Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Denmark 1810-20
This unique Biedermeier secretary desk hails from early 19th century Copenhagen, Denmark. With a deeply impressive Mahogany veneer, it juts out from the corner of a room with poise, elegance, and imperial charm. It’s in very good condition and retains its original brass fittings.
Danish Biedermeier – The Gilded Age
In Denmark, the Biedermeier period is often referred to as the Gilded Age, a term that denotes a time of cultural refinement and growing bourgeois prosperity in the early to mid-19th century—not to be confused with the American Gilded Age of the late 1800s. Danish Biedermeier furniture from this era is known for its clean lines, elegant restraint, and superb craftsmanship. Local woods such as mahogany, birch, and cherry were skillfully veneered to highlight their natural beauty, often paired with precise, neoclassical proportions. The Danish version of Biedermeier reflects a balance between function and form—furniture designed for comfortable, private living while maintaining a strong sense of style and quality.
Hidden Compartments
The most remarkable features of this secretary desk, however, are its multiple hidden compartments. No doubt once used to hide family valuables, you can make use of them in the same way – or just show them off to your guests.
On the inside, the central mirror and its wood casing can be pulled out, revealing additional storage space behind. But it’s on the outside that the piece gets truly exciting. Both the left and right curving wings of the headpiece are entirely removable, revealing an open space beneath. The central crown of the piece has a hidden snap lever that shoots out an additional drawer from its center.
Experiencing these secrets up close feels like a magic trick – a piece of furniture over 200 years old with secret, hand-crafted functionality that we only dream of in childhood fantasies.
Product Details
Dimensions
Height: 68.9 in. (175 cm), Width: 45.28 in. (115 cm), Depth: 23.82 in. (60.5 cm)
Materials
Mahogany Veneer, Original Brass Fittings.
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