Summary:
• Item: Campaign Chest
• Circa: 1880
• Provenance: India
• Wood: Solid teak
• Dismantles into two sections
• Two-over-three drawer design
• Recessed brass military handles
• Brass bindings / corner brackets
• Original brass handles
• Brass key escutcheons
• Working lever locks with key
• Hand dovetailed drawer construction
• Teak drawer linings
• Screw-on / detachable feet
• Stunning original polish& patination
• Excellent condition
• Dismantles into two sections
• Free 14 day UK returns period
Here is an example of a good quality antique colonial Anglo Indian military campaign teak two-part chest of drawers, circa 1880, in excellent condition. Constructed with a single piece top, it features the original top quality inset brass drop handles, with brass corner brackets and further brass strap-work to the frame. The chest boasts extremely good quality brass swan neck side carrying handles. The drawers feature brass key escutcheons on subtle scribe drawer fronts. The brass corner brackets and brass straps were used to protect the chest whilst in transit during campaigns. The chest is constructed of solid teak with teak hand-dovetailed drawer linings with its original back. The drawers are in good working order, they are clean inside and close flush to the frame. Chests that were constructed in the colonies, such as this one, were usually constructed of solid teak. The drawers feature working lever locks and a key. The chest stands on screw-on (detachable) turned teak feet and features the origin backboards. The chest splits into two sections for easy transportation.
The chest features a rich warm teak colour. As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and the years of care and cleaning it has received. This item would look superb in a variety of rooms, especially the bedroom. This campaign chest of drawers would certainly grace any home. So don’t miss out your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.
Provenance:
Chests that were constructed in the colonies, such as this one, were usually constructed of solid teak. This campaign chest would have been commissioned for a member of the British Raj or a high-ranking officer in the British Army during the reign of Queen Victoria in colonial India during the mid 19th Century.
Mahogany & teak was used extensively for military chests because they 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.
Condition Report:
This military chest is in very good condition. There are nominal old use marks to the corners and leading edges but nothing significant considering the age of the item. The chest features the original brass handles. There are no ink stains, cup marks or burns to the top of the chest. All the hand dovetailed drawers close flush to the frame. The drawers features working lever locks with a key. As it boasts the original polish, the chest has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and the years of care and cleaning it has received (it cannot be recreated through re-polishing). The chest features screw-on (detachable) feet. This item is very well made, solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions:
Height = 103cm or 40½” or 3ft 4½”
Width (including side handles) = 108cm or 42½” or 3ft 6½”
Width (excluding handles) = 104cm or 41” or 3ft 5”
Depth = 50.5cm or 19⅞” or 1ft 7⅞”
Terms & Conditions:
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Ref. Military Chest 37