May 3, 2023 - There are many types you may encounter as you shop at antique stores or auctions: Slant-front - An antique slant-front writing desk, which can also be a secretary desk, has a writing surface that slants up at an angle and is supported by hinges.

May 14, 2025 - Explore the history and design evolution of antique secretary desks from the 18th to 19th century—discover Baroque, Empire, and Biedermeier styles, and tips for collectors.

A place for commerce and personal correspondence, a well-organized writing desk held a person’s most intimate communications. To meet these demands, a furniture maker was commissioned to make pieces that were beautiful, functional, and above all, safe. In order to ensure that letters never ended up in the wrong hands, the most refined antique mechanical writing desks feature movable spaces and hidden compartments.

It can be difficult to identify vintage and antique furniture. Checking the bottom of the desk and of the drawers might reveal a manufacturer's stamp or seal. Scour the internet for similar pieces. Otherwise contact a dealer or appraiser.

October 6, 2020 - It originated within the French escritoire, or “small writing desk” that featured a surface that either pulled out or folded down to create a larger expanse for writing. These antique secretary desks could range in scale from the diminutive addition to a sitting room to a striking statement piece, like this splendid eighteenth-century William & Mary walnut escritoire.

May 21, 2023 - Some have plain tops, and others have a curved cornice, broken in the center for an ornament. The glass-enclosed shelves may be used for books or to display your favorite collection of bric-a-brac.

April 29, 2021 - This striking example of an antique secretary desk from the Empire period of furniture design is available now on Styylish. It incorporates growing simplicity in form and Neoclassical motifs. Note the vast storage capabilities of the piece. Behind the lid is a cavernous, theatrical space. ... Secretary desks are not always bookcase sized. This wonderful Baroque Secretary desk, available now on Styylish, features the same foldable lid that identifies the antique secretary desk.

Discussion in 'Furniture' started by Amber Hengen, Apr 18, 2017 · Separate names with a comma

June 7, 2021 - Souce: amazon.com Laurel Crown Chippendale Drop-Front Secretary Desk · Drop-Front Desk – It’s more like a variation of escritoires, integrating hinged lids. Dropped open condition initiates a good sport for reading or writing. And the closed lids kept all the top-level compartments & drawers inside. Also, elaborate Chippendale style held carvings with ball-&-claw feet. Souce: ebay.com Antique French Satinwood Kneehole DeskVanity

March 8, 2024 - Look for exquisite hand carving details, which showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of the period. Additionally, secret compartments and hidden drawers are common characteristics that add an element of mystery to these desks.

February 15, 2024 - An antique secretary desk in good working condition will hold more value than one that is damaged or missing parts. 9. If possible, try to find out the history of the desk and its previous owners. This can add to the sentimental value of the piece and provide insight into its age. Following these tips and tricks can help you accurately identify an antique secretary desk, allowing you to appreciate its historical significance and value.

I have inherited an antique secretary/desk from my grandfather, which we believe was brought over from Scotland. It is ... Perfect thank you. Let me have a look. ... I call these 'side by sides'. This is from right around 1900. Sadly there is not a strong demand for these on the secondary market and I would think you might expect in the $200-$400 range for yours. Here is a comparable piece that failed to sell against an auction estimate of $300-$500: https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/19th-c-american-cherry-side-by-side-secretary-boo-158-c-0b447f8875?objectID=191781472&algIndex=archive_prod&queryID=*****************69a0fce911738af

Secretary desks with hutches generally consist of a hutch or a cabinet placed atop a dresser-like structure that comes equipped with a center drop-leaf. The drop-leaf can be extended to create a desktop and can be folded up to create a synchronized unit. Part of the appeal of antique drop-front secretary desks is their cache of slots, shelves, drawers and pigeonholes.

May 22, 2024 - Valuing antique desks requires a careful evaluation of several factors, including age, craftsmanship, condition, provenance, and market trends.

Customer: I've found an what seems to be old secretary desk. I can't find a .Akers mark and want to know more about it Expert's Assistant: The Antiques Appraiser can help. You can also send photos once I've connected you. Do you know how old the desk is? What condition is it in?

An English-style desk will typically have mahogany drawer liners, but French models are more likely to be oak-lined. Antique-style secretary desks are typified by their drop-down writing areas which usually have hinges.

November 17, 2024 - Several well-known manufacturers produced high-quality secretary desks, and their pieces command premium prices: American: Wooton, Herter Brothers, Jelliff, Belter, Phyfe · English: Chippendale, Sheraton, Hepplewhite, Edwards & Roberts ... Important note: If you locate what appears to be a maker’s mark, document it with clear photographs before researching. Online antique forums like Reddit’s r/Antiques can be helpful for identification, as noted in multiple threads where users successfully identified manufacturers from photographs of labels.

Customer: Ot Expert's Assistant: ... refinished, so the wood looks old and somewhat soiled. A round stain on the wood below the secretary section that could be a wine stain....

Answer (1 of 7): Try Bing related images. There's a wikihow article on exactly how to get on and use it but you basically just take a photo and may show you similar desk like yours. Before you take the photo I would try to get as much rust (or other grime) of the little metal plate that has the l...