Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 1860s.
The brass corner brackets and brass straps were used to protect the chest whilst in transit during campaigns. The drawers also feature their original brass round key escutcheons. The drawers have a scribe moulding to the edge depicting cock beading. All drawers are in excellent working order, are clean inside and close flush to the frame. The central drawer is the largest of all; this was to house decorative and parade uniform such as hats (it’s commonly known as a hat drawer). The chest is constructed of solid teak and the hand-dovetailed drawers are constructed of solid teak too. The drawers feature working lever locks and a key. The top right draw features a working high quality Bramah lock & key; this drawer would have been for storing valuables, as Bramah locks, at the time, were impenetrable. The original turned feet are detachable as originally designed. The 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 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.
Condition Report:
This chest is in excellent original condition, which is commensurate with its age. There are nominal old use marks to the corners and leading edges but nothing significant considering the age of the item. There are no ink stains, cup marks or burns to the top of the chest. All drawers close flush to the frame. The chest features a rich deep colour. As its boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received. There are working keys with the chest; both for the lever locks and the Bramah lock. The chest boasts the original detachable feet. This item is solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions:
Height = 164.6cm or 64¾” or 5ft 4¾”
Width = 99cm or 39” or 3ft 3”
Depth = 45cm or 17¾” or 1ft 5¾”
UK Delivery:
Delivery to any address in mainland England & Wales is £69. 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 from you (we do not charge a return fee / collection fee). You will be given a full refund as long as the item is returned in the same condition.
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 28
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 Teak & Brass Military Campaign Chest of Drawers (Circa 1860)
