British Field Marshal's Campaign Desk

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British Field Marshal's Campaign Desk

About the Item

This extraordinary and rare English desk is an impeccable example of English Campaign furniture. Crafted of mahogany, this compact desk was given to Field Marshal Sir Henry Wylie Norman, a British Colonial administrator and senior officer of the Indian Army. His talent for diplomacy earned him membership on the Council of India, and the governorship of Jamaica and later Queensland, Australia. His military prowess combined with his strong support of colonial rights earned him the respect of the citizens in the British territories he oversaw, and this remarkable piece of furniture befits a man of such distinction. This desk opens to reveal a portable secretaire administrative station, complete with the writing surface, clearly labelled drawers, a working postal scale and numerous filing slots. Also contained within are playing cards and a bar set of cut-glass decanters and tumblers for after-work relaxation. A mechanical marvel, this desk was also perfect for concealing a wealth of secrets. If one triggers latches hidden behind the lower drawers, the side panels descend to reveal hidden drawers and a working safe. The expansion of the British Empire during the 18th-19th centuries resulted in the production of Campaign furnishings that proved to be stylish, practical, and some of the fascinating pieces ever created. Also, known as "knock-down furniture," Campaign pieces were as elegant as any of their non-traveling counterparts but could be taken apart and re-assembled quickly without tools. As British officers of the higher ranks went on Campaign in Africa or India, they expected to live much the same as they did in England, with the same or similar amenities. Thus, many furniture makers began to design furniture that was sophisticated, sturdy and able to be used in a range of settings. Made out of high-quality materials, Campaign furniture soon became popular with the landed gentry of Britain. To find such an exceptional example of this revolutionary type of furniture, in such wonderful condition, is extraordinary. Marked "Field Marshal Henry Norman" on interior cover. English, circa 1902 Measures: 28 1/4" wide x 17 1/2" deep x 44 3/4" high.

Dimensions:
Height: 44.75 in (113.67 cm)Width: 28.25 in (71.76 cm)Depth: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)
Style:
Campaign (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Mahogany
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1902
Condition:
Seller Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 30-48401stDibs: LU89116581993