Antique Secretary Desks
Our antique secretary desks come fully restored from England and span centuries of artistic style, from mid-century modern to classic desks of the 18th and 19th centuries. Whether for use as a living room apothecary piece or for writing letters, you can find your perfect antique piece at Fireside Antiques.
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French Vintage Mahogany Writing Desk
$2,500.0029.88"H x 58.75"W x 29.13"D
Dimensions: 29 ⅞” H x 58 ¾” W x 29 ⅛” D
A smart mahogany desk – with leather writing surface – from 20th Century France. The worn black leather top is in antique condition with embossed gold tooling at its edge. Two roomy drawers are housed within the apron and one recent polished brass bail handle with scrolling florals adorn each of the deep drawers. The whole is raised on long tapering legs that end in smart brass caps. Knee clearance: 23 ½”. Be sure to view all the images for a closer look at the details and current condition of this antique.
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French 19th Century Walnut Secretaire a Abattant
$3,995.0061"H x 37.25"W x 17"D
Dimensions: 61” H x 37 ¼” W x 17” D
An impressive solid walnut secretaire a abattant from 19th century France. This specialized antique serves a distinct function as a writing desk, while also providing excellent storage in its series of drawers and cabinets. One large drawer that opens with handsome geometric brass drop pulls is situated above the main interior cavity which houses the desk unit. This drawer does not lock. A large panel door unfolds to reveal a tooled leather topped work surface with a 27 ⅞” clearance to the floor when laid down. This door locks and one key is present for it. It is supported with metal brackets that stow away into the body when closed. Inside, there are six small drawers and various pigeon holes which aid in organization. Beneath the work surface are two cabinet doors with paneled fronts that feature round brass pulls. One key is present for the cabinet’s working lock. The secretaire has attractive fluted and paneled sides and is lifted on elegant tapering feet. Be sure to view all the images for a closer look at this marvelous antique. Open Depth: 37 ½”
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French 19th Century Petite Mahogany Correspondence Desk
$2,500.0038.25"H x 38.50"W x 20.13"D
Dimensions: 38 ¼” H x 38 ½” W x 20 ⅛” D
A petite antique mahogany correspondence desk that was hand-crafted in France circa 1850. Elegant and in excellent condition this desk delights with its linear shape and hand-carved details. A sleek upper console is arranged with four drawers above a laptop friendly recess. The upper drawers on the console open with turned wooden pulls and the bottom two have simple brass escutcheons. One key is present for both working locks. The writing surface is covered in the original black leather and can be pulled out almost seven inches for additional work space. The writing surface has a height of 28-½”H. The desk base offers two drawers, each with central brass keyholes and one key for their working locks. The right side lower drawer has three compartments for organized storage space perfect for writing tools or office supplies. The whole rests on a quartet of turned baluster legs. Solid joints and construction, beautiful flame mahogany, and a desirable aged patina make this petite desk very grand indeed. Cleaned and polished with French wax paste, this desk is ready for immediate use. Be sure to view all the images for a closer look.
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French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Mahogany Desk
$6,500.0039.50"H x 51.38"W x 29.75"D
Dimensions: 39 ½” H x 51 ⅜” W x 29 ¾” D
A wonderful mid-19th century French Louis XVI style mahogany desk hand-crafted in France circa 1850. A beautiful, smooth top of flame mahogany is surrounded by a three quarter decorative brass gallery following down to two open center storage spaces and four roomy drawers in a removable riser. This top piece easily lifts off the base for transport and is affixed with circular, recessed brass escutcheon plates surrounded by Louis XVI style brass bellflower pulls. A second three quarter brass gallery surrounds the writing surface which measures 30” H and is adorned with new black leather with gold gilt tooling. Two sliders on each side of the writing surface are covered with the original leather and extend the desk out 17 ¾” on either side. The apron showcases the handsome veneer and gorgeous colors of the wood and contains four drawers of the same design that open easily. The right side has a singular large drawer that opens to contain a notched wooden privacy slide and a four compartment pull out wooden tray for excellent organization. The whole is raised on regal turned, tapering fluted legs with brass capitals and capped feet. Showcasing an attractive polished mahogany, this desk has fine features, many storage options, and is fully finished on all sides making it a supremely practical piece. Be sure to view all the images to see every detail of this unique antique desk.
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French 19th Century Mahogany Expanding Desk
$5,500.0030.75"H x 58.88"W x 31.63"D
Dimensions: 30 ¾” H x 58 ⅞” W x 31 ⅝” D
This 19th century mahogany writing desk is in the style of Louis XVI. The top expands and slides open to a storage space with the option to lay down additional leaves up to 28” W. The two central black leather pads have been professionally replaced, and have embossed gilt borders similar in design with the brass scroll inlay across the front apron opening drawer. There are two functional drawers on one side (non-locking, with one key included) and false drawer fronts on the opposite side. The tapered legs are capped in acanthus leaf metal sabots. This desk has had interesting repairs over the years. Make sure to view all of the images to see the details of this unique piece.
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French Mahogany Empire Console Game Table
$2,650.0030.25"H x 42.75"W x 21.25"D
Dimensions: 30-¼”H x 42-¾”W x 21-¼”D
A convertible demilune console-to-game table – made in the Empire style – in 19th Century France. When closed, the table functions as a striking demilune console, bedecked in outstanding gilt brass ormolu. A drawer extends from the back of the antique which has a fifth leg attached. Extending this drawer enables the demilune-shaped top to be unfolded and provides the support for the opened round top – along with a space to keep cards, chips and tokens! When opened, the table has the dimensions: 29-⅛”H x 42-½” diameter. A brass band surrounds the table’s edge and the unfurled surface is topped in green felt: an ideal fabric on which to play cards. Tapered legs lift the table and conclude in brass capped feet with casters. Be sure to view the detailed images for a close look at the current condition of this antique.
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French 19th Century Walnut Secretary
$6,500.0071"H x 44.75"W x 24.75"D
Dimensions: 71”H x 44-¾”W x 24-¾”D
A wonderful walnut secretary desk. The desk can be separated into two bodies: the lower writing surface, and the upper glass-front cabinet. The writing surface is covered in beautiful black, tooled leather and can be pulled out for additional work space. The writing surface has a height of 29-½”H and the knee clearance is 26-⅝”H. The base also contains two drawers with working locks and a single key. Above the writing surface is a little cubby with a whimsical scalloped frame flanked by two drawers on each side. The drawers all have a round brass knob. The top has two glass-front bookcase doors with original glass and working lock and latch. The cabinet has two adjustable shelves. The secretary is lifted by four brilliantly turned legs.
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French 19th Century Barley-Twist Fold-Down Desk
$6,995.0048.625"H x 58.25"W x 27.125"D
Dimensions: 48-5/8″H x 58-1/4″W x 27-1/8″D
A handsome, impressive carved mahogany desk with gem-cut decorations and fitted birds-eye maple interiors and original black leather writing surface. A very interesting key unlocks the top part of this fine desk, folding down to an interior fitted with 9 storage areas. The top of the desk slides forward reveling the writing surface which is pulled out and then dropped down for a very functional and useable writing surface. Below the writing surface are three large drawers (one is a faux front, one large drawer with a hidden locked compartment) The whole sits on impressively carved barley twist legs. 1840’s
Shop Vintage & Antique Secretary Desks
Antique secretary desks can become a passion, whether a rolltop in cherry, 1920’s French single-width, or curio-cabinet windowed style. They’re such unique pieces of furniture that they can suit any home area, whether as a showpiece or lending charm and style to a utilitarian purpose.
Perhaps you need a new accent or table for your sewing room, or you’re looking for a unique piece to use as a vanity. Regardless of your preferences, there are as many uses for an antique secretary desk as the styles they come in; the only limit is your imagination. At Fireside Antiques, we’ve got the inventory to spark that imagination and let it run wild.
Choosing an Antique Secretary Desk
The modern bedroom set may contain a dresser or chest of drawers, even an armoire. But consider adding a stunning antique secretary desk for a smart and useful look for a space of any size or shape.
Where would you put it? This can tell you much about what you’re looking for, especially in size and shape. Sitting at your secretary desk, you’ll drift away on thoughts of the letters you might write to far-off lands and loved ones or that novel you know you’ve got inside.
Neither overly formal nor particularly relaxed, an antique secretary desk is a perfect way to add a little something extra to your furnishings. You can dream, plan, work or learn in style while enjoying a piece of history in your home.
Types of Antique Secretary Desks
Antique secretary desks come in numerous styles, materials, and finishes.
For instance, maple and mahogany give a solid appeal, while a secretary’s desk with a hutch can create a welcoming ambiance for an entire foyer. Meanwhile, an oaken bureau style can balance a larger room wonderfully or functionally store linens or board games. Some have slant fronts, and others may have cabinetry or windows, but they’re all exquisite.