Antique Desk With Hidden Drawers

Sometimes a small antique ladies writing desk has been converted from washstands or dressing tables.

Antique desk with hidden drawers.

Its hard to tell from the pictures but there is leather on the writing area of the desk. Favorite add to surf desk with hidden drawer. This is a fairly typical place for a hidden drawer in an early highboy. Another key indicator of authenticity is the drawer linings.

This article discusses hidden compartments found in antique furniture pieces especially desks and secretaries and describes some examples with multiple secret compartments. The bureau mazarin is an early type of kneehole desk dating from the 1660s with two or three tiers of drawers on each side a small central drawer and a drawer in the kneehole space as well. The drawer hidden behind the valence in this 18th century desk could very well remain hidden. Is opened the flat writing surface often lifts to reveal storage below.

Some styles come without the bookcase on top. 5 out of 5 stars 651 651 reviews 1 85. Most antique desks were made by hand and use fine. An antique secretary s desk usually has a small hutch or bookcase on top drawers and a pull down writing area that hides smaller drawers and cubbies in its unused position.

Many antique desks built during the federal period lasting roughly from 1780 to 1820 contained hidden drawers designed to keep guns or other weapons close at hand. Often a set of drawers at the base of the bookcase section is revealed when the top is open. It usually has eight but sometimes four turned legs resting on toupie feet connected with x stretchers or h stretchers. I found this desk in a flea market and thought it was very interesing.

Solid top hidden screw handle pull drawer desk cabinet door antique vintage old furnitureknowledge. In an early 18thcentury highboy i copied the crown moulding conceals a hidden lace drawer. It originally appeared in the november 1939 issue of american collector magazine a publication which ran from 1933 1948 and served antique collectors and dealers. It has so many hidden drawers and at least one drawer hidden in side another drawer.

Contrasting veneers and black inlays featuring items found in nature made desks both beautiful and functional. Look for cedar mahogany and oak. Category mid 20th century mid century modern desks. Typically antique secretary desks from the 1800s have solid wood or much thicker veneers.

Everything on the front is actually a drawer even the parts that look like decorative pieces. If this secret drawer design had a locking mechanism it would have most likely been a simple spring lock also called a quaker lock. Part of the crown is actually the drawer front.