Victorian Brass Bound Camphor Wood Campaign Chest / Trunk, C.1870–1880

Victorian Brass Bound Camphor Wood Campaign Chest / Trunk, c.1870–1880

This striking Victorian brass bound camphor wood campaign chest, dating to circa 1870–1880, is a superb example of military travel furniture, rich in both history and character. Constructed from solid camphor wood and reinforced with multiple brass bindings, the chest was built to endure the rigours of long-distance transportation across land and sea.

The robust brass strapping not only strengthens the structure but also reflects the practical elegance typical of campaign furniture used by British officers. Featuring a double lock mechanism, the chest would have safeguarded valuable personal belongings during journeys through some of the most challenging environments of the late 19th century.

Opening the lid releases the distinctive and highly prized camphor aroma—a natural fragrance that has long been valued not only for its freshness but also for its protective qualities. Camphor wood naturally repels insects and moths, ensuring that officers’ uniforms, documents, and personal effects remained preserved and unharmed even in tropical or harsh climates.

One cannot help but imagine the journeys this chest has undertaken—perhaps accompanying its owner through the campaigns of the North-West Frontier, across India, or other key outposts of the British Empire during a period of global expansion. Pieces such as this are steeped in untold stories, making them not just functional antiques but evocative links to history.

Today, this campaign chest serves as a highly versatile and decorative piece. It works beautifully as a coffee table, positioned in a bay window, or placed at the end of a bed, offering both storage and a compelling focal point. Its combination of history, craftsmanship, and practicality ensures it remains a true conversation piece in any interior.

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Dimensions

• Width: 98 cm (38 1/2 inches)

• Depth: 49 cm (19 1/4 inches)

• Height: 47.5 cm (18 3/4 inches)

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Key Features

• Victorian camphor wood campaign chest, circa 1870–1880

• Solid camphor wood construction with multiple brass bindings

• Brass-bound corners and straps for strength and durability

• Double lock for secure storage

• Naturally aromatic camphor wood interior

• Insect and moth resistant—ideal for storing textiles

• Historically used for transport over land and sea

• Evocative of British military campaigns, including the North-West Frontier

• Versatile use as a coffee table, blanket chest, or end-of-bed storage

• A unique and atmospheric conversation piece

“There is scarcely anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little more cheaply. The person who buys on price alone is this man’s lawful prey.”

• Delivery

• UK mainland FREE Other destinations please contact us, and we will get a quote. We use a professional Removal company to transport our precious items and do not entrust them to usual parcel services. Therefore, delivery may be 7 -10 days, but it is worth the wait of course.

• On occasions customers have been disappointed to miss an item as they e-mailed their enquiry instead of phoning, I would recommend that if you wished to get the piece, please call rather than e-mail. We are very friendly and easy to deal with.

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This Victorian Brass Bound Camphor Wood Campaign Chest is a green product and have not affected the environment we live in.

• We spend time choosing the best product, an antique item that must meet the strict criteria to be placed in Hingstons of Wilton stock.

• Guarantee

This Victorian Brass Bound Camphor Wood Campaign Chest carries the Hingstons Antiques product guarantee plate which gives you the peace of mind that any item with this plate, is of the quality and condition expected when purchasing from Hingstons

PRICE MATCHING

Antiques are unique and it is impossible to price match in the normal way. Please take into account the quality of product, and the care taken in our restoration, before making a decision if you are looking at price comparison.

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We spend time choosing the best product, an antique that has to meet the criteria to be placed in Hingstons of Wilton stock.

Beware of cheaper imitations.

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Purchases from Hingstons Antiques Ltd are covered under the Distance Selling Regulations, which give all buyers the right to cancel the purchase within 7 working days after receipt of the item, for a full refund less RETURN transport costs.