Here is an example of a good quality antique colonial military campaign teak two-part chest of drawers, circa 1850.
Summary
• Item Campaign Chest
• Circa 1850
• Provenance England, UK
• Wood Solid teak
• Dismantles into two sections
• Two over three drawer design
• Unusual inset brass half moonhandles
• Brass bindings / corner brackets
• Brass side carrying handles
• Ebonised key escutcheons
• Working brass round key escutcheons & lever locks
• Hand dovetailed drawer construction
• Teak drawer linings
• Detachable feet
• Lovely polish & patination
• Dismantles into two sections
• Free 14 day UK returns period
Here is an example of a good quality antique colonial military campaign teak two-part chest of drawers, circa 1850. Constructed with a single piece top, it boasts top quality inset brass half-moon handles to the front with external brass swan neck handles to the sides of the chest and brass corner brackets. The brass corner brackets and brass straps were used to protect the chest whilst in transit during campaigns. The drawers feature their original ebonised escutcheons. The drawers have a subtle scribe moulding to the edge depicting cock beading. All drawers are in excellent working order, are clean inside and close flush to the frame. The chest is constructed of solid teak and the hand-dovetailed drawers are constructed of solid teak too. The drawers feature working lever locks and a key. The chest features later screw-on (detachable) feet. The chest splits into two sections for easy transportation.
The chest features a mellow teak colour. It has a good colour and patination. 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 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 in colonial India (Calcutta) during the mid 19th Century. Teak was used extensively for military chests. “Teak, which 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.” Source British Campaign Furniture, Elegance Under Canvas, 1740 – 1914 by Nicholas A. Brawer, page 97.
Condition Report
This chest is in very good condition, which is commensurate with its age. There are nominal old use marks to the corners and leading edges but nothing significant considering the age of the item. There are no ink stains, cup marks or burns to the top of the chest. All drawers close flush to the frame. The chest features a rich deep colour. It has a good mellow colour and patination. The chest features the original working lever locks with a key. The chest features later screw-on (detachable) feet. This item is solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions
Height = 102.3cm or 40¼” or 3ft 5¼”
Width (including side handles) = 109.4cm or 43” or 3ft 7”
Width (excluding handles) = 106.4cm or 41⅞” or 3ft 5⅞”
Depth = 52.8cm or 20¾” or 1ft 8¾”