Secretaires
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Secretaires For Sale
Bonheur Du Jour In Amboyna Burl Marquetry And Hard Stone Panels
Located in BARSAC, FR
Sublime Bonheur du jour in Louis XVI style in amboyna burl veneer in rosewood frames and presenting two magnificent vegetal compositions (flowers and red fruits) in hard stones (piet...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Marble
Federal Style Diminutive Two Part Inlaid Mahogany Bookcase Secretary
Located in Milford, NH
A wonderful diminutive size Federal style two part inlaid figured mahogany bookcase, its upper case with a shaped crest with three urn finials surmounting two bow front glass paneled...
Category
Late 19th Century American Federal Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
A Sophisticated Antique French Louis Phillipe Secretary
Located in Oak Park, MI
A most sophisticated and handsome French c1840 century Louis-Phillipe style secretary cupboard of narrow proportions. Unusual profile. The front op...
Category
19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaires
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Louis XVI Style Parquetry, Gilt-Bronze and Lacquer Mounted Petit Secretaire Cabi
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Fine Louis XVI Style Parquetry, Gilt-Bronze and Lacquer Mounted Petit Secretaire Cabinet, Attributed to Maison Beurdeley.
Stamped to the reverse of the bronze mounts to the botto...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
A fine late George III satinwood and snakewood secretaire cabinet
By George Simson
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A fine late George III satinwood and snakewood secretaire cabinet, attributed to George Simson of London, of rectangular form, the upper section with a pair of glazed doors with fine...
Category
Early 18th Century English George III Antique Secretaires
Materials
Satinwood
French 18th Century Louis XV Bombe` Secretaire with Secret Door
Located in New Orleans, LA
French 18th century Louis XV Bombe` heavily veneered secretaire, with glass doors at top, and secret door with checkerboard floor in small compartment, with mirrored walls to give th...
Category
18th Century French Antique Secretaires
Materials
Satinwood
20th-Century Mahogany & Pine Wood Vennered With Mahogany Ladies' Secretary Desk
Located in Opole, PL
20th-Century Mahogany & Pine Wood Vennered With Mahogany Ladies' Secretary Desk
A ladies' secretary desk from the early 20th century constructed of mahogany wood and pine wood venee...
Category
Early 20th Century European Secretaires
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany, Pine
Dutch 18th century Cuban mahogany bombé writing cabinet with glass upstand.
Located in AALSMEER, NL
Very beautiful Cuba flower mahogany writing cabinet with 'S-lid' inlaid with olive green leather.
wall cabinet with two (old) glass doors, mirrored flower veneer and carvings on the ...
Category
Late 17th Century Dutch Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany, Oak
Small Art Deco writing desk – France 1930
Located in Girona, ES
Small Art Deco writing desk with walnut and burr walnut veneer, three drawers and a flap door opening onto a small desk and storage area in marquetry and light walnut. Very good qual...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
1970s Vintage Chinoiserie Secretary From Jasper Cabinet Co
Located in Hartville, OH
Beautiful piece. Pristine original condition. Very rare leather writing surface inset. Artist hand-painted scenes from the orient.
Condition Disclosure:
Please understand nearly ...
Category
1970s North American Chinoiserie Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Lacquer
1930s Rockford Furniture Jacobean Style Handcrafted Secretary Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
A Jacobean-style slant front Hancrafted and handcarved by the renowned Rockford Chair and Furniture Company. Founded in 1876 by Swedish settlers, the company has a rich heritage of f...
Category
Early 20th Century Jacobean Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Stunning Poul Hundevad Rosewood Secretary Cabinet , Denmark
Located in Buffalo, NY
Danish modern, two piece, book matched rosewood, bookcase secretary cabinet by Poul Hundevad ... Birch wood interior,,, features a 26 inch height bottom cabinet with sliding doors, a...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Birch, Rosewood
Rosewood Secretaire by Erling Torvits for Klim Mobelfabrik, 1960s
Located in Elshout, NL
Danish Design
Danish rosewood secretary designed by Erling Torvits for Klim Møbelfabrik. This secretary has a hinged leaf that drops down and becomes a sturdy desktop. Behind this le...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Rosewood
Mid-century Torbjorn Afdal Danish Rosewood Secretary Desk
Located in Oakland, CA
Danish secretary desk designed by Torbjørn Afdal for Nesjestranda Møbelfabrik, Norway, 1965. Crafted from Brazilian rosewood, the secretary desk ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Materials
Rosewood
Antique English Georgian Mahogany Bureau Desk
Located in Sheridan, CO
Antique English Georgian mahogany secretary, early 19th c.. This piece features an oak secondary, slant front opening to inset leather writing surface, fitted interior gallery with arcaded niches, small drawers, a center cabinet door with marquetry urn, flanked by concealed compartments...
Category
1840s English Georgian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass
French Provincial Style Secretary Desk with Marquetry Inlays and Key
Located in Soquel, CA
French Provincial Style Walnut Secretary Desk with Marquetry Inlays and Key. Original Finish.
Category
1860s Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Exceptional Pair Of George III Style Mahogany Secretary Bookcases
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A superb Pair of Secretary Bookcases having side shelving, inlaid doors, pull-out desk, drawers, ring pulls, handsome geometric glass doors and em...
Category
19th Century European George III Antique Secretaires
Materials
Leather, Glass, Mahogany
19th Century French Bureau de Dame Napoleon III Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Milan, IT
A late 19th century Napoleon III bronze-mounted mahogany bureau à cylinder, an elegant French Bureau de Dame or Bonheur du Jour, a ladies writing desk with cartonnier which opens up ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Empire Secretary à abattant, France early 19th century
Located in Greding, DE
French Empire secretary à abattant with a two-door base, two wide drawers and a flat writing flap surrounded by smooth full columns with fire-gilt bronze capitals and bases. The bure...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Leather, Mahogany, Maple
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 Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Ash, Ebony
PORTUGUESE COMMODE / SECRETARIAT from the 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
PORTUGUESE COMMODE / SECRETARIAT from the 19th Century
In oak and other wood, with two drawers and two drawers, inside drawers, bins and central door, with secret, engraved brass h...
Category
19th Century Portuguese Baroque Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Black Painted Gustavian Style Writing Desk Secretary, 18th Century Denmark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Period Danish Black Painted Gustavian Style Writing Desk Secretary. Refinished in painted black with pull down desk area and multiple drawers that vary in size. The brass hardware el...
Category
Mid-18th Century Danish Baroque Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Cabinet Metaphysical White Onyx Cast Bronze Liquid brass by Gianluca Pacchioni
Located in Paris, FR
Metaphysical Cube, a cabinet designed by Gianluca Pacchioni, Italian artists represented by Galerie Negropontes in Paris, France. It is a unique piece made with white onyx, liquid br...
Category
2010s Italian Baroque Revival Secretaires
Materials
Onyx, Brass, Bronze
Gustavian Style Drop Front or Slant Front Secretary, Late 19th Century
Located in South Salem, NY
This late 19th-century Gustavian style drop-front secretary bookshelf is a true embodiment of timeless sophistication. Adorned with a later gray pa...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Bruno Mathsson reading stand, Karl Mathsson 40's Sweden modernist collector
Located in Forest, BE
Table de lecture en bois et acier nickelé. Daté du début des années 1940. La tablette en bois a été restaurée mais la patine du piétement reste non touché et dans son état le plus proche de l'origine. Ajustable en hauteu. Il y à de beaux détails en laiton. Produite dans les ateliers de son père Karl Mathsson...
Category
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Steel, Nickel
Secretary desk Bramin , Danemark 1950’s
By H.W. Klein
Located in PÉZENAS, FR
This beautiful high quality finished Danish compact writing desk cabinet is designed by H.W. Klein for Bramin in the 1960s. It features an extendable writing surface. The teak woo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Secretaires
Materials
Teak
18th century Norwegian carved oak bureau bookcase
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Stunning and rare Norwegian baroque oak bureau bookcase circa 1760.
Comprising of 3 sections due to the monumental proportions.
Top section with shaped cornice, below which the car...
Category
Mid-18th Century Norwegian Baroque Revival Antique Secretaires
Materials
Oak
Empire Secretaire à abattant, Vienna circa 1810
Located in Greding, DE
Empire secretary adorned with flanking caryatids around the flat writing flap, top drawer, and a two-door base cabinet. The caryatids are elegantly ebonized and gold-patinated, compl...
Category
1810s Austrian Empire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Louis XVI Secretaire with Urn Decoration, around 1790
Located in Greding, DE
Louis Seize secretary featuring five drawers and a flat writing flap. Veneered with cherry wood, this secretary is adorned with fire-shaded inlays. The central motif of the laurel wr...
Category
1790s German Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
French Ormolu-Mounted Secrétaire À Abattant by Millet
Located in London, GB
The brèche d'Alep marble top above a long frieze drawer, the hinged fall front with gilt-tooled brown leather writing-surface, the fitted interior with four open compartments and a long drawer, above two cupboard doors, the interior with one shelf, on spreading foliate feet, the gilt-bronze banding to the left side signed Millet à Paris.
Category
19th Century French Antique Secretaires
Materials
Fruitwood, Tulipwood
Antique High-Quality Mahogany Housekeeper's Cupboard with Secretaire, circa 1800
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique Georgian housekeeper's cupboard secretaire bookcase chest crafted during the George III era around 1800. Also known as an estate cupboard, this rare period piece showcases ex...
Category
Early 1800s George III Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Arts and Crafts Pine Collectors Cabinet Filing Drawers
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts Pine Collectors Cabinet Filing Drawers
The Cabinet is made in natural pine and has 12 Long Drawers, some of the drawers have the original dividers others are missing...
Category
1880s Arts and Crafts Antique Secretaires
Materials
Pine
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 Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Materials
Birch
Swedish Rocco Style Secratery Hutch
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Rocco Style Secratery Hutch . its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category
1970s Swedish Rococo Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Pine
Antique Oak Secretary Bureau, Denmark circa 1800-40
Located in Round Top, TX
This oak secretary reflects the refined grace and style of early 1800's Denmark. The fluted carving along the mid-section and half columns at sides adds a decorative touch to the dro...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Country Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass
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
Edwardian Walnut Secretary with Hand Painted Motifs
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a lovely Edwardian walnut Secretary, the top having two glazed doors within Gothic mullions. The bottom section with a slant drop front, contains a hand painted center medal...
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Oak Secretary Bureau With Painted Finish from Sweden circa 1760-1800
Located in Round Top, TX
This oak secretary or "bureau" reflects the grace and class of Swedish styling from the early 1800's.
The dramatic serpentine drawers and carved outer panel of the drop down desk add a romantic touch, accented by brass pulls and key escutcheon.
The traditional interior with 12 unique, small drawers and central “cubbie” with two petite drawers offers perfect space to organize.
Under the desk top is three standard large size drawers and upper narrow drawer, each has two brass pulls used to open drawer.
It was later professionally painted with an exceptional layered salmon/desert pink...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Brass
French Louis XV Period 18th Century Walnut Slant Front Secretary and Buffet
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XV period walnut slant front secretary from the 18th century with buffet in the lower section. Step into the world of regal elegance with this French Louis XV period w...
Category
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
18th C. Venetian Tall Secretary Cabinet with Beautiful Hand-Painted Finish
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian Venetian tall secretary cabinet from the 18th century. This antique 7.75 feet tall (approximate) cabinet from Venice, Italy boasts a ...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Secretary Desk Cabinet / Bar in Teak Wood
By Paul McCobb
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
resenting a striking midcentury modern desk meticulously fashioned from solid wood, presently offered in good condition on 1stdibs. Skillfully embellished in the enduring elegance of...
Category
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Teak
Privé" secrétaire by Jürgen Lange for Rosenthal Germany 1987
Located in Renens, CH
"Privé" writing desk or secrétaire by Jürgen Lange for Rosenthal Germany 1987.
This is an extremely well thought and crafted desk. While standing on a small footprint it offers amaz...
Category
1980s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Fruitwood
20th Century Painted Wood Venetian Style Bureau Desk, 1960s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Venetian bureau from the second half of the 20th century. Beautifully designed furniture, pleasantly lacquered and hand painted with floral decorations. High leg bureau equipped with...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Pair of Secretaire and Cupboard, Epoche Charles X, France, circa 1830
Located in Greven, DE
Rare pair of furniture - secretary and fronted cabinet
France
Maple, rosewood
Charles X around 1830
Dimensions: H x W x D: 135 x 66 x 33 cm
Description:
Extremely rare pair of fur...
Category
1830s French Charles X Antique Secretaires
Materials
Maple
Antique Trumeau Burl Wood Style Secretary Writing Desk Chest with Drawers
Located in Greer, SC
Attractive Italian Rococo style burl wood veneer secretary cabinet, circa early 20th century.
Double bodied with the top part of the cabinet over a slant-front desk with writing comp...
Category
Early 20th Century European Rococo Revival Secretaires
Materials
Wood
19th C. European Butler's Chest w/its Original Fabulously Hand-Painted Finish
Located in Atlanta, GA
A European wooden secretary chest, with original hand-painted finish, from the 19th century. This antique chest from Europe features a slanted fall-front at top, flanked between two ...
Category
19th Century European Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Antique American Empire Flame Mahogany Secretary Desk With Leaded Glass c1840
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique American Empire secretary offers flame mahogany construction with upper having arched pediment over bookcase having double doors with leaded glass over lower with slant fr...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Empire Antique Secretaires
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Antique Austrian Baroque Walnut Pearwood Marquetry Secretary Late 18th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Late 18th Century Austrian Baroque marquetry & inlaid secretary - Vienna, Austria, having 3 sections - the top with a molded crest, above two glazed ...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Ebony, Pearwood, Burl, Kingwood
Antique Arts & Crafts Macey Five Stack Oak Barrister Bookcase & Desk c1920
By Macey Co.
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Ask About Reduced In-House Shipping Rates - Reliable Service & Fully Insured***
An antique Arts and Crafts barrister bookcase by ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Secretaires
Materials
Glass, Oak
18th Century Northern European Tortoiseshell Lacquer Japanned Bureau Cabinet
Located in Southampton, NY
18th Century Northern European Tortoiseshell Lacquer Japanned Bureau Cabinet Secretary
A rare and fine bureau cabinet. Three sections: a broken pediment crown atop a tall cabinet with 2 shelves (included but not shown in photo) and two drawers. Atop a slope front bureau writing section with three stepped drawers on either side of a cubby section and a center door. Atop of chest of three drawers. Beautiful orange red paint on interior of bureau. Original hardware. Tortoiseshell faux paint ground with gilded Japanned Chinoiserie painted scenes. Some chips and losses to lacquer. Damage to top left back corner of chest section (as shown in photo). Overall good structural condition. Condition is consistent with age and use.
This bureau is decorated in one of the most fashionable styles of the Baroque period, Japanned lacquer with gilded decoration and tortoiseshell imitation ground and would have been a statement piece within the interior. Tortoiseshell furniture...
Category
18th Century Unknown Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Louis XV Period Secretary At Doucine by Denis Louis Ancellet - 18th Century
By Denis-Louis Ancellet
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Oven secretary in walnut and other european woods, opening with two leaves a flap and a drawer. The decor is composed of three medallions containing inlaid floral arrangements. Open...
Category
1760s French Louis XV Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Walnut Shenandoah Valley Moravian Plantation / Postal Desk
Located in Charlotte, NC
An antique 19th Century American plantation / postal desk, handcrafted by Moravian craftsmen in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, USA. Solid walnu...
Category
19th Century American American Craftsman Antique Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Sheraton Secretary desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very fine Sheraton Secretary Desk 1810-1820 in a old refinish with an excellent color and patina. Decorative cross banded veneers and inlay work ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Sheraton Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Louis XVI Style French Scriban Chest
Located in Austin, TX
Scriban or secretary chest in the Louis XVI style from France. This piece is made of mahogany that has been ebonized and finished with a lustrous French polish. There are two doors t...
Category
1880s French Louis XVI Antique Secretaires
Materials
Marble, Brass
Hand Painted Secretary
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Hand painted and silver gilt secretary with inset original glass mirrored doors and fitted interior.
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Secretaires
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Paint
paved "urn" secrétaire
Located in Firenze, IT
Beautiful "urn" secretaire panelled in rosewood with fruitwood fillets.
The shape of the secretaire is highly elegant, with a three-tiered arrangement reflecting a balanced distrib...
Category
18th Century Antique Secretaires
Materials
Kingwood
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Secretary Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful and sought after scandinavian modern secretary desk designed by Arne Wahl Iversen and manufactured by Vinde Mobelfabrik in Denmark in the 1960s. This exquisite ca...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Secretaires
Materials
Teak
Black Painted Rococo Secretary from Denmark circa 1760-1800
Located in Round Top, TX
This pine rococo secretary reflects the grace and class of Swedish styling in the early 1800's.
The dramatic serpentine drawers with curvaceous front and carved skirt resting on cabr...
Category
Late 18th Century Danish Rococo Antique Secretaires
Materials
Wrought Iron
Antique, New and Vintage Secretaires
Your antique, new or vintage secretary desk has become the (chic) saving grace of the "new normal" at home.
Simply put, a secretary desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture with a hinged writing surface that folds open or drops down. When the leaf is folded out, small inner storage compartments — pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers — are revealed.
Traditionally, a secretary is composed of two parts — a chest of drawers on the bottom and a cabinet with shelves on the top. Taking its name from the French word for the piece, secrétaire, the secretary desk dates back to the 18th century, when Paris-based cabinetmaker Jean-François Oeben, known for his exquisite marquetry and clever mechanical desks, is thought to have invented the secrétaire à abbattant, or drop-leaf desk.
While the defining drop-down feature of the secretary desk has remained constant, the materials used, as well as its configuration, size and style have evolved over time.
At first, secretaries were typically made from exotic woods, like rosewood, tulipwood and kingwood; later, hardwoods like cherry, maple, oak and mahogany were more common. The desks also became lighter, with space carved out of the lower half for the writer’s feet or with drawers replaced by legs — making them more table-like.
When open, the secretary is a dynamic, versatile Wunderkammer. When closed, it’s a sophisticated, space-saving piece of furniture.
“A fine secretary with a good provenance adds stature and credence to its owner — it is a cornerstone piece,” says antiques dealer Stanley Weiss, who specializes in 18th- and 19th-century English and American furniture. “In this disposable world, fine furniture is always passed on and speaks to who its owner is.”
No matter what style or period you choose, and no matter how you decide to use it, the timeless, flexible secretary desk is bound to become an indispensable part of your daily routine.
Browse a range of antique and vintage secretary desks on 1stDibs, including mid-century modern secretaires, Georgian secretaires and others.
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