Here is an example of a superb quality and rare antique colonial military campaign mahogany two-part chest of drawers, circa 1830 – 1850.

Summary
Item Campaign Chest
Circa 1830 – 1850
Provenance Calcutta, India
Stamped “Calcutta”
Wood Solid mahogany
Single piece top
Dismantles into two sections
Brass inset handles to front
Brass inset carrying handles
Brass mounted corners
Brass bindings / corner brackets
Brass shaped key escutcheons
Working locks and key
Two over three drawer design
Central “hat” drawer
Hand-dovetail drawer construction
Original screw-on turned feet
Original top and bottom
Original polish
Stunning colour & patination
Excellent proportions
Dismantles into two sections
Free 14 day UK returns period

Here is an example of a superb quality and rare antique colonial military campaign mahogany two-part chest of drawers, circa 1830 – 1850. 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. The drawers have a scribe moulding to the edge depicting cock beading. The drawers also feature the elegantly shaped brass key escutcheons. All drawers are in excellent working order and are clean inside. The central drawer is the largest of all this was to house decorative and parade uniform such as hats (it’s commonly known as a hat drawer). The chest is constructed of solid mahogany and has lovely hand-dovetailed drawer construction. The drawers feature working locks and a key. The original turned feet are detachable and are screwed on with a wooden thread (as originally designed). The chest splits into two sections for easy transportation.

The chest has a rich mahogany 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, was probably the most commonly used wood. It was resistant to woodworm, termites, and the occasional splash of seawater.

Dimensions: 
Height = 110.5cm or 43½ or 3ft 7½”
Feet Height = 11.5cm or 4½”
Width = 99cm or 39” or 3ft 3”
Depth = 47cm or 18½” or 1ft 6½”

Condition Report:
This chest is in excellent condition and is commensurate with its age. There are a nominal old use marks to the corners and leading edges but nothing significant considering the age of the item. The top and bottom are original to each other (and not a match). The brass inset drawer handles brass mounted corner brackets are original. The drawers feature working locks and a key. The chest boasts the original back and screw-on feet. Original polish. Free of woodworm, solid in joint and ready to use.

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