What is a walnut secretary bookcase?

A walnut secretary bookcase is a tall standing cabinet that pairs an enclosed shelving unit at the top with a fold-down writing desk below. The lower section contains a hinged flap that opens to reveal a fitted interior of small drawers and pigeonholes. These pieces served as private workspaces and libraries for homes, concealing correspondence and ledgers behind lockable doors. The upper glazed doors allowed owners to display leather-bound volumes while protecting them from dust.

How do I date a walnut secretary bookcase?

Dating relies on examining the cabinet construction, hardware, and decorative veneers. Early eighteenth-century examples from the Queen Anne and George I periods often feature solid walnut, herringbone featherbanding, and candle slides beneath the upper doors. Later Victorian and Edwardian interpretations show heavier proportions, machine-cut dovetails, and different brass casting styles. Art Deco variations introduce streamlined geometry and specific maker markings typical of the twentieth century.

How were these bookcases constructed?

Craftsmen built the main carcase using sturdy secondary woods like oak, applying thin veneers of figured walnut or burr walnut across the visible exterior panels. They decorated the surfaces with crossbanding and marquetry inlay to create visual contrast. The upper bookcase doors utilised individual glazed panes held together by wooden glazing bars, while the writing flaps depended on internal brass hinges or supporting desk arms.

How do I care for antique walnut furniture?

Maintain walnut secretary bookcases by placing them away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can dry out the timber and crack the delicate veneers. Keep stable room humidity levels to protect the wood and glue joints. Clean surfaces with a soft, dry cloth and apply occasional high-quality wax to nourish the finish and preserve the historic patina. Avoid liquid polishes and silicone-based sprays.

Home > Antiques For Sale > Walnut Secretary Bookcase > Page 4

Walnut Secretary Bookcase

71 items · page 4 of 5

← Page 4 of 5 →

A walnut secretary bookcase combines a functional writing desk with upper display shelving, offering serious architectural presence and storage.

18th century

Save

18th Century Dutch Marquetry Bureau Bookcase

From Patrick Moorhead Antiques

£32,000

FOR SALE

bureau

18th century

Save

Antique Walnut Dutch Marquetry Bureau Cabinet Bookcase C.1780 18th C

From Regent Antiques

£18,500

FOR SALE

bureau

18th century

Save

Early 18th Century Solid Walnut English Bureau Bookcase

From S and S Timms Antiques Ltd

£14,500

FOR SALE

bureau

18th century

Save

George II Walnut Bureau Bookcase

From Georgian Antiques

£6,250

FOR SALE

bureau

18th century

Save

Fine Early 18th Century Walnut Secretaire Cabinet

From Holmes Antiques

£24,000

FOR SALE

cupboards

18th century

Save

Rare Marquetry- Inlaid 18th Century Italian Walnut Bureau Cabinet

From Georgian Antiques

£9,750

FOR SALE

bureau

1900 - 1920

Save

Antique Bureau Cabinet, English, Walnut, Tambour, Edwardian, 1910

From London Fine Antiques

£1,595

FOR SALE

bureau

18th century

Save

Early 18th Century Walnut Bureau Bookcase

From Holmes Antiques

£16,000

FOR SALE

bureau

18th century

Save

Fine 18th Century George I Period Walnut Bureau Bookcase, C1720

From Anthony Short Antiques

£9,800

FOR SALE

bureau

Late Victorian Walnut Secretaire Bookcase.

19th century

Save

Late Victorian Walnut Secretaire Bookcase.

From Rupert Hitchcox Antiques

£285

FOR SALE

bookcases

Listings feature walnut secretary bookcases spanning the 17th century, Queen Anne, Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco periods, utilising brass, glass, and burr walnut veneer.

Early 18th C. Style Walnut Bureau Cabinet

19th century

Save

Early 18th C. Style Walnut Bureau Cabinet

From John Howkins Antiques

£2,450

FOR SALE

bureau

1920 - 1940

Save

Art Deco Walnut Upright Glazed Bookcase Bureau, C1930

From Art Deco World

£2,150

FOR SALE

bureau

Victorian Carved Walnut & Mahogany Cylinder Roll Top Desk with Glazed Bookcase

19th century

Save

Victorian Carved Walnut & Mahogany Cylinder Roll Top Desk with Glazed Bookcase

From Y Not Antiques

£925

FOR SALE

bureau

A George I Figured Walnut Secretaire Cabinet

18th century

Save

A George I Figured Walnut Secretaire Cabinet

From W.J. Gravener Antiques Ltd.

£8,750

FOR SALE

cupboards

Queen Anne Period Walnut Bureau Bookcase with Original Mirrored Doors C.1710

18th century

Save

Queen Anne Period Walnut Bureau Bookcase with Original Mirrored Doors C.1710

From Helios and Co Antiques

£10,995

FOR SALE

bureau

18th century

Save

Exemplary George I Mulberry Bureau Bookcase C. 1720

From Webberley Antiques

£19,000

FOR SALE

bureau

← 1 2 3 4 5 →

Walnut Secretary Bookcase

18th Century Dutch Marquetry Bureau Bookcase

Antique Walnut Dutch Marquetry Bureau Cabinet Bookcase C.1780 18th C

Early 18th Century Solid Walnut English Bureau Bookcase

George II Walnut Bureau Bookcase

Fine Early 18th Century Walnut Secretaire Cabinet

Rare Marquetry- Inlaid 18th Century Italian Walnut Bureau Cabinet

Antique Bureau Cabinet, English, Walnut, Tambour, Edwardian, 1910

Early 18th Century Walnut Bureau Bookcase

Fine 18th Century George I Period Walnut Bureau Bookcase, C1720

Late Victorian Walnut Secretaire Bookcase.

Early 18th C. Style Walnut Bureau Cabinet

Art Deco Walnut Upright Glazed Bookcase Bureau, C1930

Victorian Carved Walnut & Mahogany Cylinder Roll Top Desk with Glazed Bookcase

A George I Figured Walnut Secretaire Cabinet

Queen Anne Period Walnut Bureau Bookcase with Original Mirrored Doors C.1710

Exemplary George I Mulberry Bureau Bookcase C. 1720

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Period

Style

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Recently Added

Online Payments

Categories