Teak Military Campaign Secretaire Chest of Drawers (C.1840)

Here is an example of a good quality and rare antique colonial military campaign teak two-part secretaire chest of drawers (circa 1830 - 1850).

Summary:

• Item: Secretaire Chest

• Circa: 1830 - 1850

• Period: Victorian

• Provenance: England

• Wood: Teak

• Internal compartments and drawers

• Leather writing pad within

• Dismantles into two sections

• Original brass bindings

• Original brass locks

• Original inset handles

• Original working locks and key

• Hand dove-tail joint drawer construction

• Chestnut drawer linings

• Attached feet

• Original top and bottom

• Excellent proportions

• Excellent colour / patination

Here is an example of a superb quality and rare antique colonial military campaign teak two-part secretaire chest of drawers (circa 1830 - 1850). The original shaped brass inset handles; brass corner brackets and brass escutcheons are in very good condition. The brass corner brackets were used to protect the chest whilst in transit during campaigns. The front folds outwards to reveal the secretaire interior that has three working drawers inside. There is one large and two small drawers. The chest has a blue leather and gold tool pad within. The chest is constructed of teak. The hand-dovetailed drawers are constructed of solid chestnut and have working locks and a key. The turned feet have been firmly attached however they originally would have been detachable.

Provenance:

This campaign chest would have been commissioned for a member of the British Raj or a high ranking officer in the British Army during the reign of Queen Victoria in colonial India (Calcutta) during the mid 19th Century. Teak was used extensively for military chests. "Teak, which had the advantage of only minimally expanding and contracting when exposed to extremes in temperature and humidity, was probably the most commonly used wood. It was resistant to woodworm, termites, and the occasional splash of seawater." Source: British Campaign Furniture, Elegance Under Canvas, 1740 - 1914 by Nicholas A Brawer, page 97.

Dimensions:

Height: 106.5cm or 42”

Width: 99cm or 39”

Depth: 48cm or 19”

Condition Report:

This chest is in a good original condition and is commensurate with its age. There are a few superficial used marks to the top, corners and leading edges but nothing significant considering the age of the item. The top and bottom are original (and not a match). The brass inset drawers handles; brass studs, locks and key are all original. The chest is solid in joint. Free of wood worm. Please remember, this has been a working piece of furniture in the military field.

Further Information:

If you require any further information or additional photos, please do not hesitate to email info@yolagray.com or phone Julian on 07960 738 212 (for international enquiries, please phone 00 44 7960 738 212).

UK Delivery:

Delivery to any address in mainland England & Wales is £65. For delivery to Scotland & Ireland, please email for a quote.

UK Returns & Refunds:

A 7-day “no quibble” return policy (from the date you receive the item) is available if you are not happy with this item. You will be given a refund as long as the item is returned in the same condition. The buyer is required to cover the cost of transit (the delivery cost). We will collect the item using our specialist Furniture Delivery Company to avoid any damage. This refund policy only applies to deliveries to the UK.

UK Buyer Payment:

For UK buyers, we will accept cash on collection or delivery; cheque, credit card, BACS (free bank to bank transfer).

International Buyers:

If you live outside of the UK and you would like to purchase this item; please contact us before purchasing the item to obtain a shipping quote and delivery lead time. Item

Please contact us on 01829 458 070 or 07960 738 212 to arrange a viewing. Alternatively, please email: info@yolagray.com