Sold 9 January 2025 · Piers Pisani Ltd Antiques and Furniture

This “Early 20thc Camphor Wood Chest” found a buyer.

It was listed by Piers Pisani Ltd Antiques and Furniture. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Camphor Wood Box Chinese Camphor Trunk Ask the dealer for something similar

Description

6189

Early 20thc Camphor Wood Chest

With brass corners, edges and catches

Steel carrying handles (with key)

43” w x 17” h x 19” d

87cm x 43cm x 49cm

Items can be delivered by independent carrier but please note NOT all items are at 31 Cheap Street. Please call before visiting the showroom especially if you are coming a long way

Date of Manufacture

Piers Pisani Ltd Antiques and Furniture has dated this Camphor Wood Chest to the 1910s.

Physical Dimensions

Height

43cm (16.93")

Width

87cm (34.25")

Depth

49cm (19.29")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1113903

Dealers Internal Reference

6189

Dealers Notes

We have a huge shop in the heart of Sherborne with high street one end and access and parking at the rear. We are open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm

Description

6189

Early 20thc Camphor Wood Chest

With brass corners, edges and catches

Steel carrying handles (with key)

43” w x 17” h x 19” d

87cm x 43cm x 49cm

Items can be delivered by independent carrier but please note NOT all items are at 31 Cheap Street. Please call before visiting the showroom especially if you are coming a long way

Date of Manufacture

Piers Pisani Ltd Antiques and Furniture has dated this Camphor Wood Chest to the 1910s.

Physical Dimensions

Height

43cm (16.93")

Width

87cm (34.25")

Depth

49cm (19.29")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1113903

Dealers Internal Ref

6189

About the Dealer

Piers Pisani Ltd Antiques and Furniture

Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2010

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Piers Pisani Ltd Antiques and Furniture Profile Page

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An early 20th-century rectangular camphor wood chest featuring brass corner brackets, hinges, and central latch hardware.

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Archive I

Early 20thc Camphor Wood Chest

Archive II

An early 20th-century rectangular camphor wood chest featuring brass corner brackets, hinges, and central latch hardware. View II

Archive III

An early 20th-century rectangular camphor wood chest featuring brass corner brackets, hinges, and central latch hardware. View III

Archive IV

An early 20th-century rectangular camphor wood chest featuring brass corner brackets, hinges, and central latch hardware. View IV

Archive V

An early 20th-century rectangular camphor wood chest featuring brass corner brackets, hinges, and central latch hardware. View V

Archive VI

An early 20th-century rectangular camphor wood chest featuring brass corner brackets, hinges, and central latch hardware. View VI

Piers Pisani Ltd Antiques and Furniture

Telephone 01935 815 209

Location

31 Cheap Street
Sherborne
Dorset
DT9 3PU
United Kingdom

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/pp

Verified Since Mar 2010

Items For Sale 164

Items Sold 2,030

Email Piers Pisani Ltd Antiques and Furniture

Early 20thc Camphor Wood Chest

Ref: SA1113903

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Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

Cataloguer’s Note

Sustainable Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

Strictly Vetted Dealers

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Secure Transit

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectTrunks and Chests
Period1900 - 1920
StyleCampaign
MaterialCamphor Wood, Brass
ColourWarm Brown
MotifsBrass corner brackets, Recessed metal handles, Central padlock hasp, Visible wood grain
SizeH 43 cm (17 in) x W 87 cm (34 in) x D 49 cm (19 in)

FAQs

Camphor wood chests have a long history rooted in maritime trade and colonial travel, particularly associated with British military officers and merchants voyaging to and from Asia during the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. The dense timber was specifically chosen for its natural insect-repellent properties, making it ideal for protecting uniforms and textiles at sea.

These chests are traditionally crafted from solid camphor wood, known for its distinctive aromatic grain, and are typically reinforced with brass or iron corners, straps, and corner brackets to withstand rugged transit. Dovetail joints on the carcase and sturdy side carry handles are standard hallmarks of authentic period construction.

Authentic pieces generally exhibit hand-cut dovetailing, heavy patination on the timber, and authentic aged brass hardware rather than modern stamped steel. The persistent natural scent of camphor, visible shrinkage cracks consistent with aged wood, and traditional tongue-and-groove base panels further indicate age.

A camphor wood chest works well as a practical coffee table in a living room, providing hidden storage while anchoring the seating arrangement with warm timber tones. It also functions effectively at the foot of a bed or within an entryway to hold linens and accessories.

Preservation involves keeping the timber away from direct heat sources and drastic humidity fluctuations to prevent splitting. Conditioning the wood occasionally with natural beeswax preserves the finish, while the interior should generally be left untreated to maintain its natural protective aroma.