Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 1860s.
The chest was most likely made in England and then used in the British colonies. The chest is constructed from solid mahogany and features shaped brass inset handles to the front and sides; brass corner brackets, brass straps and brass key escutcheons, all of which are in excellent clean condition. The brass corner brackets and brass straps were used to protect the chest whilst in transit during campaigns. The chest features a four over three-drawer design, with the Secretaire flanked by two small drawers and three large drawers below (the smaller drawers are an unusual design). The Secretaire desk compartment retains its original brass locking mechanism and opens to reveal a pull out drawer-stop sleeve; which was designed to stop the drawers falling out whilst travelling. Behind the sleeve is a bank of four small internal drawers. The internal drawers are veneered with to quality birds’ eye maple and feature small brass knobs. All drawers in the chest are hand dovetailed, lined in cedar (which is rare), are clean inside and close flush to the frame. The drawers feature working lever locks and keys. The sides of the chest boast lovely inset brass carrying handles. The chest stands on turned screw on feet the whole chest splits into two sections for easy transportation.
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 and used most probably in colonial India or Africa during the 19th Century.
Condition Report:
This chest is in excellent condition. Nominal old use marks to the corners and leading edges but nothing significant considering the age of the item. All the brassware is in excellent condition having been cleaned. The Secretaire retains its working locking mechanism. All the cedar lined (rare) drawers close flush to the frame and boast working locks and a key. The chest features old replacement feet. The chest features a dark rich mahogany colour. The chest has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received. This item is solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions:
Height = 114.3cm or 45” or 3ft 9”
Width = 102cm or 40” or 3ft 4”
Depth = 46.7cm or 18” or 1ft 6”
Feet Height = 12.8cm or 5”
UK Delivery:
Delivery to any address in mainland England & Wales is £75. For delivery to Scotland & Ireland, please email for a quote.
Free 14 Days UK Returns & Refunds:
A free 14-day “no quibble” returns policy (from the date you receive the item) is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you (we do not charge a return fee / collection fee).
UK Buyer Payment:
For UK buyers, we accept cash on collection or delivery; cheque, credit card, BACS or PayPal.
International Buyers:
If you live outside of the UK and you would like to purchase this item, please contact us first before purchasing the item so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote. A returns policy is not available for international buyers. We request payment by bank transfer for international purchases).
About the Seller:
This item is being sold by Yolanda Gray Antiques who is an accredited member of LAPADA and CINOA. Yolanda Gray has dealt in fine art and antique furniture for over 40 years.
Ref. Military Chest 26
Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 1860s.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Yolanda Gray Antiques Profile Page
Yolanda Gray Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA
Colonial Mahogany Campaign Secretaire Chest of Drawers (Circa 1860)
