Antique Desk With Hidden Drawers

This is a fairly typical place for a hidden drawer in an early highboy.

Antique desk with hidden drawers.

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. Sometimes a small antique ladies writing desk has been converted from washstands or dressing tables. 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. Favorite add to surf desk with hidden drawer.

If this secret drawer design had a locking mechanism it would have most likely been a simple spring lock also called a quaker lock. Contrasting veneers and black inlays featuring items found in nature made desks both beautiful and functional. I found this desk in a flea market and thought it was very interesing. 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.

Its hard to tell from the pictures but there is leather on the writing area of the desk. Another key indicator of authenticity is the drawer linings. Look for cedar mahogany and oak. Some styles come without the bookcase on top.

It usually has eight but sometimes four turned legs resting on toupie feet connected with x stretchers or h stretchers. Check out our hidden drawer desk selection for the very best in unique or custom handmade pieces from our shops. Often a set of drawers at the base of the bookcase section is revealed when the top is open. 5 out of 5 stars 651 651 reviews 1 85.

Part of the crown is actually the drawer front. Most antique desks were made by hand and use fine. It has so many hidden drawers and at least one drawer hidden in side another drawer. The drawer hidden behind the valence in this 18th century desk could very well remain hidden.

Everything on the front is actually a drawer even the parts that look like decorative pieces. Typically antique secretary desks from the 1800s have solid wood or much thicker veneers. Is opened the flat writing surface often lifts to reveal storage below. Shop desks and other antique and modern storage pieces from the world s best furniture dealers.

In an early 18thcentury highboy i copied the crown moulding conceals a hidden lace drawer. This article discusses hidden compartments found in antique furniture pieces especially desks and secretaries and describes some examples with multiple secret compartments. Category mid 20th century mid century modern desks.