What is an iron-bound campaign trunk?

An iron-bound campaign trunk is a robust wooden chest reinforced with metal straps, historically designed to withstand transportation during military campaigns or extended overseas travel during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

What materials were traditionally used to construct 19th-century campaign trunks?

These trunks were typically constructed from durable hardwoods such as walnut, oak, or teak, bound with hand-forged iron or brass straps and corner fittings for reinforced structural integrity.

How can authentic antique campaign trunks be identified?

Authentic period trunks feature hand-forged metal fittings, original lock plates, dovetail or pegged timber joinery, and evidence of historic wear, oxidisation on hardware, or engraved metal plaques.

How can an antique wooden trunk be styled in a modern interior?

An antique wooden chest functions as a functional coffee table in a living room, an end-of-bed storage unit, or a standalone accent piece in an entryway or library setting.

How should an antique walnut trunk be preserved and maintained?

Keep the timber clean by dusting with a soft cloth and applying a high-grade beeswax polish periodically. Avoid placing the chest near direct heat sources or high humidity to prevent wood warping and corrosion.

for sale €1,463 $1,588

£1,250

Hingstons of Wilton

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Id #SA1231155

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Antique Walnut Iron Bound Trunk of Sir Randolph Isham Routh Kcb, Waterloo Commissary General

18th century

For Sale by Hingstons of Wilton

Description

Antique Walnut Iron Bound Trunk of Sir Randolph Isham Routh KCB, Waterloo Commissary General

A rare and historically important antique walnut iron bound trunk once belonging to Sir Randolph Isham Routh KCB, the distinguished Commissary General at the Battle of Waterloo. Constructed in solid walnut and reinforced with robust iron bindings, this trunk was built for military travel, secure storage, and the rigours of campaign life.

The brass nameplate engraved “Commissary General Sir H. I. Routh” confirms its provenance and elevates it from a fine antique to a museum worthy artefact. The walnut retains a rich, deep patina, complemented by the original iron strapping and lock plate, giving the trunk exceptional presence and authenticity.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine piece of British military history with direct ties to one of the most decisive battles in European history.

About Sir Randolph Isham Routh KCB

Sir Randolph Isham Routh (1782–1858) served as one of Britain’s most respected military administrators. Rising through the ranks of the Commissariat Department, he became Commissary General, responsible for organising and supplying the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars, including the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Routh’s logistical expertise was vital to Wellington’s success, ensuring troops were provisioned efficiently during one of the most complex campaigns of the era. After Waterloo, he continued to serve with distinction, later overseeing colonial supply systems and earning a reputation for reform, discipline, and administrative brilliance. He was knighted KCB for his service and remains a key figure in British military history.

Key Features

• Original iron bound walnut military trunk

• Belonged to Sir Randolph Isham Routh KCB, Commissary General at Waterloo

• Brass nameplate with engraved inscription

• Rich walnut patina with historic wear

• Strong iron bindings and lock plate

• Museum level provenance and military significance

• Ideal for collectors, historians, and period interiors

Dimensions

• Width: 90 cm (35½ ins)

• Depth: 56 cm (22 ins)

• Height: 57 cm (22½ ins)

“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.

•

This Antique iron bound trunk belonging to Sir Randolph Isham Routh KCB is a green product and have not affected the environment we live in.

Guarantee

This Antique iron bound trunk belonging to Sir Randolph Isham Routh KCB 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 Antiques Limited. All our goods are individually selected by Nick Hingston who uses his experience of over 50 years of trading to select the items with the best design and condition suitable to be placed into our quality stock.

• Hingstons Distance selling policy.

• Purchases from Hingstons Antiques Ltd give all buyers the right to cancel the purchase within 14 working days after receipt of the item, for a full refund less transport costs, on condition it is returned in the condition it was sent.

• Payment- We can accept payment by bank transfer, card transaction by phone, or cheque in store for UK customers, please contact us if you are an overseas customer.

Physical Dimensions

Height

57cm (22.44")

Width

90cm (35.43")

Depth

56cm (22.05")

Declaration

Hingstons of Wilton has dated this Antique Walnut Iron Trunk to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1231155

Dealers Notes

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.

When you choose to purchase an item from Hingstons, you will be purchasing a piece that will enhance your home.

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.

DISTANCE SELLING REGULATIONS

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.

Description

Antique Walnut Iron Bound Trunk of Sir Randolph Isham Routh KCB, Waterloo Commissary General

“

A rare and historically important antique walnut iron bound trunk once belonging to Sir Randolph Isham Routh KCB, the distinguished Commissary General at the Battle of Waterloo.

Hingstons of Wilton

Constructed in solid walnut and reinforced with robust iron bindings, this trunk was built for military travel, secure storage, and the rigours of campaign life.

fig 1. A rectangular antique walnut wood trunk featuring heavy iron binding straps, metal corner hardware, and a brass plaque on the lid. — fig 1. Antique Walnut Iron Bound Trunk of Sir Randolph Isham Routh Kcb, Waterloo Commissary General

The brass nameplate engraved “Commissary General Sir H. I. Routh” confirms its provenance and elevates it from a fine antique to a museum worthy artefact. The walnut retains a rich, deep patina, complemented by the original iron strapping and lock plate, giving the trunk exceptional presence and authenticity.

fig 2. A rectangular antique walnut wood trunk featuring heavy iron binding straps, metal corner hardware, and a brass plaque on the lid. — fig 2. Antique Walnut Iron Bound Trunk of Sir Randolph Isham Routh Kcb, Waterloo Commissary General

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine piece of British military history with direct ties to one of the most decisive battles in European history.

About Sir Randolph Isham Routh KCB

Sir Randolph Isham Routh (1782–1858) served as one of Britain’s most respected military administrators. Rising through the ranks of the Commissariat Department, he became Commissary General, responsible for organising and supplying the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars, including the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

fig 3. A rectangular antique walnut wood trunk featuring heavy iron binding straps, metal corner hardware, and a brass plaque on the lid. — fig 3. Antique Walnut Iron Bound Trunk of Sir Randolph Isham Routh Kcb, Waterloo Commissary General

Routh’s logistical expertise was vital to Wellington’s success, ensuring troops were provisioned efficiently during one of the most complex campaigns of the era. After Waterloo, he continued to serve with distinction, later overseeing colonial supply systems and earning a reputation for reform, discipline, and administrative brilliance. He was knighted KCB for his service and remains a key figure in British military history.

fig 4. A rectangular antique walnut wood trunk featuring heavy iron binding straps, metal corner hardware, and a brass plaque on the lid. — fig 4. Antique Walnut Iron Bound Trunk of Sir Randolph Isham Routh Kcb, Waterloo Commissary General

Key Features

• Original iron bound walnut military trunk

• Belonged to Sir Randolph Isham Routh KCB, Commissary General at Waterloo

• Brass nameplate with engraved inscription

• Rich walnut patina with historic wear

fig 5. A rectangular antique walnut wood trunk featuring heavy iron binding straps, metal corner hardware, and a brass plaque on the lid. — fig 5. Antique Walnut Iron Bound Trunk of Sir Randolph Isham Routh Kcb, Waterloo Commissary General

• Strong iron bindings and lock plate

• Museum level provenance and military significance

• Ideal for collectors, historians, and period interiors

Dimensions

• Width: 90 cm (35½ ins)

• Depth: 56 cm (22 ins)

fig 6. A rectangular antique walnut wood trunk featuring heavy iron binding straps, metal corner hardware, and a brass plaque on the lid. — fig 6. Antique Walnut Iron Bound Trunk of Sir Randolph Isham Routh Kcb, Waterloo Commissary General

• Height: 57 cm (22½ ins)

“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.”

fig 7. A rectangular antique walnut wood trunk featuring heavy iron binding straps, metal corner hardware, and a brass plaque on the lid. — fig 7. Antique Walnut Iron Bound Trunk of Sir Randolph Isham Routh Kcb, Waterloo Commissary General

• 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.

fig 8. A rectangular antique walnut wood trunk featuring heavy iron binding straps, metal corner hardware, and a brass plaque on the lid. — fig 8. Antique Walnut Iron Bound Trunk of Sir Randolph Isham Routh Kcb, Waterloo Commissary General

• 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.

fig 9. A rectangular antique walnut wood trunk featuring heavy iron binding straps, metal corner hardware, and a brass plaque on the lid. — fig 9. Antique Walnut Iron Bound Trunk of Sir Randolph Isham Routh Kcb, Waterloo Commissary General

•

This Antique iron bound trunk belonging to Sir Randolph Isham Routh KCB is a green product and have not affected the environment we live in.

Guarantee

This Antique iron bound trunk belonging to Sir Randolph Isham Routh KCB 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 Antiques Limited. All our goods are individually selected by Nick Hingston who uses his experience of over 50 years of trading to select the items with the best design and condition suitable to be placed into our quality stock.

fig 10. A rectangular antique walnut wood trunk featuring heavy iron binding straps, metal corner hardware, and a brass plaque on the lid. — fig 10. Antique Walnut Iron Bound Trunk of Sir Randolph Isham Routh Kcb, Waterloo Commissary General

• Hingstons Distance selling policy.

• Purchases from Hingstons Antiques Ltd give all buyers the right to cancel the purchase within 14 working days after receipt of the item, for a full refund less transport costs, on condition it is returned in the condition it was sent.

• Payment- We can accept payment by bank transfer, card transaction by phone, or cheque in store for UK customers, please contact us if you are an overseas customer.