Campaign Decorative Boxes
CAMPAIGN STYLE
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.
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Style: Campaign
Victorian Military Campaign Burr Walnut, Brass Writing Slope & Leather Interior
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Antique British Military Campaign 19th Century Burr Walnut & Brass Bound Writing Slope With Ebonized Trim.
The Interior Features a tooled Blue Leather Scriver, A Single Glass Inkwell...
Category
19th Century British Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
19th Century J J Mechi Mahogany Writing Slope Befit with a Pair of Inkwells
By John Joseph Mechi
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Exquisite English craftsmanship from the early 19th century a mahogany writing slope befit with A black velvet interior & A pair of glass inkwells by J J Mechi of No 4, Leadenhall St...
Category
19th Century British Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Military Campaign Walnut Brass Bound Double Watch Winder Box for Rolex, Omega
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Military Campaign Walnut Brass Bound Box With Fitted Velvet Interior
A bespoke watch winder box for the watch aficionado, hand finished & fitted with...
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Large Antique Campaign Calamander And Brass Writing Box. English C.1860
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful calamander writing box or slope
Fabulous colour and figure in the wood
Fine brass hardware
Working secret drawers
New leather
With Key
Category
1860s English Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
19th Century brass bound mahogany writing slope
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century brass bound mahogany writing slope circa 1890.
Good quality brass bound box slope made in mahogany. Inscribed brass plaque shows that this was presented to a mr james ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Antique English Mahogany Campaign Style Lap Desk Writing Box
Located in Forney, TX
A lovely antique English mahogany campaign style travel desk / writing slope box with beautifully aged warm rich patina. circa 1825
Commonly used by military officers in the field, ...
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Antique Campaign Correspondence Box, Indian, Colonial Writing Case, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Campaign correspondence box. An Anglo-Indian, teak and brass bound Colonial traveller's writing case, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1880.
Captivati...
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Campaign Box Carved Gentleman's British Army WW2 Regimental Arms
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Campaign Box Carved Gentleman's British Army WW2 Regimental Arms
Beautifully stylized and masterfully carved wooden box of floral and fruit foliage bas-rel...
Category
19th Century British Indian Ocean Territory Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Fruitwood
Charming Campaign Box in Camphor with hidden drawers from the 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Charming Campaign Box in Camphor with hidden drawers with details in brass and a mirror inside. From the 19th Century. Nice patina. Key is missing.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Military Campaign Burr Walnut & Brass Bound Writing Slope With Leather Interior
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Antique British Military Campaign 19th Century Burr Walnut & Brass Bound Writing Slope With Ebonized Trim.
The Interior Features a tooled Blue Leather Scriver, A Single Glass Inkwell, A Handcrafted Exquisite Gift For The Writing Enthusiast.
Item will include new notepad pad, Quill pen (modern), and one single glass inkwell and Ink Pen and Lockable Key
Antique lap...
Category
19th Century British Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
19C Irish Coromandel Wood Campaign Decanter Box
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A STUNNING 19C Irish Coromandel Wood Campaign Decanter Box.
STUNNING mid-Victorian Decanter box from circa 1860-1880.
Made in Dublin...
Category
19th Century Irish Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Crystal, Silver, Brass
19th Century English Victorian Campaign Style Travel Desk Writing Box
Located in Forney, TX
A antique Victorian era English campaign style brass bound mahogany portable lap desk / writing slope with nicely aged patina. circa 1850
Commonly used by military officers in the f...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
19th Century Mahogany Writing Slope Befit with a Pair of Inkwells by J J Mechi
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Exquisite craftsmanship from the early 19th century a Mahogany writing slope befit with A black velvet interior & A pair of glass inkwells by J J Mechi of No 4, Leadenhall Street, City of London, circa 1830s
Would make an ideal gift for the writing enthusiast or London historian.
Item has lever action hidden compartment.
Has an oval front brass plaque ideal for engraving a message if the item is a gift.
Comes with the original heavy metal topped inkwells and notepad, modern quill and stand.Other items are shown for illustrative purposes.
Alderman John Joseph Mechi (1802–1880) was a silversmith, banker, inventor and Alderman of the City of London. He experimented with new farming methods on his estate at Tiptree in Essex.
Mechi was born in London 22 May 1802, the third son of Giacomo Mechi, a citizen of Bologna, who had settled in England early in life, was naturalised, and obtained a post at Kensington Palace in the household of George III. His mother was Elizabeth, daughter of J. Beyer of Poland Street, London. John at the age of sixteen was placed as a clerk in a house in Walbrook, trading with Newfoundland, a job he had for ten years. In 1828 he set up on his own account as a cutler in a small workshop at 130 Leadenhall Street, from where he removed to No. 4 in the same street in 1830. Between 1830 and 1840 he made his fortune through the 'magic razor strop' which bears his name After the Crimean war and a fashion for beards, sales declined. On 10 November 1840 he took out a patent for 'improvements in apparatus to be applied to lamps in order to carry off heat and the products of consumption'. This was for the external shop-window lamps...
Category
19th Century British Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
19th Century English Gentleman's Mahogany and Brass Campaign Jewelry Box
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
High quality English mahogany and brass fine jewelry box that was likely used for stationary as well. Attention to detail, originality and surviving k...
Category
1870s English Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
English Zebra Wood Military Campaign Writing Desk, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
English zebra wood military campaign writing desk with brass bound molded edges, original recessed side handles, fitted leather interior with tooling and retains the original crystal ink wells...
Category
1820s American Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Crystal, Brass
19th C. English Campaign Style Mahogany Travel Desk by G. Riddle, London
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A finely crafted travel desk by a noted British maker of boxes. The campaign style box has shaped brass corners, tabs, a lid plaque, center front escutcheon, and classic encased side...
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
English Campaign Style Rosewood Brass Inlaid Lap Desk, circa 1850
Located in San Francisco, CA
A fine quality brass inlaid Campaign style traveling desk with a recessed brass handle engraved with the name of its owner, Anne Orten. The piece opens to reveal a velvet lined writi...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
British Campaign Royalty Leather Traveling Trunk, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
British Campaign water proof leather traveling trunk with leather fitted interior compartment, brass banding mounts, Royal coat of arms brass plate, brass side handles, and retains t...
Category
1820s English Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Storage Chest or Jewelry Box by Designer Rae Kasian
By Roe Kasian
Located in New York, NY
A relatively large rich dark red burgundy lacquer storage chest box with metal detail by designer Rae Kasian, circa late-20th century, 1980s, 1990s. Box is ...
Category
Late 20th Century Korean Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal
Military Campaign Walnut Brass Bound Double Watch Winder Box for Rolex, Omega
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Military Campaign Walnut Brass Bound Box With Fitted Velvet Interior
A bespoke watch winder box for the watch aficionado, hand finished & fitted with a ...
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
19th C. Rosewood Brass Bound
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Handsome Campaign Style Box with nice deep color and decorative brass mounts, top medallion and escutcheon (lacking a key). The inside lid and sides lined in dark green velvet, the bottom with vintage printed paper...
Category
19th Century Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
19th Century Campaign Vanity Dressing or Jewelry Box with Boule Inlay
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Campaign vanity dressing box with boule inlay.
Lia.
Category
1890s Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Set of 3 Vintage woven wicker picking basket
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Set of 3 Vintage woven wicker picking basket
Wear consistent with age and use
Wabi Sabi - Vintage - Decoration
Measures : 96cmx40cm H27cm
Materials : Woven wicker - wood
Category
1970s Vintage Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bentwood
Leather and Silver Decorative Box
Located in Miami, FL
Designed exclusively by Urban Art, offered is a decorative box comprised of a black python exterior and embellished with sterling silver hardware and an Afghani silver and Lapis Lazu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
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French Walnut Burr Campaign Writing Slope Brass Inlay 19th C
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An exceptionally fine quality example of an early 19th century burr wood campaign writing slope, in beautifully grained burl, with polished brass inlaid, of French origin. Opening to...
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Large Malachite Box 7" Gemstone Jewelry Box
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This magnificent, large 4.15 lb malachite box is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and the inherent beauty of fine-grade gemstone malachite. The carefully selected stone displ...
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Antique 19th century English Mahogany veneered leather inlaid brown writing box
Located in Casteren, NL
On offer here is an elegant English mahogany writing box dating back to the late 19th century, around 1880. The box, with gently rounded upper corners, was crafted from solid pine wood and then veneered with rich mahogany. At the center of the lid, there is an inlaid oval piece of mother-of-pearl, complemented by a matching mother-of-pearl escutcheon surrounding the keyhole. The box retains its original hinges, locks, and key, all in excellent working condition.
When opened, this sophisticated writing box reveals a sloped leather writing surface, crafted from green-dyed sheepskin leather and adorned with a decorative gold-leaf border. The writing surface folds open on both sides, offering hidden storage space beneath for letters and documents.
This writing box has been gently cleaned in our workshop, ensuring it is pristine, complete, and fully functional—a timeless piece of craftsmanship ready to be admired and used.
An English mahogany writing box, also known as a writing slope or lap desk, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. These portable writing desks were essential for both personal and professional use, especially during a time when travel and correspondence were becoming increasingly important.
Initially, writing boxes were made from oak and often featured intricate carvings. However, by the late 18th century, mahogany became the preferred material due to its durability and attractive appearance[1]. These boxes were designed to be both functional and stylish, often featuring brass fittings, secret...
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Mahogany
H 5.91 in W 14.97 in D 10.24 in
Moroccan Fabric Bound Box With Brass Mounts
Located in Stamford, CT
Moroccan box covered with a striped textile, with wonderful brass mounts on the corners and sides, and a beautifully decorated brass clasp. Great little 'treasure chest' or decorativ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Fabric
Antique Anglo-Indian Fluted Writing Box With Secret Drawers. Early 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful writing box made from a tropical hardwood
Fabulous shape and plain fluted carving. It gives it a modernist appearance
Probably Sri Lankan
3 secret drawers*
Replaced lea...
Category
Early 19th Century Sri Lankan Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
H 5.5 in W 16 in D 9 in
Antique 19th Century Victorian Birdseye Maple Traveling Writing Slope Box
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique dark birds eye maple writing slope with brass M monogram plate on top with green felt lining and multiple interior storage compartments finishe...
Category
19th Century Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Felt, Birdseye Maple, Ebony
19th Century English Victorian Campaign Style Travel Desk Writing Box
Located in Forney, TX
A antique Victorian era English campaign style brass bound mahogany portable lap desk / writing slope with nicely aged patina. circa 1850
Commonly used by military officers in the f...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Rare English Regency Writing Desk With Decorative Brass Trim by Wells & Lambe
By John Lambe
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Beautiful Handcrafted 19th Century Hardwood Veneer Writing Slope With A Tooled Purple Leather Writing Liner. Item Featured Brass Carry Handles & Is Finished With A Decorative Brass...
Category
19th Century British Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
H 4.93 in W 14.18 in D 9.85 in
Antique English Walnut Military Campaign Chest or Lap Desk with Brass Mounts
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique campaign box is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from England and date to approximately 1820 and done in the period Victoria...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
H 8 in W 18.5 in D 10.75 in
Antique Walnut Brass Bound Writing Box
Located in Ipswich, GB
Offered for sale is this Victorian antique walnut brass bound writing box with internal leather lined writing slope, comes with working key.
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Previously Available Items
Exquisite Victorian Rosewood & Leather Tooled Writing Slope, Inkwell and Pen
Located in Reading, Berkshire
19th Century Rosewood handcrafted exquisite writing slope with tooled leather, fitted interior befit with original glass inkwells and secret compartment.
Would make an ideal gift for the writing enthusiast.
Item will include pad, Quill pen (modern) and antique propelling pencil...
Category
19th Century British Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
H 5.52 in W 16.15 in D 9.65 in
Antique Campaign Decanter Box, Coromandel With Brass Fittings, 19th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE CAMPAIGN DECANTER BOX
Made from coromandel with brass strap work fittings and flush handles typical of campaign furniture of the time.
A ...
Category
19th Century British Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
H 11.03 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
Vintage Campaign Style Wood and Brass Box
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a timeless campaign-style wood box, gracefully adorned with brass inlays, circa the 1950s. The exterior of the box reveals the natural beauty of the woo...
Category
Early 20th Century English Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Fine Antique Regency Rosewood Inlaid Brass Campaign Writing Box Desk Slope 1830
Located in Portland, OR
A very fine quality Rosewood & inlaid brass Campaign writing desk box, circa 1830.
The box made from the finest figured rosewood and inlaid with brass...
Category
1830s English Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
H 6 in W 16 in D 10 in
Anglo Indian Amboyna Campaign Writing Box
Located in Northampton, GB
Brass Bounded
From our Writing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Anglo Indian Amboyna Campaign Writing Box. The Writing Box of slim re...
Category
Early 19th Century Indian Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Royal American Regiment 1756–1763 Brass Bound Military Campaign Writing Slope
Located in Reading, Berkshire
19th Century The Kings Royal Rifle Corps Oak Brass Bound Military Campaign Writing Slope
The King's Royal Rifle Corps was an infantry rifle regiment of the British Army that was originally raised in British North America as the Royal American Regiment during the phase of the Seven Years' War in North America known in the United States as 'The French and Indian War...
Category
19th Century British Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
H 6.19 in W 15.56 in D 9.34 in
Mid 19th Century Rosewood Brass Bound Hand Crafted Exquisite Writing Slope
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Mid 19th Century Rosewood Brass Bound Hand Crafted Exquisite Writing Slope With Red Velvet Fitted Interior Befit With A Glass Inkwell, Pad, & Pen
#21
Would make an ideal gift for...
Category
19th Century British Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
H 4.73 in W 11.82 in D 8.86 in
Early 20th Century Japanese Writing Box Travel Desk
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce antique, circa 1900, Japanese black lacquered wood writing slope / travel desk / document box.
Born in Japan in the early 20th century, influenced by English Colonial Re...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Exquisite Victorian Rosewood & Leather Tooled Writing Slope, Inkwell and Pen
Located in Reading, Berkshire
19th Century Rosewood handcrafted exquisite writing slope with tooled leather, fitted interior befit with original glass inkwells and secret compartment.
Would make an ideal gift for the writing enthusiast.
Item will include pad, Quill pen (modern) and antique propelling pencil...
Category
19th Century British Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
H 5.52 in W 16.15 in D 9.65 in
Victorian Military Campaign Brass Bound Mahogany Writing Slope with Accessories
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Victorian Military Campaign brass bound mahogany and brass writing slope with black leather tooled Interior and secret compartment.
Made in 1800s #11
Features a blank brass front shield ideal for engraving
This writing slope comes befit with various accessories:
Two Glass inkwells
One vintage Ink Pen
One modern notebook
Items might slightly differ from what's depicted in the images
Antique lap desks...
Category
19th Century British Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
H 6.11 in W 15.75 in D 9.26 in
19th Century Burr Walnut Handcrafted Exquisite Writing Slope with Brass Inlay
Located in Reading, Berkshire
19th Century Burr Walnut Handcrafted Exquisite Writing Slope With Brass Inlay
A handcrafted exquisite writing slope with tooled leather fitted interior befit with a glass inkwell
Would make an ideal gift for the writing enthusiast.
Item will include pad, quill (modern) and stand and inkwell.
Antique lap desks...
Category
19th Century British Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
H 4.73 in W 11.82 in D 8.86 in
Victorian Burr Walnut Writing Slope With Oxblood Leather & Ebonised Interior.
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Beautiful 19th Century, Victorian Burr Walnut Writing Slope With Oxblood Leather Tooled, and Ebonised Interior & Writing Accessories, With a secret compartment for letters etc. - 1800s
Included in the sale.
A notepad
A Vintage fountain pen...
Category
19th Century British Antique Campaign Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
H 6.3 in W 15.75 in D 10.24 in
Campaign decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Campaign decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, tables, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Campaign decorative boxes made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative boxes, popular names associated with this style include and Roe Kasian. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $350 and tops out at $6,800 while the average work can sell for $2,030.