Loading Spinner

European Secretaries

The secretary desk is known by a number of names: secretaire, bureau, and escritoire. These bookcase-style chests with flip-forward surfaces adapted for writing are perennially popular pieces for furniture collectors.

Low-slung antique European secretaries, like Georgian-style English writing bureaus, are reminiscent of old-school roll-top and captain's desks. They are often used today to lend a traditional or maritime feel to residential and commercial spaces.

High-standing variants like the Swedish hutch secretary and heavily-paneled Spanish-style secretary are ideal choices for those seeking pieces for all-in-one home offices or dedicated reading nooks. Glass-front and solid-door bookcase-style French secretaries frequently find new roles as modern-day entertainment centers or liquor cabinets.

Mid-20th century Danish display secretaries lend a retro Scandinavian touch as stand-in dressers, while secretaries by contemporary Italian designers such as Aldo Tura and Paolo Buffa have an Art Deco-meets-Post World War II modern feel.

From timeless antique classics that never go out of style to mid-century takes on traditional pieces, European secretaries never fail to make a lasting impression.


Quick Facts

  • In 1986, an ornately-embellished Louis XVI secretary with gilded bronze mounts and porcelain plaques signed by Parisian designer Martin Carlin sold at Sotheby's for $2.09 million
  • In July 2014, a Regency/William IV English mahogany secretary dating to 1820 sold at Skinner for a rather modest $2,952
  • An 18th-century Italian walnut secretary owned and used by legendary African-American singer Nat King Cole sold at Matheson's Auctions in 2012 for $14,000

Recommended Items at Auction

See all items

A fine German walnut and burr travelling secretary, with brass mounts, H 22 - W 40,5 - D 26 cm
Apr 10, 10:00 AM EDT
A fine German walnut and burr travelling secretary, with brass mounts, H 22 - W 40,5 - D 26 cm
by Asté Maison de ventes
Est: $2,000- $3,000
$1,5000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell European Secretaries


Asté Maison de ventes

Asté Maison de ventes