Federal Period Massachusetts Mahogany Secretary Desk with Cylinder Tambour
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of a Federal mahogany two part secretary desk, with a dentil molded cornice surmounting an upper bookcase with two 16 pane glazed glass doors with satinwood line inlay...
Brass
Federal Style Inlaid Mahogany Ladies Tambour Writing Desk & Secretary.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Federal Style Inlaid Mahogany Ladies Tambour Writing Desk & Secretary.
Brass
Baker Furniture Style Hepplewhite Mahogany Secretary Desk, Circa 1920s
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Hepplewhite or Federal style tambour door secretary desk with bookcase hutch In the manner of Baker Furniture By The Maddox Table Company USA, Circa 1920s Mahogany...
Brass
American Federal Writing Desk with Tambour Doors
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a Classic American Federal writing desk with a tambour door on the top section when open it reveals small drawers and document compartments.
Wood, Mahogany
Maddox Hepplewhite Banded Mahogany Tambour Door Desk
By Maddox Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Hepplewhite or Federal style tambour door writing desk or secretary desk By Maddox USA, Circa 1940s Flame mahogany, with satinwood string inlay and original brass...
Brass
Sold
H 43.75 in W 38.88 in D 20.25 in
American Federal Inlaid Mahogany Antique Secretary Writing Desk, circa 1790-1810
Located in Shippensburg, PA
Similar Examples: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Texas, acc. no. B.65.12: a Federal Tambour Door Inlaid Writing Desk over spade feet Christies, New York, June 17 1997, lot 417, “A Fed...
Brass
Antique Sheraton Flame Mahogany Tambour Secretary Desk, circa 1830
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Sheraton Tambour secretary offers deeply striated mahogany construction with upper double door cabinet over two lower drawers and surmounting cas with drop front desk and ...
Metal
Sold
H 46.5 in W 41 in D 21.5 in
New England Mahogany and Maple Tambour Door Secretary Desk Signed and Dated 1812
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This fine federal mahogany secretary desk features an upper section with tambour doors opening up to interiors fitted with pigeon holes and small drawers centering a banded tiger map...
Brass
Federal Style Mahogany & Cherry Tambour Secretary Desk and Bookcase
By Hickory Chair Furniture Company
Located in Milford, NH
A beautiful Sheraton, Federal style, two part Mount Vernon Hickory Chair Company cherry secretary with crossbanded mahogany veneers, its upper case with a molded cornice surmounting ...
Cherry, Mahogany, Satinwood
Sold
H 80 in W 36.5 in D 19 in
Federal Style Flame Mahogany Secretary Desk / Display Cabinet & Brass Eagle
By Mahogany Associates
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a beautiful inlaid flame mahogany Federal style secretary desk with tambour doors. It has two glass shelves.
Glass, Mahogany
Sold
H 43 in W 36 in D 18.5 in
Circa 1800-1805 Mahogany Federal Hepplewhite Tambour Desk, Massachusetts
Located in Louisville, KY
This stunning inlaid Mahogany Federal Hepplewhite Tambour Desk, most likely originated in the Massachusetts area between 1800-1805 time period.
Brass
Sold
H 80 in W 37 in D 18.5 in
Vintage Beacon Hill Old Colony Federal Mahogany Tambour Door Secretary Desk
By Beacon Hill
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Beacon Hill Old Colony Federal Mahogany Tambour Door Secretary Desk. Item features a 3 part construction, working lock and key, flip top writing surface, brass eagle finial, ...
Mahogany
Federal Inlaid Mahogany Tambour Ladies' Writing Desk, Circa 1795
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Writing Desk, end table, American, Boston, Massachusetts,, Mahogany with Tambour Doors, Fold Out Desk Surface Lined With Felt, Original Hardware & Restored Original Finish
Mahogany
$3,890
H 39.5 in W 28.5 in D 17 in
French Provincial Style Secretary Desk with Marquetry Inlays and Key
Located in Soquel, CA
French Provincial Style Walnut Secretary Desk with Marquetry Inlays and Key. Original Finish.
Walnut
Regency Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase
Located in Altrincham, GB
George IV mahogany secretaire bookcase, the upper section with a pair of eliptical glazed doors, the base with satinwood lined serectair drawer above a further three long drawers on ...
Leather, Glass, Mahogany
$3,750
H 41.5 in W 42.5 in D 21.5 in
Antique Georgian Flame Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Writing Desk Bureau
Located in Dayton, OH
Exquisite antique early 19th century secretary writing storage desk. Made of flame mahogany featuring Georgian styling with three large dovetailed drawers and a drop front that open...
Birdseye Maple, Mahogany
$2,079
H 72.45 in W 28.75 in D 17.33 in
Secretary Desk In English Style With Drop-Front & Display Cabinet In Mahogany
Located in Lejre, DK
Secretary desk in mahogany with drop-front and display cabinet in classic English style from around 1890. Elegant and functional antique furniture. — Origin: England / Europe — Peri...
Mahogany
$6,142
H 89.77 in W 51.19 in D 22.05 in
Antique Regency Figured Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase Desk With Glazed Doors
Located in Suffolk, GB
A fine quality Regency figured mahogany secretaire bookcase of elegant proportions. The upper section with glazed doors featuring distinctive shaped astral mouldings, enclosing adjus...
Mahogany
Antique French Secretaire / Bureau in Mahogany
Located in Leicester, GB
Beautiful Antique French flame Mahogany secretaire/bureau/cabinet. The inside is lined with maple and finished with ebonized black details. The cabinet has got lots of charm and char...
Mahogany
$2,796Sale Price|20% Off
H 98.75 in W 42 in D 22.5 in
Fantastic American Centennial Solid Walnut Philadelphia Carved Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Discover timeless elegance with this fantastic American Centennial solid walnut Philadelphia carved secretary desk, a true testament to 19th-century craftsmanship. This exquisite pie...
Walnut
19th Century English Sheraton Mahogany Secretary Desk, 1820
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A slender mahogany bureau bookcase with secretary desk, made in England, circa 1820. The secretary’s upper body is crowned with a broken pediment–a classic Sheraton feature–above gla...
Brass
$2,595
H 76.25 in W 36.5 in D 18.75 in
Georgian Solid Birch Drop Front Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Georgian, Chippendale, or Early American style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase hutch top USA, Circa 1970s Gorgeous carved solid birch, with original ...
Brass
$3,295
H 84 in W 35 in D 17.5 in
Chippendale Flame Mahogany Drop Front Secretary Desk With Lighted Bookcase Hutch
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Chippendale or Georgian style bureau with drop front secretary desk and lighted bookcase hutch top In the manner of Baker Furniture By Jasper Cabinet Co. USA, Circa...
Brass
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 81 in W 49.75 in D 21.25 in
Antique Quervelle American Empire Flame Mahogany Secretary Desk c1840
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique American Empire secretary desk, attributed to Quervelle, crafted from flame mahogany and dating to approximately 1840. This substantial piece features a top section with t...
Mahogany
Roll Top Secretary Desk, French Walnut with Marquetry Inlay
Located in Toronto, CA
Elegant Edwardian Cylinder Roll Top Secretary Desk, French Walnut with Marquetry & Parquetry Inlay– English Craftsmanship Step back in time with this exquisite Edwardian cylinde...
Hardwood
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
H 69.75 in W 40.5 in D 23.5 in
Antique Empire Classical Flame Mahogany Secretary Desk c1840
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Empire Classical Flame Mahogany Secretary with Blind Door Upper, Drop Down Desk and Graduated Drawers C1840 Measures - 69 3/4" x 40 1/2" x 23 3/8"
Mahogany
$3,295
H 80 in W 36.25 in D 18.5 in
Imperial Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Secretary Desk, Circa 1940s
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style secretary desk with bookcase hutch By Imperial Furniture Co. USA, Circa 1940s Flame mahogany, with satinwood string inlay and marquetry...
Brass
$4,195
H 88 in W 37.5 in D 21 in
YORKSHIRE HOUSE English Yew Wood Secretary Desk, Two-Piece, Circa 1990s
Located in Perkasie, PA
YORKSHIRE HOUSE English Yew Wood Secretary Desk – 60906 A distinguished example of traditional English-inspired furniture, this YORKSHIRE HOUSE secretary desk showcases the beautifu...
Yew
$2,595
H 40 in W 31.5 in D 17.75 in
Chippendale Solid Mahogany Drop Front Secretary Desk by Jasper Cabinet Co.
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Chippendale or Georgian style serpentine front bureau with drop front secretary desk In the manner of Baker Furniture By Jasper Cabinet Co. USA, Circa 1980s Gorgeo...
Brass
1940s French Solid Oak Two Door Cabinet with Reeded Panels
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
French workshop, two door cabinet, solid oak, France, 1940s. Each door holds a recessed fielded panel with a raised rectangle at its centre worked in close vertical reeding, and sma...
Brass
$3,000
H 31.5 in W 21 in D 45.5 in
Antique German Biedermeier Cherry Dresser Chest of Drawers Console Commode 46"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique German Biedermeier dresser / chest of drawers / console. Made of cherry featuring rectangular form with wavecrest design and two drawers supported by tapered legs. Circa mi...
Cherry
$1,302Sale Price|40% Off
H 14.38 in W 42.92 in D 28.94 in
Italian Design Wooden Coffee Table with Bar Compartment, 1970s
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
This is a stunning and sophisticated piece of mid-century furniture. 1970s Italian design often combines elegance and practicality, making this coffee table truly unique. Its rectan...
Glass, Plywood
Red and Black Lacquered Chinese Wedding Cabinet, 19th C
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Standalone black lacquered with red ornamentation Chinese wedding or linen cabinet, late 19th C. Chinoiseries lacquered black paint throughout. This two-section cabinet showcases a ...
Lacquer
Danish Mid-Century Teak Bookcase with Sliding Doors, 1960s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Danish bookcase in teak, produced during the 1960s. The design features two open shelves and a central cabinet with sliding doors and carved teak handles. The clean, functional layou...
Teak
Giuseppe Rivadossi Sculptural Carved Trunk or Bench in Oak
By Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, trunk / side bench / side table, oak, Italy, 1970s Crafted in solid oak during the 1970s, this versatile trunk by Giuseppe Rivadossi exemp...
Oak
$4,467
H 36.23 in W 88.78 in D 19.69 in
Mid-Century Modern Low Brutalist Sideboard in Oak, Henning Kjaernulf, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Rødding, DK
Large low sideboard in oak by Henning Kjærnulf, made in Denmark during the 1960s. Its unusually long horizontal case combines four panelled doors with four drawers below, raised on c...
Brass
$1,400
H 31.5 in W 59 in D 25.5 in
Extra Long Three Seat Wrought Iron and Metal Garden Patio Bench att. to Woodard
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Unusual large vintage wrought iron outdoor garden, patio, poolside bench, having three seats, curled armrests with metal mesh seats and back rests. This example is in very good, o...
Wrought Iron
$4,673 / set
H 20.87 in W 13.98 in D 0.6 in
Collection of Eight Mid-Century Modern Interior & Furniture Design Watercolours
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A striking collection of eight original Mid-Century Modern Italian design studies by Anfossi, executed in watercolour and ink on paper. Each composition captures the optimism and e...
Wood, Paint, Paper
19th Century American Federal Secretary, Seymour School, Boston
By John & Thomas Seymour
Located in Essex, MA
Important American Federal Period Secretary. School of John and Thomas Seymour, Boston, circa 1820. Mahogany and Mahogany Veneered Case on Pine Secondary Wood. Two Gothic Fenestra...
Mahogany
$6,500
H 54.5 in W 35 in D 18 in
Antique French Louis XV Vanity Table with Gilt Bronze Mounts/Porcelain Cameos
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional French vanity table with gilt bronze mounts and inlaid porcelain plates in the Sevres style having a ground of celeste blue. Painted with a floral motif. The mirrored ba...
Walnut
Fine Two Piece Bookcase Secretary
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A finely constructed fruit wood bookcase on secretary stand. The bookcase with a recessed overhanging top and double doors with carved angled mullions opening to two shelves and with...
Leather, Glass, Fruitwood
$1,700
H 7.09 in W 4.53 in D 7.09 in
Marigold & Brass Midcentury Sconce by Bruno Gatta for Stilnovo - Italy 1960's
By Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
Small 1960s spotlight in marigold color. Hinged at the base of the reflector. Brass structure and lacquered steel shade. Signature present inside the shade and on the brass hinge. Sw...
Brass, Steel
Art Deco Three-Door Armoire, circa 1930
Located in Antwerp, BE
This beautiful walnut armoire features a central door front flanked by two doors, which open to shelved storage. (Two shelves).
Wood, Walnut, Glass, Oak
$11,100 / item
H 34.65 in W 94.49 in D 40.56 in
Elegant Velvet Sofa with Piping Detail & Upholstered Feet By José Castro
Located in New York, NY
This comfortable and modern sofa is a study in streamlined design and understated elegance. It features a plush, upholstered seat and back, the contours of which are gracefully outli...
Upholstery, Velvet
Etagere
Located in Greenwich, CT
A 19th century English mahogany etagere with a light and airy elegance. The piece features ring decorated turned supports topped by finials holding three shelves, the mid one with a...
Mahogany
Following the Revolutionary War, the American republic referenced the Roman Republic in its designs to celebrate its independence and declare itself a powerful new country. Imbued with neoclassical elements like those being promoted by architect Robert Adam in Great Britain, antique Federal-style furniture was the first distinctly American style in its melding of ancient influences, European aesthetics and national pride.
Dating roughly from 1790 to 1830, the style featured angular furniture with saber legs and smooth surfaces that contrasted with the curvy Rococo style that was previously in fashion. Eagles were common ornamental motifs on Federal-period furniture, as were cornucopia, lyres, garlands and scrolls, adding subtle flair to pieces characterized by clean lines, geometric symmetry, balanced shapes and a sense of grandeur.
Instead of sculptural carvings, authentic Federal-style furniture was adorned with inlays and patterned veneers that showcased the rich character of different grains and types of wood. As social life tended to be informal in the young country, furniture was often lightweight, so it could be easily rearranged in a drawing room or bedroom. Pieces like dining tables with drop leaves and sideboards became popular, replacing larger chests of drawers.
The Federal style varied by region: Artisans in Charleston, South Carolina, decorated chairs with carved backs, for instance, while those in Baltimore, Maryland, preferred painted details. Its major proponents included father-and-son cabinetmakers John and Thomas Seymour in Boston, Duncan Phyfe and Charles-Honoré Lannuier in New York and Samuel McIntire in Salem, Massachusetts.
Find antique Federal tables, mirrors, storage cabinets and other Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items.
In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior.
Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time.
Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room.
In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.
A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.
Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.