Antique Victorian Colonial Anglo Indian Mahogany & Brass Campaign Chest of Drawers (Circa 1880)

Summary:
• Item: Campaign Chest
• Circa: 1880
• Provenance: India
• Wood: Solid mahogany
• Dismantles into two sections
• Two-over-three drawer design
• Recessed brass military handles
• Brass bindings & corner brackets
• Brass side carrying handles
• Brass “heart” shaped key escutcheons
• Working lever locks with keys
• Hand dovetailed drawer construction
• Teak drawer linings
• Screw on detachable feet
• Lovely colour & grain configuration
• Good condition
• Free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14 day UK returns period

Here is an example of a good quality antique colonial Anglo Indian military campaign solid mahogany two-part chest of drawers, circa 1880, in good condition. Constructed with a single piece top, it features the original top quality inset brass drop handles, with brass corner brackets and further brass strap-work. The chest boasts good quality brass side carrying handles. The drawers incorporate decorative brass “heart” shaped key escutcheons on subtle scribe drawer fronts. The brass corner brackets and brass straps were used to protect the chest whilst in transit during campaigns. The chest is constructed of solid mahogany with teak hand-dovetailed drawer linings and its original back. The drawers are in good working order, they are clean inside and close flush to the frame. The drawers also benefit from working lever locks (with keys). The chest stands on later screw-on (detachable) turned feet. The chest splits into two sections for easy transportation. Chests that were constructed in the colonies, such as this one, were usually constructed of solid teak or mahogany.

The chest features a lovely rich red-brown mahogany colour, with a wonderful grain configuration to the front and sides. 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 on your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.

Provenance:
Chests that were constructed in the colonies, such as this one, were usually constructed of solid teak or mahogany. 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 during the mid 19th Century.

Mahogany & teak were 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 resistant to woodworm, termites, and the occasional splash of seawater.

Condition Report:
This military chest is in good condition having been polished in our workshops. There are nominal old use marks to the corners and leading edges but nothing significant considering the age of the item. The chest features the original brass inset handles. There are no ink stains, cup marks or burns to the top. All the hand dovetailed drawers close flush to the frame. The drawers feature working lever locks and keys. The chest benefits from a lovely colour and a wonderful grain configuration to the front and sides. The chest features later screw-on (detachable) feet. This item is well made, solid in joint and ready to use.

Dimensions:
Height = 108.3cm or 42⅝” or 3ft 6⅝”
Width (including side handles) = 105.8cm or 41⅝” or 3ft 5⅝”
Width (excluding handles) = 102.6cm or 40⅜” or 3ft 4⅜”
Depth = 51.1cm or 20⅛” or 1ft 8⅛”

Terms & Conditions:
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Military Chest 42