Rare Antique Barrister's Bureau, English Secretary, Escritoire, Georgian, C.1760
Hele, United Kingdom
Hassle-free returns
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Easy returns (14 days)
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Free return if the item isn't as described
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Buyer protection
Damage is rare, and you're fully protected if it happens.
Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Material
Mahogany , Brass, Ebony
Style
Antique, Georgian
Product Details
Description
This is a rare antique barrister's bureau. An English, mahogany and boxwood fall-front writing cabinet or secretary with myriad concealed storage, dating to the high Georgian period, circa 1760.
Exceptional in craftsmanship and ingenuity, with hidden function to surprise throughout
A total of 22 hidden or secret storage compartments await to be discovered
Displaying a desirable aged patina and in gently time-worn antique order
Select stocks present beautiful figuring and warm russet and caramel hues
Boxwood and ebony marquetry adds further visual sophistication to the bureau
Dual fall front affords access to the writing surface and a book rest for transcription or reference
Once open, each half rests upon a substantial pair of sliding lopers, dressed with brass drop handles
The writing surface is set at a comfortable working height of 76cm (30'')
Upon the right hand fall, a removable book rest provides a stage for reference volumes
In addition to the bank of six drawers, the upper conceals numerous hidden storage solutions
Arcaded divisions frame the central cabinet door, replete with inset lock — in working order, key present
Inlaid star motif to the door accentuated in contrasting boxwood and ebony
Inside, checkerboard marquetry sits before a mirrored back, offering a fascinating display space
This central cabinet can be removed through pin access set within the inlay
Upon the reverse, a quartet of sliding compartments nest within the rear of the display cabinet
Smaller items can also be stowed within compartments behind the pilasters and the central stepped fascia
The outer arcade sections pull forward, with shallow compartments set within
Sliding back the cover beneath the central cabinet reveals further storage within the bureau
Behind a panel at the front of this storage space, a removable chest of eight slide drawers
The final hidden storage containers are situated behind the central most pair of small drawers
Beneath the bureau, a suite of five drawers arranged as the classic two over three
Each dressed with quality brass drop handles upon shaped fretwork backplates
Faux drawer fascia to the centre flanked by a pair of small drawers
Graduated full width drawers below complete the comprehensive storage space innate to this piece
The whole standing upon a quartet of ogee bracket feet, typical of the Georgian period
Offering a near unprecedented collection of hidden storage, this exceptional antique barrister's bureau bears the craftsmanship and pursuit of concealment to fascinate any observer, in addition to an elegance to be expected of the best furniture from the period. A rare opportunity to acquire a bureau that presents function in every imaginable way, set within cabinetry of the first order. Solid joints and construction, delivered ready for the home or institution.
Dimensions:
Max Width: 106cm (41.75'')
Max Depth: 52cm (20.5'')
Max Height: 104cm (41'')
Extended Depth: 85.5cm (33.75'')
Writing Surface Height: 76cm (30'')
Additional dimensions information:
Max Width: 106cm (41.75'')Max Depth: 52cm (20.5'')Max Height: 104cm (41'')Extended Depth: 85.5cm (33.75'')Writing Surface Height: 76cm (30'')
Wear Condition
Good
Cancellations
We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.
Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
We ship to the U.K. and internationally every week. Deliveries take approximately ten to fifteen working days to arrive at your door from receipt of order. We hand deliver most of our U.K. orders. Internationally, our price includes our specialist packing service and all pre-shipment paperwork. We ship with all the major carriers; FedEx, UPS, DHL etc and shipments are fully tracked and insured.
UK MAINLAND – Mostly free of charge.
Excluding Highlands & Islands of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Jersey & Guernsey and remote areas – please let us know your post code to confirm.
EUROPE – We offer VERY competitive rates.
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
USA & CANADA – We offer VERY competitive rates.
RUSSIA – We apologise we can not ship to Russia at this time but you are welcome to arrange your own courier service. We will support you with any details required.
REST OF THE WORLD – Please let us know your country and area code and we will find the most competitive rate for you.
Estimated delivery time
One to two weeks
Free collection available
Yes
Made to Last
The average lifespan of a Vinterior piece is 100 years, while modern flat-pack typically takes just 3 years to reach landfill. When you choose pre-loved, you can shop with confidence in quality, craftsmanship and longevity. With our top-rated customer service team and price match guarantee, there's no better way to shop pre-loved.
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Reviews
4.94
Based on 17 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
Buying vintage should feel inspiring, not uncertain.
Every order on Vinterior is backed by straightforward returns, free cancellations, and extra peace of mind for UK furniture purchases.
1. Free cancellations
Changed your mind before dispatch?
You can cancel any order before it's shipped for a full refund, including delivery.
To cancel an order, click Create cancellation on the order page.
Once an item has been dispatched, delivery costs are not refundable.
Bespoke, personalised or made-to-order pieces cannot be cancelled.
2. Returning an item
You have 14 days from delivery to request a return.
There are two return types:
A. The item isn't as described (free return)
If your piece arrives and it doesn't match the listing in any material way (incorrect description, undisclosed damage, inaccurate measurements, misleading photos), you are fully protected:
- Free return
- The seller or Vinterior arranges pickup
- Full refund, including outbound delivery costs once the seller receives the item
This applies to all purchases.
B. You changed your mind
UK-to-UK furniture deliveries:
To make UK furniture returns predictable and stress-free, we offer a simple flat return fee of £75.
- Applies to furniture delivered from a UK mainland seller to a mainland UK address. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
- Pickup arranged for you
- One clear fee, no surprises
We coordinate the return with either the seller's chosen courier or our trusted delivery partner.
All other items
Most smaller items are straightforward to return.
You can still return your item within 14 days.
- For smaller or parcel-sized items, you can choose to post the item back yourself using a tracked service, or the seller can suggest a preferred courier.
- For larger or more fragile pieces, the seller may recommend the safest return method.
- Return delivery costs vary depending on size and courier.
The seller will confirm the best option based on the item.
3. If your item arrives damaged
Damage on arrival is uncommon, especially for UK furniture deliveries.
But if something does go wrong, you're fully protected.
- Let us know as soon as possible (ideally within 72 hours of delivery) so we can resolve things quickly
- Share photos so we understand what happened
- We’ll help arrange a return and refund if needed
You’re always protected when something goes wrong in transit.
Your statutory rights apply for up to 30 days from delivery.
4. What can't be returned
Some items cannot be returned:
- Bespoke, personalised, or made-to-order pieces
- Items altered after delivery
5. How to start a return
- Log in to your Vinterior account
- Open your order
- Click Create a return
- Add notes + photos if relevant
We'll guide you through the rest.
6. What happens next
- We review your request, confirm the return and advise on next steps
- Pickup or return method is arranged
- The item is returned to the seller
- We issue your refund once the seller confirms the item's condition
Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
7. Refunds
Once the seller receives the piece back in the same condition it was sent, we'll issue your refund to your original payment method.
Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
If the item is returned with new damage that wasn't present at delivery, the refund may be adjusted following review.
Need help?
If you have questions about a return or your order, our support team is here to help. Email us at [email protected] or find other ways to contact us here.
What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Seller vetting
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Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
Added at checkout, based on your basket total.
