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Mahogany Secretary Gustavian Period Sweden
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful mahogany secretary made in Sweden during the late part of the Gustavian period ca 1790
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Swedish Figured Birch Biedermeier Secretary
Located in San Marino, CA
Very good example of a pure Swedish Biedermeier secretary with fall front and Mirrored center "Hall".
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Secretaires
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary
Located in Wichita, KS
A lovely example of a Swedish Gustavian drop-front secretary. We especially like the beautiful
Category
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Swedish Gustavian Desks
18th Century Swedish Painted Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
An 18th century Swedish painted secretary, all original.
This understated elegant piece has a
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Swedish Rustic Secretaires
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Clock Secretary
Located in Charleston, SC
Swedish clock secretary from circa 1950 in two parts. The interior has drawers on each side an open
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks
Materials
Blown Glass, Pine
Swedish 18th Century Rococo Secretary
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
18th century Rococo cabinet.
With a decorative carved pediment and two doors opening to storage. Below sits a fall front desk, opening to useful writing or computer space.
With tw...
Category
Antique 18th Century Swedish Rococo Cabinets
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Pine Secretary Bureau
Located in Round Top, TX
Pine secretary or "bureau" from Sweden from the latter 1800's.
Standing 4.5' tall, this secretary
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Country Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Secretary Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Mahogany, 18th Century, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
A secretary made during the 18th century in Sweden. The pieces is a so called master piece that
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Swedish Clock Secretary
Located in Kramfors, SE
Dry scraped to original paint. Original lock and hardware.
The clock comes with the original clockwork, two iron weights and pendulum. The clockwork has not been serviced and is sol...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Pine
Oak Secretary Cabinet, Sweden, circa 1800
Located in Culver City, CA
Oak Secretary Cabinet, Sweden, circa 1800
Beautifully patinated, tall form with inlaid star motif
Category
Antique Early 1800s Swedish Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Oak
Antique Pine Secretary Bureau from Sweden
Located in Round Top, TX
This pine drop front secretary is charming in every way, with a soft, satin wax finish that
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Swedish Art Moderne Secretary Writing Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gorgeous drop-front writing desk in rich combinations of wood with inset parquetry and crotch mahogany panels. Top drops down to reveal cubbyholes and drawers of golden flame birch a...
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Modern Desks
Materials
Mahogany
Secretary Writing Desk Swedish Black Blue Interior, 18th Century, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Secretary writing desk Swedish black blue interior, 18th century, Sweden. A secretary made during
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Swedish Baroque Secretaires
Antique Pine Secretary Desk, Sweden circa 1890
Located in Round Top, TX
Pine secretary or "bureau" from Sweden from the latter 1800's with lovely half column details and
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Country Secretaires
Materials
Pine
19th Century Swedish or Gustavian Secretary Desk
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique distressed Swedish or Gustavian secretary desk that consists of two doors and a drawer on
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Antique White Painted Secretary Bureau from Sweden
Located in Round Top, TX
This oak secretary reflects the grace and class of Swedish styling in the early 1800's. The
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Oak, Paint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary with Library
Located in Wichita, KS
This is an exquisite Swedish Gustavian period painted secretary with library. Brass hardware and
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks
Materials
Wood
Rococo Chinoiserie Secretary, Swedish, 18th Century, Origin Sweden, circa 1750
Located in New York, NY
Rococo 18th century secretary in two parts, 19th century chinoiserie painting with the original
Category
Antique 18th Century Swedish Rococo Secretaires
Materials
Paint
Secretary Gustavian Cinnabar Red , Swedish c. 1800
Located in Kastrup, DK
Gustavian secretary painted in an elegant cinnabar red and a black-painted top with a profiled edge
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Style Secretary Drop-Front Desk
Located in Manhasset, NY
A charming Swedish Gustavian style secretaire a abattant, late 19th-early 20th century, overall
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Swedish Biedermeier Secretary, Cherrywood Veneer, French Polished
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Original Biedermeier secretary from Sweden, circa 1830-1840. Cherrywood veneer. Expertly hand
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Birch, Pine, Cherry
Early 19th Century Northern Swedish Clock Secretary
Located in Kramfors, SE
Northern Swedish clock secretary from circa 1820. The clock is in two parts and dry scraped to the
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Rustic Grandfather Clocks and Longcas...
Materials
Pine
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary with Library
Located in Wichita, KS
A Swedish Gustavian period painted secretary with library. Brass hardware and original locks, circa
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Graceful Swedish Antique Secretary with White Chalk Paint
Located in Round Top, TX
that compliment the Swedish craftsmanship. The entire secretary has been professionally restored so it
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Secretaires
Antique White Painted Gustavian Secretary Desk Bureau, Sweden
Located in Round Top, TX
Stately and elegant, this tall white Gustavian pine secretary shows off with the distinctive shape
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Antique Gray Painted Gustavian Secretary Desk Bureau, Sweden
Located in Round Top, TX
Stately and elegant, this tall dove gray gustavian pine secretary shows off with the distinctive
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Secretaires
Materials
Wood
18th Century Swedish Rococo Period Secretary with Library
Located in Wichita, KS
A Swedish Rococo period slant-front secretary from the 18th century in two parts with original
Category
Antique 18th Century Swedish Rococo Secretaires
Materials
Paint
Antique Pine Secretary Desk from Sweden, circa 1860
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique pine drop front secretary desk from Sweden, circa 1860. The desk has four large drawers
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Secretaires
Antique Swedish Blue Painted Oak Rococo Secretary Bureau
Located in Round Top, TX
This oak secretary or "bureau" reflects the grace and class of Swedish styling in the early 1800's
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Desks
Materials
Wood, Oak, Paint
Early 1800s Swedish Country Baroque Style Secretary Cabinet
Located in Kramfors, SE
Northern Swedish pine secretary cabinet in two parts. The cabinet is a country house furniture from
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Country Cabinets
Materials
Pine
19th Century Swedish Pine Country Home Secretary Cabinet
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish country house secretary cabinet from Jämtland made during the 1820s to 1830s. The cabinet
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Country Cabinets
Materials
Pine
Rare Northern Swedish Antique Pine Secretary Clock Desk
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare Swedish antique clock secretary desk made around 1820 to 1840 in northern Sweden. The desk and
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Country Secretaires
Materials
Pine
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Pine Secretary Desk
Located in Kramfors, SE
Charming gustavian secretary desk from Northern Sweden. The writing bureau is pine with an interior
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Pine
18th Century Swedish Two-part Secretary Circa 1770
Located in Atlanta, GA
This period Baroque secretary, repainted in black with a blue interior, beautifully combines
Category
Antique 18th Century Swedish Baroque Secretaires
Materials
Brass
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Secretary with Library
Located in Wichita, KS
A special Swedish Gustavian period painted secretary with library, circa 1810. The upper section
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Paint
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Slant Front Secretary
Located in San Angelo, TX
A Swedish Gustavian slant front secretary from the early 19th century that is perfect for any home
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Tulipwood, Paint
Swedish Painted Oak Secretary Bureau circa 1800
s
Located in Round Top, TX
This oak secretary reflects the refined grace, functionality and style of early 1800's Sweden.
Note
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Swedish Art Moderne Drop-Leaf Secretary Writing Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Uniquely sized drop-leaf secretary in sleek golden elm. Leaf folds down to reveal shelves
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Elm
18th c. Swedish Early Gustavian Secretary with Library
Located in Wichita, KS
A Swedish early Gustavian period secretary with library from the 18th century with shaped cornice
Category
Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Paint
Swedish Miniature Birch Secretary Writing Desk, 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Swedish 19th Century Biedermeier 3-drawer chest and writing desk with drop down top and a series
Category
Antique 1820s Swedish Biedermeier Models and Miniatures
Materials
Birch
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Secretary with Library
Located in Wichita, KS
This is an exquisite Swedish Gustavian style painted secretary with library from Jämtland, Sweden
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Paint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Secretary / Writing Desk - Painted
Located in Kvidinge, SE
Swedish Gustavian Secretary / Writing Desk from early 19th century
A rectangular top sitting above
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Country Secretary Desk
Located in Kramfors, SE
Northern Swedish folk art secretary desk from the early 19th century, 1810 to 1820. The secretary
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Secretaires
Materials
Pine
Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorated Secretary Cabinet
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish Folk Art secretary cabinet in two parts. The secretary cabinet has two large drawers, a
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Secretaires
Materials
Pine
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Secretary with Library
Located in Wichita, KS
This is an exceptional Swedish Gustavian period secretary with library, circa 1780. This secretary
Category
Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks
Materials
Brass
Swedish Modern Corner Secretary Desk in Teak + White Lacquer
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Sweden
Designer: Unknown
Manufacturer: Unknown
Era: 1960s
Materials: teak
Measurements
Category
20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Teak
Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Painted Wood Drop-Front Secretary
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood drop-front secretary from the 19th century, with dentil
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Swedish Art Moderne Oak Roll-Top Secretary Writing Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gorgeous roll-top writing desk in oak recently restored and refinished to a warm rich dark walnut color. Top rolls up to reveal cubbyholes and drawers and a retractable desktop - jus...
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
Antique Late 18th Century Gustavian Period Swedish Pine Secretary Desk
Located in Peabody, MA
A fine late 18th century Gustavian period Swedish pine secretary desk in original ox blood, yellow
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine, Paint
Swedish Gustavian Style 1850s Blue Gray Painted Slant Front Secretary
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style slant front secretary from circa 1850 with blue gray painted finish and
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Antique White Painted Swedish Country Secretary Bureau, circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique secretary with graceful Swedish country charm.
Newer, professionally applied white
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Paint
Midcentury Swedish Modern Egon Ostergaard Rolltop Secretary Desk with Key
By Egon Ostergaard
Located in Chattanooga, TN
team performed a relatively passive rehabilitation because this beautiful, honey colored secretary was
Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Teak
Swedish Gustavian Late 18th Century Tall Painted Secretary with Slanted Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period tall secretary from the late 18th century, with distressed painted
Category
Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Swedish 1810s Late Gustavian Painted Drop-Front Secretary with Diamond Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period painted wood drop-front secretary from the early 19th century, with
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style Gray Painted Drop-Front Secretary with Fluted Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style secretary from the 19th century, with drop-front desk, three drawers
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Swedish 1790s Gustavian Two-Part Painted Secretary with Slanted Front Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period two-part secretary from the late 18th century, with carved cornice and
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Swedish Late Gustavian Period 1820s Two-Part Secretary with Diamond Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Late Gustavian period two-part painted wood secretary from the early 19th century, with
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
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Swedish Secretary For Sale on 1stDibs
At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal Swedish secretary for your home. Frequently made of wood, metal and softwood, every Swedish secretary was constructed with great care. There are many kinds of the Swedish secretary you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Each Swedish secretary bearing Rococo, Baroque or mid-century modern hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one Swedish secretary that is appealing in its simplicity, but Egon Ostergaard, Bröderna Gustafssons and Svegards Markaryd produced versions that are worth a look.
How Much is a Swedish Secretary?
The average selling price for a Swedish secretary at 1stDibs is $6,600, while they’re typically $552 on the low end and $120,000 for the highest priced.
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.
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