Combined Campaign Desk & Washstand

A Georgian, mahogany campaign desk with washstand.

The main body of this piece of furniture is essentially a large box, once the legs are removed. The tops of the legs have brass caps with steel bolts which screw into brass plates fitted to the underside of the 'box'. The turned legs have brass cup castors.

The desk has two wings, hinged to the central section, that fold out to double the width of the top. Their sides each have a pair of low lugs that fit into corresponding holes to the main section to help keep their position. The large writing area of the desktop and the two wings each have a replaced green leather skiver with a tooled border. Below the central writing area, to one side, is a secretaire compartment with a drop-down door and brass skeletal campaign handle. This has two drawers with brass knobs to either side of a pair of pigeonholes. These drawers are plain and extend to half the depth of the top. They are well constructed with the linings made of a thicker mahogany than is usual.

The two wings have a drawer to each side which are pulled open by its key. Each drawer is plain and runs to half the depth of the desk.

The top board of the central section is hinged two thirds along its length. When lifted, a wash area is underneath with dividers and shaped boards to hold a washbowl and dishes etc. The underside of the board is lined in a silvered paper to protect it from splashing. Whereas the opposite desk side has a secretaire with door, the washstand side has a dummy drawer with brass handle.

For travel, the top is locked by folding over the left wing first. This has a brass tooth, with a hole to the centre, to either side. When open, they drop to hide into their brass housing. When lifted to close, they drop out and fit into a brass slide bolt set to both the front and back of the top. The slide bolts lock the wing into place. The second wing will then fold to sit alongside the other and form a 'box' shape. It has a brass lock to secure it to the first wing.

This is an unusual piece of Georgian campaign furniture made to a design we haven't seen before. It is practical by having a double use and well made with consideration given to how it will be used and packed for travel. With the legs removed you would be forgiven for thinking it's a threefold campaign bookcase. It has subtle decoration with inlaid, ebonized stringing to the drawer edges and the sides and the brass corners have a serpentine shape. Early 19th century.

Closed size is given. Opened size H 30 1/2 W 42 D 30 inches.

The Naval Chair is sold separately.