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What was the term in French furniture for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface?
1 Answer
In French, the term for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface is secretaire. This type of desk is called a secretary desk in English. 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, which are called pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers, are revealed. On 1stDibs, shop antique secretary desks from some of the world's top sellers.
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
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Shop for Antique Drop Front Desk on 1stDibs
Swedish Gustavian Style Drop Front Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian style drop front desk , its been restored and repainted with Milk
Category
Antique 1860s Swedish Gustavian Desks
Materials
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style Drop Front Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian Style drop front desk, its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints
Category
Antique 1870s Swedish Gustavian Desks
Materials
Wood
Early 1800's English George III Style Drop Front Desk
Located in Louisville, KY
This early 19th century Georgian drop-front desk is reflective of an era when form and function
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English George III Desks
Materials
Brass
Antique 19th Century Dovetail Joints Secretary Drop Front Desk w Drawers Dresser
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Antique 19th Century Dovetail Joints Secretary Drop Front desk w drawers dresser.
Category
Antique 19th Century American Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Italian Cherrywood Drop-Front Desk Secretaire with Inlay
Located in San Francisco, CA
A cherrywood drop front desk with four small drawers fitted in the upper interior and three drawers
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Desks
Materials
Cherry
Dutch Rococo Bombe Marquetry Inlaid Drop Front Desk / Secretary
Located in New York, NY
Dutch Rococo (Late 18th Century) drop front desk / secretary with elaborate foliate marquetry inlay
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Dutch Biedermeier Desks
Materials
Wood