What is the History of this Antique Secretary Desk?
This Antique Secretary Desk was made in circa 1910-1920. This Antique Secretary Desk has many stylistic qualities that help us situate it in this time period.
Antique Side by Side Secretary History
Antique Side by Side Secretaries often fall in the late 19th century to early 20th century. This antique side by side secretary design is historically situated between the end of the Victorian period and the beginning of Art Nouveau design.
The antique drop front desk, or often called a side by side secretary, is a late 19th Century Victorian period furniture invention. The desk combines a bookcase or curio with a small writing desk, and has multifunction of storage and writing surface. Thus the name, “Side by Side Secretary.”
Indeed these types of antique secretary desks are often seen in oak. This particular antique model is elevated with solid mahogany, a prime and rare wood valued for its strength and beauty.
Art Nouveau Style Desk
This antique drop front desk is rare too, because of its intricate inlay work of satinwood, rosewood and mother of pearl within the desk surface. Feathered glass on the cabinet door, fitted with a fine mahogany overlay, also adds drama and interest to the piece of antique furniture.
Feminine swirls of inlay and mother of pearl decorate the drop down desk surface. Additionally, carvings on the bookcase side echo these feminine details.
Victorian Furniture often has this level of detail. However, the sinuous lines of this inlay decoration really echo Art Nouveau style as well.
What is the Value of this Antique Side by Side Secretary?
We sold this antique side by side secretary in late 2016 or 2017. Our happy client fell in love with the detail and romance of this antique desk.
The antique side by side desk sold for between $500-$800 at that time. Similar antique desks may be worth more or less, depending on the condition, rarity and overall intricacy.
Light flaws to the inlaid surface may have hurt the overall antique value of this desk. In pristine condition, we may expect to see prices of $1000-$1500 for this particular side by side secretary.
Have you purchased a similar side by side secretary? Let us know in the comments below!
Hi Jamie! It sounds like a really nice desk. I may be able to give you at least a rough estimate on time period and value if I were to see it. If you would like to send me a photo or two, please find my email in the contact page. Thanks, Rachel
Hi,
I just purchased a side by side secretary desk, thought to be a vanity.
Delighted at what I actually have but am unable to find anything like it on line.
Its desk portion does not drop down but instead opens from left to right and is very curved. Writing surface drops down but then unfolds once more making for a very roomy writing space.
I’ve not found one like it as of yet.
The only writing or marks/label on it is the word ” Patent” engraved on edge of writing surface.
Would really appreciate any opinion/knowledge of its kind.
Thank you
Jamie Mauldin
Hi Ali! In old days, curios and bookcases were largely the same thing. Simply a case with shelves and a glass door. So, people would keep both books and other objects like knick-knacks inside. I generally call it a bookcase though, since mostly they end up in offices nowadays. Hope that helps! Thanks for reading!
Is the bookcase or curio side always on the left side of these desks?
Hi Yulonda! Sounds like a great purchase. Hope you enjoy your secretary desk for years to come. 🙂
I just purchased a side by side from Mechanics Funture Company… It’s in good condition and every lock on the drawers still work. It has the wooden wheels as well it has the number 32 but it also lools to be 382 on the back engraving.
HI Denice. You could send me some photos if you would like. Every antique is usually unique, but I may be able to give you a little information on the time period. Best, Rachel
Where is the best place to find some information of a side by side desk secretary? I don’t know where to start. I have found similar items but nothing the same. It has been in my family for a very long time.
enjoy!
I just purchased a side by side secretary. I paid $200 and i love it.