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.
Natural solid Oak Credenza, France, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
A study in provincial permanence, this Breton sideboard reveals a language of sculptural solidity and restrained ornament. Unearthed in Normandy, it e...
Oak
Lovely Harrods Flamed Hardwood and Green Leather Military Campaign Sideboard
By Harrods
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this lovely vintage Harrods London flamed mahogany with green leather gold leaf tooled doors, Military Campaign sideboard with drawers A very well made and decor...
Leather, Hardwood
Bleached Oak Credenza, France, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Unearthed in Normandy, this piece of furniture in solid oak will bring a touch of authenticity to an interior. The sideboard consists of three compartments with shelves whose doors ...
Oak
Vintage Burr Yew Military Campaign Sideboard Drinks Cabinet Bank of Drawers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage Military Campaign, burr yew wood and chrome sideboard A very well made and decorative piece, these campaign sideboards are h...
Brass
Patinated Oak Credenza, France, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Large Credenza, solid oak, France, reminiscent of the work of Charles Dudouyt, 1940s. Large Art Deco Brutalist sideboard. The credenza consists of two laterals storage facilities ...
Oak
Vintage Campaign Style Serving Tray with Two Folding Leafs
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century campaign style server features hardwood construction, original oak finish, removable serving tray with brass accents, and two folding leaf’s with removable legs. M...
Brass
Small Buffet by Franz Xaver Sproll, Switzerland, circa 1950
Located in Paris, FR
Rare small buffet with two doors in solid pine, without any addition of metal parts, except the lock. Handmade by Franz Xaver Sproll and stamped on...
Wood
A Composition of Rural Geometry: Breton Sideboard in Solid Oak, Normandy
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
A composition of stoic clarity, this Breton sideboard unearthed in Normandy reveals a language of sculptural restraint softened by regional tradition....
Oak
$746Sale Price|25% Off
Henredon Vera Cruz Vitrine Display Case Buffet Cabinet
By Henredon
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 handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering one of our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions of A Henredon Vera Cruz...
Glass, Wood
Regency Mahogany Credenza
Located in Westwood, NJ
A fine Regency style mahogany veneered and yew burl banded buffet, the break bowfront top with an ebony and brass inlaid edge, above an arrangement of four frieze drawers above centr...
Wood
Reform Hammered Brass Credenza
Located in New York, NY
The Reform credenza is inspired by the Brutalist architecture of modernist temples and churches from Le Corbusier's Ronchamp to Miami's Temple Israel t...
Brass
$4,950
H 51.97 in W 89.38 in D 17.33 in
Handcrafted Solid Oak Credenza with Wrought Iron Details Spain 1940s
Located in Almelo, NL
Handcrafted solid oak Credenza with wrought iron details Spain 1940s This is a beautiful, handcrafted solid oak credenza or sideboard with wrought iron details from Spain in the 1...
Wrought Iron
$11,377 / item
H 32.68 in W 100.4 in D 15.75 in
"Il Pezzo 1 Credenza" sideboard in solid walnut - marble top - brass base
Located in Firenze, IT
An alternation of rounded shapes and geometrical lines, reassuming discipline and freedom, a composite, multiethnic plan in which each component and each material contributes to the ...
Marble, Gold, Brass
$40,519
H 40.16 in W 74.81 in D 20.08 in
Charles Dudouyt Brutalist Credenza in Oak & Brass France, 1940s
Located in Berlin, DE
A striking oak credenza attributed to Charles Dudouyt, showcasing a craftsmanship and sculptural design language. The piece features beautifully carved geometric patterns on the cent...
Brass
Baker Vintage Campaign Chest
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic mid century campaign chest crafted in mahogany with four drawers, brass hardware and block feet, perfect combination of traditional and...
Mahogany
Charles Dudouyt Brutalist Credenza in Oak & Brass, France 1940's
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional credenza by Charles Dudouyt in oak. There are many unique details on this very well-proportioned piece. A stand out is the concealed drawer release mechanism— a little...
Brass
French Brutalist Art Deco Oak Buffet Sideboard 1930s-1940s
By Charles Dudouyt, Gaston Poisson
Located in London, London
This sideboard is a remarkable example of the merging of Brutalist and Art Deco styles from the 1930s to 1940s. Constructed from solid oak, the piece features a robust and earthy aes...
Oak
Oak Art Deco French Buffet Sideboard 1930s-1940s
By Gaston Poisson, Charles Dudouyt
Located in London, London
This sideboard is a stunning blend of Art Deco and Brutalist design elements from the 1930s to 1940s. It is crafted from oak, showcasing the natural beauty and strength of the wood w...
Oak
Beautiful Yew Wood Military Campaign Sidebord
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this beautiful military campaign style sideboard / bank of drawers in yew wood. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1950’s. The quality is...
Brass
English Yew Wood Serpentine Sideboard
Located in Woodbury, CT
Created in classic Sheraton style, this sideboard eschews the traditional mahogany for a lighter yew wood. The yew burl is cross banded in a straight grain yew for dramatic effect an...
Satinwood, Yew
$3,450
H 41.5 in W 56.5 in D 20.5 in
Vintage Inlaid English Sideboard, Wood, Five Drawers, Circa 1960s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Handsome inlaid English sideboard with five drawers and two sets of doors with large storage compartments.
Wood
Sold
H 40.16 in W 92.13 in D 20.08 in
A Composition of Stoic Vernacular: Breton Oak Sideboard, Normandy
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
A composition of stoic restraint, this Breton sideboard—unearthed in Normandy—reveals a language of rural geometry and sculptural calm. Executed in so...
Oak
Solid Oak Storage Unit – Contemporary Country Style
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-LA-PLACE, FR
This charming solid oak cabinet, with its country-style inspiration and clean lines, was discovered in a traditional home in the Loire Valley. A testament to the region’s high-qualit...
Oak
Brutalist Masive Oak chest of drawers - 1960s
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Brutalist Masive Oak chest of drawers - 1960s Wear consistent with age and use. Solid Wood - Chest of Drawers - France - 1960s Measures : 90cmx44cm H:70cm Material : Solide Oak
Wood
Mid Century Bernhardt Campaign Server
By Bernhardt
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Vintage Bernhardt Campaign Flip Top Server. Classic campaign styling with brass fittings. Ample storage with 2 drawers, 2 doors open for open shelve...
Brass
Sold
H 30.5 in W 59.5 in D 19 in
Olive Burl Black Lacquer Asian Modern Campaign Style Brass Accent Server Dry Bar
By Henredon, Dorothy Draper, Drexel, Century Furniture
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Dorothy Draper style campaign server bar cart on casters made by esteemed US furniture maker Century circa 1970s. Old growth flaxen flared grain olive ...
Brass
Natural Oak Credenza, Classical elegance, France, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Introducing an exquisite 1940s French buffet, inspired by the visionary work of renowned furniture designer Charles Dudouyt. This remarkable piece, crafted from solid oak, showcases ...
Oak
Natural Oak Credenza, France, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Unearthed in Normandy, this Breton-style sideboard in solid oak boasts a stunning brutalist look that brings a touch of raw and powerful design to any space. With two spacious storag...
Oak
Sold
H 29.5 in W 80 in D 18.25 in
Baker Furniture Milling Road English Regency Walnut Buffet or Credenza
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1970s Baker Furniture Milling Road English Regency campaign style walnut buffet. This is a substantial and beautifully constructed storage piece. Each of the two cabinets has a...
Brass
French Natural Oak Credenza, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Introducing a captivating French Art Deco buffet from the 1940s, showcasing its authentic charm and the unique character acquired through the passage of time. Crafted with natural oak, this elegant piece bears the marks of age, adding to its allure and telling the story of its history. The wear and patina acquired over the years serve as a testament to the buffet's authenticity, making it a truly distinctive and one-of-a-kind piece. The natural oak, with its rich grain patterns and weathered appearance, exudes a sense of warmth and authenticity that only time can bestow. This buffet's aged beauty and authentic charm contribute to its overall appeal, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia and history within any space it graces. Each imperfection and mark serves as a reminder of the buffet's journey, adding depth and character to its design. While showcasing the natural wear of age, this French Art Deco buffet remains structurally sound and functional. Its enduring craftsmanship and sturdy construction ensure its continued use and enjoyment, even as it exudes an undeniable vintage charm. Experience the enchanting allure of this 1940s French Art Deco buffet...
Oak
Henredon circa East Console or Server on Rattan Base
By Henredon
Located in Southampton, NJ
Henredon "Circa East" limited production mid 1970s console server featuring lovely hardwood four drawer case with beautiful laced leather & ra...
Copper
Antique Rosewood Tiered Server Cabinet
Located in Bridgeport, CT
With highly figured Rosewood in a useful size. The double doors below with recessed arch top panels. The interior painted black with a single shelf. Lacking a key for the brass keyho...
Rosewood
Cerused Oak Credenza, France, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Large credenza, solid oak, France, 1940s. Large Art Deco Brutalist sideboard. The credenza consists of two laterals storage facilities and covered with very detailed designed door...
Oak