Antique Secretary
05 September 2025
Description

mahogany? Very heavy. Locks on all the outside drawers and the fold down writing surface.

Dimensions

58 inches high; top is 38and 1/8 inch by 21 and 1/8 inches.

Acquired from
Inherited
For sale
Yes
Answered within 6 days
By Delia
Sep 11, 14:06 UTC
Fair Market Value
$2,000 - $4,000 USD
Suggested Asking Price $5,000 USD
What does this mean?

Hi Randy,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This form of tall desk, with drop-down writing interior, is known as a secretaire a abattant (literally, 'secretary with a drop') that was first popular in France in the 17th Century and made into the 19th Century; the form was made in the US in the early 19th Century, during the Classical period, and followed desks with slant lids.

I'd need to see images of the drawer liners or backboards (or other secondary, ie not visible, woods) to ascertain if this is made in the US, UK or Europe but in reality, the current market doesn't distinguish too much between country of origin if it's unsigned. Most early 19th Century mahogany Secretaire a'Abattants that come to auction usually sell between $2,000 and $4,000.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique mahogany Secretaire a Abattant
American, English or European, early 19th Century
Of rectangular section with outset squared-edged top over molded bolection drawer over a paneled hinged writing surface dropping down to reveal a divided interior centering a pigeonhole flanked by shaped drawers, the case also fitted with three paneled long drawers between engaged quarter columns, on short bracket feet. Presumably unsigned.
Overall height: 58 inches; width of top: 38-1/8 inches: depth of top: 21-1/8 inches
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition with minor wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 2,000-4,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia

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