Late-19th Century Dutch Mahogany Secretaire Cabinet

Late-19th Century Dutch Mahogany Secretaire Cabinet

Name: Late-19th Century Dutch Mahogany Secretaire Cabinet
Brand: Attica Studios
Price: 4225.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

£4,225.00 GBP

Taxes inclues

A beautiful secretaire cabinet of Dutch origin, dating from the late-19th century. Its design is defined by elegant proportions and a refined balance of ornament and restraint, crafted in richly figured mahogany veneer over a solid fruitwood and oak substrate. The upper section features its original mirrored doors framed by delicately carved mouldings, while the lower section is formed of a single large cupboard door with a shaped panel of flowing curves and an internal shelf. The secretaire drawer conceals a solid mahogany writing board with compartments beneath for storage, while the upper interior holds small drawers with newly fitted solid brass knobs and an adjustable shelf above. Hidden within the cabinet are two spacious secret compartments, one below the cornice and another built discreetly into the plinth. Inside one of these, we discovered knitting supplies, Dutch newspapers, and handwritten letters from the 1940s. Small traces of the lives once lived alongside this piece, confirming its provenance and rich history. Every detail reflects a design that is both decorative and practical, made with quiet precision and care.

About This Piece

Fully restored in our West Sussex workshop by experienced restorers, the piece has been brought back to full working order while preserving every element of its authenticity. All drawers were realigned to run smoothly, and each lock and escutcheon was carefully cleaned, repaired, and returned to function. Behind the mirrored doors and within the secretaire drawer, structural reinforcements were made using period mahogany, with a new solid mahogany board fitted to the writing surface. The finish was revived by hand using natural oils and waxes to restore the depth and warmth of the wood without disturbing its aged patina. The small interior drawers were fitted with solid brass knobs, chosen to suit the character and tone of the piece. Throughout the process, the original joinery and finishes were preserved, with every decision made to respect the cabinet’s integrity and history.

With its versatile proportions and timeless appeal, this secretaire lends itself beautifully to many uses. It can serve as a writing bureau, a drinks cabinet, or an elegant storage piece for any room. The mirrored doors reflect light and space, while the warmth of the mahogany complements both contemporary and traditional interiors. Though restored for modern use, it retains the quiet strength and charm of its age. A genuine antique that continues its story, ready to be lived with and appreciated for generations to come.

Materials & Dimensions

Overall Dimensions

Width: 93 cm | Depth: 52 cm | Height: 159 cm

Bottom Cupboard

Width: 89 cm | Depth: 52 cm | Height: 81 cm

Internal Shelf (1x):

Width: 78.5 cm
Depth: 43 cm
Height above shelf: 20 cm
Height below shelf: 25 cm

Display Cabinet (Top Section)

Width: 93 cm | Depth: 37 cm | Height: 78 cm

Drawer Section:

Width: 78 cm
Depth: 24 cm
Height above shelf: 43 cm (adjustable in 5 cm increments)

Drawers (x4):
Width: 36 cm
Depth: 22 cm
Height: 6.5 cm

Hidden Compartments

Plinth Drawer:

Width: 80 cm
Depth: 43.5 cm
Height: 8 cm

Desk Drawer (Secretaire):

Width: 76 cm
Depth: 44 cm
Height: 8 cm

Cornice Drawer (Upper Secret Compartment):

Width: 76 cm
Depth: 27 cm
Height: 5.5 cm

Materials

Solid wood substrate: European oak and fruitwood

Veneer: Crotch mahogany

Hardware: Antiqued solid brass

Lead Time & Delivery Schedule

This piece is ready to ship.

UK deliveries:

We offer White Glove delivery as standard for larger pieces within England, Wales, and Scotland (excluding Northern Ireland), carried out by Empire Delivery. Once your order is placed, please allow 5 to 7 days for us to prepare and arrange collection from our workshop. After collection, delivery is typically arranged within a further 5 to 7 days.

Smaller items, such as mirrors and trays, are sent by courier and are usually delivered the next working day after collection. Free warehouse collection is also available by appointment.

International deliveries:

All pieces are shipped with DHL under Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) terms, meaning all import taxes are prepaid and nothing is due on arrival. Larger items are securely crated using high-density foam, bubble wrap, and OSB crates to ensure safe transit. International shipments typically take 5 to 15 days from dispatch to arrive.

Shipping costs are calculated and displayed at checkout based on the size, weight, and delivery address.

Returns & Guarantee

We take great pride in the craftsmanship of every piece we create and offer a lifetime warranty on the structural integrity and functionality of all our work, covering frame stability, joinery, and overall construction. This warranty does not cover wear and tear, accidental damage, or issues caused by improper care or use.

We also offer a lifetime buyback guarantee. If you ever wish to part with your piece, we would be pleased to buy it back, restore it, and return it to circulation, ensuring it continues its life as part of a thoughtful and sustainable cycle.

Returns:

If you would like to return an item, please contact us within 30 days of delivery. Returned items must be unused, in their original condition, and in their original packaging. Pieces made to custom dimensions are non-returnable, unless faulty. Standard pieces remain eligible for return under our 30-day policy.

If something is not quite right, we will always offer to repair or resolve the issue first, as we want every piece to be loved and enjoyed for many years. If a repair is not possible, we will arrange collection at no cost to you. For standard returns, return shipping is the customer’s responsibility; however, if you would like us to assist with collection, we are happy to help by arranging this for you where possible and deducting the cost from your refund. We recommend using a tracked and insured service if you are returning a piece independently, to ensure it arrives back with us safely. Refunds are calculated and processed within 5–7 days of inspection.

Late-19th Century Dutch Mahogany Secretaire Cabinet

£4,225.00 GBP

Our Restoration Work

Preserving Craft and Character

Restoration at Attica is shaped by respect for history and a commitment to integrity. Each stage is approached with care and appreciation, preserving the honesty of the antique while preparing it to endure for generations to come.

Sourcing the Piece

We select antiques from reputable sources and well-kept homes, dating each carefully and seeking out strong structures and remarkable features. Every choice is made with an eye for quality and potential, ensuring the piece can be restored with integrity.

Inspection and Cleaning

Each piece is examined thoroughly and cleaned with care, uncovering its history along with any issues hidden beneath the surface. This process reveals what must be preserved, what requires attention, and how best to respect the original work.

Structural Restoration

Where structure has weakened, we work with period timber and traditional methods, keeping each repair faithful to its time. Veneers and solid timber panels are restored where needed, ensuring the piece regains its strength without losing authenticity.

Contributing with Care

For some pieces, a gentle revival of the finish is all that is needed to bring their character back to life. Others invite a more considered touch, where carefully selected elements may be introduced to enrich the design. For pieces of historical or collectible significance, our approach is one of preservation, allowing their history to remain whole.

Finishing the Work

The process ends with patient finishing, where surfaces are carefully revived and protected in a way that honours the passage of time. Waxes and polishes are applied with restraint, preserving the subtle marks and character that speak of age. The result is furniture that carries its history forward with dignity, prepared to live on in a new space.