Summary:
• Item: Campaign Chest
• Circa: 1850
• Provenance: English
• Wood: Solid mahogany
• Original transportation case (extremely rare)
• Dismantles into two sections
• Two-over-three drawer design
• Single piece top
• Original recessed shaped brass handles
• Original brass bindings & corner brackets
• Scribe moulded drawer fronts
• Original working lever locks with keys
• Hand dovetailed drawer construction
• Mahogany lined drawers
• Replacement turned feet (removable)
• Lovely rich colour & grain configuration
• Excellent condition
• Free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14-day UK returns period
Description:
This is a fine quality and rare antique English Victorian colonial mahogany and brass military campaign two-part chest of drawers, with its extremely rare original transportation case, circa 1850, in excellent condition. Nearly all campaign chests were originally made with a transportation chest, in order to keep the chest of drawers safe, whilst in transit. However, they are nearly always lost over the years, because they were taken out of the case, separated and forgotten about. Constructed of solid mahogany with a single piece top, it features the original recessed shaped brass handles, with brass corner brackets and further brass strap-work. The drawers incorporate 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 of solid mahogany with hand-dovetailed drawer linings and the piece features its original mahogany backboards. 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 working key). The chest stands on replacement turned feet, which can be removed by unscrewing. The chest splits into two sections for easy transportation and, amazingly, is still with its original two-piece transportation case, which is extremely rare (we have never encountered a military chest which still retains its carrying case, before). The two section of the carrying case both feature twin doors, with sliding latches to the left-hand door and lever locks to the right-hand door. It also retains the original brass carrying handles, as well as metal strapwork for additional strength. The case is painted in a cream colour. Chests that were constructed in the colonies, such as this one, were usually constructed of solid Mahogany. The chest benefits from a rich brown Mahogany colour, with a wonderful grain configuration to the front and sides, having been polished in in our workshops.
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.
Condition Report:
This military campaign chest is in excellent condition having been French 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 (see photos). The chest features the original brass inset handles. All the hand dovetailed drawers close flush to the frame. The drawers feature the original working lever locks (with working key), with the exception of the top right-hand drawer, which incorporates a Bramah lock, which has no key. The chest incorporates replacement turned feet (which are removable) and the original mahogany backboards. The chest benefits from a lovely rich brown mahogany colour and a wonderful grain configuration to the top, front and sides. The carrying case is completely original. Rust is present to the strapwork and carrying handles, as well as plenty of old use marks. It has undoubtedly seen a lot of action and done its job in protecting its cargo; it is very rare for transportation cases for chests like this to survive, so its signs of wear and tear have to be taken in context. The locks to the two right-hand doors are original and working, with working keys. The chest is well made, solid in joint and ready to use, and the carrying case is also solid and ready to be used.
Dimensions:
Height = 103.9cm or 30⅞” or 3ft 4⅞”
Width = 99.2cm or 39” or 3ft 3”
Depth = 45cm or 17¾” or 1ft 5¾”
Case Height = 113.6cm or 44¾” or 3ft 8¾”
Case Width = 109.5cm or 43⅛” or 3ft 7⅛”
Case Depth = 53cm or 20⅞” or 1ft 8⅞”
Case Internal Height = 51.1cm or 20⅛” or 1ft 8⅛”
Case Internal Width = 100.6cm or 39⅝” or 3ft 3⅝”
Case Internal Depth = 47.5cm or 18¾” or 1ft 6¾”
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. 40644