{"product_id":"antique-camphor-wood-campaign-chest-c1850","title":"Mid-19th Century Camphor Wood Two-Part Campaign Chest, c.1850","description":"\u003ch1\u003eMid-19th Century Camphor Wood Two-Part Campaign Chest, c.1850\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA substantial mid-19th century camphor wood campaign chest, constructed in two portable sections with five drawers, recessed brass handles and remarkable surviving surface character. Its hand-worked construction, original aromatic timber and period Liverpool-stamped lock provide a fascinating connection to nineteenth-century travelling furniture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMid-19th century two-part campaign chest, circa 1850.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSolid aromatic camphor wood, retaining its distinctive sweet fragrance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo short drawers over three full-width drawers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubstantial hand-cut dovetailed cabinet carcasses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMitred corner construction and three-panel framed backs to both sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSolid timber drawer bottoms with additional underside cross-bracing and hand-worked edges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecessed brass campaign drawer handles and folding side carrying handles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeriod brass lock stamped 'TIPPETT – LIVERPOOL'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal moulded plinth and extensive surviving surface patina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStructurally sound, with five fully operational drawers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFull Description\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eConstruction \u0026amp; Cabinetmaking\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Mid-19th Century Camphor Wood Two-Part Campaign Chest, c.1850, demonstrates the practical ingenuity of nineteenth-century travelling furniture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConstructed in two separate portable sections, the upper housing two short drawers above one long drawer, and the lower containing two further full-width drawers, the chest combines substantial storage with a restrained architectural form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts construction is particularly noteworthy. Large hand-cut dovetails secure the solid timber carcasses, while both sections retain three-panel framed backs. The drawers feature traditional dovetailed joints and reinforced solid timber bottoms, with additional underside cross-bracing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf particular interest are the surviving hand-tool marks where the drawer-bottom timber was reduced in thickness to fit within its retaining grooves, demonstrating the practical methods employed by the original cabinetmaker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMaterials \u0026amp; Historical Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe camphor wood retains its distinctive sweet aromatic fragrance, a characteristic historically valued in travelling furniture and textile storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecessed brass drawer handles sit flush against the fronts, complemented by folding side carrying handles. The period brass lock bears the impressed stamp 'TIPPETT – LIVERPOOL', providing an interesting connection with nineteenth-century British hardware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mitred corner construction also invites comparison with Anglo-Chinese cabinetmaking traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA particularly relevant example is our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/campbellvintage.co.uk\/collections\/new-arrivals\/products\/late-georgian-anglo-chinese-padauk-chest-of-drawers\" title=\"A particularly relevant example is our Late Georgian Anglo-Chinese Padauk Chest of Drawers, c.1790–1820, which exhibits comparable corner detailing.\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLate Georgian Anglo-Chinese Padauk Chest of Drawers, c.1790–1820\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, which exhibits comparable corner detailing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA Continuing Presence\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePositioned within a sympathetic interior, this antique campaign chest brings a sense of history and permanence to its surroundings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts substantial proportions, warm camphor wood and weathered surfaces sit comfortably alongside both antique and contemporary furniture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe accumulated wear, softened edges and surviving marks maintain a direct connection to its travelling past. Rather than requiring restoration, these characteristics give the chest its individuality, grounding a room with history, character and a sense of completeness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExplore our wider \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/campbellvintage.co.uk\/collections\/antique-storage\" title=\"Explore our wider Antique Chest of Drawers Collection, featuring traditional cabinetmaking, distinctive timber surfaces and practical storage furniture from different periods.\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAntique Chest of Drawers Collection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, featuring traditional cabinetmaking, distinctive timber surfaces and practical storage furniture from different periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe History Behind the Construction\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe remarkable construction of this campaign chest reflects the practical demands placed upon nineteenth-century travelling furniture. Its substantial hand-cut dovetails, reinforced drawer bottoms and portable two-part design reveal the ingenuity of traditional cabinetmakers. Explore these methods and their historical context in our Journal article, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/campbellvintage.co.uk\/blogs\/news\/why-was-campaign-furniture-built-to-travel-the-history-of-portable-cabinetmaking\" title=\"The remarkable construction of this campaign chest reflects the practical demands placed upon nineteenth-century travelling furniture. Its substantial hand-cut dovetails, reinforced drawer bottoms and portable two-part design reveal the ingenuity of traditional cabinetmakers. Explore these methods and their historical context in our Journal article, Why Was Campaign Furniture Built to Travel?.\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy Was Campaign Furniture Built to Travel?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDimensions (Approx.)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 97.5 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth: 109 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepth: 58 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMaterials\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSolid camphor wood with an established aged surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHand-cut dovetailed carcass and drawer construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMitred corner detailing and three-panel framed backs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSolid timber drawer bottoms with additional underside reinforcement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecessed brass campaign handles, folding side carrying handles and period brass lock fittings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal moulded timber plinth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chest displays extensive surface wear throughout, including abrasions, scratches, softened edges, colour variations and accumulated marks consistent with its considerable age and history as travelling furniture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Campbell Vintage, we preserve the originality of antique objects rather than restoring them to an artificially renewed state. The surviving patina, wear and scars of use are integral to this chest's character and provide tangible evidence of its working life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the considerable cosmetic wear, the chest remains structurally sound and in good usable condition. All five drawers operate correctly, and the recessed campaign handles remain functional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne brass handle on the lower front right-hand drawer has been replaced with an iron example. This alteration has been retained as part of the chest's continuing history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA neatly executed timber splice repair is present at the rear upper left corner of the top section.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe camphor wood continues to retain its characteristic sweet fragrance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chest is presented with its established surface character preserved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \/ Period\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMid-19th century, circa 1850.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePossible Anglo-Chinese manufacture for the British market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStyling Suggestions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable for a bedroom, dressing room, study or considered living space, providing substantial practical storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts restrained form works particularly well alongside antique pine, early English furniture, traditional textiles and contemporary interiors where original materials provide contrast and depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs the campaign chest constructed in two sections?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The upper and lower sections separate for transportation, with folding carrying handles fitted to each.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDoes the camphor wood still retain its fragrance?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The timber continues to release its distinctive sweet aromatic scent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAre the drawers functional?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. All five drawers operate correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHas the chest been restored?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo comprehensive restoration has been undertaken by Campbell Vintage. Its established patina, historic wear, previous timber repair and replacement iron handle have been preserved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy This Object Stands Apart\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond its substantial proportions, this campaign chest offers unusually interesting surviving construction evidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hand-cut carcass dovetails, mitred corner detailing, reinforced drawer bottoms and framed backs reveal the practical considerations of its original cabinetmaker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCombined with its aromatic camphor timber, Liverpool-stamped lock and extensive original character, it represents an engaging example of nineteenth-century portable furniture, retaining both its historical identity and everyday functionality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Campbell Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57497791758711,"sku":"1002135","price":2470.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0476\/1459\/1133\/files\/DSCF7493.jpg?v=1790613491","url":"https:\/\/campbellvintage.co.uk\/products\/antique-camphor-wood-campaign-chest-c1850","provider":"Campbell Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}