Antique Regency Colonial Elm Campaign Tea Chest (Circa 1820)

Summary:
• Item: Campaign Tea Chest
• Circa: 1820
• Provenance: Singapore
• Wood: Elm
• Used for storing tea / food
• One piece chest
• Brass drop front handles
• Brass drop carrying side handles
• Engraved brass bindings& studs
• Large central brass panel hinges
• Hand-dovetailed construction
• 3 elm lined internal drawers
• Original blue sugar paper internal lining
• Protruding bracket plinth
• Excellent proportions – only 3ft 4⅜” wide
• Original polish& patination
• Stunning elm grain configuration
• Completely original
• Oriental influence
• Free 14 day UK returns period

Here is an example of a superb quality and very rare antique regency colonial elm campaign tea chest, circa 1820, with an oriental influence in good original condition. Although constructed from top quality solid English elm, this piece was most likely built in the Far East, having been sourced from Singapore. As it features a lockable brass-sliding bar and clasp with side carrying handles, the chest would have been used for carrying and storing tea and other foodstuffs in the South Seas. During the early 19th century, tea was an extremely valuable commodity, which had to be locked away.

The one-piece chest features a decorative front, which is adorned with patterned brass corner mounts and bindings, along with a central row of large brass panel hinges, each engraved with Chinese characters. The large hinges support the front top panel of the chest when opened.

The top of the chest features two brass drop handles with shaped escutcheons. There is a third brass drop handle at the base of the chest for decorative purposes. The perimeter of the front is decorated with brass studs. The lid is secured in place by a large central brass-locking clasp and sliding pin. The sides of the chest feature the bass carrying handles, allowing the item to be shipped, whilst on campaigns.

The front top panel opens up to reveal an open interior. There are three small elm lined drawers to the top of the chest, which feature the original brass engraved handles. The interior still retails the original blue sugar paper. Sugar paper, imported from the colonies, was used to line furniture during the Regency and William IV period for hygienic reasons. The chest stands on its original bracket plinth feet. There is a stunning grain configuration to the front and sides of the chest.

As the chest 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. 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 wealthy individual or military officer during the early 19th century. Although constructed from top quality solid English elm, this piece was most likely built in the Far East, having been sourced from Singapore and with Chinese character engravings. As it features a lockable brass-sliding bar and clasp with side carrying handles, the chest would have been used for carrying and storing tea and other foodstuffs in the South Seas.

Condition Report:
This elm chest is in good original condition, which is commensurate with its age. Nominal old use marks to the top and leading edges but nothing significant considering the age of the item. The chest features a stunning colour and grain configuration. As its 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. The chest boasts all its original brassware, including the locking clasp and bar. The interior also retains its original blue sugar paper. Please note, if you wanted the sugar paper lining replacing with new clean sugar paper, this work can be undertaken. The chest boasts the original bracket plinth and back. This item is solid in joint and ready to use.

Dimensions:
Height = 95.4cm or 37½” or 3ft 1½”
Width (plinth) = 102.6cm or 40⅜” or 3ft 4⅜”
Depth = 47.3cm or 18⅝” or 1ft 6⅝”

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Ref. Tea Chest 29