Anglo-Indian Campaign Cupboard

A teak, two-part portable Cupboard or Bookcase with drawer. The top section sits within a rebated edge to the top of the stand and simply lifts off for travel.

The construction of this Cupboard is plain to see with mitred joints to the four boards that make up the top, sides and bottom. The dividing board between the cupboard and drawer is fixed with open tenons to the sides and the panelled doors are pegged. The pair of brass straps to each mitred joint strengthens the cupboard and the sides have flush drawer handles used as carrying handles. The drawer has dividers to each side with a large compartment to the middle. The pressed brass handles look to be original but, of course, do not fit in with the ethos of campaign furniture. The construction might be considered very basic but the cupboard is elevated by the carved panels to the doors. Added to this the panels are also raised and fielded to the interior.

The cupboard has three fixed shelves to its interior and the small size, with its narrow depth, makes it easier to house. The stand has a shaped apron and the turned feet have inset ball casters.

The design to the door panels is typical of the Goa region and lower west coast of India with its underlying Portuguese influence. It is impossible to tell if the casters to the feet and side carrying handles were original considerations or added a later for practicality. An interesting, useful piece of furniture. Late 19th Century.