Summary:

• Item: Camphor Chest
• Circa: 1870
• Provenance: Asia / China
• Wood: Camphor Wood
• Width: 108cm / 42½” / 3ft 6½”
• Original cast brass banding to front, sides and rear
• Original brass ring-pull to lid
• Original square brass key escutcheon
• Original working lock & working key
• Original brass carrying handles
• Original bracket feet
• Lovely rustic original colour & patination
• No missing parts / brass work
• Excellent original condition
• Ideal as a coffee table or ottoman
• Free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14-day UK returns period

Description:

This is a fine quality antique Asian / Chinese Victorian camphor chest, complete with the original cast brass strapwork, handles and working lock & key, circa 1870, in excellent original condition.  Measuring 3ft 6½” wide, the camphor wood trunk incorporates the original cast brass strapwork and studs to the corners, front, sides and rear, as well as the original locking latch to the lid.  The lid also retains its original central brass rectangular plaque and recessed brass ring-pull handle along with the original working lock (with key). The Victorian camphor chest would have originally been used to secure valuables from theft whilst in transit.  The interior of the camphor wood trunk comprises a single-plank top and floor. The sides of the box retain the original brass carrying handles. The chest is raised on small bracket feet.  The Victorian camphor chest would make an ideal coffee table, TV stand, or ottoman at the foot of the bed.

Camphor was the wood of choice for travelling trunks, this is because of its naturally sweet-smelling qualities which make perfect storage for traditional luxuries such as silk, tea, and fine bone china.  The sweet smell of the wood also repelled insects from the contents of the trunk; especially moths.  Source: https://www.prickettandellis.com/period-features-camphor-chests/

This Victorian camphor chest would look superb in a variety of rooms from the bedroom for clothes storage, or coffee table in the living room.  This camphor wood trunk would certainly grace either a contemporary or traditional setting and is a great investment, as it’s extremely functional.  So, don’t miss out on your chance to own a lovely antique piece.

Condition Report:

This is a fine quality antique Asian / Chinese Victorian camphor chest, complete with the original cast brass strapwork, handles and working lock & key, circa 1870, in excellent original condition.  Nominal old use marks to the exterior, top and leading edges of the box, including the interior but nothing significant considering the age of the item (please see photos).  The brass supporting chain, which hold the lid upright when open, is in excellent condition.  The camphor wood trunk has been cleaned and French polished, by hand, to a professional standard in our workshop.  The camphor wood trunk therefore boasts a stunning colour and patination.  There are no missing sections or brass work, studs.  The camphor wood trunk retains its original working lock, with working key, brass strapwork and original brass handles.  The original brass hinges are also in good working order.  This camphor wood trunk is solid in joint and ready to use.

Dimensions:

Height = 47.5cm / 18¾” / 1ft 6¾”
Width (Trunk) = 104cm / 40⅞” / 3ft 4⅞”
Width (Inc. Handles) = 108cm / 42½” / 3ft 6½”
Depth = 52cm / 20⅜” / 1ft 8⅜”

Terms & Conditions:

Before you purchase this item, please ensure you have read and are in agreement with our Terms & Conditions of Sale. If you have any questions regarding our Terms & Conditions of Sale, please contact us to discuss them, before purchasing this item.

Ref. 85144