Antique Victorian Colonial Teak & Brass Military Campaign Chest of Drawers (Circa 1840)

Summary:
• Item: Campaign Chest
• Circa: 1840
• Provenance: India
• Wood: Teak
• Dismantles into two sections
• Two-over-three drawer design
• Single piece top
• Original recessed half-moon brass handles
• Brass bindings & corner brackets
• Brass side carrying handles
• Circular mahogany key escutcheons
• Scribe moulding
• Working lever locks with keys
• Hand dovetailed drawer construction
• Teak lined drawers
• Original melon carved feet (fixed)
• Lovely mellow colour & grain configuration
• Good original condition
• Free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14 day UK returns period

Description:
This is a fine quality antique Anglo Indian Victorian colonial mahogany and brass military campaign two-part chest of drawers, circa 1840, in good original condition. Constructed of solid teak with a single piece top, it features retains the original recessed half-moon brass handles, with brass corner brackets and further brass strap-work. The chest also boasts lovely brass side carrying handles. The drawers incorporate circular mahogany key escutcheons and fine scribe moulding to the drawer perimeter. The brass corner brackets and brass straps were used to protect the chest whilst in transit during campaigns. The drawers are constructed of solid teak with hand-dovetailed drawer linings and the piece features its original teak backboards. The drawers are in good working order, they are clean inside and close flush to the frame. The drawers also benefit from the original working lever locks (with working key). The chest stands on its original melon carved turned feet, which are fixed. 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. The chest benefits from a rich brown teak colour, with a wonderful grain configuration to the front and sides, having been polished in in our workshops.

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:
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.

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 original condition having been polished in our workshops. There are nominal old use marks to the leading edges, top and corners but nothing significant considering the age of the item. The chest features the original brass inset handles. All the hand dovetailed drawers close flush to the frame. The drawers feature the original working lever locks (with working key). The chest retains its original melon carved feet (which are fixed) and teak backboards. The chest benefits from a lovely rich brown teak colour and a wonderful grain configuration to the top, front and sides. This item is well made, solid in joint and ready to use.

Dimensions:
Height = 102.5cm or 40⅜” or 3ft 4⅜”
Width (including side handles) = 109.5cm or 43⅛” or 3ft 7⅛”
Width (excluding handles) = 105.5cm or 41½” or 22” or 1ft 10”
Depth = 56cm

Terms & Conditions:
Before you purchase this item, please ensure you have read and are in agreement with our Terms & Conditions of Sale. If you have any questions regarding our Terms & Conditions of Sale, please contact us to discuss them, before purchasing this item.

Ref. Military Chest 55