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Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

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
Mid 20th Century British Royal Navy Brass Bound Oak Grog Barrel w/Brass Letters
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
British Naval oak grog barrel or tub, used aboard British ships. The tapered barrel of staved oak with three brass bands. The ‘Royal Toast’, in large brass...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Marching Military Soldiers Mechanical Toy
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Antique mechanical toy ambitiously crafted with a metal mechanism moved by a crank in the back, sending civil war union soldiers, carved in pine...
Category

Early 20th Century American Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

English Campaign Trunk of Brass-Bound Leather and Camphor Wood, circa 1820
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome medium-sized British officer's military Campaign camphor trunk or chest of brass-bound and studded leather over camphor wood, circa 1820. Manufactured by the British East India...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Metal

Brass Campaign Style Vintage Telescope
Located in North York, ON
Capture a touch of historical adventure with this vintage brass campaign-style telescope. Its brass casing boasts a unique, beautifully worn patina, telling a silent story of time an...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Brass

Early 20th Century Brass Mounted Mahogany Benson & Hedges Campaign Style Humidor
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Early 20th century Benson and Hedges mahogany humidor with brass detail in the style of 19th century English campaign furniture. The large mahogany box...
Category

Early 20th Century English Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Zinc

Vintage Military Campaign Used Ammunition Box from Ww2 Stunning Period Patina
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this period Military Campaign used, WW2 Ammo box with all the original patina I have two of these for sale, the second piece is listed under my ...
Category

20th Century European Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Symbolic Turkish Sivas Carpet
Located in New York, NY
A highly inspiring directional Turkish sivas carpet woven for the Turkish government. Inscribed is the name of the regime at the time, "OSMANI". You also see the same elements seen in the Turkish flag...
Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wool

Diminutive 19th C Globe on Stand by Rand McNally
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional antique globe on stand, by Rand McNally. The 6” diameter globe is supported by the half circle brass meridian, which is mounted t...
Category

19th Century American Antique Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

WW2 1939-1945 8th Battalion the Durham Hd Hq Wing Military Campaign Chest Trunk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this stunning small Military Campaign Chest with the original label that states 8th Battalion The Durham HD GR wing The label has the privates name on which is...
Category

1930s English Vintage Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Vintage Gulf War Military Campaign Used Ammunition Bomb Box Period Patiia
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this period Military Campaign used, Gulf War Bomb Ammo box with all the original patina. I have two of these for sale, the second piece is liste...
Category

20th Century European Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Vintage Monumental WWII American Wood Light Aircraft Carrier Made by Sailors
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this huge, Vintage WWII American wooden deck light Aircraft carrier, reputedly made by Sailors moored in the Solent...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century British Officer's Campaign Bed with Original Storage Chest
Located in Stamford, CT
Late 19th century British Army officer's painted pine campaign chest containing original steel & brass campaign bed. Stand is modern as is bed canva...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Vintage World Map Mirror Based on the Original by Johnson 1882 Military Campaign
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Antique style pictorial plan map of the globe based on the original by Johnson in 1882 This is a very interesting and decorative pie...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mirror

WW2 SILVER PLATED ROYAL CANADiAN ORDNANCE CORPS BADGE ON CIGARETTE CASE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely WW2 silver plated Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps A very good looking well-made vintage piece, it...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Plate

BRITISH CAMPAIGN & GALLANTRY MEDALS DiSPLAY PICTURE VERY DECORATIVE EXAMPLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very decorative display case housing multiple medals for Britich Campaign & Gallantry Please note the...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Related Items
Antique Mounted Taxidermy Loon on Naturalistic Base, Early 20th Century Bird
Located in Bristol, GB
Antique Stuffed Aquatic Bird After a few trips around the naturalistic community, we have settled on a loon. Mounted somewhat like a penguin a tad more ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Feathers, Natural Fiber

English Trunk in Leather and Canvas with Brass Locks
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful leather and canvas trunk with brass locks and fittings. It has two leather handles on the sides and one on the front part. England, Late 19th Century. It has unusual brass ...
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1890s English Antique Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

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Brass

Antique English WW1 Military Issued Compass - 1917
Located in Bath, GB
A good nickel plated WW1 British Officers Military Pocket Compass engraved on the lid with the war office crow's foot mark and dated 1917 The hunter cased pocket compass has an attr...
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1910s British Vintage Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

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Antique Jewelry Box Art Deco Period
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful antique Art Deco period jewelry box, styled by Jacques Kreisler, circa early-20th Century, New York, New York. Box is an aubergine ...
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Early 20th Century Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Antique Jewelry Box Art Deco Period
Antique Jewelry Box Art Deco Period
H 1.25 in W 4.5 in D 2.38 in
Vintage WW2 Era Genco "Four Aces" Military Pilot Pinball Machine Back Glass
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage back glass was made by Genco of the United States for their 'Four Aces" military inspired pinball arcade game. The back glass is presumably silk screened in multiple col...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass

WW2 Sterling Silver Vintage Dunhill Military Trench Service Lighter
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This sterling vintage Dunhill Service Lighter, crafted from 925 sterling silver, dates back to the World War II era and was made in the USA. Known as a trench or military lighter, it...
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1940s American Vintage Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

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Silver

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brass Hanukkah Lamp Menorah
Located in New York, NY
Cast enameled brass Hanukkah Lamp Menorah, Israel, circa 1950. In a form of nine Maccabees holding the candles, the Servant light (Shamash) with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

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Brass

Lot of 61 Britains Toy Soldiers Deetail Scots Guards Highlanders Band Mounties
Located in Dayton, OH
Lot of 61 circa 1960s - 1970s Deetail plastic toy soldiers by Britain Ltd. Lot includes Royal Canadian Mounties (two on horseback), Scots Guards, Scottish Highlanders including pipes and drums (one on horseback), and seven guardhouses. "The "W. Britain" brand name of toy and collectable soldiers is derived from a company founded by William Britain Jr., a British toy manufacturer, who in 1893 invented the process of hollow casting in lead, and revolutionized the production of toy soldiers. In 1907 the family proprietorship, William Britain & Sons, incorporated as "Britains, Ltd". The Britain family controlled the firm until 1984 when it was sold to a British conglomerate, Dobson Park Industries. They combined the operations with an existing line of toys and renamed the company Britains Petite, Ltd. In the early 1950s Britains was associated with W. Horton Toys and Games which made the die-cast Lilliput ranges of small-scale, rather generic, cars and trucks and other vehicles. In 1959, Britains acquired Herald Miniatures which produced plastic figures designed by Roy Selwyn-Smith. In the 1950s, besides soldiers, a variety of vehicles began to appear, mostly in the military field. In 1966 safety regulations in the United Kingdom combined with rising costs halted the production of lead toy soldiers. Britains shifted most production of Herald plastic to Hong Kong from 1966. In 1971 Britains started Deetail plastic figures with metal bases that were initially manufactured in England but later outsourced to China. In 1973 Britains introduced New Metal models, which are die cast in a durable alloy. Initially these sets were aimed at the British souvenir market. In 1983 Britains responded to a growing collectors' market by introducing additional models and limited edition sets. In 1997, Britains Petite, Ltd was bought by Ertl Company of Iowa, a maker of die-cast toys. Ertl was subsequently bought by RC2 LLC, another American die-cast miniature and plastic kit maker. At this time, production of toy soldiers was moved to China. In 2011, Japanese-headquartered toy company Tomy acquired RC2 which included the Britains die-cast farm miniatures range. In 2005, the W. Britains brand was acquired by First Gear...
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Mid-20th Century Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

Early 20th Century Moroccan Brass Hanukkah Lamp Menorah
Located in New York, NY
Hanging brass Hanukkah Lamp Menorah, Morocco, circa 1900. Decorated with openwork, engravings, and with figures of birds on both sides. Made of heavy cast brass, the backplate is pi...
Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Link of British Royal Navy Chain
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid brass minesweeper chain. This is a segment of a stud link English Navy. Non-magnetic brass alloy chain. Highly polished and lacquered. Genuine piece of history and quite decora...
Category

1950s English Vintage Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

1930s Austrian Horse Toy
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Beautiful 1930s Austrian horse toy. Wonderful patina.
Category

1920s Austrian Vintage Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bentwood

1930s Austrian Horse Toy
1930s Austrian Horse Toy
H 25 in W 29 in D 9 in
Lot of 62 Britains Vietnam War Toy Soldiers Land Rover Jeep Artillery Boat
Located in Dayton, OH
Lot of 62 late 1960s-1970s toy soldiers, weapons and vehicles by Britains Ltd. Lot includes: 47 total soldiers (mostly plastic with metal bases, three all plastic, and two in Jeep metal), 13 guns / cannons / pieces of artillery (one by Crescent Toy Co.), one boat, and one Land Rover. "The "W. Britain" brand name of toy and collectable soldiers is derived from a company founded by William Britain Jr., a British toy manufacturer, who in 1893 invented the process of hollow casting in lead, and revolutionized the production of toy soldiers. In 1907 the family proprietorship, William Britain & Sons, incorporated as "Britains, Ltd". The Britain family controlled the firm until 1984 when it was sold to a British conglomerate, Dobson Park Industries. They combined the operations with an existing line of toys and renamed the company Britains Petite, Ltd. In the early 1950s Britains was associated with W. Horton Toys and Games which made the die-cast Lilliput ranges of small-scale, rather generic, cars and trucks and other vehicles. In 1959, Britains acquired Herald Miniatures which produced plastic figures designed by Roy Selwyn-Smith. In the 1950s, besides soldiers, a variety of vehicles began to appear, mostly in the military field. In 1966 safety regulations in the United Kingdom combined with rising costs halted the production of lead toy soldiers. Britains shifted most production of Herald plastic to Hong Kong from 1966. In 1971 Britains started Deetail plastic figures with metal bases that were initially manufactured in England but later outsourced to China. In 1973 Britains introduced New Metal models, which are die cast in a durable alloy. Initially these sets were aimed at the British souvenir market. In 1983 Britains responded to a growing collectors' market by introducing additional models and limited edition sets. In 1997, Britains Petite, Ltd was bought by Ertl Company of Iowa, a maker of die-cast toys. Ertl was subsequently bought by RC2 LLC, another American die-cast miniature and plastic kit maker. At this time, production of toy soldiers was moved to China. In 2011, Japanese-headquartered toy company Tomy acquired RC2 which included the Britains die-cast farm miniatures range. In 2005, the W. Britains brand was acquired by First Gear...
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Mid-20th Century Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Previously Available Items
British Campaign Furniture Elegance under Canvas 1740-1914 - Brawer, 2001 Abrams
By Harry N. Abrams
Located in Rochester, NY
British Campaign Furniture - Elegance under Canvas 1740-1914, Nicholoas A. Brawer - 2001 Harry N. Abrams Inc., Publishers. Gilt decorated hard cover brown cloth w/ dustjacket. A grou...
Category

Early 2000s American Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

1947 Hand Painted Premier British Royal Airforce Drum with Royal Coat of Arms
Located in Morristown, NJ
1947 England, a hand painted Premier Percussion British Royal Air Force drum. The drum has been painted with a black main body, a richly colored royal coat of arms and the motto of t...
Category

1940s English Vintage Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Animal Skin, Paint, Rope, Leather

19th Century Military Telescope In Leather And Brass
Located in Brussels, Brussels
telescope from the English army of the 19th century engraved Military in brass and leather telescope with 3 draws of 63cm deployed The handle is in leather and of good quality and ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

British Military Officer's Campaign Chest of Brass-Bound Teak
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English military officer’s Campaign Ware chest, from the 19th century, featuring a handsome teak exterior, showing two short drawers over three long drawers. The brass-bound c...
Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Brass

Davidoff Humidor Mahogany and Brass Case Rosewood Interior No 4. Campaign Style
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Davidoff Humidor mahogany and brass case rosewood interior no 4. Campaign Style. Item features a removable tray, cigar cutter, rosewood interior, adju...
Category

Late 20th Century Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

19th Century Mahogany Campaign Chair
Located in Sherborne, GB
Unusual mid-19th century campaign chair which completely disassembled into seven parts. The legs unscrew, the back can then be removed leaving the seat frame and pad in two parts. Th...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Mahogany Campaign Chair
19th Century Mahogany Campaign Chair
H 32.68 in W 18.12 in D 21.26 in
Field Surgeons Post Mortem Instruments Cased Set Civil War, Mid-19th Century
Located in London, GB
Post-mortem surgical set, c.1860. Most likely used in the civil war, complete includes all original instruments.
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

WWI Vintage Medical Dentist Outfit
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
WWI vintage medical dentist outfit A rare piece, the outer is in strong canvas on a wicker body with a wooden lid The case is marked with a red cross and labeled "Fd. Dental Out...
Category

Early 20th Century Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Canvas

WWI Vintage Medical Dentist Outfit
WWI Vintage Medical Dentist Outfit
H 15 in W 32 in D 16 in
19th Century English Mahogany Campaign Travel Lap Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
19th century English campaign travel lap desk. Rectangular form constructed out of mahogany with corner and banded brass accenting. Central inlaid b...
Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

British Military Officer's Brass-Bound Campaign Chest of Mahogany
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English military officer’s Campaign Ware chest, featuring a handsome mahogany exterior, showing two short drawers over three long drawers. The brass-bound chest, in two parts...
Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Brass

World Map Silver Leaf Print Based on Original Willem Blaeu Wall Map 1571-1638
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Antique style pictorial plan map of the globe based on the original Willem Blaeu 1571-1638 engraved in silver leaf foil This is a v...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Leaf

World Map Silver Leaf Print Based on the Original Johnson 1882 Military Campaign
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique style pictorial plan map of the globe based on the original by Johnson in 1882 engraved in silver leaf foil I have a few va...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Leaf

Campaign collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Campaign collectibles and curiosities 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 collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, case pieces and storage cabinets, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Campaign collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Europe, England, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include Jones Brothers & Co., Benson & Hedges, and Harry N. Abrams. 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 collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $125 and tops out at $11,887 while the average work can sell for $1,278.

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