Antique Campaign Chests

Antique Campaign Chests also known as an Antique Military Chest was introduced in the late 18th Century during the Napoleonic wars. These classic chests were built by cabinet makers to dismantle, usually into two sections for ease of  transportation. This was because soldiers camps would move around quite often and officers would use these chests to store clothes, valuables and military equipment safely away. Antique Campaign Chests will have brass carrying handles on the sides and also brass strapping for added stability as they did get knocked around quite a lot during travels. These lovely characterful antique chests would usually be in Camphor wood or Teak and quite often stamped by makers names. One of the renowned makers was Army & Navy CSL, which stands for The Army and Navy Co-operative Society Ltd from the Victorian period and they had stores worldwide, also selling other military equipment. These antique chest of drawers are full of charm and character and oozes a sense of history from their years of use, the original finish we merely clean up, keeping the original patina. Who knows what wars these chests have seen as the British Empire fought its cause around the world? Have a look at our chest of drawers category if you are interested in pieces like this as we add antique furniture to our website daily.

Styles of Antique Campaign Chests

Some examples we have previously sold include this Spectacular And Very Rare Mid Nineteenth Century Chinese Secretaire Campaign Chest, made from padauk wood with a beautifully figured top above a deep sectetaire drawer with drop down front and attractively fitted interior with central cupboard and several small drawers and pigeon holes. The lower section has two over two graduating drawers with decorative brass handles and wonderful ebony string inlay. Other exquisite features include the original backboards and the original side brass carrying handles.

This Genuine Victorian Teak Antique Military Chest / Campaign Chest, consists of a two over three drawer configuration all of which are teak lined with original flush brass military handles. The piece stands on a moulded plinth with turned bun feet and has brass carrying handles on its sides.

This Edwardian Mahogany Antique Campaign Chest is stamped ‘NO6 439’

This Rare Chinese Export Padauk Antique Pedestal Desk was most likely made for campaign purposes. Each pedestal has graduating drawers with simple string inlaid edges and beautifully turned walnut knobs.