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.
$3,950 / set
Vintage Boho Brandt Campaign Etagere - A Pair
By Brandt
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite pair of vintage etageres by the renowned Brandt Furniture Company is a masterful fusion of Mid-Century Campaign style and Boho-chic elegance. Each piece features tall,...
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...
Mahogany
Rare Georgian Campaign Bookcase
Located in Kingsbridge, GB
Extremely rare Georgian Campaign Bookcase, folds into its own original steel bound travelling case. Exceptional colour and condition. The shelves inside are fully adjustable. When ...
Mahogany
11 HARRODS KENNEDY (10 METERS) MILITARY OPEN LIBRARY HARDWOOD DiSPLAY BOOKCASES
By Harrods, Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this suite of stunning vintage REH Kennedy Military Campaign bookcases with single drawers to the base retai...
Brass
Pair of Antique Military Campaign Style Open Bookcases
Located in London, GB
A wonderful pair of antique military campaign style open bookcases. They were made in England, and date from around the 1930-50’s period. The quality is fantastic, they are extremel...
Brass
Kennedy Of Ipswich , Lovely Walnut And Brass Military Campaign Bookcase
By Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London
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...
Brass
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.
Brass
REH KENNEDY HARRODS LONDON SOLID HARDWOOD CAMPAIGN DWARF LiBRARY BOOKCASE
By Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London, Harrods
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...
Hardwood
Vintage Triple Spot Light Military Campaign Library Bookcase Sideboard Drawers
By Multiyork
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...
Glass, Hardwood
Antique Anglo-Indian Campaign Rosewood Cabinet 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 ...
Brass
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. ...
Steel
English Campaign-Style Mahogany Library Bookcase with Lattice Doors, 1850s
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English mahogany and brass campaign-style library bookcase dating to the mid-19th century. Constructed in two parts, the upper section features three wooden lattice doors opening...
Brass
$15,757Sale Price|20% Off
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...
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...
Leather, Hardwood
1 of 2 Harrods London Kennedy Hardwood Bookcase Home Bar Cabinet Faux Books
By Harrods, Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London
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...
Brass
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...
Hardwood
Pair Regency Open Bookcases in Walnut Open Front Bookcase
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous pair of Regency Sheraton style open front bookcase in burl walnut Tall and thin so elegant design to this piece We can also split the pair up if you are looking for a single...
Walnut
$1,150
H 31.3 in W 29.93 in D 11.03 in
Luxury Hardwood Vintage Two Drawer Dwarf Library Bookcase Sideboard Drawers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely hand made in England vintage mahogany open library bookcase with twin drawers This piece is in good used condition, the drawers run ...
Hardwood
$16,244
H 91.74 in W 65.75 in D 19.89 in
Rare Princess Diana's Althorp Estate Living History Collection Library Bookcase
By Theodore Alexander, Brights of Nettlebed
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare, now discontinued, Thomas Chippendale Library bookcase which is an exact authorised copy of one from Princess’s Diana’s family home, the Althorp Estate, it was part of the Living History collection, made by Theodore Alexander and retailed through Brights of Nettlebed and has touch activated top lights The Althorp estate is widely considered one of, if not the finest English country home left standing. You can see clips of the tours online, the place is an absolute marvel of English history. The estate is owned, and has been by the Spencer family’s for over 500 years, I’ll include the history below. The estate is currently in the stewardship of the Earl of Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother The bookcase itself is very fine, in flamed mahogany and has glass shelves and top spot lights which are activated by touching any one of the three right door hinges, each light has three dimness settings. The piece is fully stamped for Theodore Alexander the maker on the locks, Brights of Nettlebed for the retailer and the right drawer has what looks to be pewter, Althorp family crest inside. This bookcase breaks down into five easy to transport pieces, you have the base which is one unit, the three top bookcase sections are all separate and the top cornice is also one removable piece Condition wise this piece is exquisite, there is very little in terms of wear or use, it has been cherished since new and is a very fine piece indeed Dimensions Height:- 233cm, the brass urns on the very top can be unscrewed if ceiling height is an issue, they are 11cm tall each Width:- 167cm Depth:- 50.5cm Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point Althorp history Althorp (popularly pronounced /'??l???rp/ AWL-thorp) is a Grade I listed stately home and estate in the civil parish of Althorp, in West Northamptonshire, England of about 13,000 acres (5,300 ha). By road it is about 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of the county town of Northampton and about 75 miles (121 km) northwest of central London, situated between the villages of Great Brington and Harlestone. It has been held by the prominent aristocratic Spencer family for more than 500 years, and has been owned by Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer since 1992. It was also the home of Lady Diana Spencer (later Princess of Wales) from her parents' divorce until her marriage to Charles, Prince of Wales. Althorp is mentioned as a small hamlet in the Domesday Book as "Olletorp", and by 1377 it had become a village with a population of more than fifty people. By 1505 there were no longer any tenants living there, and in 1508, John Spencer purchased Althorp estate with the funds generated from his family's sheep-rearing business. Althorp became one of the prominent stately homes in England. The palace dates to 1688, replacing an earlier house that was once visited by Charles I. The Spencer family amassed an extensive art collection and other valuable household items. During the 18th century, the house became a major cultural hub in England, and parties were regularly held, attracting many prominent members of Great Britain's ruling class. George John, 2nd Earl Spencer, who owned Althorp between 1783 and his death in 1834, developed one of the largest private libraries in Europe at the palace, which grew to over 100,000 books by the 1830s. After falling on hard times, John Spencer, 5th Earl Spencer, known as the Red Earl, in 1892 sold much of the collection to Enriqueta Rylands, who was building the University of Manchester Library. Many of Althorp's furnishings were sold off during the twentieth century, and between 1975 and 1992 alone approximately 20% of the contents were auctioned. The house at Althorp was a "classically beautiful" red brick Tudor building, but its appearance was radically altered, starting in 1788, when the architect Henry Holland was commissioned to make extensive changes. Mathematical tiles were added to the exterior, encasing the brick, and four Corinthian pilasters were added to the front. The grand hall entrance to the house, Wootton Hall, was cited by Sir Nikolaus Pevsner as "the noblest Georgian room in the county". The Great Dining Room in the east wing extension of the house was added in 1877 to designs by John Macvicar Anderson, its walls hung with faded, red damask silk. Numerous fireplaces and furnishings were brought to Althorp from Spencer House in London during the Blitz for safekeeping and still remain. The Picture Gallery stretches for 115 feet (35 m) on the first floor of the west wing, and is one of the best remaining examples of the original Tudor oak woodwork and ambiance in the mansion. It has an extensive collection of portraits, including Anthony van Dyck's War and Peace, a John de Critz...
Glass, Hardwood
Grand Scale Mahogany Custom Bookcase with Leaded Glass Sliding Doors
Located in Milford, NH
A fine large two-door bookcase with sliding leaded glass doors and adjustable shelves, originally a built-in floor to ceiling piece, with a cut-in on the left side, built around heat...
Glass, Mahogany
$5,347
H 77.17 in W 75.99 in D 18.12 in
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...
Leather, Hardwood
$3,993
H 37.01 in W 42.52 in D 21.46 in
Lovely Antique Victorian Walnut Military Campaign Officers Chest of Drawers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Victorian Walnut Military officers Campaign chest of drawers A very good looking period used piece, the drawers have lots of origina...
Brass
$3,858
H 40.16 in W 35.44 in D 18.12 in
Lovely Musically Inspired French Walnut Étagère Bookcase Whatnot Bergere Rattan
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original circa 1880 French walnut étagère musically inspired rattan stand or bookcase A very unique and decorative piece of furniture. Étagère’s are similar to whatnots, you can use them for just about anything your imagination can think of. This one has a complete walnut frame, all the original bergere rattan is in place and undamaged, the sides and top back look like musical harps...
Walnut
Boho Chic Rattan and Wicker Etagere
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Wonderful vintage boho chic Etagere/bookcase. Features rattan wrapping throughout the frame with wicker weaving the surfaces.
Wicker
English Breakfront Library Bookcase
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Good English painted breakfront library bookcase. All adjustable shelving. 1840. Dimensions 122 inches (310 cms) Wide 18.5 inches (47 ...
Oak
$3,587
H 76.38 in W 36.23 in D 12.21 in
HARRODS LONDON KENNEDY THREE DRAWERS BURR YEW WOOD & BRASS MiLITARY BOOKCASE
By Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Harrods London Kennedy Three Drawers Burr Yew Wood & Brass Military Bookcase. A true masterpiece of craftsmanship and design. This luxuriou...
Hardwood
Irish Library Bookcase
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Good late 19th C Irish painted bookcase with a sliding middle door on the top and base section. 1880 This bookcase is part of a near pair of bookcases that came out of a country esta...
Pine
19th C, English Glazed Pine Bookcase / Vitrine Cabinet
Located in Staffordshire, GB
circa 1880 19th C English glazed pine bookcase / vitrine cabinet We can also customise existing pieces to suit your scheme / requirements. We have our own workshop, restorers and f...
Pine
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...
Hardwood
Henredon Mid-Century Modern Campaign Oak Bookcase Cabinets, Pair
By Henredon
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...
Brass
Sold
H 78.25 in W 32 in D 11.5 in
Vintage Henredon Artefacts Campaign Style Bookcase With Lower Cabinet
By Henredon
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...
Brass
Sold
H 77.25 in W 30.5 in D 11.5 in
Pair Henredon Campaign Style Walnut Bookcases Display Cases or Shelves Brass Det
By Henredon
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...
Brass
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...
Brass
Sold
H 66.5 in W 36.5 in D 12.5 in
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 ...
Metal, Brass
1970s Thomasville Campaign Revolving Bookcase
By Thomasville
Located in Waxahachie, TX
DOB 1970 Rare, I've not been able to find another one. Thomasville solid wood campaign style revolving bookcase. Classic campaign brass bands. Solid wood, no veneers. Smooth motion i...
Brass
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...
Oak
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...
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...
Burl
Sold
H 79.14 in W 65.36 in D 14.97 in
Kennedy for Harrods London Astral Glazed Campaign Library Bookcase Leather
By Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this outstanding Kennedy furniture for Harrods London Campaign library bookcase. A very good-looking, well-made and decorative bookcase. Retaile...
Hardwood
Sold
H 75.99 in W 36.03 in D 12.01 in
PAIR OF HARRODS KENNEDY 3 DRAWER BURR YEW WOOD BRASS MILITARY CAMPAIGN BOOKCASEs
By Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London, Harrods
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...
Yew