Early 19th Campaign Chest of Drawers in Mahogany - Manufactured by W Day, 353 the Strand, London

Sourced privately from an estate within the South Downs, this campaign chest of drawers is a particularly good example of a desirable and commercially appealing antique.

The surface has predominantly been revived and waxed, retaining a lovely unaffected colour indicative of its historic past - I feel less is definitely more when restoring campaign furniture.

An interesting and original feature are the late Georgian makers labels, one in each of the top drawers, advertising W Day's cabinet making prowess.

William Day was established in 1812 and like many of his competitors, started life as a trunk maker. He patented an expandable trunk which could be altered in size and boasted of The Dukes of York and Sussex as his customers. It seemed it was a natural step for a number of these trunk makers to move into producing camp equipage and Day was no exception. His adverts show that he sold sets of campaign furniture very similar to other London makers such as Allen and Hill & Millard. It seems that his main address was 353 Strand, London although he expanded to included 378 by 1841. The London Directory of 1828 also shows that he had premises at 31 Holywell Street just off the Strand. Whether this was a workshop or for retail is not known. By 1865 the company was trading as W. Day & Son however, by 1870 they are no longer listed in the directories. As an aside, by 1880 John Pound, one of Day’s competitors, had taken over his premises at 378 Strand. William Day and Son were good makers and this is echoed in the quality of this chest. Circa 1865. (Christopher Clarke campaign furniture)

The locks, handles and brass straps are all original - another indication of its quality is the use of brass corner supports, instead of straps on the top of the lower section.

Measurements -

31 inches wide

45 " " high

19 " " Deep

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Carriage is nearly always carried out personally within London, Surrey and Sussex - Delivery is free for clients within mainland Britain - Professional, competitive and trusted courier and shipping companies are engaged for the remainder of our customers.

We do strive to accurately describe and illustrate our stock within the 'Selling Antiques' website. However we do understand that it is not always possible to judge from photographs how an item will look within the home or garden. For this reason if notified within seven days from date of delivery we offer a full refund (less any agreed carriage costs) once the item has been returned.

Whenever possible Culvertons undertake the carriage of items within London and the home counties. Professional, competitive and trusted couriers and shipping companies are engaged for deliveries for the remainder of our customers. Smaller items, when instructed, will be carefully parcelled and securely sent by the carrier.

We strive to accurately describe and illustrate our stock on the 'Selling Antiques' website. However, we understand that it is not always possible to judge from photographs how an item will look in the home or garden. For this reason, if notified within seven days from the date of delivery we offer a full refund (less any agreed carriage costs) once the item has been returned in the same condition as it left our premises.