Mahogany Secretaire Military Campaign Chest, Circa 1899

19th century

Sold by Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall

Description

This very smart secretaire military campaign chest exudes elegance and practicality, designed for the discerning traveller of the past. Crafted from rich mahogany and brass bound, it stands as a testament to the high-quality workmanship reminiscent of the esteemed Hill and Millard, despite lacking their signature.

The chest is presented in two sections, each part constructed with the utmost care to maintain its highly original condition. The upper section houses a secretaire drawer, complete with its original retainer board, a clever feature designed to secure the contents within during the rigours of travel. This drawer is neatly organised, offering two short and one long drawer, providing ample space for various items. The secretaire is adorned with an original gilt and blind tooled leather skiver, its intricate decoration catching the eye and inviting one to write upon its luxurious surface. The entire piece rests on removable feet, an ingenious addition that not only adds to its aesthetic but also facilitates ease of transport – a nod to its military campaign heritage.

This chest is not merely a piece of furniture; it is a travel companion that has witnessed history, a work of art that combines functionality with beauty, and a collector’s item that holds stories within its drawers, waiting to be discovered by its next owner.

Height: 42 1/2 inches (108 cm)

Width: 39 inches (99 cm)

Depth: 18 5/8 inches (47.5 cm)

Physical Dimensions

Height

108cm (42.52")

Width

99cm (38.98")

Depth

47.5cm (18.70")

Declaration

Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1171416

Dealers Internal Reference

SA218

Dealers Notes

Surrey Antiques have been dealing in and restoring fine furniture since 1982. With over 35 years experience dealing in all types of antique furniture from early oak and walnut to Georgian mahogany and the more exotic timbers such as rosewood and satinwood.

Whilst we deal mostly with mahogany furniture of the Georgian period designed by some of the greatest furniture designers such as Chippendale, Sheraton, Hepplewhite and Adam we also have a very good in depth knowledge of all the main periods of English furniture design from early oak to Regency and Victorian.

Description

This very smart secretaire military campaign chest exudes elegance and practicality, designed for the discerning traveller of the past.

“

Crafted from rich mahogany and brass bound, it stands as a testament to the high-quality workmanship reminiscent of the esteemed Hill and Millard, despite lacking their signature.

Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall

fig 1. Mahogany Secretaire Military Campaign Chest, Circa 1899

The chest is presented in two sections, each part constructed with the utmost care to maintain its highly original condition. The upper section houses a secretaire drawer, complete with its original retainer board, a clever feature designed to secure the contents within during the rigours of travel. This drawer is neatly organised, offering two short and one long drawer, providing ample space for various items. The secretaire is adorned with an original gilt and blind tooled leather skiver, its intricate decoration catching the eye and inviting one to write upon its luxurious surface. The entire piece rests on removable feet, an ingenious addition that not only adds to its aesthetic but also facilitates ease of transport – a nod to its military campaign heritage.

fig 2. Mahogany Secretaire Military Campaign Chest, Circa 1899

This chest is not merely a piece of furniture; it is a travel companion that has witnessed history, a work of art that combines functionality with beauty, and a collector’s item that holds stories within its drawers, waiting to be discovered by its next owner.

Height: 42 1/2 inches (108 cm)

Width: 39 inches (99 cm)

Depth: 18 5/8 inches (47.5 cm)