Hill & Millard Antique Secretaire Military Campaign Chest

Hill & Millard described themselves as 'Manufacturers of Portable Military Furniture' and indeed they were amongst the most well respected makers of camp equipage in the second half of the 19th century. The company is further discussed in Brawer and our past catalogues.

This mahogany chest looks fairly standard in design, with the top middle drawer a secretaire. The interior of this drawer is figured walnut with a dark green leather skiver tooled in gilt. It is also fitted with a patent letter rack that's hinged to pull-out and stand at an angle, as can be seen in the main photograph. However, it's only released by a hidden push button that is accessed by removing the top right hand drawer. When the letter rack is pulled out two more secret drawers are also revealed. The bottom right drawer of the secretaire has dividers for ink bottles and an ebonised pen tray.

The maker's and patent details of 'Hill & Millard 7 Duncannon St. London. Patented Jany. 1878' are engraved to an ivory strip on the top of this drawer's facia. Added to this the main lock is also stamped 'Hill & Millard (Military Outfitter)' with an abbreviated address. The quality is good, as expected of such a maker. Circa 1878.