Antique Secretary Desks
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French 20th Century Mahogany and Leather-top Desk
$5,800.0030.13"H x 59.13"W x 29.38"D
Dimensions: 30 ⅛” H x 59 ⅛” W x 29 ⅜” D
A French 20th century leather-topped mahogany writing desk, designed in the Directoire taste for refined proportions & materials. The wide leather surface is original, gently cleaned to maintain the beauty of the honey-gold color, outlined by complementary gold tooling in a Greek key pattern. Two hidden leaves with matching leather surfaces can be extended from the sides to increase the work surface, adding 14 ⅝” each in width. Four drawers occupy the case, two pairs of stacked drawers to the left and right, one key included to share between them. The middle drawer has been removed for comfort, adding more leg room. Four square legs taper elegantly down to the floor ending in brass sabot feet. At home or in an office, this classic desk will be a pleasure to work from. Cleaned, tightened, and polished with a French paste wax, it is ready to join your interior. We believe this item to be in good antique condition considering its age, and any visible signs of wear are captured in the photos. Please view the detailed image gallery for the current condition and message us with any questions. This item is actually a pair, sold separately. See the listing from the matching desk with SKU #5114A-26.
Width fully extended: 88 ⅜”
Knee Opening: 28 ¼” H x 24 ⅜” W -
French 20th Century Mahogany and Leather-top Desk
$5,800.0030.13"H x 59.13"W x 29.38"D
Dimensions: 30 ⅛” H x 59 ⅛” W x 29 ⅜” D
A French 20th century leather-topped mahogany writing desk, designed in the Directoire taste for refined proportions & materials. The wide leather surface is original, gently cleaned to maintain the beauty of the honey-gold color, outlined by complementary gold tooling in a Greek key pattern. Two hidden leaves with matching leather surfaces can be extended from the sides to increase the work surface, adding 14 ⅞” each in width. Four drawers occupy the case, two pairs of stacked drawers to the left and right, one key included to share between them. The middle drawer has been removed for comfort, adding more leg room. Four square legs taper elegantly down to the floor ending in brass sabot feet. At home or in an office, this classic desk will be a pleasure to work from. Cleaned, tightened, and polished with a French paste wax, it is ready to join your interior. We believe this item to be in good antique condition considering its age, and any visible signs of wear are captured in the photos. Please view the detailed image gallery for the current condition and message us with any questions. This item is actually a pair, sold separately. See the listing from the matching desk with SKU #5114B-26.
Width fully extended: 88 ⅞”
Knee Opening: 28 ⅜” H x 24 ¼” W -
English 19th Century Mahogany Fold-down Desk
$8,500.0058.38"H x 26.75"W x 19"D
Dimensions: 58 ⅜” H x 26 ¾” W x 19” D
English circa 1820 Wellington-style chest of drawers made of mahogany in dazzling flamed grain that stretches across the case. The tall and narrow chest is secured to the sides by corbel-topped carved pilasters which are actually flaps on hinges to secure the drawers and provide a vertical counterpoint to the movement in the grain. No key is present. What appears to be nine drawer fronts are actually seven, like a semainier, reserving the middle for a compact secretary drawer disguised as two drawers which slide out and unfold as the tooled, green leather writing surface. To the back of the case are open pigeon holes and five small drawers veneered in luminous maple. An original glass inkwell is hidden in the lower right drawer. This spectacular desk has been gently cleaned and polished with a French paste wax to maintain every extraordinary detail. We believe this to be in good antique condition considering its age, and any visible signs of wear are captured in the photos. Please view the detailed image gallery for the current condition or reach out directly with any questions.
Depth extended: 31”
Desk height: 31” -
French Art Nouveau Mahogany & Leather Partners Desk
$5,500.0031.75"H x 72"W x 42"D
Dimensions: 31 ¾” H x 72” W x 42” D
Essentially two people would comfortably use this remarkable French 19th century mahogany partner’s desk, that is they are willing to share such a magnificent design. A wonderful anchor for an office, library, or center table as the piece is symmetrical to use from either side. The top surface is finished in an embossed (gold tooled) green leather that has patinated wonderfully with a distinct patch of wear on the top from repeated use by what must have been someone left-handed. The wide drawers easily slide open by small drop pulls and retain their original locks. Note that three of the four locks are functioning, two keys included. The whole rests on thick, square legs ending in brass feet. Recently cleaned, tightened and waxed to preserve the historic character. Please view the detailed images to see the current condition.
Apron clearance: 25 ⅛”
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French 19th Century Mahogany Writing Desk
$2,650.0043.13"H x 38.25"W x 18.25"D
Dimensions: 43 ⅛” H x 38 ¼” W x 18 ¼” D
A petite mahogany and leather-top writing desk from France, circa 1840, ready to inspire you daily with its many unique features both decorative and functional. The writing surface is covered in beautiful almond-toned, tooled leather (with subtle fleur-de-lis) that easily slides forward, extending the work surface by 4 ⅝”. A stack of four small drawers over the desktop are accented with a fret-carved gallery at the back rising to an upper shelf supported by matching, fret-carved brackets. The desk surface has a height of 27 ⅝” and the knee clearance is 23” H. Of the four upper drawers the top two use small, turned wood knobs to open and of the bottom two, the right drawer retains a working lock while the left drawer requires the key to use as a pull. The desk apron contains two drawers using the included key as a pull, fitting into carved wood escutcheons that blend seamlessly with the drawer fronts. Four legs are exquisitely carved and turned to smooth undulations and fluting that have an interesting profile from every angle. Cleaned, tightened, and polished with a French paste wax–please view the detailed images to see the current condition. One key included.
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French 19th Century Louis Philippe Style Commode with Secretary
$3,800.0036.50"H x 50.25"W x 21.63"D
Dimensions: 36 ½” H x 50 ¼” W x 21 ⅝” D
A gorgeous 19th century French mahogany secretary style desk, designed as a classic Louis Philippe commode incorporating the work surface and storage compartments into the top “drawer” above four actual drawers. The Saint Anne marble slab on top shows mesmerizing movement in the swirls of black and gray stone, finished along the perimeter with a low groove. Behind a working lock (and key) is the flap door which becomes the writing desk inlaid with worn black leather outlined in gold tooling. The workspace is fitted with pigeonhole compartments along the back plus two small pen drawers to the left and a locking drawer to the right using its own unique key. In the chest below are three wide drawers all with working locks that share one key between them. This unique commode has one more surprise: a shallow, hidden drawer at the base! Angular block feet, a signature of the Louis Philippe style, lift the case from the floor. Please view the detailed images to see more of this innovative desk-chest of drawers. Three keys included.
Dimensions open: 36 ½” H x 50 ¼” W x 32 ½” D
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English 19th Century Sheraton Secretary
$4,200.0088.50"H x 37"W x 18.25"D
Dimensions: 88 ½” H x 37” W x 18 ¼” D
A slender mahogany bureau bookcase with secretary desk, made in England, circa 1820. The secretary’s upper body is crowned with a broken pediment–a classic Sheraton feature–above glass front doors that appear to be all original panes, assembled in a gorgeous fretwork pattern, secured by a working lock and key. Inside are three shelves at 7” deep that are easily adjustable on sawtooth brackets. A conch shell design rendered in marquetry decorates the flap door for the desk, locked & unlocked with the same key as the vitrine. Two hidden rails extending from the bureau support the desktop when in use. The interior of the workspace offers multiple storage compartments: slots for sorting correspondence and mail, with two small pen drawers at center. The lower body offers three drawers that easily glide open & shut, using simple brass drop pulls to operate; the same key as before locks the top and middle drawer however the bottom drawer will not turn. Cleaned, tightened, polished with a French paste wax – ready for your interior. Please view the detailed images.
Desk height: 29 ⅜”
Depth when extended: 36 ⅛” -
French 19th Century Louis XIII Style Desk
$2,200.0028.50"H x 37.50"W x 25"D
Dimensions: 28 ½” H x 37 ½” W x 25” D
This 19th century French handcarved mahogany writing desk has an angular shaped top (an elongated octagon) over a single drawer in the apron, opening by an iron pendant pull. Four striking and stylized turned legs are connected by a similar stretcher of bold, Baroque taste. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax, this antique desk is ready for your immediate use. Circa 1880. Please view the detailed images to see more.
Apron clearance: 22 3/4″
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French 19th Century Ebonized & Inlay Secretary
$3,995.0052.75"H x 26.75"W x 13.75"D
Dimensions: 52 ¾” H x 26 ¾” W x 13 ¾” D
This French Louis XVI style drop front secretary from the 1800s has impressive etched brass inlay on its exterior, which is made even more dramatic by the deep ebonized finish. The top has its original inset white marble top (repaired) surrounded in brass trim. A single drawer is fitted with three sections above the drop-front door that becomes the desk’s felt top writing surface. Inside the desk are two open shelves and two burl mahogany drawers for organizing to your needs, secured by functioning lock and key. Below the desk you’ll find four additional drawers. Cast gilt bronze ormolu is found at the top corners and base of this stylized cabinet. All five of the drawers have faux keys installed to be used as drawer pulls. Cleaned and tightened, ready for your interior. View all the detailed images to see the details and current condition of this petite desk.
The writing surface is 30”H x 19 ½”W x 15”D
When the desk is open the total depth is 27” -
Louis XVI Style Ebonized Drop Leaf Desk
$2,100.0029.50"H x 29"W x 21.75"D
Dimensions: 29 ½” H x 29” W x 21 ¾” D
A French 19th century Louis XVI style ebonized and brass inlay drop-leaf desk. This desk has ormolu and inlay banding throughout with a brass inlaid cartouche in the center of its top. Both sides of the desk have demilune drop leaves supported by wooden slides below. One drawer is found in the (swelled) apron with a functioning lock and key. Turned and fluted legs have gilt ormolu at their capitals and bases with a brass inlay shaped stretcher. Cleaned and tightened, this antique is ready for your immediate use as a writing desk, vanity, or console table. View all the detailed images to see the current condition.
Dimensions: 29 ½” H x 29” W x 21 ¾” D
Apron clearance at center: 23 ¾”
One Leaf: 36 ¾” wide
Two Leaves: 45 ¼” wide -
French 19th Century Directoire Roll Top Secretary
$12,500.0051"H x 76"W x 30.50"D
Dimensions: 51” H x 76” W x 30 ½” D
A stately French Directoire roll top secretary. This massive desk is over six feet long and four feet tall with a grey marble top. Directly beneath the marble are three drawers with beautiful bookmatched burl walnut drawer fronts. The drawers open with a working lock and key through brass rooster escutcheon plates. The D-shaped roll top is quite impressive with its burl bookmatched design, brass handles, and brass swan escutcheon plate with its own lock and key. The top opens to a fitted interior including three open cavities, three drawers and two spring loaded hidden compartments. The leather top writing surface extends forward making the total depth of the desk 42 ½”D. The main writing surface is 29”H x 67 ½”W x 26”D. There are two leather top slides that slide out from each end. Below the center writing surface you’ll find a center drawer, two stacked drawers on the left side, and a single double stacked drawer on the right. The interior of the right drawer is fitted, including a hinged top compartment. One key is used to work the left and right drawers, while another key is used for the center drawer, all with brass rooster escutcheon plates. Four total keys are included. This secretary is supported with squared off tapered legs ending in brass sabots. Cleaned and polished, this antique is ready for your immediate use. View all the detailed images to see the current condition.
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Dutch 18th Century Architect’s Desk
$7,500.0044.25"H x 35.25"W x 23.25"D
Dimensions: 44 ¼” H x 35 ¼” W x 23 ¼” D
A versatile Dutch architect’s desk from the late 1700’s. This mahogany desk has an adjustable tilt top drafting surface with six distinct height options. The writing surface is 32 ¼”H and the tilt ranges up to 45 ¾”H. A pair of slides with brass knobs extend 11” from each side, giving the desk a 56 ¾” width when both are extended. Below the writing surface is a drawer with another tilt top drafting surface that opens with a working lock and key. The green felt top has inset brass finger pulls and slides to allow access to the drawer’s interior fitted with adjustable compartments. When the drawer opens, a pair of concealed support legs roll forward on casters. Cleaned and polished with a paste wax, this rare antique is ready for your immediate use. View the detailed images to see the current condition.
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French Empire Secrétaire á Abattant
$3,995.0055"H x 38.50"W x 17.50"D
Dimensions: 55” H x 38 ½” W x 17 ½” D
A handsome 19th century Empire secrétaire à abattant made of rich bookmatched and figured walnut. This desk has a black fossil marble top resting above a drawer, accessible with a hidden pull. Below is a fold front door revealing a fitted interior with a functional writing surface, inset with worn green leather with gold tooling. The interior has an open storage shelf flanked by columns over a set of six drawers of varying sizes. The writing surface is supported with rounded brass hinges. Below are three easy to use drawers with brass round knobs. You’ll find four functioning locks all surrounded with decorative ormolu escutcheon plates, 1 key works all the locks. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax, this antique is ready for your immediate use. Be sure to view the detailed images to see the current condition of this antique secrétaire á abattant. Circa 1810. The writing surface is 30”H x 28 ½”W x 21”D. Total depth with the writing surface being used is 33 ½”D.
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French 19th Century Walnut Secrétaire à Abattant
$4,500.0056.13"H x 35.75"W x 15.75"D
Dimensions: 56-⅛”H x 35-¾”W x 15-¾”D
This wonderful walnut secrétaire à abattant was constructed in the style of Louis XVI during the 19th century. The top surface is great piece of St. Anne marble featuring in exciting swirls of white, black, and gray. A single, slim drawer at the top of the case features a pair of brass rectangular drop ring pulls and a simple brass inset keyhole that matches the lower three drawers. The front of the desk opens to reveal the writing surface and interior storage. The interior is outfitted with four small drawers flanking a large center pigeon hole above a longer drawer. The black leather writing surface is in wonderful antique condition. All four corners feature fluted carvings. The lower storage area houses a single shelf. Three keys are included for all functioning locks. The vibrant patina and uncluttered design makes this a versatile piece to compliment any living space and across interior design styles. Cleaned and polished with French wax paste. When open, the maximum depth is 32-¾” Writing surface is 26-¾”H. Make sure to view the detailed images for a closer look.
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French 19th Century Empire Secrétaire à Abattant
$4,500.0053.75"H x 37"W x 16.50"D
Dimensions: 53-¾”H x 37”W x 16-½”D
A stately 19th century mahogany secrétaire à abattant from France, circa 1810. This desk has an exceptional Saint Anne marble top resting above a single drawer disguised into the frieze. Just below the top drawer, the front of the desk folds forward to reveal a work area inset with vibrant red leather detailed with gold tooling. The leather is in great antique condition making this a comfortable place to work. When open, you can see the theatre is equipped with five drawers and a large, arched top cubby flanked with column forms. With the desk down the maximum depth is 32”; the writing surface is 28-½” high. The desk front and lower doors each feature a decorative brass escutcheon depicting intersecting torches among floral garland forms; one key is included for all four functioning locks. A pair of simple, round brass pulls on each drawer allow easy access. This Empire-style secretary features bookmatched mahogany and traditional Empire columns down each side with brass capitals and bases. Note there have been professional repairs made to the marble top which are nearly invisible to the eye, please view the detailed images for current condition.
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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 from 19th century France, more transitional in style than distinctly Louis Philippe or Restauration. The desk can be separated into two bodies: a lower writing surface, and the upper glass-front cabinet. The top cabinet has two glass-front bookcase doors (like bibliotheque) with original glass panes and working lock, opening to an interior fitted with two adjustable shelves. Black, tooled leather forms a blotter pad on the desktop and can be extended for additional work space. The writing surface has a height of 29-½”H and the knee clearance is 26-⅝”H. Just above the writing surface is a little cubby with a whimsical scalloped frame flanked by two drawers on each side. In the base are two drawers with working locks and a single key. All four drawers use small, round brass knobs to open. Four brilliantly turned legs with columnar, fluted sections lift the desk from the floor. Please view the detailed images to see the current condition.
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French 19th Century Barley-Twist Fold-Down Desk
Original price was: $8,795.00.$4,995.00Current price is: $4,995.00.48.625"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, substantial carved mahogany desk with diamond-shaped panel decorations and fitted birds-eye maple interiors. 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 extends forward revealing the writing surface that retains its original black leather, behind a flap door that appears like a drawer. 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. Circa 1840s, please view the detailed images to see the current condition.
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.