19th Century British Campaign Chest of Drawers

A FINE CHINESE EXPORT BRASS-BOUND CAMPAIGN CHEST

Probably Chinese Export for the British market, circa 1840-70, possibly composed of recycled parts | well-figured hardwood | floating backboards stenciled "Mrs. Kennedy No. 2"

35 1/4" H x 20 3/8" D x 44 3/8" W

A very attractive British Campaign chest of three small drawers over two large full-width drawers, it appears to be Chinese Export for the British market. The campaign furniture made in China during the mid-to-late 19th century were generally intended for export to either Calcutta or Bombay, India for use by British officers and travelers. The workshops were careful to model every element exactly as the British market would expect, with locks and hardware crafted by hand to replicate what shops in England and Ireland offered. The back is constructed with nine floating panels set in grooves of the tenon-mortised framing and very early stenciling notes the chest as being the property of one "Mrs. Kennedy". Hung with flush-mounted inset brass hardware and ebony keyhole escutcheons, the sides with generous brass pulls for carrying the chest.

Condition: Possibly altered or created from other components. The construction appears to be of the period, so perhaps other parts were recycled into the making of the chest or it was perhaps made up of old parts at a later date: note evidence of secondary use (hinge holes, odd cutouts, etc.) on the interior of the chest. If it ever had feet, they have since been removed. Light wear and scuffing throughout, joint separations and other expected age appropriate wear. An attractive silky patina throughout. A very fine presentation: ready to place.

Ref. 503PHR06X