The Roentgens’ Berlin Secretary Cabinet was designed and constructed by Abraham (1711–1793) and David Roentgen (1743–1807). The construction started in 1778 and it took a year to be completed since it was crafted by hand. Abraham and David Roentgen were known as master cabinet-makers during the early 1700s into the early 1800s and they made the cabinet for King Frederick William II.
The cabinet contains several hidden compartments and is uniquely remarkable for its beautiful woodwork, mechanical complexity, and sheer size.
The doors and drawers can be opened and moved automatically at the touch of a button—to the music of flute, cymbal, and glockenspiel—as can the entire interior desk area, various secret jewel boxes, and hidden compartments.
Berlin cabinet has been around for over 200 years. Truly amazing how it was all done without the aid of computers and 3D designs. 
This cabinet is from Kunstgewerbemuseum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Now see how it works and prepare to be amazed.
You can see more extravagant inventions at metmuseum
1 comment
A true work of art. My parents had a 19th century small “secrétaire”, writing desk, with two secret compartments. Obviously, my sister and I were fascinated. And used the secret compartments form games, treasure hunts.
Thanks for sharing this.