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ID #SA1225604
FOR SALE
£995
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19th Century French Empire Secretary (Secrétaire) Chest of Drawers
For sale by Also Antique Furniture
for sale €1,164     $1,264
£995

Also Antique Furniture

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2025
Browse dealers 61 items
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    Antique furniture, chosen for character and quality.
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19th Century French Empire Secretary (Secrétaire) Chest of Drawers

19th century
Description

DESCRIPTION

A 19th-century French Empire mahgany secrétaire chest of drawers, combining the appearance of a traditional tall chest with an ingenious arrangement of concealed storage and writing compartments. The moulded top sits above a lift-up compartment, modelled as two dummy drawer fronts and supported by a pull-out slide. Beneath are two drawers with hinged fall fronts opening to reveal shelved interiors, above a further four graduated drawers. The thoughtful arrangement provides a combination of concealed storage, shelving and drawer space, making the cabinet both practical and versatile.

The chest retains brass lion's mask ring-drop handles and shield-shaped escutcheons. The locks appear to be original, and the cabinet is accompanied by two working keys. Closely related in form to the French semainier, this is an unusual and well-designed piece that would be equally suited for use in a bedroom, study or hallway.

DIMENSIONS

Height: 162cm

Width: 84cm

Depth: 63cm

CONDITION

The cabinet is in good, solid condition and presents well overall. There are light marks, knocks and scratches consistent with its age and use. There is some historic movement to the veneer, principally to the upper drawer front, resulting in minor splitting and lifting, although the veneer remains stable. Minor splits to the sides have been closed and reinforced internally. One of the retaining hooks for a hinged fall front is missing, although the flap remains supported by the fixing on the opposite side and functions as intended. The drawers run smoothly, the concealed storage compartment and hinged fall fronts operate correctly, and the locks appear to be original. Two working keys are included.

Overall, this is an attractive and practical nineteenth-century French cabinet with honest signs of age and use.

As with all antique and vintage furniture, this piece has been used and enjoyed over many years and should be expected to show signs of age and use. We aim to describe any significant faults, repairs or alterations as accurately and honestly as possible. The photographs form an important part of the description and should be viewed alongside the written condition report. If you would like further information or additional photographs, we are always happy to help before purchase.

ABOUT ALSO ANTIQUES

Thank you for viewing this item from Also Antique Furniture – Antique Furniture & Decorative Objects.

We are specialise in antique furniture and decorative objects, offering carefully selected pieces chosen for their quality, craftsmanship and character. Every item is individually inspected, researched and professionally photographed, with clear descriptions and honest condition reports to help you buy with confidence. We believe antiques should be enjoyed and used, and we take pride in offering pieces that will continue to give pleasure for generations to come.

VIEWING

Viewing is welcome by appointment at our premises in North Yorkshire. If there is anything you would like to know before purchasing, we are always happy to answer questions or provide additional photographs.

Date of Manufacture

Also Antique Furniture has dated this French Empire Walnut Secretaire to the 19th Century.

Independent Date Guide ID 09579228
Dealer's Item Date19th Century
Sellingantiques Date19th Century
Sellingantiques agingItem 190-220 years old
ResultsDates match
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to THE 19TH CENTURY:
Hand-cut drawer dovetails with fine pins: cabinetmaking before factory machinery.
Chiselled Roman numeral assembly marks inside the drawer: traditional bench-made workshop practice.
Hand-threaded square brass nuts on the handle posts: early nineteenth-century metalwork.
Cast brass capitals and lion-mask ring handles: French Empire styling.
Natural shrinkage lines across the flame walnut veneers: honest timber movement with age.

This Independent Date Guide was compiled by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. It works only from the photographs shown on this page and is never told the date the dealer has declared. It is a guide, not a guarantee of age, and occasional errors can occur.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1225604
Description
DESCRIPTION
“
A 19th-century French Empire mahgany secrétaire chest of drawers, combining the appearance of a traditional tall chest with an ingenious arrangement of concealed storage and writing compartments.
Also Antique Furniture

The moulded top sits above a lift-up compartment, modelled as two dummy drawer fronts and supported by a pull-out slide. Beneath are two drawers with hinged fall fronts opening to reveal shelved interiors, above a further four graduated drawers. The thoughtful arrangement provides a combination of concealed storage, shelving and drawer space, making the cabinet both practical and versatile.

fig 1. A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments.
fig 1. 19th Century French Empire Secretary (Secrétaire) Chest of Drawers

The chest retains brass lion's mask ring-drop handles and shield-shaped escutcheons. The locks appear to be original, and the cabinet is accompanied by two working keys. Closely related in form to the French semainier, this is an unusual and well-designed piece that would be equally suited for use in a bedroom, study or hallway.

fig 2. A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments.
fig 2. 19th Century French Empire Secretary (Secrétaire) Chest of Drawers

DIMENSIONS

Height: 162cm

Width: 84cm

Depth: 63cm

CONDITION

The cabinet is in good, solid condition and presents well overall. There are light marks, knocks and scratches consistent with its age and use. There is some historic movement to the veneer, principally to the upper drawer front, resulting in minor splitting and lifting, although the veneer remains stable. Minor splits to the sides have been closed and reinforced internally. One of the retaining hooks for a hinged fall front is missing, although the flap remains supported by the fixing on the opposite side and functions as intended. The drawers run smoothly, the concealed storage compartment and hinged fall fronts operate correctly, and the locks appear to be original. Two working keys are included.

fig 3. A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments.
fig 3. 19th Century French Empire Secretary (Secrétaire) Chest of Drawers

Overall, this is an attractive and practical nineteenth-century French cabinet with honest signs of age and use.

As with all antique and vintage furniture, this piece has been used and enjoyed over many years and should be expected to show signs of age and use. We aim to describe any significant faults, repairs or alterations as accurately and honestly as possible. The photographs form an important part of the description and should be viewed alongside the written condition report. If you would like further information or additional photographs, we are always happy to help before purchase.

fig 4. A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments.
fig 4. 19th Century French Empire Secretary (Secrétaire) Chest of Drawers

ABOUT ALSO ANTIQUES

Thank you for viewing this item from Also Antique Furniture – Antique Furniture & Decorative Objects.

We are specialise in antique furniture and decorative objects, offering carefully selected pieces chosen for their quality, craftsmanship and character. Every item is individually inspected, researched and professionally photographed, with clear descriptions and honest condition reports to help you buy with confidence. We believe antiques should be enjoyed and used, and we take pride in offering pieces that will continue to give pleasure for generations to come.

fig 5. A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments.
fig 5. 19th Century French Empire Secretary (Secrétaire) Chest of Drawers

VIEWING

Viewing is welcome by appointment at our premises in North Yorkshire. If there is anything you would like to know before purchasing, we are always happy to answer questions or provide additional photographs.

Date of Manufacture

Also Antique Furniture has dated this French Empire Walnut Secretaire to the 19th Century.

Independent Date Report ID 09579228
Dealer's Item Date19th Century
Sellingantiques dating19th Century
Sellingantiques agingItem 190-220 years old
ResultsDates match
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to the 19th Century:
Hand-cut drawer dovetails with fine pins: cabinetmaking before factory machinery.
Chiselled Roman numeral assembly marks inside the drawer: traditional bench-made workshop practice.
Hand-threaded square brass nuts on the handle posts: early nineteenth-century metalwork.
Cast brass capitals and lion-mask ring handles: French Empire styling.
Natural shrinkage lines across the flame walnut veneers: honest timber movement with age.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1225604
Also Antique Furniture
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2025

Antique furniture, chosen for character and quality.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Also Antique Furniture Profile Page

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A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments.
1 / 15
Archive I A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments.

19th Century French Empire Secretary (Secrétaire) Chest of Drawers

Archive II A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments. View II
Archive III A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments. View III
Archive IV A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments. View IV
Archive V A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments. View V
Archive VI A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments. View VI
Archive VII A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments. View VII
Archive VIII A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments. View VIII
Archive IX A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments. View IX
Archive X A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments. View X
Archive XI A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments. View XI
Archive XII A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments. View XII
Archive XIII A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments. View XIII
Archive XIV A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments. View XIV
Archive XV A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments. View XV
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Also Antique Furniture
Telephone 07968 218613
Location
Settle
North Yorkshire
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/alsoantique
Verified Since Jun 2025
Items For Sale 61
Items Sold 43
Also Antique Furniture
Verified Since Jun 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Settle, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/alsoantique
Verified
Jun 2025
For Sale
61
Sold
43
A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments.
19th Century French Empire Secretary (Secrétaire) Chest of Drawers
Ref: SA1225604
A 19th-century French Empire walnut secretaire cabinet featuring multiple drawers, brass lion-head ring handles, and fall-front writing compartments.
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

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Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

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Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDesks
  • Period19th century
  • StyleFrench Empire
  • MaterialWalnut, Brass
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsLion head handles, fall front, column capitals, brass escutcheons

This nineteenth-century French Empire secrétaire chest of drawers is constructed from warm brown mahogany and walnut, accented with brass lion's mask ring-drop handles, shield-shaped key escutcheons, and ornate capitals on the vertical front corners. The upright cabinet incorporates a moulded top above multiple graduated drawer tiers, standing on block feet and measuring 162 cm high by 84 cm wide and 63 cm deep. Light marks, knocks, and scratches appear across the wood surfaces, accompanied by historic movement and minor splitting to the veneer on the upper sections. The versatile design fits comfortably into a bedroom, study, or hallway, serving as a practical storage unit with concealed compartments and writing space. Original locks secure the structure, while the graduated drawers provide ample storage for clothing, documents, or household items. Honest signs of age and structural stability define the piece, offering a functional antique addition for daily use within a home.

FAQs

French Empire style furniture originated in the early nineteenth century under Napoleon I, characterised by classical Neoclassical proportions, prominent symmetry, rich wood veneers such as mahogany and walnut, and gilded brass or ormolu decorative mounts.

Traditional French secretaires were constructed using solid hardwood frames faced with high-grade walnut or mahogany veneers, fitted with hand-cut dovetail joints, interior writing surfaces, and cast brass or bronze metal hardware.

Authentic period pieces feature hand-planed drawer bottoms, original mortise-and-tenon or hand-cut dovetail joinery, period-appropriate lock mechanisms with brass escutcheons, and natural wear patterns consistent with age along the base and writing flap.

A tall walnut secretaire works well as a focal statement piece in a contemporary study or living room when paired alongside clean-lined modern lighting, neutral wall finishes, and minimalist decorative ceramics.

Maintain walnut furniture by regularly dusting with a dry, soft lint-free cloth and applying natural beeswax polish annually along the wood grain. Keep the piece away from direct sunlight and artificial heat sources to prevent timber shrinkage or veneer lifting.
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