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Campaign Chairs

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
American of Martinsville Campaign Light Wood & Cane Dining Chairs 2 Arm & 2 Side
American of Martinsville Campaign Light Wood & Cane Dining Chairs 2 Arm & 2 Side

American of Martinsville Campaign Light Wood & Cane Dining Chairs 2 Arm & 2 Side

By American of Martinsville

Located in Topeka, KS

Stunning set of 4 modern campaign style dining chairs 2 Arm and 2 side chairs comprised of beautiful light hardwood, radio weave cane seat backs, and fabric covered seats. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. The caning has been replaced in one chair back. Seat fabric has been professionally cleaned but most will want to reupholster, and they have been priced accordingly. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1970’s. “Well excuse me, but I think you’ve got my chair….” Oh wait…that’s a George Straight song!! Well, actually, we DO have just the chairs for you!!! This is a wonderful set of American of Martinsville campaign style dining chairs. We have 4 to offer you 2 side and 2 armchairs comprised of gorgeous light hardwood frames, and fabulous radio weave cane tall, slender seat backs. There is a lovely brass colored trim accent on the back of the chairs framing the cane and right now the seat cushions wear a beige or taupe basket weave pattern fabric, but we’ve priced them so you can reupholster with a fabric of your choice. This is a GORGEOUS dining chair set and will look amazing under your modern, Hollywood Regency, or campaign style dining table...

Category

Late 20th Century American Campaign Chairs

Materials

Cane, Wood

A Folding Safari Chair With Stitched Tan Leather Straps & Seat Faux Bamboo Legs
A Folding Safari Chair With Stitched Tan Leather Straps & Seat Faux Bamboo Legs

A Folding Safari Chair With Stitched Tan Leather Straps & Seat Faux Bamboo Legs

By Maison Jansen

Located in Reading, Berkshire

A Faux Bamboo & Stitched Tan Leather Folding Campaign Safari Chair With Sling Arms & Brass Mounts Havana Teak and Faux Bamboo & Brass Folding Chair in the style of Maiso...

Category

Mid-20th Century British Campaign Chairs

Materials

Brass

Vintage Kaare Klint Style Canvas, Leather and Wood Safari Chair and Ottoman
Vintage Kaare Klint Style Canvas, Leather and Wood Safari Chair and Ottoman

Vintage Kaare Klint Style Canvas, Leather and Wood Safari Chair and Ottoman

By Kaare Klint

Located in Morristown, NJ

Vintage 20th c., Kaare Klint style wood, canvas, and leather safari style campaign chair and ottoman, unmarked. A practical, organic, comfortable, stylish and practical chair and ott...

Category

1980s Scandinavian Vintage Campaign Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Maison Jansen Style Brass Director Chairs
Pair of Maison Jansen Style Brass Director Chairs

Pair of Maison Jansen Style Brass Director Chairs

By Maison Jansen

Located in Locust Valley, NY

A pair of Maison Jansen style campaign director chairs, blending neoclassical sophistication with timeless campaign design. Inspired by the refined aesthetic of Maison Jansen, these ...

Category

Late 20th Century Campaign Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of French Campaign-Style Leather Folding Chairs with Faux-Bamboo Frames
Pair of French Campaign-Style Leather Folding Chairs with Faux-Bamboo Frames

Pair of French Campaign-Style Leather Folding Chairs with Faux-Bamboo Frames

Located in North Miami, FL

These wonderfully authentic pair of French Campaign-Style Leather Folding Chairs with Faux-Bamboo Frames in red and black. Featuring brass caps to feet and finials. Leather is ALL ...

Category

1950s French Vintage Campaign Chairs

Materials

Brass

Old Painted Wood & Riveted Metal Campaign Style Folding Chair / Stool
Old Painted Wood & Riveted Metal Campaign Style Folding Chair / Stool

Old Painted Wood & Riveted Metal Campaign Style Folding Chair / Stool

Located in Rochester, NY

Wood and metal campaign style folding chair in as found beautifully aged deep green and red paint w/ great old alligatored surface. Metal riveted hinges / metal riveted top rail / ca...

Category

Early 20th Century American Campaign Chairs

Materials

Metal

Faux Bamboo Armchair by Schoonbeck
Faux Bamboo Armchair by Schoonbeck

Faux Bamboo Armchair by Schoonbeck

By Schoonbeck of Grand Rapids, Henredon

Located in New York, NY

Chic and sophisticated faux bamboo armchair made by noted furniture manufacturer The Schoonbeck Company, later known as Schonbeck Henredon. The chair has a solid wood frame, with uph...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Campaign Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Wood

British Campaign Mahogany “Knock-Down" Antique Armchair Johnstone & Jeanes
British Campaign Mahogany “Knock-Down" Antique Armchair Johnstone & Jeanes

British Campaign Mahogany “Knock-Down" Antique Armchair Johnstone & Jeanes

By Johnstone, Jeanes & Co.

Located in Shippensburg, PA

A RARE VICTORIAN CAMPAIGN MAHOGANY AND LEATHER METAMORPHIC ARMCHAIR England, circa 1840-60; seat stamped "JOHNSTONE & JEANES / 67 NEW BOND ST / LONDON / 6572" Item # C103901 An extraordinary metamorphic armchair by the firm of Johnstone & Jeanes of London, this quality Campaign seating piece would almost certainly have been accompanied by a carrying case to ensure its safe transit, as most of these break-down chairs were designed to be brought out when needed and safely stored thereafter. By depressing small tabs...

Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Chairs

Materials

Brass

19th Century Steamed Wood Folding Campaign Chair With Metal Hardware
19th Century Steamed Wood Folding Campaign Chair With Metal Hardware

19th Century Steamed Wood Folding Campaign Chair With Metal Hardware

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

Solid, beautifully conceived folding Campaign chair with excellent attention to detail. Metal rivets and pivot hardware intact and functioning smoothly. this chair will take use as i...

Category

1890s English Antique Campaign Chairs

Materials

Maple

Pair of Marge Carson Tetes De Lion Campaign Directors Chairs
Pair of Marge Carson Tetes De Lion Campaign Directors Chairs

Pair of Marge Carson Tetes De Lion Campaign Directors Chairs

By Marge Carson

Located in Las Vegas, NV

This beautiful pair of carved wood Campaign chairs by Marge Carson with Lion's head details is large in size and style. Chairs feature leather back and seat slings with an additiona...

Category

20th Century Campaign Chairs

Materials

Brass

Antique English Folding Chair Royal Military Interest Smith's Lawn Windsor
Antique English Folding Chair Royal Military Interest Smith's Lawn Windsor

Antique English Folding Chair Royal Military Interest Smith's Lawn Windsor

Located in Norwich, GB

An interesting antique folding fruitwood and canvas chair with royal and military interest. Used at the Smith's Lawn in Windsor in 1915, Queen Mary's camp. London Silver hallmarked p...

Category

Early 20th Century English Campaign Chairs

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mid Century Kaare Klint Design Beech Frame Safari Chair With Black Leather Sling
Mid Century Kaare Klint Design Beech Frame Safari Chair With Black Leather Sling

Mid Century Kaare Klint Design Beech Frame Safari Chair With Black Leather Sling

By Kaare Klint

Located in Reading, Berkshire

Mid Century Kaare Klint Design Beech Frame Safari Chair With Black Leather Sling Arms & Canvas Upholstery No labels or makers marks Height to seat: 33cm I Height to arms: 53cm

Category

Mid-20th Century British Campaign Chairs

Materials

Canvas, Beech

34/200 STEWART LINFORD ADMIRAL NELSON H.M.S VICTORY HAND CARVED BURL OAK CHAiR
34/200 STEWART LINFORD ADMIRAL NELSON H.M.S VICTORY HAND CARVED BURL OAK CHAiR

34/200 STEWART LINFORD ADMIRAL NELSON H.M.S VICTORY HAND CARVED BURL OAK CHAiR

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this sublime, Limited Edition 34/200 Stewart Linford Admiral Nelson side chair made from Oak and Copper from...

Category

20th Century English Campaign Chairs

Materials

Copper

Vintage Needlepoint Director’s Chair Folding Black Brown White Geometric
Vintage Needlepoint Director’s Chair Folding Black Brown White Geometric

Vintage Needlepoint Director’s Chair Folding Black Brown White Geometric

Located in Topeka, KS

Awesome black wood folding director’s chair with a handmade black, brown, and white geometric pattern needlepoint sling seat and back. It is in wonderful vintage condition. The wood has a new coat of black paint. The needlepoint is all intact and has been carefully cleaned. Please see photos, circa 1960s-1970s. Now this is a director’s chair!! I fell totally in love...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Campaign Chairs

Materials

Textile, Wood

Palecek Campaign Style Leather and Chrome Lounge Armchair
Palecek Campaign Style Leather and Chrome Lounge Armchair

Palecek Campaign Style Leather and Chrome Lounge Armchair

By Palecek Furniture

Located in Lake Worth, FL

For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...

Category

2010s Campaign Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Rare circa 1890 Solid Fruitwood Brass Fitting Military Campaign Folding Chair
Rare circa 1890 Solid Fruitwood Brass Fitting Military Campaign Folding Chair

Rare circa 1890 Solid Fruitwood Brass Fitting Military Campaign Folding Chair

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare circa 1890 antique Military Campaign fold chair in fruitwood with brass fittings A genuine Campaign used piece, very strong and l...

Category

1890s English Antique Campaign Chairs

Materials

Brass

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Kaare Klint Safari Chair, Black Leather & Ash Frame, Denmark, 1960s
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By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint

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Pair of Baker Faux Bamboo Chairs Armchairs Chinoiserie
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Stunning Pair of Victorian Military Campaign Folding Chairs Steamer Liner Pieces
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Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, 4 Side-Chairs  & 2 Arm-Chairs
Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, 4 Side-Chairs  & 2 Arm-Chairs

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Kaare Klint Leather Safari Chair, 1960s
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Kaare Klint Leather Safari Chair, 1960s

$3,262

H 31.89 in W 22.84 in D 22.84 in

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By Kaare Klint

Located in Stockholm, SE

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1960s Danish Vintage Campaign Chairs

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Klismos Walnut Wood Leather Seats Saber Legs Dining Chairs, Customizable
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2010s Italian Campaign Chairs

Materials

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Previously Available Items
ORIGINAL BRITISH ARMY BOER WAR ROORKHEE STAMPED FOLDiNG CAMPAIGN MILITARY CHAIR
ORIGINAL BRITISH ARMY BOER WAR ROORKHEE STAMPED FOLDiNG CAMPAIGN MILITARY CHAIR

ORIGINAL BRITISH ARMY BOER WAR ROORKHEE STAMPED FOLDiNG CAMPAIGN MILITARY CHAIR

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this original British Army Boer War Roorkhee folding Campaign chair with the regiment or makers stamp Pleas...

Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Chairs

Materials

Canvas, Wood

FULLY RESTORED ViNTAGE HERITAGE WHISKY LEATHER BAMBOO FOLDING CAMPAIGN ARMCHAIR
FULLY RESTORED ViNTAGE HERITAGE WHISKY LEATHER BAMBOO FOLDING CAMPAIGN ARMCHAIR

FULLY RESTORED ViNTAGE HERITAGE WHISKY LEATHER BAMBOO FOLDING CAMPAIGN ARMCHAIR

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this vintage Famboo carved saddle leather fully restored folding armchair designed to be used on Campaign or...

Category

20th Century English Campaign Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Vintage Burnt Bamboo and Rattan Folding Side Chair
Vintage Burnt Bamboo and Rattan Folding Side Chair

Vintage Burnt Bamboo and Rattan Folding Side Chair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Vintage burnt bamboo and rattan collapsible side chair. Very handsome and comfortable. You might add a cushion for a pop of color. Great for extra seating. When not needed fold an...

Category

1970s Vintage Campaign Chairs

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Campaign Style Safari Chairs, M. Hayat & Bros. 1960-1970
Campaign Style Safari Chairs, M. Hayat & Bros. 1960-1970

Campaign Style Safari Chairs, M. Hayat & Bros. 1960-1970

By M. Hayat & Bros Ltd.

Located in Rochester, NY

A pair of British Colonial Campaign style safari chairs / mahogany framework / turned and mortised construction / dark chocolate brown stitched leather seats and backs / stitched le...

Category

Mid-20th Century Pakistani Campaign Chairs

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Italian Campaign Style Iron & Brass Savonarola Chairs - Pair
Mid-Century Italian Campaign Style Iron & Brass Savonarola Chairs - Pair

Mid-Century Italian Campaign Style Iron & Brass Savonarola Chairs - Pair

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a striking pair of mid-century Italian campaign style Savonarola chairs. They have heavy black iron frames with polished brass accents. The upholstery appears to be from the ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Campaign Chairs

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair of Brass and Steel Paw Footed Campaign Chairs, attributed to Maison Jansen
Pair of Brass and Steel Paw Footed Campaign Chairs, attributed to Maison Jansen

Pair of Brass and Steel Paw Footed Campaign Chairs, attributed to Maison Jansen

By Maison Jansen

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This striking pair of campaign chairs is attributed to the legendary French design house Maison Jansen, renowned for its luxurious 20th-century interiors. Combining neoclassical insp...

Category

1960s French Vintage Campaign Chairs

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Steel

Paire de chaises en bois, circa 1930
Paire de chaises en bois, circa 1930

Paire de chaises en bois, circa 1930

Sold

H 23.63 in W 16.54 in D 17.72 in

Paire de chaises en bois, circa 1930

Located in PARIS, FR

Paire de chaises, travail populaire, circa 1930 en bois et canage osier, cheville bois et belles ferrures battues Manque la traverse l42 x P45 x H8...

Category

20th Century French Campaign Chairs

Materials

Wood

French Early 20th Century Folding Campaign Chairs
French Early 20th Century Folding Campaign Chairs

French Early 20th Century Folding Campaign Chairs

Sold

H 42.25 in W 23.63 in D 25.25 in

French Early 20th Century Folding Campaign Chairs

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

An exceptional and rare pair of French campaign chairs hand-crafted in France circa 1900. A stunning set of military campaign folding chairs with original worn leather and nailhead trim with padded back rest, seats, and arm rests within expertly hand-carved oak arms supported on cross frame legs with handsome well turned stretchers. These chairs were designed to be comfortable on uneven ground and to cleverly offer seating support without featuring any hard joints. The strong brass bracket and ratchet system for folding are still functioning as they should to make these chairs portable. Ageless in aesthetic and in splendid condition with only a few scars and knocks to show for their war efforts these chairs would be a fantastic addition to any home. Be sure to see all the images for a better look at these unique antique chairs.

Category

Early 20th Century French Campaign Chairs

Materials

Metal

Hammered Metal and Leather Campaign Style Armchair
Hammered Metal and Leather Campaign Style Armchair

Hammered Metal and Leather Campaign Style Armchair

Located in Lake Worth, FL

For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Vintage Italian Ham...

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1970s American Vintage Campaign Chairs

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Metal

Campaign chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Campaign chairs 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 chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Campaign chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original chairs, popular names associated with this style include American of Martinsville, Harrods, Herbert MacNair, and Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London. 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 chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $375 and tops out at $6,900 while the average work can sell for $2,000.