Early to Mid-19th Century Mahogany Two-Drawer Campaign Chest
This early to mid-19th century mahogany two-drawer campaign chest combines practical construction with the softer lines of a Georgian chest. Rounded drawer fronts, recessed brass pulls and shaped feet give it a distinctive profile, while the worn mahogany surface retains the evidence of long use.
Key Features
- Two full-width drawers with dovetailed joints
- Mahogany exterior with varied colour and patina
- Recessed brass campaign drawer pulls
- Brass corner protectors
- Pronounced rounded profile to the drawer fronts
- Shaped bracket feet joined by a scalloped apron
- Thin solid timber boards to the back
- Small 0/9 marking near the top right corner
- Sympathetically replaced side carrying handles
Full Description
The construction of this mahogany campaign chest is its most interesting quality. Two broad drawers fill the case, each with a pronounced rounded edge that gives depth to the front without adding unnecessary ornament. The recessed brass pulls sit within the drawer faces, leaving a clean outline. Brass protectors cover the exposed corners, while the side handles allow the chest to be lifted.
The scalloped apron runs between shaped bracket feet. This detail gives the chest a Georgian character and distinguishes it from more familiar campaign chests with simple turned feet. The feet raise the case clear of the floor, giving its low, wide form a pleasing sense of proportion.
The drawers have dovetailed corners and remain structurally sound. At the back, thin solid timber boards enclose the case without the weight of thicker timber. A small 0/9 marking survives near the top right corner. Its original purpose is unknown.
The mahogany has developed a warm, varied colour. Scratches, knocks and areas of wear are visible across the front, sides and particularly the plainly finished top. These surfaces have been left to show their age. The side carrying handles were replaced at some point with fittings sympathetic to the chest’s character.
Campaign chests were made in several forms, including low two-drawer examples and larger chests assembled from separate sections. This chest may once have supported an upper section, but there is no firm evidence that one is missing. It stands naturally as a low chest of drawers, offering useful storage in a bedroom, study or hallway.
The chest’s construction belongs to a wider tradition of furniture made to travel while retaining the form of a domestic room. Read more about its design and historical context in The Mahogany Campaign Chest: Furniture Designed to Move.
Dimensions
Height: 64 cm
Width: 93 cm
Depth: 49.5 cm
Materials
Mahogany exterior; thin solid timber boards to the back; dovetailed timber drawers; brass drawer pulls and corner protectors. The side carrying handles are sympathetic replacements.
Condition
There are numerous age-related marks, scratches, knocks and areas of surface wear, with particularly visible use across the top. Colour and finish vary across the mahogany, forming part of its established patina.
Both drawers are structurally sound. One drawer has a small loss of timber at its lower right corner beside the dovetail and drawer bottom. This leaves a slight gap visible when the drawer is open but does not affect its structure or use. The side carrying handles have been replaced. Please study the photographs for the full condition of the surfaces and fittings.
General Note:
Our pieces have lived a life before coming to Campbell Vintage. As genuine antique and vintage items, they will naturally display signs of age, use and character, including minor marks, losses, wear, fading and patina acquired over time.
Where there is visible historic evidence of woodworm (none visible), the piece is carefully inspected and treated as a precaution, regardless of whether there are any signs of current activity.
These characteristics form part of the piece’s authenticity and history. Please refer to the detailed condition report and photographs for a full assessment.
Origin and Period
Early to mid-19th century, approximately c.1820–1850. Country of manufacture unconfirmed.
Styling Suggestions
Its low height makes the chest suitable beneath a window or against a bedroom, study or hallway wall. The aged mahogany and restrained brass fittings sit comfortably with period furniture or provide warmth alongside simpler contemporary furnishings.
FAQ
Was this once part of a larger campaign chest?
Possibly. Low two-drawer campaign chests were also made, and this chest’s original arrangement cannot be established.
Are the side handles original?
No. They are sympathetic replacements fitted at some point in its history.
Why This Object Stands Apart
The rounded drawer fronts and scalloped bracket-foot base bring domestic Georgian detailing to a practical campaign form. Its surface has retained the marks of use, giving the chest character without obscuring how it was made.
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Delivery & Shipping Information
We’re dedicated to delivering every order with care, reliability, and your satisfaction at the heart of what we do.
Fully insured UK mainland delivery is calculated at checkout (typically £12–£45). Larger furniture items may be £60+ depending on item size, access, and delivery postcode.
Please note: the listed price is for the item only. Delivery costs are calculated separately at checkout.
UK Delivery (Mainland)
We are based in Southsea, Portsmouth (PO5) and deliver nationwide across the UK.
Delivery charges are calculated based on the item’s size, weight, and destination to ensure the most accurate and fair pricing.
Free local delivery may be available depending on your location — please get in touch to check availability.
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We deliver to most UK regions and aim to provide the most efficient and cost-effective delivery options available.
For delivery addresses north of Newcastle, or within Wales, Scotland, the Highlands, Ireland, and offshore islands, please contact us before purchasing so we can confirm delivery availability and provide an accurate quote.
International Shipping
We can arrange international shipping worldwide.
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Delivery Times & Method
Delivery typically takes 5–10 working days, depending on location and order timing.
We use trusted specialist furniture couriers experienced in transporting antiques, vintage furniture, and fragile items, ensuring safe handling throughout transit.
Standard delivery is one-man delivery to ground floor only.
Assistance may be required unless a two-man delivery service is arranged at an additional cost.
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For an accurate delivery quote or to confirm any additional charges, please contact us via:
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We can ship to most places. We have the ability to to send consignments Internationally and they are all professionally wrapped, packed and or crated for a safe and successful journey.
There is going to be additional costs and lead times depending on various factors.
The best advice is to get a quote before you decide to purchase any item/s.
Listed in every product description are the dimensions for each product.
This information is provided so you can check if the piece you wish to buy will fit in your home.
Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
Any questions please get in touch, here to help.
Our pieces have lived a life before coming to Campbell Vintage. As genuine antique and vintage items, they will naturally display signs of age, use and character, including minor marks, losses, wear, fading and patina acquired over time.
Wherever possible, we favour careful conservation over full restoration, preserving the original surfaces and natural character of each piece. Every item is individually inspected and prepared, with any notable restoration or repairs detailed in its product description.
Where there is visible historic evidence of woodworm, the piece is carefully inspected and treated as a precaution, regardless of whether there are any signs of current activity.
These characteristics form part of the piece’s authenticity and history. Please refer to the detailed condition report and photographs for a full assessment.
It now explains your philosophy very clearly: age is expected, preservation is intentional, each piece is individually assessed, and relevant work is disclosed.
If you would like to speak to someone before placing an order, check dimensions or have a general question, please call Mark on 07973 154860.
You can email mark (@) campbellvintage.co.uk
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Office Address: 71 Campbell Road, Southsea, PO5 1RJ. By appointment only to this address. Need to be booked in advance.
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Please inspect the many images we provide online to be sure you want the item offered before purchasing.
The condition of each product is noted on all products in the main description. Please read this so you are clear on what you are buying.
If you have any questions however small beforehand and to give yourself peace of mind, please make contact. As we are very happy to discuss anything in greater detail.
One last thing! Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
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We hope you will be happy with your purchase. If for any reason you are unhappy, you may return the item/items to us within 14 days. Please notify us within 14 days.
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