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires

Materials

Spruce, Walnut

Art Deco Thompson Secretary, Walnut Root Wood, Argentina, 1930
Art Deco Thompson Secretary, Walnut Root Wood, Argentina, 1930

Art Deco Thompson Secretary, Walnut Root Wood, Argentina, 1930

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR

Art Deco Thompson Secretary Walnut Root Wood Art Deco is a style of design, architecture, and visual arts that originated in France in the 1920s. It was popular in Europe and the Un...

Category

1930s Argentine Art Deco Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Antique British Colonial Campaign Chest Secretary
Antique British Colonial Campaign Chest Secretary

Antique British Colonial Campaign Chest Secretary

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Handsome 19th century campaign chest secretary handcrafted in mahogany in a two-piece construction featuring a pull-out leather top secretary ...

Category

Late 19th Century English Campaign Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Swedish Pine Secretary, Circa 1820-40
Swedish Pine Secretary, Circa 1820-40

Swedish Pine Secretary, Circa 1820-40

Located in Round Top, TX

It is the warm patina of the aged pine that draws one to this secretary with graceful Swedish country charm. Desktop rests on two extended arms. Desk opens reveals 8 small drawers an...

Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Country Antique Secretaires

Materials

Pine

Queen Anne Japanned Secretary Bookcase
Queen Anne Japanned Secretary Bookcase

Queen Anne Japanned Secretary Bookcase

Located in Essex, MA

With double arched top over a pair of arched mirror doors opening to a red interior fitted with drawers and shelves, the base with slant lid des...

Category

1720s English Queen Anne Antique Secretaires

Materials

Oak

Egon Ostergaard Teak Rolltop Secretary Desk, Swedish Modern, 1960
Egon Ostergaard Teak Rolltop Secretary Desk, Swedish Modern, 1960

Egon Ostergaard Teak Rolltop Secretary Desk, Swedish Modern, 1960

By Egon Ostergaard

Located in Detroit, MI

This iconic vintage mid-century Swedish modern Egon Ostergaard teak cylinder rolltop secretary desk cabinet was made in Sweden circa 1960. The classic Scandinavian modern design has ...

Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Antique Renaissance Revival Victorian Carved Walnut & Burl Secretary c1890
Antique Renaissance Revival Victorian Carved Walnut & Burl Secretary c1890

Antique Renaissance Revival Victorian Carved Walnut & Burl Secretary c1890

Located in Big Flats, NY

***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique Renaissance Revival Victorian Carved Walnut & Burl Secretary With Bookcase C1880. Measur...

Category

Late 19th Century Renaissance Revival Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Louis XVI Secrétaire à Abattant, France, circa 1780
Louis XVI Secrétaire à Abattant, France, circa 1780

Louis XVI Secrétaire à Abattant, France, circa 1780

Located in Stahnsdorf, DE

Louis XVI Secrétaire à Abattant, France, circa 1780 An exceptional French secrétaire à abattant dating to circa 1780, executed in the refined Louis XVI style. The piece presents an ...

Category

1780s French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires

Materials

Oak, Fruitwood

19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Secretary Desk with Mirror Interior, 1820
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Secretary Desk with Mirror Interior, 1820

19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Secretary Desk with Mirror Interior, 1820

Located in Berlin, DE

This elegant 19th century Biedermeier secretary is crafted in beautifully figured walnut veneer and showcases the refined proportions and restrained elegance characteristic of the Bi...

Category

1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut, Pine

Burr Walnut Clapper Empire Secretaire with Detached Columns and Secret Drawer
Burr Walnut Clapper Empire Secretaire with Detached Columns and Secret Drawer

Burr Walnut Clapper Empire Secretaire with Detached Columns and Secret Drawer

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

This beautiful Empire clapper secretaire is made of burr walnut. It has very elegant detached columns with Fine chiseled bronze elements on top and bottom of each column. Inside of the secretaire there is leather desk and several drawers including a secret drawer...

Category

1850s French Empire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Antique English Display Secretaire, Mahogany
19th Century Antique English Display Secretaire, Mahogany

19th Century Antique English Display Secretaire, Mahogany

Located in Berlin, DE

19th Century Antique English Display Secretaire, Mahogany Solid wood, manufactured to a high quality. The display cabinet has a pull-out function and can be used as a secretary than...

Category

19th Century English Antique Secretaires

Materials

Leather, Glass, Mahogany

John Widdicomb Walnut Aged Mirrored Tombstone Style Georgian Secretary
John Widdicomb Walnut Aged Mirrored Tombstone Style Georgian Secretary

John Widdicomb Walnut Aged Mirrored Tombstone Style Georgian Secretary

By John Widdicomb

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This John Widdicomb walnut Georgian secretary is a superb example of fine American craftsmanship with a timeless English influence. Featuring a distinctive tombstone-style crown, thi...

Category

1940s American Georgian Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Mirror, Walnut

Swedish Rococo Style Secretary Hutch
Swedish Rococo Style Secretary Hutch

Swedish Rococo Style Secretary Hutch

Located in Hollywood, FL

This is a unique Swedish Rococo Secretary Hutch. Its been restored and repainted with Milk paints "Mint Green" its 2 piece, top and bottom. desk height when open 25" from the ...

Category

1950s Swedish Rococo Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Pine

European Whitewashed Secretary Bookcase
European Whitewashed Secretary Bookcase

European Whitewashed Secretary Bookcase

Located in Westwood, NJ

A wonderful designed modernized 18th century style secretary bookcase with a whitewashed exterior, with a carved cartouche mounted the center of the arched and molded crown with carv...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Country Secretaires

Materials

Wood

20th Century Wood Lombard Desk Trumeau, 1960
20th Century Wood Lombard Desk Trumeau, 1960

20th Century Wood Lombard Desk Trumeau, 1960

Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont

Lombard trumeau of the mid-twentieth century. Moved and rounded, double body, richly carved in walnut, burl and beech woods of beautiful lines and pleasant decor. Trumeau with a work...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Mid 19th Century Swedish Pine Secretary Bureau
Mid 19th Century Swedish Pine Secretary Bureau

Mid 19th Century Swedish Pine Secretary Bureau

Located in Round Top, TX

Mid 19th century secretary crafted in pine. Decorative turned half columns accent the corners, while the desktop, when closed, features a curvaceous carved central panel that adds vi...

Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Country Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Late 18th Century Swedish Oak Secretary Bureau
Late 18th Century Swedish Oak Secretary Bureau

Late 18th Century Swedish Oak Secretary Bureau

Located in Round Top, TX

This drop front secretary maintains a timeless appeal due to the deeply aged patina of the oak and European country styling. The interior has 6 drawers, 4 decorative "hidden" drawers...

Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Country Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Antique German Biedermeier Bureau, Pinewood, Two-Part Secretary
Antique German Biedermeier Bureau, Pinewood, Two-Part Secretary

Antique German Biedermeier Bureau, Pinewood, Two-Part Secretary

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An antique German Biedermeier two part bureau, secretary with a two door glass display made of hand crafted Pinewood, in good condition. The upper part of the secretaire is composed ...

Category

Mid-19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Glass, Pine

19th Century French Louis XV Carved Oak Secrétaire with Figural Scenes
19th Century French Louis XV Carved Oak Secrétaire with Figural Scenes

19th Century French Louis XV Carved Oak Secrétaire with Figural Scenes

Located in Dallas, TX

Make a statement in a study, library, or living room with this exceptional antique French secrétaire à abattant, crafted in solid oak circa 1860. The slant-front form is elevated on ...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Antique Secretaires

Materials

Leather, Oak

19th Century Swedish Country Folk Art Writing Bureau
19th Century Swedish Country Folk Art Writing Bureau

19th Century Swedish Country Folk Art Writing Bureau

Located in Kramfors, SE

Country home writing bureau in folk art from northern Sweden. The bureau is from around 1820 to 1830 and has a writing desk with interior drawers with brass drawer pulls. Underneath ...

Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Country Antique Secretaires

Materials

Pine

Early 19th Century Swedish Two Part Mahogany Bureau - Antique Leather Secretaire
Early 19th Century Swedish Two Part Mahogany Bureau - Antique Leather Secretaire

Early 19th Century Swedish Two Part Mahogany Bureau - Antique Leather Secretaire

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A 19th-century, antique Swedish two-part bureau made of handcrafted, polished, partly veneered Mahogany in good condition. The secretaire is composed of two upper doors, three shelve...

Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Classic by Carpanelli Iris Secretaire
Classic by Carpanelli Iris Secretaire

Classic by Carpanelli Iris Secretaire

$5,045Sale Price / item|30% Off

Classic by Carpanelli Iris Secretaire

By Carpanelli

Located in Desio, IT

The structure is solid wood slabs, the curly swirl is plated with briar-wood, the top shaped and enriched by an inlay of leaves and also by the Carpanelli trademark which is hand set. Underneath the top there are its little drawers.

Category

2010s Italian Neoclassical Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Vintage Teak Secretaire by Nils Jonsson, 1960s
Vintage Teak Secretaire by Nils Jonsson, 1960s

Vintage Teak Secretaire by Nils Jonsson, 1960s

By Nils Jonsson

Located in Nørre Aaby, DK

A beautiful teak secretary designed by renowned Swedish designer Nils Jonsson from the 1960s. This elegant piece showcases exquisite craftsmanship with finely detailed woodwork and r...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Teak

George III Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
George III Mahogany Secretary Bookcase

George III Mahogany Secretary Bookcase

Located in Westwood, NJ

Elegant Georgian style cabinet with classical pediment, geometric glazing bars over the twin doors with three adjustable shelves within, the lower section with a fall front, fully li...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese George III Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Secretary Desk In Rosewood By Erling Torvits From 1960s
Secretary Desk In Rosewood By Erling Torvits From 1960s

Secretary Desk In Rosewood By Erling Torvits From 1960s

By Erling Torvits

Located in Lejre, DK

Secretary desk in rosewood designed by Erling Torvits from the 1960s. Classic Danish furniture with drop-down writing flap and storage. Timeless design. — Origin: Denmark — Designer...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Palisander

19th century Swedish Biedermeier secretaire chest of drawers
19th century Swedish Biedermeier secretaire chest of drawers

19th century Swedish Biedermeier secretaire chest of drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

19th century Swedish Biedermeier secretaire chest of drawers circa 1860. Fine example of a Karl Johan period secretaire which was Sweden's take on the French empire and the German b...

Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Birch, Pine

Poul Hundevad Rosewood Secretary Cabinet
Poul Hundevad Rosewood Secretary Cabinet

Poul Hundevad Rosewood Secretary Cabinet

By Poul Hundevad

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Danish modern, two piece, rosewood, bookcase secretary cabinet by Poul Hundevad features a 26 inch height bottom cabinet with sliding doors, adjustable shelves and green felt lined, ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Rosewood

18th century Swedish rococo secretary with original locks and keys.
18th century Swedish rococo secretary with original locks and keys.

18th century Swedish rococo secretary with original locks and keys.

Located in Brenham, TX

Swedish serpentine front rococo secretary with original hardware and locks. Working slide and hidden letter drawers on the inside.

Category

1780s Swedish Rococo Antique Secretaires

Materials

Oak

Fantastic Paint Decorated Faux Marble Interior Venetian Secretary Desk
Fantastic Paint Decorated Faux Marble Interior Venetian Secretary Desk

Fantastic Paint Decorated Faux Marble Interior Venetian Secretary Desk

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This fantastic paint decorated Venetian secretary desk with faux marble interior is a remarkable statement piece that captures the artistry and elegance of 19th to early 20th century...

Category

Early 1900s Italian Louis XV Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

English 19th Century Black and Gold Secretary Bookcase with Chinoiserie Décor
English 19th Century Black and Gold Secretary Bookcase with Chinoiserie Décor

English 19th Century Black and Gold Secretary Bookcase with Chinoiserie Décor

Located in Atlanta, GA

An English black lacquer secretary bookcase from the 19th century, with glass doors, drop-front desk and gold Chinoiserie décor. Created in England during the 19th century, this secr...

Category

19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Secretaires

Materials

Glass, Wood

Louis Philippe Mahogany Secretary Desk, Antique French Design, 1850
Louis Philippe Mahogany Secretary Desk, Antique French Design, 1850

Louis Philippe Mahogany Secretary Desk, Antique French Design, 1850

Located in Opole, PL

We present you a Louis Philippe secretaire from the mid-19th century. There are three bottom drawers, a removable board flush with the rest, and a narrow drawer with a concave-conve...

Category

1850s French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Louis XVI Ebonized Scriban Secretary Chest, Mahogany & Brass, 1880
Louis XVI Ebonized Scriban Secretary Chest, Mahogany & Brass, 1880

Louis XVI Ebonized Scriban Secretary Chest, Mahogany & Brass, 1880

Located in Austin, TX

Scriban or secretary chest in the Louis XVI style from France. This piece is made of solid wood construction, primarily mahogany. It has been ebonized and finished with a lustrous Fr...

Category

1880s French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Brass

Edwardian Oak Roll Top Secretary Desk, Circa 1900, UK, Brass Accents
Edwardian Oak Roll Top Secretary Desk, Circa 1900, UK, Brass Accents

Edwardian Oak Roll Top Secretary Desk, Circa 1900, UK, Brass Accents

Located in Madrid, ES

Oak secretary / writing desk from circa 1900's. Featuring a roll-up flap with underlying writing board, shelf interior and two drawers. Below the writing desk there are two pull-out ...

Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Antique Austrian Baroque Biedermeier Marquetry Roll Top Tabernacle Cabinet Desk
Antique Austrian Baroque Biedermeier Marquetry Roll Top Tabernacle Cabinet Desk

Antique Austrian Baroque Biedermeier Marquetry Roll Top Tabernacle Cabinet Desk

Located in Portland, OR

A rare & unusual antique Bohemian inlaid marquetry Elm tabernacle cabinet and desk, Austria, circa 1820. The cabinet in two sections, the top with an arched pediment, the sides of th...

Category

1820s Austrian Baroque Antique Secretaires

Materials

Elm, Fruitwood, Ebony

Grosfeld House Chest or Secretary, 1940s
Grosfeld House Chest or Secretary, 1940s

Grosfeld House Chest or Secretary, 1940s

By Grosfeld House

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

An elegant chest of drawers with pull-out desk drawer by Grosfeld House.

Category

1940s American Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Brass

19th Century Swedish Bureau Secretary Cabinet with Clock
19th Century Swedish Bureau Secretary Cabinet with Clock

19th Century Swedish Bureau Secretary Cabinet with Clock

Located in Round Top, TX

19th century Swedish pine bureau or "secretary cabinet" incorporating an upper clock feature. The piece retains an older yellow-toned painted finish with a visible burgundy red under...

Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Country Antique Secretaires

Materials

Metal

Secretary Swedish Rococo. Black
Secretary Swedish Rococo. Black

Secretary Swedish Rococo. Black

Located in Kastrup, DK

Elegant Swedish Rococo Secretary Desk in Black-Painted Pine. Executed in a beautiful and characteristic Rococo style with a wavy body, sides, and back. The slanting writing flap with...

Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass, Iron

NVIN0583 Vintage Mahogany Councill Secretary Desk
NVIN0583 Vintage Mahogany Councill Secretary Desk

NVIN0583 Vintage Mahogany Councill Secretary Desk

Located in Annville, PA

A Vintage Mahogany Councill Secretary Desk brought to you by Niagara Furniture. This item has all of the bells and whistles of an antique original. Made of select mahogany solids, th...

Category

1990s Renaissance Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Country French Louis XVI Painted Secretaire
19th Century Country French Louis XVI Painted Secretaire

19th Century Country French Louis XVI Painted Secretaire

Located in Dallas, TX

19th Century Country French Louis XVI Painted Secretaire is a marvelous example of rural artisans in the provinces emulating the styles in current favor of the court. In the instanc...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Antique English Late Victorian Sheraton Revival Satin Wood Bureau 19th Century
Antique English Late Victorian Sheraton Revival Satin Wood Bureau 19th Century

Antique English Late Victorian Sheraton Revival Satin Wood Bureau 19th Century

By Angelica Kauffmann

Located in London, GB

This is a beautiful antique late Victorian Sheraton revival satin wood bureau, circa 1890 in date and hand painted in the manner of Angelica Kauffman.   It has been made from the fin...

Category

Late 19th Century English Sheraton Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Painted Swedish Secretary, 19th Century
Painted Swedish Secretary, 19th Century

Painted Swedish Secretary, 19th Century

Located in New York, NY

This 19th-century Swedish secretary is a captivating example of timeless design. Its cream-painted exterior exudes classic charm, while the writing surface features the popular faux ...

Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Secretaires

Materials

Wood

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.