Victorian Camphor Wood Campaign Secretaire, 1880s

Description

A superb and rare camphor wood campaign secretaire. Made from camphor wood, comes in two
pieces, with decorative brass inlayed … more A superb and rare camphor wood campaign secretaire. Made from camphor wood, comes in two
pieces, with decorative brass inlayed handles to the drawers and four carry handles to the sides.

The top section has a central dummy drawer over two deep drawers and is flanked by four smaller drawers. The centre folds down to reveal a leather covered writing slope which can be folded on itself again to reveal a slim drawer, pigeon holes and a small lockable cupboard, above is a smaller drawers that has a recess for inkwells and a pen tray. The bottom section has two deep drawers, all set on hand turned bun feet. C1880

Campaign or Military furniture was popular in the 19th and 20th centuries, when military campaigns took place during the expansion of the British Empire. British officers of high social standing would carry the pieces around with them for home comforts and storage, piecing them back together for use. Camphor wood was used in campaign furniture due to its durable density and insect repellent properties. This stunning secretaire remains in original condition, with its beautiful colour and stripping to the wood, this would make a fantastic statement piece. less