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Copyright © Ken Richards | Fine Wood Furniture. All rights reserved.
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Sculpted drawer front is capped by an Ebony carving. Carvings are also set into corners of the desk door. Pendant style drawer pull is carved from Ebony, and mounted to post and plate fabricated from solid Sterling Silver.
| Secretary | 44" W x 104" H x 25" D |
| Figured Mahogany, Amboyna Burl, Sterling Silver |
$125,000 |

A traditional Secretary consists of a lower chest of drawers, middle fall front desk, and upper bookcase. They are considered by many to be the highpoint in the art of furniture making. Creating a piece that brought my contemporary aesthetic to this traditional form is a challenge I looked forward to for many years. When I received a commission for just such a piece, I couldn’t resist – I had to do two.
![]() Click image (or link above) to see the Mahogany Secretary. |
The Secretaries stand close to 9’ tall, and are filled with small drawers, pigeon holes, detail carvings, and secret compartments. Much of the 3,000 hours put into each of them was spent on fine detail work. I think they are a good example of what can be achieved when you set out to do something really special. The biggest problem is deciding whether to display them with the doors closed – or open.
| Secretary | 44" W x 104" H x 25" D |
| Figured European Pear, Ebony, Sterling Silver | $125,000 |

Ebony finial sits on an arm above the crown molding. Crown molding is hand carved, and built up from 4 layers of Figured Pear.
| Secretary | 44" W x 104" H x 25" D |
| Figured European Pear, Ebony, Sterling Silver | $125,000 |

Fine Ebony beading trims inside edges of the door frames. Small carvings are set into the corners. Door pulls are Ebony pendants with Sterling Silver posts and plates.
| Secretary | 44" W x 104" H x 25" D |
| Figured European Pear, Ebony, Sterling Silver | $125,000 |

Ebony columns are set into corners of the cabinet. Arched arms support Ebony finials. Ebony carving is mounted to the cabinet, above the center door.
| Secretary | 44" W x 104" H x 25" D |
| Figured European Pear, Ebony, Sterling Silver | $125,000 |

Secretary with doors open – the interior contains 26 drawers, 18 pigeon holes, and 10 secret compartments.
| Secretary | 44" W x 104" H x 25" D |
| Figured European Pear, Ebony, Sterling Silver | $125,000 |

Desk interior – center door is opened with a trick latch mechanism. The door is flanked by Ebony columns and pigeon holes which are trimmed with Ebony and capped with Ebony carvings.
| Secretary | 44" W x 104" H x 25" D |
| Figured European Pear, Ebony, Sterling Silver | $125,000 |

Interior drawer fronts all have curved, shaped surfaces. They are trimmed with Ebony beading, moldings, and pulls. Interior cabinet framework is all dovetailed.
| Secretary | 44" W x 104" H x 25" D |
| Figured European Pear, Ebony, Sterling Silver | $125,000 |

Upper cabinet interior - Ebony vases flank a compartment with sliding doors. Above – 4 more vases flank two banks of pigeon holes. Drawers and pigeon holes are all shaped and trimmed similar to the desk interior.
| Secretary | 44" W x 104" H x 25" D |
| Figured European Pear, Ebony, Sterling Silver | $125,000 |