Antique secretary desk - Mystery Cabinet/ Drawer

This is an antique secretary desk (also known as a secrétaire à abattant in French furniture styles). It has two locked doors that I cannot open with mystery contents! It’s a classic hybrid piece combining an upper cabinet-like hutch (with open shelving and glass-fronted doors for displaying items or books) and a lower base cabinet with two doors. The slide-out desk surface (the “abattant” or fall-front) pulls out to create a writing area, while the two central drawers provide handy organization space. The intricate floral and vine carvings (including tulip-like motifs and scrolling leaves) strongly suggest an Art Nouveau influence, popular from the late 19th to early 20th century (roughly 1890–1910). The wood appears to be solid oak or walnut, finished in a rich, aged patina, and the handmade quality is evident in the hand-carved details, beveled glass panels, and subtle asymmetries typical of pre-industrial craftsmanship. It’s likely of European origin (possibly French or Belgian), given the style and construction—massive yet elegant, built to last generations. This type of furniture was originally designed for home offices or libraries, where the upper section stores books or decor, the desk handles correspondence, and the base holds supplies. AND IT HAS 2 MYSTERY CABINETS/ DRAWERS!!!! One of the drawers and one of the top cabinets is LOCKED. I do not have the key.. There is definitely stuff inside them, but I don’t know what it is . It’s a mystery!!!! I do not want to break it to find out what’s inside. I will leave how to get them open to the buyer. I appraised this online for about $500-$800. I need it moved out of my house. $100.00 takes it. :) This item is BIG and Heavy and will require a few of large men and a truck to move it . It’s about 100 feet to the street from where it sits. Only 1 step to go up . A large dolly should do the trick . I’m happy to answer any questions I live in Coconut Grove near the Coconut Grove Metrorail station.

Condition

Used (normal wear)

Material

Wood, Glass

Type

Desks & Secretaries