Object Description
A brass bound, mahogany Cavalry Chest by the Army and Navy Club Store Ltd. This chest was also available with a superstructure but this version was described by the A&N CSL as ’With table escritoire, but without shelves and fittings at top’. They sold it in teak, oak and mahogany (like this one) which was the most expensive for its size at £ 13 1s 6d. The secretaire drawer doesn’t have a fall front, like most campaign chests, but the whole drawer pulls forward, as can be seen. The middle section has a leather and rosewood slope with a paper tidy behind that supports the slope at an angle. Underneath the hinged slope is a compartment with lid. Either side of the middle section there is a compartment with a sliding lid covering it. The right hand side is fitted with a removable pen tray and dividers for inkwells etc. Below, there is a secret drawer that has its release button to the compartment in the middle section. A sprung facia board is removable to access a small red velvet lined drawer. The drawer linings are mahogany, as opposed to oak or ash and the maker’s label is to the top right hand drawer. The name of this chest comes from the maker’s wish to associate it with the smarter regiments and it is still a popular form of campaign chest. The cabinet maker has dated his work 22/3/1901 and signed his name, which looks to be Harlett to the secondary wood. Circa 1901.