Colonial Mahogany & Brass Military Campaign Chest

Small Rare Antique Colonial Mahogany & Brass Military Campaign Chest of Drawers (Circa 1800)
Here is a superb quality and very rare small antique colonial military campaign mahogany chest of drawers, circa 1800.

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Summary
• Item Campaign Chest
• Circa 1800
• Provenance England, UK
• Wood Mahogany
• Single piece top
• One piece chest
• Miniature brass inset handles
• Brass bindings & corner brackets
• Brass shaped key escutcheons
• Working locks and key
• Two over three drawer design
• Hand-dovetail drawer construction
• Original screw-on turned brass tipped feet
• Original polish
• Stunning colour & patination
• Very rare small size
• Free 14 day UK returns period

Here is a superb quality and antique colonial military campaign mahogany chest of drawers, circa 1800, of very small and rare proportions. Constructed with a single piece top, it has shaped brass inset handles to the front and sides brass mounted corner brackets and brass escutcheons all of which are all in excellent condition. The brass mounted corner brackets and brass straps were used to protect the chest whilst in transit during campaigns. The chest was built using a two over three-drawer design below a narrow top drawer. The drawers have a scribe moulding to the edge, which depicts cock beading. The drawers also feature the elegantly shaped flush mounted miniature brass key escutcheons and handles. All drawers are in excellent working order and are clean inside. The top drawer is the narrowest of all this was to house smaller items such as jewellery and paperwork. Inside the top drawer are a divider and an internal detachable board. The base of the chest is finished with a small square moulded plinth. The chest stands on its original mahogany screw-on turned feet, which are brass tipped. Boasting a stunning grain configuration and patination, the chest is constructed of mahogany and has lovely hand-dovetailed cedar lined drawers. The drawers feature working locks and a key. The original turned feet are detachable and are screwed on with a steel thread (as originally designed) and are brass tipped.

The chest has a rich red and brown colour. As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received.

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

Provenance
It was most likely constructed in England and then shipped to Calcutta, India where it would have been used. We think it is of English origin because it is quite a refined and well-made chest. The military chests constructed in India were usually of more primitive design and construction method. There is an original label to the topside of the lower chest detailing the owner, reference number and the location stamped “Calcutta”.

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 (Calcutta) during the 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. They were probably the most commonly used woods, resistant to woodworm, termites, and the occasional splash of seawater.

Condition Report:
This chest is in excellent original condition, which is commensurate with its age. There are a nominal old use marks to the corners, sides and leading edges but nothing significant considering the age of the item. The brass inset drawer handles brass mounted corner brackets are original. All drawers feature working locks and key. The chest boasts the original back and screw-on feet. The rack boasts its original polish, which is rare to see this is why it boasts a stunning deep rich chestnut colour. Free of woodworm, solid in joint and ready to use.

Dimensions:
Height = 77.5cm or 30½” or 2ft 6½”
Feet Height = 20.8cm or 8⅛”
Width = 63.5cm or 25” or 2ft 1”
Depth = 46.5cm or 18¼” or 2ft 6¼”