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Campaign Bookcases

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
Drexel Chinoiserie Campaign Style Off White Lighted Display Cabinet Faux Rattan
Located in Topeka, KS
Lovely vintage Chinoiserie or Campaign style off-white lighted display cabinet with faux wrapped rattan edges by Drexel. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There are a few dings or nicks in the finish and along the bottom edge of piece at floor but nothing major. There is also an overall yellowing or fading to the finish which we consider patina. The inside is purposefully a lighter color than the outside. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Mid-20th Century. Is this a marvelous Display Cabinet? Yes! What about a stunning Bookcase? Yes! Could it be a wonderful China Hutch? Also, YES!! This gorgeous cabinet is comprised of a one-piece off-white painted unit with four lower doors (or 2 double doors) with antiqued brass plated rings or handles and open storage with a shelf behind each set of double doors. The top portion is lighted and features two tall narrow double doors with glass...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Campaign Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Brass

English Grand Library Cabinet Bookcase
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Large and luxurious 19th century English cabinet, wall unit crafted in mahogany with an architecturally significant design, featuring cornices, paneled doors, campaign brass hardware...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Campaign Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Mid Century Stained Walnut and Brass Open Campaign Bookshelf
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid Century Stained Walnut and Brass fittings Open Campaign Bookshelf / Etagere Measures 19" in width, 15" in depth and 25" in height.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Campaign Bookcases

Materials

Brass

VINTAGE MILITARY CAMPAIGN BOOKCASE DISPLAY CABINET BRASS FITTiNGS
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Vintage Military Campaign Bookcase Display Cabinet With Brass Fittings. Features a sturdy, often portable design that was historically used...
Category

20th Century British Campaign Bookcases

Materials

Hardwood

Campaign Style Bookcase W/ Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century stacking cabinet with drop front desk. Attractive campaign style with brass hardware. Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Category

Mid-20th Century Campaign Bookcases

Materials

Brass

REH KENNEDY HARRODS LONDON SOLID HARDWOOD CAMPAIGN DWARF LiBRARY BOOKCASE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for this absolutely stunning REH Kennedy made, Harrods London retailed, solid Mahogany, Dwarf open library bookcase w...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Bookcases

Materials

Hardwood

Maison Jansen Style Large Neoclassical Acorn Finial Etagere or Bookcase
Located in Stamford, CT
Maison Jansen style neoclassical large bookcase or etagere. Brushed steel frame with brass accents. Bottom shelves are made of black wood and upper shelves are as found clear glass. ...
Category

1960s French Vintage Campaign Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Antique Anglo-Indian Campaign Rosewood Bookcase 43w 80h 18d
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A wonderful Anglo-Indian Rosewood Campaign Bookcase with mirrored doors made in three section for ease of travel. Campaign furniture was designed by the British during their various ...
Category

1840s Indian Antique Campaign Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Kennedy Of Ipswich , Lovely Walnut And Brass Military Campaign Bookcase
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this amazing campaign military style bookcase made by Kennedy of Ipswich and retailed by Harrods in London around 1960 , a beautiful piece of furniture m...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Campaign Bookcases

Materials

Brass

A Rare Mid 19th Century Anglo Chinese Amboyna Bookcase
Located in London, GB
Anglo Chinese, circa 1860 A rare mid nineteenth century Anglo Chinese campaign amboyna and ebonised bookcase with glazed upper section, the doors revealing three shelves and two dra...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Campaign Bookcases

Materials

Amboyna

Vintage Bevan Funnell Military Campaign Bookcase with Embossed Leather Doors
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Lovely Bevan Funnell Bookcase With Embossed Leather Bookcase. The Bevan Funnel Military Campaign Bookcase is a true work of art. This stunning piece of furniture showcases a classic vintage design that is both elegant and practical. The bookcase is made from high-quality materials, including sturdy wood and durable brass hardware, ensuring its longevity and durability. One of the most striking features of this bookcase is its embossed leather doors. The doors are crafted from premium quality leather that has been skillfully embossed with intricate patterns that give it an alluring texture and a classic vintage appeal. The leather doors also serve as a protective cover for your books, shielding them from dust and other elements that could damage them. The bookcase has a multi-tiered design with adjustable shelving units...
Category

20th Century British Campaign Bookcases

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Three Vintage Hardwood Finish Military Campaign Bookcases Used for Media Storage
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this suite of three mahogany finish Military Campaign style bookcases used as media storage A good lookin...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Bookcases

Materials

Hardwood

1 of 2 Harrods London Kennedy Hardwood Bookcase Home Bar Cabinet Faux Books
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale 1 of 2 very rare hand made in by Kennedy Furniture and retailed through Harrods London solid mahogany Bookcase TV media stands with faux book front...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Vintage Triple Spot Light Military Campaign Library Bookcase Sideboard Drawers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning Vintage Multiyork Military Campaign library bookcase with drawers and glass shelves finished with three spot lights Please note t...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

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De Coene Display Cabinet or Book Shelf, Belgium, 1970s
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De Coene Display Cabinet or Book Shelf, Belgium, 1970s
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Kennedy of Ipswich & F.Sage&Co London Military Campaign Chest Of Drawers
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We delight to offer for sale this stunning vintage military campaign chest of drawers made by Kennedy of Ipswich and retailed by Harrods London . This chest is made by top quality ma...
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Located in Brooklyn, NY
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Low mid-century Bookshelf by Heywood-Wakefield
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Drexel Heritage Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Hand-Painted Lacquered Bar Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie bar cabinet By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1980s Cream lacquered mahogany, with hand-painted Chinese scenes, painted faux marble top, and o...
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George III Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
Located in Westwood, NJ
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George III Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
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George III Mahogany Breakfront Bureau Bookcase
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Handsome Antique 2-Part Display Cabinet/Tallboy, France
Located in Copenhagen K, DK
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Handsome Antique 2-Part Display Cabinet/Tallboy, France
Handsome Antique 2-Part Display Cabinet/Tallboy, France
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A Mid-Century Bookshelf, Oak, France, c. 1950s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A unique mid-century bookshelf with compass feet in oak, designed by unknown designer in France, c. 1950s.
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Mid-20th Century French Campaign Bookcases

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Oak

A Mid-Century Bookshelf, Oak, France, c. 1950s
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Previously Available Items
Henredon Mid-Century Modern Campaign Oak Bookcase Cabinets, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern Campaign bookcase cabinets By Henredon, "Artefacts" Collection USA, Circa 1970s Oak, with gold wallpaper backing, and original brass hardware...
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1970s American Vintage Campaign Bookcases

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Brass

Vintage Henredon Artefacts Campaign Style Bookcase With Lower Cabinet
Located in West Chester, PA
A rare bookcase from the Artefacts collection by Henredon featuring five shelves with decorative brass back panel over cabinet space with the iconic flush campaign style door hardwar...
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Late 20th Century American Campaign Bookcases

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Brass

Pair Henredon Campaign Style Walnut Bookcases Display Cases or Shelves Brass Det
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Campaign style walnut bookcases, display units, or shelves with antiqued brass details by Henredon, a pair. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. Specifically, there was a small veneer patch repair on the shelf/drawer edge and there is quite a bit of aged patina on all of the brass details. Please see photos, zoom in for details, and see long description as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 20th Century. No need to panic… YES… you ARE seeing Double!!! A DOUBLE DOSE for DELIGHTFUL DISPLAYING!!! That’s right!! This is a fabulous vintage pair of Campaign style bookcases, display cases, or shelves by Henredon!! Comprised of walnut frames bearing five open shelves, one enclosed shelf, and a lower drawer with antiqued brass recessed bail handle pulls. The cabinet fronts feature antiqued brass decorative details on each corner and T-shaped antiqued brass details at the ends or corner of each shelf. They stand on recessed feet and have decorative carved accents in the upper inner corners and a lovely design where you see a partial edge of the back of the cabinet peeking through the 5 open shelves from the front… a sneaky and quite SPECTACULAR detail!! This doozie of a duo has endless possibilities… Use them separately or butt them together. Flank a doorway, bed, or fireplace. Use them in a den, library, office, living room or bedroom. Use them to house your books or display your mid-century glass. There is an endless array of ways and uses for these handsome pieces. They are solid, sturdy, and they are by Henredon so you know they are of the FINEST quality!! Henredon was founded in 1945 by four Drexel Heritage executives; T. Henry Wilson, Ralph Edwards, Donnell VanOppen, and Sterling Collet. The name Henredon is a combination of their names. These four men were determined to build furniture of custom quality and their original offering was only three chests. It has since blossomed into hundreds of designs still in keeping with their goal. Through the years they have engaged well known designers to create their unique and fine furniture. They currently are part of the company Furniture Brands, Inc. but still embracing their long-standing tradition of fine furniture craftsmanship and reputation for timeless elegance. Don’t let this incredible pair of vintage walnut bookcases...
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Late 20th Century American Campaign Bookcases

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Lovelly Pair Of Military Campaign Style Open Bookcase
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this lovely pair of mahogany military campaign style small bookcase , in good condition , circa 1980 . Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any quest...
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Late 20th Century British Campaign Bookcases

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Maitland Smith Flame Mahogany Étagère or Bookshelf with Brass Gallery
Located in Milford, NH
A fine Maitland Smith étagère or bookcase with five shelves, book matched flame mahogany back veneers with crossbanded borders, small top brass ...
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20th Century Philippine Campaign Bookcases

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Vintage Campaign Style Writing Desk with Shelving
Located in Freehold, NJ
This midcentury campaign style writing desk with bookcase features pressed wood construction, oak veneer with original finish, durable viny...
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1970s American Vintage Campaign Bookcases

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Vintage Campaign Style Shelving Unit with Cabinet
Located in Freehold, NJ
This 1970s vintage campaign style shelving unit features pressed wood construction, oak veneer with original finish, two piece design, three she...
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1970s American Vintage Campaign Bookcases

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Oak

Antique Swedish Burl Wood Hutch
Located in Chicago, IL
An antique Swedish hutch constructed with burl wood. This piece has two lower doors with intricate hand carved adornments, which open to reveal o...
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20th Century Swedish Campaign Bookcases

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Burl

Antique Swedish Burl Wood Hutch
Antique Swedish Burl Wood Hutch
H 66 in W 49.5 in D 14.5 in
PAIR OF HARRODS KENNEDY 3 DRAWER BURR YEW WOOD BRASS MILITARY CAMPAIGN BOOKCASEs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for this lovely pair of vintage Harrods Kennedy Burr Yew wood & Brass Military Campaign three drawer open library bookcases Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price I have another matching single bookcase the same as this pair listed under my other items A very good looking well made and decorative pair, it is very rare to find these bookcases in Burr Yew, I have never seen other with the brass trim around the top and 100% never seen one with the drawers in the middle, they are very well made and highly collectable Condition wise they have been cleaned waxed and polished, there will be some light patination marks here or there but mostly they are very fine examples Dimensions Height:- 193cm Width:- 91.5cm Depth:- 30.5cm Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements please ask Any questions please feel free to ask before you bid This item is available for collection from our Pulborough warehouses RH20 1DF. We can have it delivered nationwide to include Scotland Wales and Ireland. Please contact me via email or my contact information is under the business seller section of the listing with your postcode for a delivery quotation. Please be sure to include which item you would like to buy as the price is determined on size and distance, if you would like more than one piece of furniture we offer a substantial discount on the second and third item, for international shipping please view the below information. ABOUT US Royal House Antiques is a privately owned family ran business founded in Wimbledon SW19 and now based in Pulborough RH20. We specialise in finding, restoring very fine luxury antique leather seating, along with every single other type of antique ranging from the 16th century to the 20th century. We also stock a number of designer brands such as Fritz Hansen, Ralph Lauren, Cavalli, Charles & Ray Eames, Vitra, David Linley, Rolex, Tiffany, Jager Le Coulter and so on. CONDITION Please view the very detailed pictures as they form part of the description pertaining to the condition. Please also ask any questions before you bid and not after, all of our items are sold as seen and as listed. Royal House Antiques cannot be held liable for any independent assumptions made regarding the items we sell, if you are unsure on any point, please feel free to ask for clarity. Please note vintage period and original items such as leather seating will always have natural patina in the form of creasing and wear, we recommend annual waxing to ensure no moisture is lost, also hand dyed leather is not recommended to sit in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time as it will dry out and fade. COURIER, LARGE ITEMS ONLY THAT CAN’T BE POSTED We can arrange delivery nationwide, mostly with our nominated couriers, for Europe we use one reasonably priced professional company that we trust, for the rest of the world we use international shippers that can send any size item crated via air freight within 7-14 days after crating or soft packed and container shipped via sea freight within 30-60 days. The time frames outlined are guides only, non-domestic shipping is almost entirely governed by the airlines, sea freight loading times and custom clearances. Whomever delivers will always require help on the larger items to unload, the price you will be quoted will always be based on this assumption, if this is not possible, please let us know as it will affect the price to send a two-person team. Delivery is to the ground floor only, again if you need help upstairs or in flats etc that's absolutely not a problem, the couriers...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Bookcases

Materials

Yew

HARRODS KENNEDY THREE DRAWER BURR YEW WOOD & BRASS MiLITARY CAMPAIGN BOOKCASE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for this lovely vintage Harrods Kennedy Burr Yew wood & Brass Military Campaign three drawer open library bookcase ...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Bookcases

Materials

Yew

Handsome Campaign Style Leather Wrapped Bookcase
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stunning large leather wrapped bookcase attributed to Theodore Alexander having his signature embossed leather decoration on the sides. Super functional for display and storage havin...
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1980s Vietnamese Vintage Campaign Bookcases

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Brass

1 Of 2 Laura Ashley Hardwood and Brass Military Campaign Bookcases with Drawers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale 1 of 2 Laura Ashley military campaign bookcases. I have two of these in stock, this is the smaller one and then a slightly larger one which is l...
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20th Century English Campaign Bookcases

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Brass

Campaign bookcases for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Campaign bookcases 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 bookcases created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Campaign bookcases 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 bookcases, popular names associated with this style include Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London, Harrods, Bevan Funnell Ltd., and Dixie Furniture Co.. 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 bookcases differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $895 and tops out at $95,000 while the average work can sell for $4,350.

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