Antique Teak Zanzibar Chest with Brass Studwork
Key design highlights...
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Handcrafted teak with original brass repoussé detailing
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Large central studded wheel & teardrop hasp front closure
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Raised on bun feet with side-mounted ornate handles
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Culturally rich design from Swahili and Omani traditions
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Ideal antique storage or statement piece
This ornately decorated Zanzibar chest is a stunning example of East African craftsmanship. Made from durable solid teak, it features intricate brass cladding, studwork, and hand-tooled repoussé detailing on all four corners. The chest is raised on traditional bun feet, with heavy-duty side handles and an ‘L’-shaped support strap adding functional elegance—possibly later additions, enhancing its utility.
The standout design includes a teardrop-shaped hasp and a central studded wheel motif, unique to Zanzibar chests. Its top, made from two timber planks, shows a natural age-related split, adding authenticity and character.
Zanzibar chests like this were more than just furniture—they were cultural heirlooms. Once prized in Swahili and Omani households, these chests stored dowries, valuables, and sacred items. Crafted to impress, their rich decoration and sturdy construction symbolized wealth, spirituality, and international trade ties. This piece, likely crafted in Gujarat and ferried across the Indian Ocean, is both a decorative antique and a historical artifact, ideal for collectors or interior designers seeking a statement piece steeped in global history.
Perfect in a hallway, bedroom storage chest, or conversation piece in any global-inspired interior.
Explore more antique storage furniture here...
Period: Late 19th century / Early 20th century
Material: Teak
Approximate Dimensions:
48cm high
100cm wide
45.5cm deep
Condition: As you can imagine, our products have had a life before we got them, been used and cherished by many others before we received them. Therefore, you will see signs of ageing, natural wear, fading & marks which create their unique look. Overall the condition is good and the condition is commensurate with its age. Unless specified ornaments or props shown are not included.
All your questions answered below...
- Fully insured delivery
- Returns accepted
- Authenticity assured
- UK-based seller, secure checkout
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.
Delivery Areas & Coverage
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.
Please contact us for a tailored shipping quote.
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.
Need a Delivery Quote?
For an accurate delivery quote or to confirm any additional charges, please contact us via:
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✉️ Email us with your full delivery postcode
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.
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.
Always here to help.
Our products come with a guarantee stating they are as described when purchased.
As all our products are either antiques or vintage and have a life before we got them, we do not offer traditional warranties due to the nature of the items and history.
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!
Here to help.
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.
You will need to arrange for the safe return of any item or items purchased. Please ensure the goods are returned in the same condition as sent to you.
You will be responsible for all return cost.
Once we have received your return, we will refund you the cost of the item/items, less any initial delivery and packaging costs, within 14 days.
Last of all, if returning an item, please advise us when we are likely to expect the item. We can then book this in and make sure we are available to except the item.
If you have any questions please contact us before ordering.
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Trade sale. Sold as seen. No returns.