Summary:
• Item: Campaign Chest
• Circa: 1890
• Provenance: Devonport, England, UK
• Cabinetmaker: Graves and Sons
• Wood: Solid mahogany
• Dismantles into two sections
• Two-over-three drawer design
• Recessed brass military handles
• Brass bindings & corner brackets
• Brass side carrying handles
• Working lever locks with keys
• Hand dovetailed drawer construction
• Mahogany drawer linings
• Screw on detachable feet
• Lovely mellow colour & grain configuration
• Good condition
• Free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14 day UK returns period
Here is an example of a good quality antique English Victorian colonial mahogany and brass military campaign two-part chest of drawers, circa 1890, stamped Graves and Sons of Devonport (Plymouth), in good condition. Constructed of solid mahogany with a single piece top, it features the original top quality inset brass drop handles, with brass corner brackets and further brass strap-work. The chest boasts brass side carrying handles. The drawers incorporate brass key escutcheons to the drawer fronts. The brass corner brackets and brass straps were used to protect the chest whilst in transit during campaigns. The drawers are constructed of solid mahogany with hand-dovetailed drawer linings and piece features its original pine back. The drawers are in good working order, they are clean inside and close flush to the frame. The drawers also benefit from the original working lever locks (with keys). The chest stands on later screw-on (detachable) turned feet. The chest splits into two sections for easy transportation. Chests that were constructed in the colonies, such as this one, were usually constructed of solid teak.
The chest benefits from a lovely mellow golden mahogany colour, with a wonderful grain configuration to the front and sides. As this item boasts the original polish, it has a good colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and the years of care and cleaning they have 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 on your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.
Provenance:
The lever locks are stamped with Graves and Sons of Devonport. Graves and Sons were listed at Fore Street, Plymouth in 1890 as general furnishers. Presumably they were allied to Sterling Graves, naval & military outfitters, who traded next door. For further information relating to the history of Devonport, please click on: http://www.devonportonline.co.uk/historic_devonport/businesses-pre1940/channon/channon.aspx
Chests that were constructed for the colonies, such as this one, were usually constructed of solid teak or mahogany. This campaign chest would have been commissioned for a member of the British Ra
Mahogany & teak were used extensively for military chests because they had the advantage of only minimally expanding and contracting when exposed to extremes in temperature and humidity. They were resistant to woodworm, termites, and the occasional splash of seawater.
Condition Report:
This military chest is in good condition having been polished in our workshops. There are nominal old use marks to the leading edges, top and corners but nothing significant considering the age of the item. The chest features the original brass inset 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 feature the original working lever locks (with working key). The chest features later screw-on (detachable) feet. The chest benefits from a lovely mellow mahogany colour and a wonderful grain configuration to the front and sides. This item is well made, solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions:
Height = 105.5cm or 41½” or 3ft 5½”
Width (including side handles) = 95cm or 37½” or 3ft 1½”
Width (excluding handles) = 91.3cm or 36” or 3ft
Depth = 50cm or 19⅝” or 1ft 7⅝”
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. Military Chest 52