A beautiful early 19th century camphor wood and black leather bound trunk with brass carrying handles. The trunk has been finished with double studded brass detail and brass mounts to all the edges for stability whilst in transit.
 
In modern days these trunks are increasingly popular as coffee tables which double up as storage, either as is or with the addition of a glass top.
 
Great antique condition with normal signs of wear, no key available.
 
For centuries travelling armies have used campaign furniture that could easily be assembled and quickly folded and packed down for ease of transportation, however in the 1800’s British furniture manufacturers such as Sheraton, Hepplewhite, and Chippendale redesigned much of their line and engineered new pieces specifically for the British Army in response rise and expansion of the British Empire, during the Georgian and Victoria periods (1714 – 1901) and the demand by British officers in high social positions for high quality portable furniture.
 
Not only did the furniture need to be highly portable, lightweight, and exceptionally durable but it also needed to be comfortable and beautiful to ensure the British officers the luxuries of home whilst travelling to distant lands. The blending of timeless functionality and elegance led to an unmatched style of furniture that was impervious to weather, virtually indestructible, and visually stunning.  
 
My favourite item of campaign furniture is the chest of drawers, often referred to as a military chest or campaign chest. Campaign chests' primary wood was often mahogany, teak, or camphor, although cedar, pine and other woods were also used. The dominant style of campaign chest breaks down into two sections and has removable feet. The brass corners and strapwork offer some protection and typify the distinctive "campaign look".
 
With its simple and masculine elegance, campaign furniture looks as modern and timeless within homes today as it did back in the 19th century.

If you would like to learn more, I suggest reading Nicolas A. Brawer's book, British Campaign Furniture: Elegance under Canvas 1740-1914. Published in 2001 with over 275 illustrations, including 140 plates in full colour, it is the most comprehensive compilation of historical information on the subject.