Antique English Victorian Teak & Brass Military Campaign Chest of Drawers (Circa 1870)

Summary:

• Item: Campaign Chest of Drawers
• Circa: 1870
• Provenance: Annesley Hall, England, UK
• From the family of Colonel John Neville Chaworth-Musters
• Wood: Teak
• Single piece chest
• 3ft 4¼” High x 3ft 3⅛” Wide
• Single piece top
• Original recessed shaped brass handles
• Original brass bindings & corner brackets
• Original brass key escutcheons
• Scribe moulding
• Original working lever locks with keys
• Original working Bramah lock (with key)
• Hand-dovetailed drawer construction
• Ash lined drawers
• Turned feet (fixed)
• Stunning rich colour & grain configuration
• Excellent condition
• Free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14-day UK returns period

Description:

A fine quality antique English Victorian teak and brass military campaign chest of drawers, with an interesting provenance, circa 1870, in excellent original condition.  Constructed of solid teak with a single piece top, it retains the original recessed shaped brass handles, with brass corner brackets and additional brass strap-work.  Boasting a single piece top with a two-over-three drawer configuration.  The drawer fronts are decorated with original brass inset handles and key escutcheons, with fine scribe moulding to the drawer perimeters.  The brass corner brackets and brass straps were used to protect the chest whilst in transit during campaigns.  The drawers are constructed with fine hand-dovetailed joints, comprising of solid ash drawer linings.  The drawers are in good working order, they are clean inside and close flush to the frame. The drawers also benefit from working lever locks (with working key).  The top right draw retains the original working Bramah lock (with key); this drawer would have been for storing valuables, as Bramah locks, at the time, were impenetrable.  The campaign chest of drawers stands on later turned feet, which are fixed. This is a two-piece campaign chest.  The backboards are complete and original too.  The chest benefits from a rich brown teak colour, with a stunning grain configuration to the front and sides, having been cleaned and French polished in in our workshop.

This campaign chest of drawers would look superb in a variety of rooms, especially the bedroom. This Victorian military chest of drawers would certainly grace any home. So don’t miss out on your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.

Provenance:

This Victorian campaign chest of drawers came from the family home at Annesley Hall of Colonel John Neville Chaworth-Musters, who was a famous decorated military hero with a rich family history.  John Neville Chaworth-Musters was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, 1914-15 Star, Victory and the British War Medals for his service in the Great War. He was also mentioned in Sir E. E. H. Allenby’s dispatches for services in Egypt.  He was also awarded the Territorial Decoration on 16 August 1929 (Source: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/manuscriptsandspecialcollections/collectionsindepth/family/chaworth-mustersofannesley/biographies/biographyofjohnnevillechaworth-musters(1890-1970).aspx and https://ww1lives.com/major-john-neville-chaworth-musters-dso-obe-jp-dl-survived-the-war/).

 Teak was used extensively for military chests. “Teak, which had the advantage of only minimally expanding and contracting when exposed to extremes in temperature and humidity, was probably the most commonly used wood. It was resistant to woodworm, termites, and the occasional splash of seawater.” Source British Campaign Furniture, Elegance Under Canvas, 1740 – 1914 by Nicholas A. Brawer, page 97.

Bramah Locks History:

The following provides further details and history of the famous Bramah locks: “In 1784, Joseph Bramah designed a round lock mechanism operated by a tubular key, of such complexity and security, that he put it in his shop window and offered a reward of 200 guineas to anyone who could open it. In 1851, at the Great Exhibition in London, A.C Hobbs an American locksmith spent 52 hours spread over 16 days and claimed the prize, but the method and spirit under which it was claimed is commented on by the London Times under the heading of ‘the Great Lock Controversy” (source: http://www.bramah.co.uk/default.asp?lnc=bramah_locks)

Condition Report:

A fine quality antique English Victorian teak and brass military campaign chest of drawers, with an interesting provenance, circa 1870, in excellent original condition.  The campaign chest of drawers has been cleaned and French polished in our workshop.  There are nominal old use marks to the leading edges, top and corners but nothing significant considering the age of the item (see photos). The campaign chest of drawers retains the original brass inset handles and brass strapwork.  All hand-dovetailed drawers retain the original linings and they close flush to the frame. The drawers boast the original working lever locks and Bramah lock (with working key).  The campaign chest of drawers stands on later turned feet (which are fixed).  The backboards and floor are all original.  The Victorian chest of drawers benefits from a lovely rich brown teak colour and a wonderful grain configuration to the top, front and sides.  This item is well made, solid in joint and ready to use.

Dimensions:

Overall Height = 102.1cm / 40¼” / 3ft 4¼”
Top Section Height = 50cm / 19¾” / 1ft 7¾”
Bottom Section Height = 54cm / 21¼” / 1ft 9¼”
Width = 99.3cm / 39⅛” / 3ft 3⅛”
Depth = 45cm / 17¾” / 1ft 5¾”

Terms & Conditions:

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Ref. 73239