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Secretaires For Sale
Italian Mid-Century Brass Inlaid Secretary, by Paolo Buffa
Italian Mid-Century Brass Inlaid Secretary, by Paolo Buffa

Italian Mid-Century Brass Inlaid Secretary, by Paolo Buffa

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Lyndhurst, NJ

A fine example of a Mid-Century rosewood secretary by Italian designer, Paola Buffa (1903-1970) and brass intarsia inlay by artist Giovanni Gariboldi (1908-1971). The upper case with...

Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Brass

W029 Cabinet, Citronnier Wood & Marble with Gilt Bronze & Gold, Zanaboni
W029 Cabinet, Citronnier Wood & Marble with Gilt Bronze & Gold, Zanaboni

W029 Cabinet, Citronnier Wood & Marble with Gilt Bronze & Gold, Zanaboni

By Zanaboni

Located in MEDA, IT

W029 is a masterpiece cabinet in citronnier, with 46 marble “Bianco B” elements, crystal bowls, 70 Kg of brass details finishing gold 24 Kts, bas-relief in marble, inlaid in mother o...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Directoire cylinder desk with a book case on top, France 1800
Directoire cylinder desk with a book case on top, France 1800

Directoire cylinder desk with a book case on top, France 1800

Located in Leimen, DE

Directoire cylinder desk with a book case on top, France 1800, mahogany veneer. The desk has its original brass fittings. The leather on the writing surface is original as well. The ...

Category

1790s French Directoire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Scandinavian 60's Style Solid Wood Sideboard Danish Bar Commode
Scandinavian 60's Style Solid Wood Sideboard Danish Bar Commode

Scandinavian 60's Style Solid Wood Sideboard Danish Bar Commode

Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Scandinavian desk or chest of drawers from the 60's, structure in veneered and solid rosewood. This small desk is composed of a folding top with a leather under hand and various clev...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Louis XVI Secretary Desk, South German 1770-80, walnut
Louis XVI Secretary Desk, South German 1770-80, walnut

Louis XVI Secretary Desk, South German 1770-80, walnut

Located in Leimen, DE

Exquisite Louis XVI Secretary Desk South Germany, 1770-80 Discover a stunning Louis XVI secretary desk from South Germany (circa 1770-1780), a true masterpiece of late Baroque and ...

Category

1770s German Louis XVI Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Empire Secretaire, Vienna, Circa 1810, Bronze Fittings, Green Felt
Empire Secretaire, Vienna, Circa 1810, Bronze Fittings, Green Felt

Empire Secretaire, Vienna, Circa 1810, Bronze Fittings, Green Felt

Located in Greding, DE

Viennese secretaire on square pointed feet with bronze sabots. The body with beveled corners has a two-door base, a writing flap with central lock and one top drawer. The front side ...

Category

1810s Austrian Empire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

19th-Century Walnut Secretaire Abattant
19th-Century Walnut Secretaire Abattant

19th-Century Walnut Secretaire Abattant

Located in New York, NY

A 19th-century secrétaire abattant of exceptional quality. This beautiful piece consists of a center cabinet with a tooled leather writing surface and five small drawers and a lower...

Category

19th Century French Charles X Antique Secretaires

Materials

Marble

Charming secretary 1960 in solid walnut, gilded metal base.
Charming secretary 1960 in solid walnut, gilded metal base.

Charming secretary 1960 in solid walnut, gilded metal base.

Located in Mouscron, WHT

Charming secretary 1960 in solid walnut, gilded metal base. The leather is stained

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Metal

Louis XVI Style Five-Drawer Abattant Secretaire, France, 19th Century
Louis XVI Style Five-Drawer Abattant Secretaire, France, 19th Century

Louis XVI Style Five-Drawer Abattant Secretaire, France, 19th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

This Louis XVI style abattant secretaire dates from the 19th century and was produced in France during the Napoleon III era. The piece reflects the continued influence of classical F...

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

Dressing Chest
Dressing Chest

Dressing Chest

By Thomas Chippendale

Located in Tyrone, Northern Ireland

An 18th century mahogany dressing chest with bookcase and writing surface, designed by Thomas Chippendale. An attractive, practical and compact piece of...

Category

Mid-18th Century English Chippendale Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Louis XV Secretary Desk, Paris 1750-60
Louis XV Secretary Desk, Paris 1750-60

Louis XV Secretary Desk, Paris 1750-60

Located in Leimen, DE

This stunning French Louis XV secretary desk, crafted in Paris around 1750, is a remarkable example of 18th-century artistry and sophistication. Standing on four elegant curved legs ...

Category

1750s French Louis XV Antique Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

18th Century Walnut Bureau
18th Century Walnut Bureau

18th Century Walnut Bureau

$4,146Sale Price|20% Off

18th Century Walnut Bureau

Located in Faversham, GB

A splendid and well proportioned 18th century and later walnut bureau of exceptional craftsmanship. The top is finished with a galleried edge upon turned vase finials. The fall open...

Category

Mid-18th Century British Georgian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Louis XV Style Kingwood Bureau de Dame by Alphonse Giroux et Cie
Louis XV Style Kingwood Bureau de Dame by Alphonse Giroux et Cie

Louis XV Style Kingwood Bureau de Dame by Alphonse Giroux et Cie

By Alphonse Giroux et Cie

Located in Montreal, QC

This parquetry desk has the attributes one would expect when bearing the name to one of Paris leading retailers of objet deluxe. It is bombe...gently swelling and raised on cabriole legs. It is applied with oval porcelain panels which we have not dismounted but are to Sevres standard. It extensively mounted with bronze chutes sabots and moldings of various sorts. Including a bronze pierced plaque with the monogram of the owner. It is in a small way, highly evocative of 19th century Paris at its best. This company flourished between the consulate and 1867 when it closed. It enjoyed Royal patronage and was certainly a leading supplier of luxury goods of the highest quality. Maison Giroux, the famous curiosity and luxury goods shop, was situated at No. 7 rue du Coq-Saint-Honoré and in business from the time of the Consulate until the end of the Second Empire. The business was founded in 1799 by Francis Simon Alphonse Giroux, cabinetmaker and official restorer of Notre Dame. “Maison Alphonse Giroux” also known as “Giroux & Cie” specialized in producing ornate objects d’art and technically sophisticated furniture. Patronized by various members of the French Royal Family, including Louis XVIII, Charles X, Henri...

Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Art Deco Oak Glazed Bookcase, 1930s
Vintage Art Deco Oak Glazed Bookcase, 1930s

Vintage Art Deco Oak Glazed Bookcase, 1930s

Located in South Shields, GB

A well-made 1930s oak display cabinet with classic Art Deco styling. Featuring glazed doors with carved detailing, fluted central columns, carved handles and distinctive carved bun f...

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Oak

18th Century English Country Secretary in Hand-Carved Oak
18th Century English Country Secretary in Hand-Carved Oak

18th Century English Country Secretary in Hand-Carved Oak

Located in Dallas, TX

18th Century English Country Secretary in hand carved oak captures the romance and practicality of Georgian country house furniture, with the presence of a carved chest and the refin...

Category

1790s English Neoclassical Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Louise Semainier  Wardrobes and armoires in Smooth White Bronze by Paul Mathieu
Louise Semainier  Wardrobes and armoires in Smooth White Bronze by Paul Mathieu

Louise Semainier Wardrobes and armoires in Smooth White Bronze by Paul Mathieu

“Semainier” refers to a French piece of furniture with seven drawers (Fr. Semaine = week). It is part of the Louise Collection designed by renowned designer Paul Mathieu. A remarkabl...

Category

2010s Indian Other Secretaires

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

20th Century Pedestal Column in the Ancient Antique Louis XVI Style Rosewood
20th Century Pedestal Column in the Ancient Antique Louis XVI Style Rosewood

20th Century Pedestal Column in the Ancient Antique Louis XVI Style Rosewood

Located in Berlin, DE

Different rosewoods on solid conifers mirrored veneer. Sides with paneled parquet decorated with grid-shaped, perforated wide measuring strips. Cover plate with stepped veined marble...

Category

20th Century French Louis XVI Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Inlaid Drop-Leaf Secretaire Fir Walnut Slab Veneer, Italy, 18th Century
Inlaid Drop-Leaf Secretaire Fir Walnut Slab Veneer, Italy, 18th Century

Inlaid Drop-Leaf Secretaire Fir Walnut Slab Veneer, Italy, 18th Century

Located in Milano, IT

Veronese drop-leaf secretaire date back to mid-18th century. Walnut burl slab veneered fir with marple and cypress treadings. Three crossbow-shaped drawers surmounted by a folding d...

Category

18th Century Italian Other Antique Secretaires

Materials

Silver

Alex Secretary by Rania Fahmy, Hand-Crafted Brass & Acrylic, Egypt
Alex Secretary by Rania Fahmy, Hand-Crafted Brass & Acrylic, Egypt

Alex Secretary by Rania Fahmy, Hand-Crafted Brass & Acrylic, Egypt

By Rania Fahmy

Located in Giza Governorate, القاهرة

Alex Secretary Inspired by Adel Mostafa’s artwork, Valentine’s in Alexandria, and the moment feels electric like walking into a memory wrapped in exquisite layers of light and love....

Category

2010s Egyptian Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Empire Fall Top Desk, France, 1810
Empire Fall Top Desk, France, 1810

Empire Fall Top Desk, France, 1810

Located in Belmont, MA

Introducing a remarkable Empire Fall Top Desk, hailing from France during the period of 1800-1810. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this magn...

Category

Early 1800s European Empire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century French Louis XV Walnut Secretary Bookcase from Bordeaux
18th Century French Louis XV Walnut Secretary Bookcase from Bordeaux

18th Century French Louis XV Walnut Secretary Bookcase from Bordeaux

Located in Dallas, TX

Crafted in Bordeaux, France circa 1760, this exceptional “secrétaire à abattant” with upper display cabinet is built in two sections. The upper portion features a graceful arched bon...

Category

Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Small Secretary or Cabinet in Burl Walnut with Dome, 18 ° Century
Small Secretary or Cabinet in Burl Walnut with Dome, 18 ° Century

Small Secretary or Cabinet in Burl Walnut with Dome, 18 ° Century

Located in Brussels, Brussels

rare small secretary in walnut from the 18th century of very good quality with its dome English piece of furniture which stands out by its period, fro...

Category

18th Century British Georgian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Kai Winding Bureau / Secretaire Produced by Cabinetmaker P. Jeppesen in Denmark
Kai Winding Bureau / Secretaire Produced by Cabinetmaker P. Jeppesen in Denmark

Kai Winding Bureau / Secretaire Produced by Cabinetmaker P. Jeppesen in Denmark

By Kai Winding

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Very rare bureau / secretaire designed by Kai Winding. Produced by cabinetmaker P. Jeppesen in Denmark. Dimensions (W x D x H): 100 x 46.5 (83) x 104 (68) cm.

Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century Georgian Style Walnut and Burr Secretary Desk or Vanity
Early 19th Century Georgian Style Walnut and Burr Secretary Desk or Vanity

Early 19th Century Georgian Style Walnut and Burr Secretary Desk or Vanity

Located in Miami, FL

Early 19th century Georgian style walnut and burr secretary desk, vanity or chest with four drawers and two interior drawers in the desk.

Category

Early 20th Century English Georgian Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Antique Empire Style Secretary with Brass and Marble Top mahogany veneer
Antique Empire Style Secretary with Brass and Marble Top mahogany veneer

Antique Empire Style Secretary with Brass and Marble Top mahogany veneer

Located in Berlin, DE

Mahogany veneer on solid conifers. High-right corpus on chased bronze claw feet. Architecturally articulated front with library dummy and brass rim sockets. On both sides slightly co...

Category

20th Century French Empire Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

"19th Century Swedish Empire Style Secretaire with Drop Front in Mahogany, Gilt"
"19th Century Swedish Empire Style Secretaire with Drop Front in Mahogany, Gilt"

"19th Century Swedish Empire Style Secretaire with Drop Front in Mahogany, Gilt"

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Mahogany, architectural upper section with demi-lune drawer, dentil frieze below and full drawer, drop-front fitted interior with marquetry drawers and doors, two side column...

Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Secretaires

Materials

Hardwood, Mahogany

18th Century Baroque Secretaire, South German, 1750-1760
18th Century Baroque Secretaire, South German, 1750-1760

18th Century Baroque Secretaire, South German, 1750-1760

Located in Belmont, MA

Unique 18th century Baroque secretaire, South German, probably Lake of Constance region, circa 1750-1760. Elaborate bombe shaped Baroque secretaire with beautiful walnut, elmwood an...

Category

1750s German Baroque Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

A fine 19th c Biedermeier birch secretary. Ebonized details and gilt bronze
A fine 19th c Biedermeier birch secretary. Ebonized details and gilt bronze

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

Louise Semainier Secretaires in  Mid. Hammered White Bronze by Paul Mathieu
Louise Semainier Secretaires in  Mid. Hammered White Bronze by Paul Mathieu

Louise Semainier Secretaires in Mid. Hammered White Bronze by Paul Mathieu

“Semainier” refers to a French piece of furniture with seven drawers (Fr. Semaine = week). It is part of the Louise Collection designed by renowned designer Paul Mathieu. A remarkabl...

Category

2010s Indian Other Secretaires

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

18th Century French Louis XV Transition Marquetry Gilt Bronze Desk Bureau Plat
18th Century French Louis XV Transition Marquetry Gilt Bronze Desk Bureau Plat

18th Century French Louis XV Transition Marquetry Gilt Bronze Desk Bureau Plat

Located in Berlin, DE

18th Century French Louis XV Transition Marquetry Gilt Bronze Desk Bureau Plat An 18th century gilt-bronze mounted double-face desk or bureau plat with herring-bone marquetry. The k...

Category

18th Century French Louis XV Antique Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

Large Empire Bureau Of Hand Polished Mahogany With Inlaid Wood from 1820s
Large Empire Bureau Of Hand Polished Mahogany With Inlaid Wood from 1820s

Large Empire Bureau Of Hand Polished Mahogany With Inlaid Wood from 1820s

Located in Lejre, DK

This grand Empire bureau is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the 1820s, crafted from hand-polished mahogany adorned with intricate inlaid wood detailing. Its imposing pr...

Category

1820s Danish Empire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Italian Lombardy Flower Inlaid Monetiere , in the manner of Maggiolini, Ca. 1820
Italian Lombardy Flower Inlaid Monetiere , in the manner of Maggiolini, Ca. 1820

Italian Lombardy Flower Inlaid Monetiere , in the manner of Maggiolini, Ca. 1820

Located in CH

Italian Lombardy Flower-Inlaid Monetiere In the manner of Giuseppe Maggiolini, circa 1820 This finely crafted monetiere exemplifies the refined artistry of Lombard furniture during...

Category

Early 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Secretaires

Materials

Fruitwood

20th Century Petite Secretary in Biedermeier Style
20th Century Petite Secretary in Biedermeier Style

20th Century Petite Secretary in Biedermeier Style

Located in Berlin, DE

20th century Petite Secretary in Biedermeier style Mahogany partially blackened, on solid softwood. Rectangular body on flattened ball feet. In the...

Category

20th Century German Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Large French Directoire Period Traveling Secretary Desk
Large French Directoire Period Traveling Secretary Desk

Large French Directoire Period Traveling Secretary Desk

Located in Pembroke, MA

This French Directoire traveling secretary is made of walnut. Its large size is unusual and would make an impressive statement in a study. The top sec...

Category

Late 18th Century French Directoire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass, Iron

Oak and matte black lacquered French secrétaire, designed by Eric Gizard, Paris
Oak and matte black lacquered French secrétaire, designed by Eric Gizard, Paris

Oak and matte black lacquered French secrétaire, designed by Eric Gizard, Paris

By Éric Gizard

Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE

This secretary desk belongs to our ÉGÉE COLLECTION designed by the Parisian designer Eric Gizard. Eric adopts for this collection the refined codes of Scandinavian design, combinin...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Oak

Biedermeier Roll-Top Desk, Cherry Veneer, Brass, Ink, South Germany circa 1820
Biedermeier Roll-Top Desk, Cherry Veneer, Brass, Ink, South Germany circa 1820

Biedermeier Roll-Top Desk, Cherry Veneer, Brass, Ink, South Germany circa 1820

Located in Regensburg, DE

High-quality early Biedermeier Roll-top or Cylinder Secretaire or Writing Cabinet from South Germany around 1820. Very thick cherrywood saw veneer on softwood and solid cherrywood. E...

Category

1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Regency Rosewood Secretaire Side Cabinet/Chiffoneer
Regency Rosewood Secretaire Side Cabinet/Chiffoneer

Regency Rosewood Secretaire Side Cabinet/Chiffoneer

Located in Folkestone, GB

A superior quality and unusual Regency rosewood Side Cabinet, the top drawer with fold-down, leather-lined front, fully fitted with drawers and pigeon holes. below are a pair of silk...

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Secretaires

Materials

Rosewood

Biedermeier Revival Secretaire
Biedermeier Revival Secretaire

Biedermeier Revival Secretaire

$7,200Sale Price|67% Off

Biedermeier Revival Secretaire

Located in Pompano Beach, FL

Biedermeier Revival Secretaire made of blond burl with ebonized columns. Upper section with exterior drawers and cubby hole. Lower section with fall fron...

Category

Early 20th Century Secretaires

19th Century Two-Piece English Butler's Secretary
19th Century Two-Piece English Butler's Secretary

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

1980s Pair of Secretaire Furniture with Shelves with Bookcase Design
1980s Pair of Secretaire Furniture with Shelves with Bookcase Design

1980s Pair of Secretaire Furniture with Shelves with Bookcase Design

Located in Marbella, ES

This stylish pair of shelved secretaire furniture is designed to simulate a classic bookcase, with decorative spines that add a sophisticated and unique touch. The top features a hin...

Category

1980s English Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Mid-18th Century, Veneto Trumeau
Mid-18th Century, Veneto Trumeau

Mid-18th Century, Veneto Trumeau

Located in Firenze, FI

Splendid trumeau with four curved legs base and goat foot in solid walnut and walnut veneer. In excellent condition, it has an elegant and light design. Top that can be opened to ...

Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Hardwood Marble Topped Chrome Drop Front Secretaire Desk with Drawers
Vintage Hardwood Marble Topped Chrome Drop Front Secretaire Desk with Drawers

Vintage Hardwood Marble Topped Chrome Drop Front Secretaire Desk with Drawers

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite, tall, Rosewood with marble top and chrome fittings free standing Secratire desk A truly stunning desk, its very large and yet d...

Category

20th Century Italian Art Deco Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Chrome

Empire Secrétaire Bottega Maggiolini Walnut Italy 19th Century
Empire Secrétaire Bottega Maggiolini Walnut Italy 19th Century

Empire Secrétaire Bottega Maggiolini Walnut Italy 19th Century

By Giuseppe Maggiolini

Located in Milano, IT

Secrétaire consisting of drawer under the plan, tilting door, with cabinet and two drawers at the bottom. Veneered in pedulle walnut and inlaid in various woods. The secrétaire is bi...

Category

19th Century Italian Empire Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

1960s Bureau, WK Möbel Secretary
1960s Bureau, WK Möbel Secretary

1960s Bureau, WK Möbel Secretary

By WK Möbel

Located in Neuss, NW

Classic two-part bureau from the 1960s. High-quality corpus in teak veneer with a hinged work surface, two doors, two shelves, a book compartment and new hairpin legs in black. - Ve...

Category

1960s German Vintage Secretaires

Materials

Teak

Antique French  secretaire Napoleon 3
Antique French  secretaire Napoleon 3

Antique French secretaire Napoleon 3

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautiful French napoleon 3 secretaire, it has a beautiful inlaid, made of rosewood, ALL SALES ARE FINAL, STORE CREDIT OR EXCHANGE ONLY

Category

19th Century French Antique Secretaires

Materials

Brass

18th Century Walnut Scriban Secretary
18th Century Walnut Scriban Secretary

18th Century Walnut Scriban Secretary

Located in Marseille, FR

Secretary scriban walnut 18th century Provençal work in used condition.

Category

18th Century French Louis XV Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

1980s Spanish Bamboo Six-Drawer Chest
1980s Spanish Bamboo Six-Drawer Chest

1980s Spanish Bamboo Six-Drawer Chest

Located in Marbella, ES

1980s Spanish bamboo six-drawer chest.

Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Secretaires

Materials

Bamboo

Fine Gillows George III Period Satinwood Secretaire Cabinet
Fine Gillows George III Period Satinwood Secretaire Cabinet

Fine Gillows George III Period Satinwood Secretaire Cabinet

Located in Lymington, GB

An exceptional English Sheraton-period satinwood secretaire cabinet. Attributed to Gillows. Late-18th century, George III, ca 1790. Measures: H 59 1/2’’ (151 cm) W 30’’ (76 cm) D 19’’ (49 cm). This small, beautifully-proportioned, and sophisticated antique writing cabinet...

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Secretaires

Materials

Satinwood

18th Century Serpentine Bow Front Bureau, Butler's Desk, Hidden Writing Surface
18th Century Serpentine Bow Front Bureau, Butler's Desk, Hidden Writing Surface

18th Century Serpentine Bow Front Bureau, Butler's Desk, Hidden Writing Surface

Located in Madrid, ES

This is a beautiful example of a "Butler's Desk" which was used in the 18th and 19th centuries by the head servant of a household. Basically a bureau combined with a standing desk, clothing and personal items could be stored in lower drawers and important papers and records would be kept in the desk, which closes up and slides into the body of the bureau when not in use. This piece is in particularly fine shape, exhibiting rich wood grain and a sliding desk...

Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Biedermeier Secretary Mahogany, 1835
19th Century Biedermeier Secretary Mahogany, 1835

19th Century Biedermeier Secretary Mahogany, 1835

Located in Berlin, DE

Pyramids mahogany on pine tree. Architecturally arranged inner life. Not long ago, the secretary was grounded. Several drawers from inside as well as from outside. With secret compar...

Category

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.