An Exceptional Georgian Gentleman’s Flame Mahogany Campaign/Secretaire Chest Of Drawers Circa 1830
A showstopper of an antique Georgian/Regency Cuban Flame Mahogany Gentleman’s Campaign chest/secretaire. Exceptional quality with flame mahogany drawer fronts with inlaid mahogany detailing. Beautiful original inset brass drop handles with side carry swan neck brass handles. Mahogany dovetailed drawers, original matched end panels, bracket feet and thick cut carved mahogany top with superb inlaid marquetry star using satinwoods, boxwood and rio rosewood. Deep mellow patina and graining all over this stunning example. To the central upper drawer there is a hidden writing desk with burr walnut drawer/surrounds and tooled leather desk inlay. Brass escutcheons to sides with brass press/release buttons. Brass measure rail to top for running repairs/tailoring to Gentleman’s uniforms/clothing whilst on the move. Everything on this statement piece of furniture screams quality. Circa 1830. Some historic repairs showing a well loved and admired piece of family furniture. We have lightly restored in house at Search & Rescued this beautiful chest of drawers back to its former glory. Ready now to be appreciated for another 100 years plus in its new home.
Campaign furniture was designed to be packed and carried on the march during military campaigns. The officers of the British army who bought and commissioned campaign furniture came from the upper classes and were used to a certain standard of living. It was unthinkable to live otherwise whilst “under canvas,” as the expression went.
The items had to be relatively easy to pack up and transport. “The history of campaign furniture is the social history of the British officer class,” says Nicholas Brawer, an independent curator, in his book British Campaign Furniture: Elegance Under Canvas. “Mobility was much less a concern than keeping up appearances.”
Just as Savile Row tailors made the officers’ uniforms, England’s leading furniture makers produced campaign furniture that was fashionable and of the highest quality. Firms like Chippendale and Hepplewhite were early manufacturers of the furniture. At first, woods such as walnut and mahogany were utilized. As the empire expanded, more exotic woods such as camphor and teak found their place in campaign furniture. Design was both functional and elegant, with brass edges protecting vulnerable corners and recessed handles that lent the furniture a neat, almost nautical appearance.
Height 108cm x width 115cm x depth 52cm x desk 37cm when open taking full depth to 89cm full depth when desk front open/down.
As a genuine antique there is wear and use commensurate with age. Some wooden products may have signs of historic woodworm. As a precaution we apply a clear triple action woodworm treatment that also kills wet rot, dry rot and woodworm. Please look at all the images carefully and ask any questions pre purchase as we do not unfortunately offer refunds due to the size and shipping costs of our antiques/items. All our items are available on line at Search & Rescued and other online stores.