American Empire Secretaires

North Germany / Prussia Birch Biedermeier / Empire around 1815 Dimensions: H x W x D: 174 x 102 x 55 cm Description: Very exclusive secretary from the Prussian North German Biedermeier period around 1815. Piece of furniture standing on pointed legs with two drawers at the bottom, the writing flap above, another drawer above and a hidden head drawer at the very top. The piece of furniture is veneered in exciting grained birch wood. Due to the different color hangings within the wood and the interplay of hues associated with it, we also refer to it as "flamed" birch. The beautiful wood is complemented by blackened moldings and beautiful fire-gilded bronze hardware in beautiful quality. The interior of the writing compartment is veneered in apple tree. We see a stair-like rise to a central door flanked by pilasters. Drawers of different sizes and two large compartments with dividers for letters and papers complete the secretary part. Looking at the piece of furniture from above, we see an old shipping label. According to it, the secretary was loaded onto the train at the station "Odertor" in Wroclaw. The destination was probably Berin. Corresponding mmarkings we find on the back panel. Piece of furniture made in wonderful quality craftsmanship. A true testament to the high quality of Prussian furniture...

A very fine Scandinavian Empire/Biedermeier secretary in beautiful birch wood with mahogany interior, Denmark, circa 1820. The highly sculptural form makes this piece an outstanding ...

This Biedermeier secretary comes from Austria and was made in 19th century. It is made of coniferous wood, veneered with maple wood. It has undergone a professional renovation proces...

Romantic antique chest of drawers, made by a Danish cabinetmaker in 1790-1810.. Louis XVI. This chest features great curves and carving skills and undoubtful high quality. Made in so...

Extraordinary 19th century English ladies secretaire desk or writing table. The two part desk was made in the Chinoiserie revival period of Europe ...

This is a midcentury French style hand painted chinoiserie secretary with a unique bombe form base and glass top. It works so well for both display and functional desk. It is unmarke...

Imagine where this gorgeous piece might have been in its past life. Perhaps stately mansions with warm block panel, high ceilings and crown molding for days. The wealthy would have h...

Directoire style desk with cylinder top, France 19th century Mahogany veneer with satinwood inlays. This elegant little desk is perfect for a small working space. The writing top fo...

C. 1920s American Oak 4 drawers bureau secretary Chest of drawers with original mirror. Mirror shows some spots of aging marks in glass. Very nice carvings in front drawer doors an...

A Louis Philippe period (1830–1848) fruitwood secretaire abattant fall front desk. Born in France in the mid-19th century, hand-crafted of rich solid fruitwood with warm wood tones, subtle grain detail, and nicely aged mellow patina over the whole. Finished in French Empire taste, having a molded cornice, concealed ogee frieze drawer with dovetail joinery, over fall front panel, opening to reveal original fitted interior gallery, with inset gilt tooled leather writing surface, large open shelf cubby, six drawers of various size, above double-door cabinet with brass shield escutcheon that opens to provide generous storage space, and an additional lower drawer for valuables hidden in the base molding, rising on square feet. Dimensions: (approx) 56.75" High 41" Wide, 17.5" Deep History/Back Story: Louis Philippe furniture had the same types and forms as the earlier French Restoration style, but with less decoration; comfort was the primary consideration. During the turbulent French Revolution and following Napoleon rule, Louis Philippe (1773-1850) remained in exile for 21 years until the Bourbon Restoration, when he became the King of the French from 1830 to 1848. For the first time, the developing upper class–not the monarchy–influenced the progression of this style’s characteristics. However, King Louis Philippe’s personality still inspired many aspects.  His casual nature reflected this style’s informal, comfortable build. Much of the style was taken from the personality of the King himself. Unlike his Bourbon predecessors, he wore business dress...

French first Empire period Secretaire à Abattant, also known as a drop-front secretary, fall front or cantilevered desk. Under the dark grey marble top is a secret, entablature drawe...

American Tiger maple and Cherry fall front chest of drawers with fitted interior desk, flanking turned bulbous columns, lower graduated drawers, o...