M Lees and Sons has dated this Camphorwood Military Campaign Chest to the 19th Century.
. The edges of the front of the chest with a reeded moulding surround, the drawers divided by a matching moulding.

The drawer fronts all having a fine line of horn inlay , the shape following the outline design of the brass plates of the inset drawer handles. The ends of both sections fitted with their original robust brass carrying-handles, the top having a moulded profile edge with rounded corners , the chest sections with corresponding rounded corners to the front. .

The whole raised on a shaped plinth base with castors fitted beneath for ease of positioning , the verso with panelled boards. Constructed in two sections for ease of transportation and movement.
The whole made from exotic camphor-wood, its scented properties proving an effective repellent to insects and pests particularly useful for storage of clothing and uniforms and travel in hotter climates.

Camphor chests such as this ,were produced by Chinese craftsmen particularly in the Canton region, to supply the demand from the military and navy for campaign furniture suitable for travel and transportation.

A robust and capacious chest-of-drawers in excellent original condition with only minor dents and marks commensurate with age , use and purpose. The figured camphor-wood has achieved a pleasing ‘honey-coloured’ colour and patina.
H 48”
W 44”
D 20”
China c.1870
M Lees and Sons has dated this Camphorwood Military Campaign Chest to the 19th Century.
M.lees & sons , 'tower house' , severn st., worcester wr12nb tel . 07860826218
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