Mahogany Antique Chest

Antique Victorian Colonial Mahogany & Brass Campaign Chest of Drawers with Case

Antique Victorian Colonial Mahogany & Brass Campaign Chest of Drawers with Case
Antique Victorian Colonial Mahogany & Brass Campaign Chest of Drawers with Case
Antique Victorian Colonial Mahogany & Brass Campaign Chest of Drawers with Case
Antique Victorian Colonial Mahogany & Brass Campaign Chest of Drawers with Case
Antique Victorian Colonial Mahogany & Brass Campaign Chest of Drawers with Case
Antique Victorian Colonial Mahogany & Brass Campaign Chest of Drawers with Case
Antique Victorian Colonial Mahogany & Brass Campaign Chest of Drawers with Case
Antique Victorian Colonial Mahogany & Brass Campaign Chest of Drawers with Case
Antique Victorian Colonial Mahogany & Brass Campaign Chest of Drawers with Case
Antique Victorian Colonial Mahogany & Brass Campaign Chest of Drawers with Case
Antique Victorian Colonial Mahogany & Brass Campaign Chest of Drawers with Case
Antique Victorian Colonial Mahogany & Brass Campaign Chest of Drawers with Case

Antique Victorian Colonial Mahogany & Brass Campaign Chest of Drawers with Case
Antique English Victorian Colonial Mahogany & Brass Military Campaign Chest of Drawers with Original Transportation Case (Circa 1850). This is a fine quality and rare antique English Victorian colonial mahogany and brass military campaign two-part chest of drawers, with its extremely rare original transportation case, circa 1850, in excellent condition. Original transportation case (extremely rare). Original recessed shaped brass handles. Original brass bindings & corner brackets. Original working lever locks with keys. Lovely rich colour & grain configuration.

Nearly all campaign chests were originally made with a transportation chest, in order to keep the chest of drawers safe, whilst in transit. However, they are nearly always lost over the years, because they were taken out of the case, separated and forgotten about. Constructed of solid mahogany with a single piece top, it features the original recessed shaped brass handles, with brass corner brackets and further brass strap-work. The drawers incorporate fine scribe moulding to the drawer perimeters.

The brass corner brackets and brass straps were used to protect the chest whilst in transit during campaigns. The drawers are constructed of solid mahogany with hand-dovetailed drawer linings and the piece features its original mahogany 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 replacement turned feet, which can be removed by unscrewing. The chest splits into two sections for easy transportation and, amazingly, is still with its original two-piece transportation case, which is extremely rare (we have never encountered a military chest which still retains its carrying case, before). The two section of the carrying case both feature twin doors, with sliding latches to the left-hand door and lever locks to the right-hand door.

It also retains the original brass carrying handles, as well as metal strapwork for additional strength. The case is painted in a cream colour. Chests that were constructed in the colonies, such as this one, were usually constructed of solid Mahogany.

The chest benefits from a rich brown Mahogany 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, dont miss out on your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture. 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. Mahogany 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. 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.

This military chest is in excellent condition having been French 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 (see photos). 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), with the exception of the top right-hand drawer, which incorporates a Bramah lock, which has no key.

The chest incorporates replacement turned feet (which are removable) and the original mahogany backboards. The chest benefits from a lovely rich brown mahogany colour and a wonderful grain configuration to the top, front and sides. The carrying case is completely original. Rust is present to the strapwork and carrying handles, as well as plenty of old use marks. It has undoubtedly seen a lot of action and done its job in protecting its cargo; it is very rare for transportation cases for chests like this to survive, so its signs of wear and tear have to be taken in context.

The locks to the two right-hand doors are original and working, with working keys. The chest is well made, solid in joint and ready to use, and the carrying case is also solid and ready to be used. Height = 103.9cm or 30 or 3ft 4 Width = 99.2cm or 39 or 3ft 3 Depth = 45cm or 17¾ or 1ft 5¾. Case Height = 113.6cm or 44¾ or 3ft 8¾.

Case Width = 109.5cm or 43 or 3ft 7. Case Depth = 53cm or 20 or 1ft 8. Case Internal Height = 51.1cm or 20 or 1ft 8. Case Internal Width = 100.6cm or 39 or 3ft 3.

Case Internal Depth = 47.5cm or 18¾ or 1ft 6¾. All items are professionally packaged and fully insured in transit, therefore, we can assure you, your items will be securely protected in transit and arrive safely with you.

Before placing your order(s) please make sure this is the item for you. CINOA is the world association of Art & Antique dealer associations. All LAPADA & CINOA members abide by their strict code of practice by adhering to reputable standards of quality, expertise and integrity. Yola Gray has dealt in fine art and antique furniture for over 40 years. Yola Gray has a special interest in Colonial furniture, specifically Colonial Four Poster Beds.

Yola Gray also provides a variety of fine English Antique Furniture, Art and Fabrics to clients in the UK, Europe and further afield. The item "Antique Victorian Colonial Mahogany & Brass Campaign Chest of Drawers with Case" is in sale since Thursday, November 28, 2019. This item is in the category "Antiques\Antique Furniture\Chests of Drawers\Victorian (1837-1901)". The seller is "yolandagrayantiques" and is located in Tarporley, Cheshire. This item can be shipped worldwide.

  • Dimensions: Height: 3ft 4, Width: 3ft 3, Depth: 1ft 5¾
  • Returns Policy: Free 14 Day UK Returns
  • Product Type: Victorian Military Chest of Drawers
  • Age: 1850
  • Style: Victorian
  • Material: Mahogany
  • Original/Reproduction: Original
  • Type: Campaign Chest
  • Provenance: England, UK


Antique Victorian Colonial Mahogany & Brass Campaign Chest of Drawers with Case