Michael Johnson Antiques has dated this piece to the Victorian era.
This chest being unique due to its pull-out secretaire drawer at a lower height allowing you to sit and work comfortably. A very practical piece even to this day. The sloping writing section is made from satinwood with the gilt tooled leather in the centre and is supported on a sloped hinge. Beside that are two storage compartments revealed by a sliding lid with the right side comprising of removable pen storage and space for three ink wells. Underneath this section is a well operated and hidden secret drawer released by a small push section in the middle section which works like it was made yesterday. Once pushed reveals a velvet lined drawer. The top right drawer has the 'Army & Navy C.S.L. Makers' circular ivorine label. The reference number of the piece is stamped on the inside beneath a drawer.
In 1871, both by and on behalf of British Army and Navy officers, the main purpose of the 'Army & Navy Co-operative Society Ltd' was the provision of various products and goods to its members at the lowest possible profitable rate of return at the time. Over the course of the 1870s and 80s the co-operative expanded the range of goods it provided to include such products and services as stationery, clothing and tailoring, groceries, guns, banking and furniture, while at the same time they purchased various shops, warehouses and factories across London. The society became so successful that they also opened stores in Paris and Leipzig, before developing their initiatives even further afield in the Indian colonies during the 1890s.
Condition: A few age-related marks you’d expect from a heavy-duty piece like this but overall a sound sturdy example.
Michael Johnson Antiques has dated this piece to the Victorian era.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Michael Johnson Antiques Profile Page
Campaign Chest of Drawers Army & Navy C.s.l
