Object Description
This is beautifully antique petit Georgian camphorwood military campaign trunk or coffer, circa 1840 in date.
This rectangular antique trunk is made from the finest quality camphor wood which has a beautiful grain and scent and features brass bound corners and carrying handles.
Camphorwood was used in the manufacture of travelling trunks as the wonderful scent given off by the wood discouraged insects and kept them away.
This trunk was made so that it could be easily transported on its journeys throughout the Empire, probably to house an Army Officer’s clothes and personal possessions. It has inset brass protection on the corners mounts and sides and is fitted with the original brass carrying handles for further protection of its contents.
This piece is truly unique and is guaranteed to bring beauty and charm to your home for many years to come.
Condition:
In really excellent original condition having only been beautifully cleaned and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:Height 33 cm x Width 76 cm x Depth 38 cm
Dimensions in inches:Height 1 foot, 1 inch x Width 2 foot, 6 inches x Depth 1 foot, 3 inches
Camphor wood
is a large evergreen tree that grows up to 20–30 metres tall. The leaves have a glossy, waxy appearance and smell of camphor when crushed. In spring it produces bright green foliage with masses of small white flowers. It produces clusters of black berry-like fruit around 1cm in diameter. It has a pale bark that is very rough and fissured vertically.
Cinnamomum camphora is native to China south of the Yangtze River, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, and has been introduced to many other countries.
Campaign Furniture
Any furniture specifically made to break down or fold for ease of travel can be described as campaign furniture. It was designed to be packed up and carried on the march.
Typically it will have brass corners and straps, break into two parts and have removable turned feet. However, there is a lot of portable furniture that is not so obvious as it was made to look just like the fashionable pieces of the day.
Our reference: A4888