Secretaire Antique Campaign Chest

Secretaire Antique Campaign Chest

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Reference

7989

The small proportions of this mahogany chest are comparable to the early 19th century Anglo Indian campaign chests, excepting that it is taller.

The top and sides are painted as a faux mahogany on pine and there are shadow marks revealing that it originally had wooden blocks for rope handles. It is possible that mahogany was only used for the front show wood to make the chest lighter in weight. This follows with the removable feet: the front feet are mahogany and the back are painted pine. The drawers have an incised line moulding to the edges and the flush handles are very similar to those on the Lowndes chest. The fall of the top drawer is held by brass quadrants and released by sprung catches. The interior has a dark red leather writing surface, four pigeon holes and five drawers. The bottom left drawer is twice the width of the others but made to resemble two drawers for symmetry. The bottom right drawer is fitted with a pen tray and divided to hold an inkwell. All of the drawers are lined with blue sugar paper.

This is a good chest, earlier than most and the size is pleasing. Early to mid 19th century.

Dimensions:

Height 109 cm / 43"
Width 71 cm / 28 "
Depth 43.5 cm / 17 14"
Period

Early to mid 19th century.

Medium

Mahogany & Painted Pine

Country

England

EXHIBITIONS
The Quartermaster General

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