Antique Secretaire Furniture
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Austro-Hungarian Secrétaire à Abattant
Located in Woodbury, CT
Wearing a layer of Austrian walnut root veneer, this secrétaire has a unique grain that one does
Category
19th Century Hungarian Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Burl
Antique French Secretaire / Bureau in Mahogany
Located in Leicester, GB
Beautiful Antique French flame Mahogany secretaire/bureau/cabinet. The inside is lined with maple
Category
1890s French French Provincial Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$1,079 Sale Price
25% Off
19th Century Empire Secrétaire à Abattant
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this elegant antique Italian Secretaire dating back to the early 19th century, Empire
Category
19th Century Italian Empire Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Marble
$3,309 Sale Price
44% Off
19th Century French Secrétaire by Durand
By Gervais Durand
Located in New Orleans, LA
Superior craftsmanship and intricate marquetry characterize this rare secrétaire by Gervais
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
18th Century Double Dome Secretaire
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Glazed secretary in oak from the first part of the 18th century of very good quality with double dome
Double dome secretaries are the rarest and most sought-after
Very beautiful sec...
Category
18th Century British Georgian Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Oak
Louis XVI Style Mahogany Secretaire Abattant
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early-mid 19th century Louis XVI style mahogany secretaire abattant
The top having a drawer above
Category
Mid-19th Century European Louis XIII Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Regency Ebony Inlaid Secretaire Bookcase
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine Regency period mahogany bookcase cabinet with secretary drawer, the molded cornice with ebonized ball drops over two astragal glazed doors over satinwood fitted pull out se...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Ebony, Mahogany, Satinwood
French Secretaire Cartonnier, Transition , wood leather
Located in Valladolid, ES
and the upper part ends with a desk with camel-colored leather embossed in gold. This secretaire opens
Category
Early 1800s French Regency Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Metal
$3,680 Sale Price
20% Off
Elegant Louis XVI Cherrywood Secrétaire Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Louis XVI cherrywood secrétaire cabinet.
Category
18th Century and Earlier French Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Cherry
Elegant Louis XVI Cherrywood Secrétaire Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Louis XVI cherrywood secrétaire cabinet.
Category
18th Century and Earlier French Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Cherry
Portuguese Secretaire of the 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Portuguese Secretaire
of the 19th Century, in mahogany wood with inlays. Bottom with two drawers
Category
19th Century Portuguese Baroque Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Elegant Louis XVI Cherrywood Secrétaire Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Louis XVI cherrywood secrétaire cabinet.
Category
18th Century and Earlier French Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Leather
King George I Ambassadorial Secrétaire-Cabinet
Located in New Orleans, LA
This highly important secrétaire-cabinet was crafted for and specially ordered by King George I for
Category
18th Century English Georgian Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Elegant Louis XVI Cherrywood Secrétaire Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Louis XVI cherrywood secrétaire cabinet.
Category
18th Century and Earlier French Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Cherry
Louis XVI Style Fall Top Secretaire
Located in Belmont, MA
Louis XVI style fall top secretaire, France second half of the 19th century, mahogany veneer with
Category
1890s French Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Sublime Early 19th Century French Secrétaire
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Sublime early 19th century French secrétaire.
Category
Early 19th Century French Restauration Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Baroque Fall-Front Secretaire, Mid-18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Baroque fall-front secretaire with a glazed two-door upper cabinet and a shaped cornice. Veneered
Category
Mid-18th Century German Baroque Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
18th Century Italian Inlaid Walnut Secretaire
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Elegant secretaire in walnut wood. Very simple and ideal in any environment. This secretaire is
Category
1780s Italian Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Late 19th Century Flamed Mahogany Secretaire
Located in Bronx, NY
Late 19th century flamed mahogany secretaire.
Category
19th Century American Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$3,500 Sale Price
22% Off
19th Century Louis XV Style Secretaire
Located in Belmont, MA
Exquisite French Louis XV style secrétaire with straight front adorned with beautiful flower
Category
1890s French Louis XV Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Satinwood
Trumeau, secretaire Luigi XV originale settecentesco
Located in Torino, IT
Trumeau, secretaire
Luigi XV / Transizione
in legno lastronato con
motivo a lisca di pesce.
Doppia
Category
18th Century European Louis XV Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$9,509 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique French Chinoiserie Secretaire à abbantant
Located in Baambrugge, NL
Antique French Chinoiserie secretaire à abbantant.
This cabinet is finished with bamboo trims
Category
Early 20th Century French Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan, Oak
19th Century Swedish Two-part Secretaire
Located in Atlanta, GA
Neoclassicism, typical of Gustavian furniture. Perfect for an office, living room, or bedroom, this piece blends
Category
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Pine
French 19th Century Transitional St. Secretaire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fine 19th century French transitional cabinet/ secretaire. The whole is raised on cabriole legs
Category
19th Century French Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Baroque Secretaire, Saxony Mid-18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
An elegant Baroque secretary cabinet from Saxony, crafted in the mid-18th century. The lower section consists of a three-drawer commode with a curved apron and S-shaped legs. Above, ...
Category
Mid-18th Century German Baroque Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Exquisite Biedermeier Secretaire, Germany, c. 1825–1830
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Exquisite Biedermeier Secretaire, Germany, c. 1825–1830
This exceptional Biedermeier secretaire
Category
1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Arts
Crafts Movement Oak Secretaire Cabinet Desk
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Unusual original Arts & Crafts Movement oak secretaire cabinet, circa 1900. The cabinet has its
Category
Early 20th Century British Arts and Crafts Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Oak
Circa 1815 French Empire Secrétaire à Abattant
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1815 French Empire Secrétaire à Abattant. Mahogany with mahogany & oak secondary wood
Category
1810s French Empire Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Dutch Bleached Oak Secretaire
Located in Darmstadt, DE
splayed carved feet. The furniture is made of oak wood that was first sandblasted and then bleached. The
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid 19th Century Walnut and Mahogany Secretaire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A magnificent mid 19th century circa 1841 continental chest secretaire slant top with figured
Category
Mid-19th Century German Louis Philippe Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut, Pine
Extraordinary Mahogany Sécrétaire À Abattant, Circa 1810
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Secrétaire à abattant with arched bonnet and a fall front elaborately decorated with brass and
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Copper
18th century Secretaire with fold down table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Period 18th century Secretaire, complete with fold down writing table and secret drawer. Recently
Category
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wood
18th Century Oak Drop Front Secretaire
Located in Dallas, TX
French oak drop front secretarie with green leather writing surface.
Circa 1780
Category
18th Century French Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Metal
$10,920 Sale Price
30% Off
19th Century Antique English Display Secretaire, Mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
19th Century Antique English Display Secretaire, Mahogany
Solid wood, manufactured to a high
Category
19th Century English Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Glass, Mahogany
Verni Martin secrétaire abattant , circa 1880
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th Century French Louis XVI style secretaries abbattant, having bombe shaped sides, gilded rococo style scrolling ormolu mounts. Wonderful hand painted Ver...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$9,318 Sale Price
20% Off
18th Century Louis XVI Cylinder Top Secretaire
Located in Belmont, MA
18th century Louis XVI Cylinder Top Secretaire, Paris 1780.
The secretaire stands out for its
Category
1780s French Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Kingwood
Early 19th Century American Tigerwood Maple Secretaire
Located in Southampton, NY
This Early 19th Century American Tigerwood Maple Secretaire. The desk features a drop-front green
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Georgian English Mahogany Commode Secretaire, 1816
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Important English commode secretary from the Georgian period with three large drawers. The upper part simulating two drawers is made of a flap which forms the work table covered with...
Category
1810s English Georgian Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$2,329 Sale Price
20% Off
18th Century Baroque Secretaire, Lake Constance Region
Located in Belmont, MA
18th century baroque secretaire, Lake Constance region. Two-drawer body on curved square feet
Category
1750s German Baroque Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Country French Louis XVI Painted Secretaire
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Country French Louis XVI Painted Secretaire is a marvelous example of rural artisans
Category
Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French gilt bronze and marquetry writing secretaire
By Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener
Located in London, GB
French gilt bronze and marquetry writing secretaire
French, late 19th Century
Height 132.5cm, width
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Louis XVI Style Parquetry Secrétaire, circa 1890
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Louis XVI style gilt bronze mounted parquetry and marquetry fall-front Secrétaire with a marble
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
English Regency Walnut and Ebony Secretaire-Chest
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Very handsome English Regency walnut and ebony secretaire-chest with four drawers with pull-out
Category
19th Century English Regency Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Ebony, Walnut
19th Century French Louis XV Style Secretaire
Located in Belmont, MA
Exquisite French Louis XV style secrétaire with wave shaped front adorned with beautiful flower
Category
1870s French Louis XV Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
18th Century French Louis XV Secrétaire with Bibliothèque
Located in Winter Park, FL
A grand scale 18th century French Louis XV Period secrétaire with bibliothèque, or desk with
Category
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Iron
Rare Antique Regency Quality Mahogany Secretaire Sideboard
Located in Suffolk, GB
Rare Antique Regency quality mahogany secretaire sideboard having a pleasing shaped gallery back
Category
19th Century European Regency Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Other
George III Mahogany Astral Glazed Secretaire Bookcase
Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire
astral glazed doors. The base houses four long drawers, one enclosing a large fitted secretaire fold-down
Category
Early 19th Century British George III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Sevres Mounted Secretaire Abattant Cabinet
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality 19th century French ebonized secretaire abattant, having its original brocatelle
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
$27,408 Sale Price
20% Off
Unique German Antique Secretaire with Chair Rich Inlay
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Exceptionally beautiful rare antique West Germany secretaire with chair. Early 19 th c, walnut wood
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Nutwood
Baroque Secretaire à Trois Corps, 18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Large Baroque secretaire on bun feet with a three-drawer commode base with a serpentine front, a
Category
18th Century European Baroque Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Gillows George III Period Satinwood Secretaire Cabinet
Located in Lymington, GB
An exceptional English Sheraton-period satinwood secretaire cabinet. Attributed to Gillows.
Late
Category
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Satinwood
19th Century Louis XVI Style Secretaire Cabinet
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality 19th century French Louis XVI style satinwood marquetry inlaid secretaire cabinet
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Satinwood
$19,734 Sale Price
20% Off
Late 18th Century French Cherry Wood Secretaire
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
furniture art.
Very good slightly restored condition with a beautiful, slightly polished patina surface
Category
Late 18th Century French Baroque Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
French Secretaire à Abattant, First Empire Period
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French first Empire period Secretaire à Abattant, also known as a drop-front secretary, fall front
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Early-20th Century Art Deco Secretaire, likely Scandinavian
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Art Deco secretaire, likely of Scandinavian origin, dating to the 1920s. Raised on tall
Category
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Gustavian Style Walnut Secretaire Avatant
Located in Madrid, ES
A Swedish writing desk, made of walnut wood, also decorated with gilded lateral grooves in the late Gustavian style. The writing desk is divided into two parts, each of which has bro...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Large English 19thC Ebonised Mahogany Glazed Bookcase Secretaire
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Circa 1870.
Large English 19thC Ebonised Mahogany Glazed Bookcase Secretaire with 4 glazed cabinet
Category
19th Century Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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Antique Secretaire Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs
Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more in our collection of antique secretaire furniture on 1stDibs. Was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, mahogany and metal. There are many kinds of the piece of antique secretaire furniture you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. An item from our selection of antique secretaire furniture is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Georgian, Louis XVI and Baroque styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one choice in our collection of antique secretaire furniture that is appealing in its simplicity, but Gillows of Lancaster
London, Henry Dasson and André-Charles Boulle produced versions that are worth a look.
How Much is a Antique Secretaire Furniture?
A piece of antique secretaire furniture can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $7,477, while the lowest priced sells for $165 and the highest can go for as much as $15,675,000.
Finding the Right Secretaires for You
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.
Questions About Antique Secretaire Furniture
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024To identify your antique furniture, look for an engraving, tag, label or other marking that indicates who produced it. You may find it on the bottom or back of your furniture or inside a drawer or cabinet. Once you have located the marking, you can snap a photo of it and use a reverse image search to try and identify the maker. Or, you can type a description of the mark into a search engine. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to get assistance with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique furniture.
- What makes furniture an antique?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
A piece of furniture is considered an antique if it is at least 100 years old.
- Is antique furniture in style?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, antique furniture is in style. Many people appreciate the beauty and handcrafted character of antique furniture and love the idea of owning pieces with a rich history. Remember that style preferences are nothing if not fluid, meaning what's in one year may not be the next. So, in choosing the furniture you're planning to live with, you should pay less attention to interior design fads than to what speaks to you. That way, you can select pieces that will add long-term character to your home. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of antique furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024To know if your furniture is antique, look for labels and markings that indicate the maker. From there, you can use trusted online resources to determine when they were active and examine images to try to estimate the age of your piece. Furniture produced 100 years ago or more is antique. You can also have your furniture assessed by an appraiser or antiques dealer to learn about its age. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024Many antique furniture brands are popular. While trends in collecting do vary over time, some makers consistently remain highly sought after. Among them are J. J.W. Meeks, John Henry Belter, R. J. Horner and Co., Stickley Furniture, George Hepplewhite, Josef Dannhauser, Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Sheridan. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021There are a number of factors that can indicate if your antique furniture is valuable. When determining the value of antique furniture, consider its rarity. Additionally, it is important to determine the quality and condition of vintage furniture. If unsure of the value of your vintage furniture, have it appraised.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Antique furniture can be worth quite a lot, particularly if it is in good quality. The rarer the piece, the higher the value.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Whether antique furniture is making a comeback is a matter of opinion. Many people would argue that antique furniture never faded from fashion, as there have always been individuals who love the idea of owning pieces that have history. Some of the most popular styles for antique furniture include Art Deco, Arts and Crafts, Renaissance Revival, Elizabethan, Gothic Revival, Victorian and Chippendale. Find a large collection of antique furniture from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024To date antique furniture from the UK, first look for identifying markings on the piece. You can then use trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active. From there, you may be able to estimate the year of production by looking at images of other furniture the maker produced. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also aid you in the dating process. Find a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024How old furniture that is called antique can be is typically at least 100 years. People usually call furniture between 20 and 99 years old vintage. Contemporary is the word for furniture manufactured within the last 20 years. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The best finish for antique furniture is a matter of liking. But film finish is recommended by experts as it leaves a thick coat of film on the wood surface which protects wood from water and scratches. Shellac or varnish and water base are commonly used film finishes. Find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage furniture on 1stDibs
PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024To tell how old your antique furniture is, research the maker using trusted online resources. You may find that the furniture maker was active for only a short period, giving you the ability to roughly estimate its age. For manufacturers and designers with a long history of production, consider the style of your furniture and look for images of similar pieces published online. Because it may be difficult to date furniture on your own, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024To tell what your antique furniture is worth, look at sales histories on trusted online platforms and read valuation guides posted on trusted online resources. The maker, type, style, age and condition of your furniture will impact its value. Researching furniture produced by the same maker is a good starting point. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also aid you in the valuation process. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.
When present, maker's marks can also be helpful. Research the marks to learn more about when the maker was active and producing pieces like yours. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your furniture for you.
Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture. - 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell antique furniture from reproduction, first check for a maker's mark. By researching the maker associated with the marking using trusted online resources, you can determine when they were active. If the company was in business 100 years ago or more, your piece may be an antique, but if the company's history began more recently, your piece is likely a reproduction. If you can't locate a marking, study the details of the furniture up close. Genuine antiques will often show tool marks and slight variations in carved details because they were typically handcrafted. Most contemporary furniture is machine-made, so you won't usually see these types of characteristics. When in doubt, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your furniture. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell who made your antique furniture, seek out a maker's marking. Locations of these marks vary, but they are generally in an inconspicuous location. For example, a dresser may have the mark inside a drawer or on the back, while a hallmark on a table is often on a leg or under the tabletop. Once you locate a mark, you can use trusted online resources to identify the maker and learn more about them. If you can't find a marking on your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Explore a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024To be considered antique, furniture must usually be at least 100 years old. Contemporary is the name for furniture produced within the last 20 years. Vintage furniture is at least 20 years old. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024To tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture, first look at hidden areas, such as the backs or insides of the drawers. On reproduction furniture, you may find plywood or engineered wood in these areas, while antique furniture will usually have solid hardwood on drawer interiors and backs. Also, slight irregularities and marks indicating that the furniture was built with hand tools rather than machines usually suggest that the piece is antique. Because it can be difficult to differentiate reproductions from genuine antiques without expertise and training, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer about the age of your piece. Find a diverse assortment of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 25, 2019
The difference between vintage and antique furniture is that vintage furniture is at least 20 years old, while antiques must be at least 100 years old to be considered antique.
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More Ways To Browse
19c Commode
Lyre Secretaire
Baroque Tabernacle Secretaire
Bureau Davenport
Jacobean Secretary Desk
Antique Cabinets With Secret Compartments
Antique Secretary Desk 1800S
Antique Spanish Secretary Desk
Berkey And Gay Secretary
Bonnet Top Secretary
Borge Mogensen Secretary Desk
Double Bonnet Secretary
Drop Leaf Secretary Desk Antique
Dutch Bombe Secretaire
Erling Torvits Secretary Desk
Herman Miller Secretary
Maddox Secretary Desk
Maddox Secretary