Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 1850s.
However, they are nearly always lost over the years, because they were taken out of the case, separated and forgotten about. Constructed of solid mahogany with a single piece top, it features the original recessed shaped brass handles, with brass corner brackets and further brass strap-work. The drawers incorporate fine scribe moulding to the drawer perimeters. The brass corner brackets and brass straps were used to protect the chest whilst in transit during campaigns. The drawers are constructed of solid mahogany with hand-dovetailed drawer linings and the piece features its original mahogany backboards. The drawers are in good working order, they are clean inside and close flush to the frame. The drawers also benefit from the original working lever locks (with working key). The chest stands on replacement turned feet, which can be removed by unscrewing. The chest splits into two sections for easy transportation and, amazingly, is still with its original two-piece transportation case, which is extremely rare (we have never encountered a military chest which still retains its carrying case, before). The two section of the carrying case both feature twin doors, with sliding latches to the left-hand door and lever locks to the right-hand door. It also retains the original brass carrying handles, as well as metal strapwork for additional strength. The case is painted in a cream colour. Chests that were constructed in the colonies, such as this one, were usually constructed of solid Mahogany. The chest benefits from a rich brown Mahogany colour, with a wonderful grain configuration to the front and sides, having been polished in in our workshops.
Condition Report:
This military chest is in excellent condition having been French polished in our workshops. There are nominal old use marks to the leading edges, top and corners but nothing significant considering the age of the item (see photos). The chest features the original brass inset handles. All the hand dovetailed drawers close flush to the frame. The drawers feature the original working lever locks (with working key), with the exception of the top right-hand drawer, which incorporates a Bramah lock, which has no key. The chest incorporates replacement turned feet (which are removable) and the original mahogany backboards. The chest benefits from a lovely rich brown mahogany colour and a wonderful grain configuration to the top, front and sides. The carrying case is completely original. Rust is present to the strapwork and carrying handles, as well as plenty of old use marks. It has undoubtedly seen a lot of action and done its job in protecting its cargo; it is very rare for transportation cases for chests like this to survive, so its signs of wear and tear have to be taken in context. The locks to the two right-hand doors are original and working, with working keys. The chest is well made, solid in joint and ready to use, and the carrying case is also solid and ready to be used.
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Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 1850s.
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Yolanda Gray Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA
Antique English Victorian Colonial Mahogany & Brass Military Campaign Chest of Drawers with Original Transportation Case (Circa 1850)
