Sometimes called “knock-down” furniture, campaign furniture was designed to be folded, collapsed, taken apart and packed flat to load onto a ship or a camel’s back. Although mobile furniture for military campaigns dates back to the Romans, the British Army in its global conquests in the 18th and 19th centuries defined the style with sturdy and elegant pieces. Even in a tent thousands of miles from London, a four-poster bed, dining table and seating could simulate the comforts of home.
Antique and vintage campaign-style furniture was also initially designed as propaganda. The mahogany and teak structures were part of a purposeful demonstration of power in these campaigns, with the colonizing military officers imposing their culture and view of what they considered “civilized” on a given land and its peoples. Designers and manufacturers including Thomas Butler, Ross & Co. of Dublin, and Morgan & Sanders contributed to the rapid production of this furniture as the British Empire expanded through Africa, Asia and Australia.
Campaign furniture was utilitarian as well as refined, fitted with recessed brass handles and brass angles on stackable chests and other case pieces to protect vulnerable corners. The Wellington chest was one of the most famous pieces to come out of this style, named for the Duke of Wellington, who slept in his campaign bed long after his battles were over.
The flexibility of campaign-style furniture would influence 20th-century Scandinavian modernists such as Kaare Klint, Mogens Koch and Arne Norell. For his 1930s Safari chair, Klint drew on the simple Roorkhee chair, named for a town in northern India. The lightweight and adaptable campaign-style seat was created in the late 19th century and had no fixed joinery. The Roorkhee’s influence can also be seen in the Wassily chair, a pared-down work of tubular metal and durable canvas conceived by legendary Bauhaus instructor Marcel Breuer.
Now, 21st-century designers like Jomo Tariku and Dokter and Misses are creating pieces that recognize the contributions of African artisans to campaign furniture in order to reframe this style without overlooking its difficult past.
Find a collection of authentic antique and vintage campaign bedroom furniture, chairs, decorative objects and other pieces on 1stDibs.
Large Antique Camphor Wood Trunk, Hong Kong, 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Sensational camphor wood trunk or chest. Larger than the usual models. Interesting feature of the double lock Originally used as a travel trunk possibly on a naval or military campa...
Wood
Small 19th Century Camphor Wood Campaign Trunk
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Delightful Mid 19th Century Camphor Wood Military Campaign Trunk, Of Rare Small Proportions, Having Well Figured Lift Up Lid Enclosing Storage Space, Original Brass Bound Decoration And Original Brass Handles. Its widely accepted that trunks like this were normally purposed for army use, often given into the ownership of high ranking officers to use for their travels around the various battlegrounds and territories of the empire around the world, hence the carrying handles and the brass banded decoration, which also serves the functional purpose of protecting the item from bumps and bashes during the numerous times it would have been transported. In modern day living this trunk would make a perfect coffee table boasting signifcant storage, or could also be used as a storage chest in many locations around the home including the hallway, living room or bedroom. The trunk is also a little smaller than a large amount which yuou will find on the market, which of course allows for it to be used in an even wider variety of spaces. The trunk has also been inspected in our workshops by our expert antique...
Other
19th Century Camphorwood Marine Or Campaign Chest With Double Locks And Tray
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb 19th-century camphorwood marine chest with double locks and camphorwood tray. Double-lock chests are the rarest of all. Moreover, it is rare to find them still with their orig...
Wood
Antique English Campaign Brown Painted Wooden Military Blanket Chest Trunk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Campaign Brown Painted Wooden Military Blanket Chest Trunk. Item features cast iron hardware, tin metal lined interior, solid wood construction, brown painted distres...
Metal
$2,334 / item
Vintage-Style Pearl Leather Trunk Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
Vintage-style pearl leather trunk bench. A fully functional trunk that hinges open to reveal storage. The padded leather exterior makes it a great bench ...
Leather, Wood
Early 19th Century Leather Clad Camphor Trunk With Nail Head Trim, on Stand
Located in Peabody, MA
Leather bound camphor wood trunk on mahogany stand with cabriole legs, as found; chest featuring nailhead trim and brass binding. Working key included. Trunk measures 31 3/8" wide, ...
Brass
British Military Officer's Campaign Chest Dresser of Brass-Bound Mahogany
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome British military officer’s Campaign Ware chest of drawers or dresser, from the 19th century, featuring a patinated mahogany exterior over five drawers with brass escutcheo...
Brass, Metal
British Military Campaign Brass-Bound Cabinet or Low Table with Leather Top
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome British military officer’s Campaign Ware cabinet or low table from the early 20th century, featuring a rectangular brass-bound patinated teak exterior, with embossed leath...
Brass, Metal
Pair of Vintage Meek's Leather Campaign Luggage Trunks Side Tables Nightstands
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Pair of vintage Meek's leather campaign luggage trunks. These storage tables are black in color, standing at a height of 22.5 inches, these could be used as side tables or nightstand...
Metal
$697Sale Price|75% Off
19th century blanket chest
Located in TARBES, FR
magnificent patina for this chest, all the ironwork was made by hand, the top of the chest shows significant traces of wear and tear, see photos in Europe, until the end of the Renaissance, the chest (or ark) was an essential and versatile piece of furniture, serving both as a cupboard (laundry chest...
Oak
19th c. British Campaign Trunk of Camphor wood and brass
Located in Johns Island, SC
Large British Officers Campaign Trunk. Each side of this trunk is made of solid planks of Camphor wood which is joined by dovetail joints and brass details to protect edges. This t...
Brass
Antique Wooden Steamer Trunk with Brass Hardware and Lift-Out Tray
Located in Stafford, TX
Antique Wooden Steamer Trunk with Brass Hardware and Lift-Out Tray A beautifully preserved antique wooden steamer trunk dating to the early 20th century, showcasing classic travel-e...
Brass
Near Pair Of 19th Century Marine Chests With Double Locks
Located in Brussels, Brussels
a near pair of campaign trunks in camphor with double locks superb patina and in magnificent condition
Wood
19th Century Camphor Wood Marine / Campaign Chest
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb small navy chest or called campaign chest from the 19 century in camphor wood English navy chest with its typical fittings of this style of furniture and its carrying handles...
Wood
A Near A Pair Of 19th Century Campaign Or Marine Chests
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Charming pair of small 19th-century naval campaignchests. These beautiful little chests are ideal as side tables or bedside tables. Uncommon due to their small size. These English naval chests...
Wood
1972 Pennsylvania House Solid Cherry Campaign Style Coffee with Storage Chest
Located in Germantown, MD
A very well kept 1972 Pennsylvania House campaign style coffee table with Storage Chest in Solid Cherry throughout and panelized sides. Excellent condition with virtually no scratches. Dovetail joints and both brass handles and brass fittings in place. Storage with removable and sliding deep tray...
Brass
English Leather Bound Campaign Trunk, c. 1820-1830
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a classic British leather-bound Campaign Trunk that was created in China at the beginning of the 19th century. The trunk is constructed of camphor wood; leather bound and det...
Brass
19th Century Camphror Wood Marine Or Campaign Chest With Double Locks
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb 19th century marine or campaign chest in camphor wood with its double locks Double lock chests are the rarest. English navy chest with its brass fittings and protection typica...
Wood
French Elm CannonBall Box with Iron Hasps and Carrying Hoops
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French Elm CannonBall Box with Iron Hasps and Carrying Hoops A wonderful and very heavy piece, made in solid elm with blacksmith made iron banding, hasp locks and carrying pole hold...
Elm
Campaign Chest In Camphor Camphor Wood
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb large navy chest oe campaign chest from the beginning of the 20th century in camphor wood English navy chest with its typical fittings of this styl...
Fruitwood
Vintage Boho Leather Wrapped Campaign Trunk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Evoke a sense of timeless adventure and sophisticated heritage with this handsome vintage campaign trunk. Meticulously wrapped in rich, cognac-hued leather, this piece is beautifully...
Brass
$2,940
H 21.66 in W 55.52 in D 20.08 in
Spanish Chest or Coffer Carved Walnut, End of Bed 18th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
This antique Spanish walnut chest showcases remarkable carved workmanship typical of traditional Iberian craftsmanship. Main characteristics: The facade is divided into three ornate ...
Wrought Iron
Early 19th Century Country French Provincial Oak Coffer Trunk
Located in Astoria, NY
Early 19th-century French Provincial oak coffer from Provence, traditionally used for storing linens and household goods. This hand-crafted trunk features a rectangular lift-top lid ...
Iron
$3,747
H 24.81 in W 51.19 in D 25.99 in
circa 1800 Extra Large Antique Original Paint German Blanket Chest Coffer Trunk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning, extra large circa 1800 hand painted German clothes trunk or marriage coffer chest with Acanthus leaf painting I have recently purchased a very large collection of these original, antique painted wardrobes...
Pine
Bleached blanket chest trunk, France, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Description: This exquisite bleached oak chest blanket, crafted in France during the 1940s, is a stunning example of Gothic-inspired design. The chest combines the timeless elegance...
Oak
Pine Trunk or Blanket Chest in Original Decorative Paint
Located in Baltimore, MD
This is an interesting and unusual trunk. The construction is typically German. The bold moldings pegged into the lid edges and the heavy trim to the base, the spring-loaded lock a...
Pine
Storage Bench Decorated with Elephants
Located in Kastrup, DK
Artistic storage bench, naïve and charming in its design. Shape of elephants in amber lacquer between elephants, at the end decorated with vases and flow...
Wood
$4,443
H 27.76 in W 59.45 in D 25.6 in
1802 Dated Huge Antique Original Paint European Blanket Chest Coffer Trunk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, extra large circa 1802 dated aqua blue hand painted European clothes trunk or marriage coffer chest I have recently purchased ...
Pine
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.63 in W 20.87 in D 13.39 in
19th Century Little Chest or Coffer Teak, English
Located in Labrit, Landes
English coffer or chest made in the 19th century probably in India. The many brass parts give this item a unique style. The numerous compartments in the upper part, as well as the ...
Brass
$5,425
H 30.71 in W 49.61 in D 27.17 in
Antique 19th Century Solid Pine and Traditional Painted Bohemian Trunk or Chest
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful trunk or blanket chest was made in the mountain area of Austria in the early 19th century, circa 1820. It was completely made in solid pine by the use of traditional w...
Steel
Giuseppe Rivadossi Sculptural Carved Trunk or Bench in Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, trunk / side bench / side table, oak, Italy, 1970s Crafted in solid oak during the 1970s, this versatile trunk by Giuseppe Rivadossi exemp...
Oak
Small 19th Century French Studded Chest - Trunk
Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire
A small 19th century French studded and cloth-bound chest. Covered in the original green and white cloth decorated with brass studs and brass bound edges. Displaying a domed top, rai...
Pine
$2,529
H 16.54 in W 37.41 in D 17.72 in
19TH CENTURY ENGLISH ANTiQUE FULLY RESTORED CAMPHOR WOOD CHEST STORAGE TRUNK
Located in Pulborough, GB
Antiques of London 19th Century English Antique Fully Restored Camphor Wood Chest / Storage Trunk A beautiful 19th century English antique camphor wood chest / storage trunk, fu...
Hardwood
19th Century China Trade Brass Bound Camphor Wood Sea Chest
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century China Trade Brass Bound Camphor Wood Sea Chest, second half 19th Century, a hand crafted and dovetailed solid plank camphor wood chest with brass-bound corners, inset br...
Wood
19th Century Antique English Camphor Wood Chest with Brass Trim
Located in New York, NY
This English camphor wood chest was hand-crafted in the 19th Century. The wood has aged beautifully over the years, with an overall smooth external surface that has a warm burnt-oran...
Brass
19th Century Camphor Wood Campaign Chest
Located in New York, NY
Hand-crafted in the 19th Century, this English campaign chest is made of sturdy camphor wood with brass mounts and hardware. The wood has aged beautifully over the years. It has a ri...
Brass
Sold
H 18 in W 33 in D 16.5 in
British Campaign Camphor Wood Sea Chest, Trunk or Coffee Table, Early 1900's
Located in Nantucket, MA
An early 1900's British Campaign sea chest in a rare camphor wood. Brass hasp added and polished brass strap corners typical of the genre. Used to transport silks and fabrics back ...
Wood
Antique English Pine Blanket Chest With Drawer
Located in Centennial, CO
A beautiful, classic antique circa 1900 English pine blanket chest with old brass hardware. The bottom drawer makes this chest particularly functional. Old campaign style brass pulls...
Brass
Sold
H 18 in W 34 in D 17 in
British Campaign Camphor Wood Sea Chest, Trunk or Coffee Table, Early 1900's
Located in Nantucket, MA
An early 1900's British Campaign sea chest in a rare camphor wood. Brass hasp added and polished brass strap corners typical of the genre. Used to transport silks and fabrics back ...
Wood
Sarried Brass Trunk
By Sarried Ltd.
Located in Winnetka, IL
This is a two drawer brass chest with copper nailheads on bun wood feet in good vintage condition. The brass could use some brasso cream but would lighten the brass
Brass
19th Century British Officer's Camphor Wood Brass Campaign Trunk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Large late 19th century British officers campaign trunk or chest crafted from camphor wood. The gorgeous chest features patinated brass clad banding, large handles, brass mounts, hin...
Brass
19th Century Brass Bound Wood Campaign Trunk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
19th Century Brass Bound Campaign Trunk / Chest. Beautiful desirable patina.
Brass, Iron
Sold
H 19 in W 40 in D 20 in
Camphor Wood Campaign Trunk/Chest with Brass Fittings & Carrying Handles 1880
Located in Sherborne, GB
Large late 19th century, well figured camphor chest of rich colour, with brass bindings, carrying handles to each side. This chest would make an excellent coffee table, doubling up a...
Brass, Other
Sold
H 17 in W 32.5 in D 16.25 in
An English 19th Century Mahogany Campaign Trunk/Chest with Brass Detailing
Located in San Francisco, CA
the rectangular hinged lid fitted with a flush-mounted handle over a conforming body flanked by solid brass bail handles; all resting on a later detached stand; adorned overall with ...
Mahogany
Sold
H 17.75 in W 27.5 in D 15.5 in
Vintage Campaign Style Brass Banded Camphor Trunk Blanket Storage Chest 28"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th century campaign style camphor chest. Features a rectangular frame with brass banded hand hardware and traditional campaign / anglo indian recessed pulls along the front. ...
Brass