Items Similar to Swedish Secretaire from 1857 with Trick Lock and Secret Compartements
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 22
Swedish Secretaire from 1857 with Trick Lock and Secret Compartements
About the Item
19th Century Secretary with Trick Lock and Secret Compartments
Sweden
Birch, mahogany
Historicism - dated 1857
Dimensions: H x W x D: 126 x 109 x 55 cm
Description:
Unusual piece of writing furniture from the mid-19th century with a particularly interesting interior. The outstanding craftsmanship can be clearly seen in some of the detailed photos. With the writing compartment removed, we found the signature of the builder and the date: 1857 on the back of the sliding mirror (see photo).
When closed, we can still see a Biedermeier structure with the typical Scandinavian segmentation on the front and the recessed key guides made of bone. The light and dark iridescence in the veneer shimmers like a fire, which is why it is referred to as "flamed" birch.
The twisted corkscrew columns, the cut-out plinth frame and the pearl bar below the cornice break up the formal language of the Biedermeier period and testify to the playfulness of the incoming historicism.
When we try to open the writing flap, we notice that the key keeps turning, we suspect that the lock is defective and possibly give up at some point. In fact, this effect is absolutely intentional in order to protect the papers and valuables stored inside from unauthorised access. With a little dexterity, the key is first turned anti-clockwise until a soft click is heard. The spring in the lock is now engaged, the key is turned the other way round and the two-bolt lock opens.
The interior of the writing compartment with its 23 drawers is also very interesting. Like a theatre stage, we see a central compartment with a parquet floor and mirrored rear wall. The staircase-like staircase and the corkscrew columns create an architectural character, as do the engravings on the inside walls of the compartment, which are only recognisable at second glance.
If we open all the drawers to the right of the compartment, the previously blocked mirror can be moved. Behind it are three small secret drawers. Probably rarely used, possibly unknown to some previous owners and thus protected from sunlight all these decades, the wood of the drawers is still light and clean, almost as if freshly sawn.
Condition:
Refurbished and authentic condition with deliberately preserved signs of age and use. The shellac polish provides a pleasant lustre and a certain "depth" in the wood. Ready to use and suitable for everyday use.
In the course of the restoration, we also clean all drawers from the inside, this applies to all our furniture.
- Dimensions:Height: 49.61 in (126 cm)Width: 42.92 in (109 cm)Depth: 21.66 in (55 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1857
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Refurbished and authentic condition with deliberately preserved signs of age and use. The shellac polish provides a pleasant lustre and a certain "depth" in the wood. Ready to use and suitable for everyday use.
- Seller Location:Greven, DE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5419241536142
About the Seller
4.9
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2014
1stDibs seller since 2020
177 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Greven, Germany
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllBiedermeier Secretaire with Hidden Compartement, Walnut, Austria circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Secretary with black ink painting
Austria
Walnut
Biedermeier circa 1820
Dimensions: H x W x D: 155 x 85 x 46 cm
Description:
Exceptionally narrow writing desk with a highly intere...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Biedermeier Secretaire with Secret Drawers, Austria, circa 1830
Located in Greven, DE
19th Century Biedermeier Secretary
Austria
Walnut
Biedermeier acirca 1830
Dimensions: H x W x D: 156 x 100 x 53 cm
Description:
Very interesting writing cabinet from the Bohemian/...
Category
Antique 1820s Austrian Biedermeier Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Mid 19th Century French Semainier or High Chest with Secretary Compartement
Located in Greven, DE
Antique pier chest of drawers with secretary compartment - so-called Semainier Galbé
France
Rosewood
circa 1870
Dimensions: H x W x D: 128 x 81 x 42 cm
Description:
Lavishly decor...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Secretaires
Materials
Rosewood
Late 18th Century Secretaire with Architectural Marquetry, Italy, circa 1770
Located in Greven, DE
Antique top secretary
Italy
various precious woods
second half 18th century
Dimensions: H x W x D: 219 x 89 x 50 cm
Description:
Slender and well-proportioned secretary with architectural marquetry.
Two-piece piece of furniture standing on slightly curved stud feet.
The three lower drawers are veneered diagonally and mirrored starting...
Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
18th Century Swiss Made Secretaire
Located in Greven, DE
Antique secretary or chest of drawers
Switzerland
Yew, oak
second half of 18th century
Dimensions: H x W x D: 105 x 116 x 61 cm
Description:
Antique sloping flap chest of drawers ...
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Swiss Baroque Secretaires
Materials
Oak, Yew
Small Swiss Louis XV Secretaire, Walnut, Writing Chest, circa 1760
Located in Greven, DE
SmallLouis XV or Baroque Secretary
Switzerland (Bern)
Walnut
Baroque around 1760.
Dimensions: H x W x D: 109 x 93 x 60 cm
Description:
Writing furniture standing on a ...
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Swiss Louis XV Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
You May Also Like
Burr Walnut Clapper Empire Secretaire with Detached Columns and Secret Drawer
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This beautiful Empire clapper secretaire is made of burr walnut. It has very elegant detached columns with Fine chiseled bronze elements on top and bottom of each column. Inside of the secretaire there is leather desk and several drawers including a secret drawer...
Category
Antique 1850s French Empire Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
1930's Art Deco Secretaire Desk with hidden locking mechanism
Located in Ulm, DE
Secretary
wooden body, shellac hand polished
probably stained ash
One drawer can be locked/unlocked by a hidden locking mechanism.
Original Art Deco, France 1930s
Dimensions:
Widt...
Category
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Swedish Secretaire Cupboard
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Swedish 19th Century painted secretaire cupboard in the Gustavian style.
This cupboard dates from the late 19th Century and consists of two cupboard doors below the secretaire fal...
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Paint
Blue Painted Swedish Secretaire
Located in Washington, DC
A blue painted Swedish Drop Front Secretaire with decorative painting inside the doors.
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Paint
Gustavian, Swedish Secretaire Desk, White Paint, Pinewood, Sweden, 1900s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gustavian, Swedish Painted Secretaire Desk, White Paint, Pinewood, Sweden, 1900s
Gustavian secretaire desk or storage cabinet designed and produced in Sweden in the early part of the 20th century. This example features a white paint distressed finish. The top portion of the cabinet flips down to reveal a light green paint distressed writing desk...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Paint
Free standing Swedish Modern secretaire in Walnut and Elm, 1940s
Located in Uppsala, SE
Swedish Modern chiffonier / secretaire in Walnut and Elm from the 1940s by unidentified designer. Legs in dark stained wood. Maybe a piece unique made by a master cabinet maker for a...
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Materials
Elm, Walnut
