Antique Camphor wood Military Campaign Chest, Circa 1880

 Camphor wood Campaign Chest

A wonderfully characterful antique military chest dating to circa 1880, constructed from solid camphorwood and retaining its original brass fittings. Substantial in its proportions and beautifully straightforward in its design, this is an appealing example of traditional storage furniture, with the honest materials, robust construction and practical details that make antique military chests so sought after.

The chest has been made using beautiful full sheets of solid camphorwood, allowing the natural grain and warm colouring of the timber to take centre stage. The broad wooden panels give the piece a strong, uncluttered appearance, while the natural variation in the wood provides plenty of visual interest. Camphorwood has long been valued for its distinctive character and traditional association with storage chests.

The original brasswork is a particular feature. The brass fittings have been lightly cleaned to preserve their character and remain in keeping with the age and style of the chest. Brass corner and edge fittings provide both decorative appeal and a robust appearance, while the superb-quality inset military carrying handles are especially attractive details, sitting neatly within the sides of the chest.

The lid opens to reveal a practical storage interior and incorporates a lockstay mechanism to hold it open. This mechanism has received light restoration, helping to retain the usefulness of the piece while respecting its original character.

The chest has not been over-restored. It retains its original finish and has simply been waxed, allowing the natural warmth of the camphorwood and the patina of the original brasswork to remain the principal features. It is intact and in lovely condition, with the character one would hope to find in a genuine nineteenth-century piece.

Please note that the chest is supplied without a key.

With its generous proportions and strong visual presence, this antique military chest would make an excellent storage piece in a bedroom, dressing room, hallway or country house interior. It would also sit beautifully in a more contemporary setting, where the solid timber and original metalwork could provide an interesting contrast to modern furnishings.

A substantial and authentic antique chest with beautiful timber, quality fittings and plenty of period character.

Key Details

• Period: Victorian, circa 1880
• Material: Solid camphorwood with original brass fittings
• Features: Broad solid-wood panels, brass corner fittings and inset military carrying handles
• Lid Mechanism: Lockstay mechanism to hold the lid open
• Finish: Original finish, waxed
• Brasswork: Original fittings, lightly cleaned
• Key: Not supplied
• Condition: Intact and in lovely condition, with light restoration to the lid mechanism
• Dimensions: Height 54 cm × Width 104 cm × Depth 55 cm