Share your favorites on Show & Tell

Secretary desk with secret compartment - How to open??

In Furniture > Desks > Show & Tell and Furniture > Secretaries > Show & Tell.
Secretaries22 of 26Secretary DeskEarly 1900s Secretary Desk
3
Love it
0
Like it

blunderbuss2blunderbuss2 loves this.
fortapachefortapache loves this.
vetraio50vetraio50 loves this.
Add to collection

    Please create an account, or Log in here

    If you don't have an account, create one here.


    Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate


    Posted 9 years ago

    RitaAnne
    (1 item)

    I have my mothers secretary desk. She once showed me a secret compartment and I had forgotton about it until recently, There are 2 holes, one each side when you open or remove the top drawer. Seems similar to device described by Lynn Wilkins. There were 2 devices about 2 inches long. one end went in the hole, the other end was pushed in to secure it. There was a small metal part that had to be down when the device was inserted. Starting on the left, it was turned forward until you heard a click. then repeat the same process the other side. A hidden draw then popped forward. It was between the top drawer and the desk lid. When the plungers were removed the draw could be slid back. I remember commenting at the time that if you didn’t know it was there you would never find it. the devices are lost and I would love to hear from anyone who has anything similar.
    It has now become almost an obsession trying to figure out how to open it.

    Unsolved Mystery

    Help us close this case. Add your knowledge below.

    logo
    Desks
    See all
    Vintage Roll Top Writing Secretary Desk Two Drawer High-Quality Brown Oak Wood
    Vintage Roll Top Writing Secretary ...
    $150
    ANTIQUE 19c DOBSON LONDON FOLDING TRAVEL SALESMAN LAP SECRETARY WRITING DESK
    ANTIQUE 19c DOBSON LONDON FOLDING T...
    $400
    Vintage Child's School Desk Flip Top attached swivel seat Oak Wood Top steel
    Vintage Child's School Desk Flip To...
    $259
    Antique Drop Front Cherry Plantation Civil War Postal Sorting Secretary Desk TOP
    Antique Drop Front Cherry Plantatio...
    $450
    logo
    Vintage Roll Top Writing Secretary Desk Two Drawer High-Quality Brown Oak Wood
    Vintage Roll Top Writing Secretary ...
    $150
    See all

    Comments

    1. Weez, 4 years ago
      RitaAnne,
      Have you found out how to open without special tools as I have a similar secretary from a great aunt? Lots of stuff in there!
      Thanks

    Want to post a comment?

    Create an account or login in order to post a comment.