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 of drawers
• Circa 1830 – 1850
• Provenance India / East Africa
• Wood Solid padouk
• Single piece top
• Dismantles into two sections
• Brass inset handles to front
• Steel carrying handles
• Brass mounted corners
• Brass bindings / corner brackets
• Brass key escutcheons
• Cock-beaded drawers
• Working locks and key
• Two over three drawer design
• Hand-dovetail drawer construction
• Original screw-on turned feet
• Numbered sections
• 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 padouk two-part chest of drawers, circa 1830 – 1850. Constructed with a single piece top, it boasts the original shaped brass inset handles to the front and steel handles to the sides. It also features the original 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 are finished with cock beading, which shows this is military chest with quality construction. The drawers also feature the elegantly shaped brass key escutcheons. All drawers are in excellent working order and are clean inside. The chest is constructed of solid padouk and features hand-dovetailed drawer. All 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. On the back of the chest is the number “2” marked on the top and bottom section so that one of the sections were not lost in transit.
The chest boasts a rich 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 either India or East Africa where it would have been used. We think it is of this provenance because it is constructed of padouk wood. The military chests constructed in India were usually of more primitive design and construction method. This chest came from a sea faring military family who during the Victorian period, travelled extensively between India and East Africa.
This campaign chest would have been commissioned for a member of the Indian British Raj or a high-ranking officer in the British Army during the reign of Queen Victoria in colonies during the 19th Century. Padouk wood was used for military chests because it had the advantage of only minimally expanding and contracting when exposed to extremes in temperature and humidity. It was resistant to woodworm, termites, and the occasional splash of seawater.
Dimensions:
Height = 103.5cm or 40¾” or 3ft 4¾”
Width = 91.5cm or 36” or 3ft
Depth = 44.5cm or 17½” or 1ft 5½”
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.