Here is an example of a superb quality and rare antique colonial military campaign mahogany two-part Secretaire chest of drawers, circa 1860.
Summary
• Item Campaign Chest
• Circa 1860
• Provenance England, UK
• Wood Solid mahogany & cedar
• Exquisite brass inset handles & escutcheons
• Inset brass side carrying handles
• Hinged Secretaire desk compartment
• Pull out drawer-stop sleeve
• Several internal birds eye maple drawers
• Brass bindings & corner brackets
• Hand dovetailed drawers
• Cedar drawer linings (rare)
• Working locks & keys
• Dismantles into two sections
• Detachable turned feet
• Original top and bottom
• Stunning colour & patination
• Excellent condition & quality
• Free 14 day UK returns period
Description
Here is an example of a superb quality and rare antique colonial military campaign mahogany two-part Secretaire chest of drawers, circa 1860. This is particularly good example of a Secretaire, due to its refined construction methods, notably the quality of mahogany timber, rare cedar lined drawers and bids eye maple interior. The chest was most likely made in England and then used in the British colonies. The chest is constructed from solid mahogany and features shaped brass inset handles to the front and sides brass corner brackets, brass straps and brass key escutcheons, all of which are in excellent clean condition. The brass corner brackets and brass straps were used to protect the chest whilst in transit during campaigns. The chest features a four over three-drawer design, with the Secretaire flanked by two small drawers and three large drawers below (the smaller drawers are an unusual design). The Secretaire desk compartment retains its original brass locking mechanism and opens to reveal a pull out drawer-stop sleeve which was designed to stop the drawers falling out whilst travelling. Behind the sleeve is a bank of four small internal drawers. The internal drawers are veneered with to quality birds’ eye maple and feature small brass knobs. All drawers in the chest are hand dovetailed, lined in cedar (which is rare), are clean inside and close flush to the frame. The drawers feature working lever locks and keys. The sides of the chest boast lovely inset brass carrying handles. The chest stands on turned screw on feet the whole chest splits into two sections for easy transportation.
The chest features a rich dark mahogany colour. 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 campaign chest would certainly grace any home. So don’t miss out your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.
Provenance
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 and used most probably in colonial India or Africa during the 19th Century.
Condition Report
This chest is in excellent condition. Nominal old use marks to the corners and leading edges but nothing significant considering the age of the item. All the brassware is in excellent condition having been cleaned. The Secretaire retains its working locking mechanism. All the cedar lined (rare) drawers close flush to the frame and boast working locks and a key. The chest features old replacement feet. The chest features a dark rich mahogany colour. The chest has a fantastic colour and patination this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received. This item is solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions
Height = 114.3cm or 45” or 3ft 9”
Width = 102cm or 40⅛” or 3ft 4⅛”
Depth = 46.7cm or 18⅜” or 1ft 6⅜”
Feet Height = 12.8cm or 5”