Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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
English 19th Century Campaign Chest
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A substantial English, circa 1850, military campaign chest of drawers with near-complete original hardware on mahogany construction. Split between two stacking trunks, a total of fiv...
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Theodore Alexander Mahogany Campaign Chest
Located in Bradenton, FL
A four-drawer mahogany campaign chest by Theodore Alexander. Beneath the lid is a leather topped writing shelf that pulls out with two mushroom shaped brass handles. Below are four d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Henredon Scene One Campaign Chest of Drawers
By Henredon
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Timeless design in this Henredon Scene One campaign chest of drawers. Classic streamline lines offset with inset brass hardware. 6 drawers ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Vintage Henredon Walnut Campaign High Chest
By Henredon
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Vintage Henredon Walnut Campaign High Chest. Featuring a straight line design, five large drawers for storage, brass campaign pulls, brass accents, short cube f...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Pair of Antique Military Campaign Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
A smart and extremely well made pair of antique military campaign chest of drawers. They were made in England, they date from around the 1930’s.
The quality is excellent, they are a...
Category
1930s British Vintage Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Thomasville Fine Shallow Low Profile 5 Drawer 34" High Chest Dresser Console
By Thomasville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Thomasville Fine Shallow Low Profile 5 Drawer 34" Campaign High Chest Dresser Console MINT
Category
20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
British Military Officer's Campaign Chest or Dresser of Brass-Bound Mahogany
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome British military officer’s Campaign Ware chest of drawers or dresser, from the 19th century, featuring a patinated mahogany exterior over four drawers with brass escutcheo...
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal, Brass
China Trade Camphor Brass-Mounted British Campaign Chest ca. 1840
Located in Shippensburg, PA
CHINA TRADE BRASS-MOUNTED CAMPHOR-WOOD CAMPAIGN CHEST OF DRAWERS
Circa 1840
44 1/8" H x 40 1/2" W x 19 1/2" D
A good mid-19th century British campaign chest, likely made in Canton ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
English Campaign Chest With Integrated Writing Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
Spectacular English Campaign Chest - ship captain's desk / chest in two parts. The top central drawer contains a drop-front desk surface with multiple small drawers and secret compar...
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
19th Century English Campaign Chest
Located in High Point, NC
19th century mahogany campaign chest from England. This style of chest is so wonderful in its simplicity. It can be blended with many different styles and in that way is very versa...
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
British Military Officer's Campaign Chest or Dresser of Brass-Bound Mahogany
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome British military officer’s Campaign Ware chest of drawers or dresser, from the 19th century, featuring a patinated mahogany exterior with two short drawers over three long...
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pair of Handsome Mid Century Modern Henredon Campaign Chests
By Henredon
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stunning pair of mid century campaign style mahogany chests of drawers. Wonderful recessed brass hardware and details with exposed nailheads. Timeless and classic style.
Category
1950s American Vintage Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Mahogany Military Campaign Chest
Located in Kastrup, DK
Military officer’s Campaign chest of five drawers by Ross & Co of Dublin.
Crafted in 1860-1880 in solid mahogany with original brass fittings and drawer locks by Hobbs & Co.
Gently repolished to preserve the beautiful patina.
England / Ireland 1860-1880
Ross and Co...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Antique British 19th Century Two-Piece Mahogany Campaign Chest
Located in Peabody, MA
A mid Victorian era two piece British campaign chest in solid mahogany with brass flush mount handles and cabinet lifts.
Category
19th Century British Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Trapezoidal Lingerie Chest
Located in Hanover, MA
One stylish pyramid form chest of drawers made of ebonized oak and embellished with hammered silver metal accents.
15.5 inches wide at the top descending to 23 inches wide at the bo...
Category
1990s American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak
Pair of Antique Military Campaign Style Bedside Chests
Located in London, GB
A fantastic pair of antique military campaign style bedside chests. They were made in England, and date from around the 1930’s.
They are of superb quality and are a lovely size, per...
Category
1930s British Vintage Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
British Campaign Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Nantucket, MA
A simple and elegant restored British Campaign chest of drawers. Features brass strap corners and brass recessed drawer pulls typical of the campaign style. Designed to travel as t...
Category
Early 20th Century Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
Lovely Yew Wood Campaign Style Chest Of Drawers
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this lovely military campaign style chest of drawers dating around 1950 , in good condition, brass can be polished upon request and once the payment has ...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Victorian Campaign Chest in Oak with Brass Fittings
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant and functional campaign chest crafted from solid oak with original recessed brass handles and brass corner mounts.
The chest is made in two separate sections with brass carry...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Stunning Victorian Oak Camphor Military Secretary Campaign Chest
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this amazing Victorian Camphor Military secretary chest of drawers , in original condition. Full of history this particularly chest was bought from Homestall Manor , believed to have once been John of Gaunt...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Vintage Boho Henredon Campaign Chest of Drawers - a Pair
By Henredon
Located in west palm beach, FL
Elevate your interior with this pair of vintage Henredon Campaign Chests. Crafted with precision, these chests feature a sleek and timeless design highlighted by solid wood construct...
Category
Late 20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
19th Century British Military Campaign Camphor Wood Chest With Brass Hardware
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Rare British Military Campaign chest in authentic condition with original hardware present. Beautiful old patina intact with an amazing grain and aroma of Camphor wood. Some age and ...
Category
1870s English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Other
Antique English Campaign Chest with Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome antique British Colonial campaign chest crafted in mahogany in a two piece construction featuring a pullout desk with drawers and niches over four drawers with brass hardwar...
Category
Early 20th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Antique Campaign Secretary Chest
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive antique British Colonial Chinese campaign chest crafted in teak wood in two piece construction with brass hardware, featuring a uniqu...
Category
Early 20th Century Hong Kong Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Antique Military Campaign Style Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
A finely constructed and very smart antique military campaign style chest of drawers. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930’s.
The quality is superb, this is a lov...
Category
1930s British Vintage Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
19th C English Brass Bound Campaign Style Chest on Chest
Located in New York, NY
Classic two section Campaign style chest on chest, constructed of solid wood, with brass bound corners, pulls, and eschews, and heavy iron handles. The chest features an upper secti...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass, Iron
English Chippendale Kingwood Military Campaign Chest with Secretary, Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
English Chippendale Kingwood Military Campaign graduated chest with an upper drawer fitted with a hinged fall front secretary revealing a central prospect door with a secret interior drawer, flanking pigeon holes with eight interior drawers, top edge carved with an egg & dart border, three graduated lower case drawers, original recessed brasses and escutcheons, and resting on a carved egg & dart rope skirt with the original bun feet. Late 18th Century Campaign...
Category
1780s English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Mahogany & Brass Military Campaign Chest of Drawer
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this stunning antique Victorian mahogany campaign chest of drawers , with brass corner fittings & inset brass military drawer handles. This chest is of f...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Kennedy of Ipswich & F.Sage&Co London Military Campaign Chest Of Drawers
Located in Crawley, GB
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Baker Furniture Mid-Century Campaign Cherry Wood Dresser Chest, Circa 1960s
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Campaign style five-drawer dresser or chest of drawers
By Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1960s
Carved cherry wood, with original brass ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Lovely Yew Wood Military Campaign Style Chest Of Drawers
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this lovely yew wood and brass mounted military style chest of two short and two long drawers , in good condition .
Don't hesitate to contact me if you h...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
English Camphor Wood Military Campaign Chest with Recessed Brasses, C. 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
English camphor wood five-drawer military campaign chest with the original recessed brasses, key hole escutcheons, brass corner mounts, and terminating on the original bracket feet, ...
Category
1820s English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
STUNNING ViNTAGE MILITARY CAMPAIGN BUTLERS TABLE CHEST OF DRAWERS EXTENDING TOP
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this sublime Vintage hand made in England Military Campaign chest of drawers with Butlers slip serving tray ...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Henredon Asian Modern Mahogany Campaign Chests
Located in Southampton, NJ
Exquisite pair of fully restored Henredon Tansu Commode nightstands giving nod to traditional Campaign styling. The entirely refinished chests of solid ...
Category
20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern White Campaign Dresser / Chest of Drawers, America, Brass
Located in Manhasset, NY
Mid-Century Modern White Campaign Dresser / Chest of Drawers, America, Brass
A fine example of campaign furniture done over in a white lacquered...
Category
Late 20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Victorian Military Campaign Chest in Solid Mahogany with Original Brass Fittings
Located in Kastrup, DK
Military Campaign Chest crafted from solid mahogany, featuring a beautifully aged patina, original brass fittings, and locks (later key). The chest includes two upper drawers, a cent...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
A Pair of Victorian Mahogany & Brass Campaign Chests With Brass Hardware
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Pair of Victorian 19th Century Mahogany & Brass Campaign Four Drawer Chests With Brass Hardware Raised on Four Block Feet.
Elegant well appointed set of campaign chests with a but...
Category
19th Century British Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Antique Military Campaign Style Chest of Drawers in Yew Wood
Located in London, GB
A lovely antique military campaign style chest of drawers in yew wood. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930’s.
It is of superb quality and is a very useful size. ...
Category
1930s British Vintage Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Leather, Yew
Baker Milling Road Banded Front Campaign Style Tall Chest of Drawers - Dresser
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Milling Road Tall Dresser by Baker. The dresser features a very nice Hollywood Regency / campaign style design with striking, figured wood grain, 5 dovetai...
Category
20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Victorian Mahogany And Brass Campaign Chest By London Maker
Located in Essex, MA
In two parts with the top with two over one deep drawer over two drawers. Recessed brass handles signed G.L Williams 41 New Bond St London. Ending on toupie...
Category
1860s English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Three-drawer chest of drawers in the style of Guillerme and Chambron - 1960s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Three-drawer chest of drawers in the style of Guillerme and Chambron - 1960s
Vintage - Furniture - Mid-Century
Measures : 120x46cm H:82cm
Wear consistent with age and use - Minor Lo...
Category
20th Century French Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Boho Drexel Tall Campaign Chest of Drawers
By Drexel
Located in west palm beach, FL
Stunning vintage Drexel tall campaign chest of drawers with a boho flair. Crafted with timeless elegance, it features brass hardware and a sleek, functional design. Perfect for addin...
Category
Late 20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
Pair of Mahogany Military Campaign Chests on Stands or Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of modern military campaign chests mounted on custom stands, circa 1970s. Incredible style, craftsmanship and attention to detai...
Category
1970s Vintage Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Pair of Baker Fruitwood Campaign Style Chests
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive pair of chests or commodes crafted in fruitwood in a sleek modern form with hints of tradition having brass campaign style hardware and classic turned feet. Signed Baker i...
Category
20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Fruitwood
Victorian Apothecary Campaign 4 Drawer Brass Bound Chest with Hand Painted Front
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Rare Victorian Apothecary Military Campaign four drawer brass bound chest finished with tooled black leather
A Beautiful handcrafted Apothecary C...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
19th Century campaign chest of drawers
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Beautiful campaign 2-piece chest of drawers in perfect and original condition. Beautiful light color.
Origin ca. 1840
Size. 99cm x 48cm x h.101cm
The campaign cabinets went with the...
Category
1840s British Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Lovely Yew Wood Military Campaign Chest Of Drawers
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this stylish chest of drawers in the antique military campaign style , rectangular top above two short and three long drawers . It comes in two pieces fo...
Category
Early 20th Century British Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Two Campaign Style Black Lacquered and Brass Tall Chest of Drawers
Located in Dallas, TX
Two matching professionally lacquered in black Campaign tower chests. Expertly crafted and well made. Each conforming case features seven equal sized dovetail joinery drawers; five d...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
English 1840s Mahogany Campaign Chest with Five Drawers and Brass Hardware
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English mahogany campaign chest from the mid 19th century, with five drawers and brass hardware. Created in England during the second quarter of the 19th century, this mahogany ca...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Victorian Military Campaign Chest / Cabinet Green Leather & Brass Tooled Top
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Victorian English antique military campaign three drawer chest with green leather tooled top finished with brass edging corners & drop handles
Measures; Height: 52cm I Width: 33cm I...
Category
19th Century British Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Bilecky Inspired Wicker & Brass Campaign Style Chest / Credenza / Dresser
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a Bielecky Bros. wicker campaign style credenza or chest . It most likely dates to the 60s or 70s. It is unmarked and in very good condition. T...
Category
Late 20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
19th Century chest of drawers with secretary
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Beautiful antique teak campaign chest of drawers with secretary. The chest of drawers is in original condition and structurally perfect. It has the original appearance with traces of...
Category
1840s British Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Teak
Antique Pair of English Campaign Chests
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive pair of English antique five drawer campaign chests crafted in mahogany in a two piece construction with brass hardware and turned feet. Signed Shapland & Petter one of Englands oldest furniture...
Category
Early 20th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Antique Campaign Style Chest
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Intriguing antique campaign style chest crafted in mahogany with well placed dramatic grains, brass inlays and hardware, keys for all drawers and turn...
Category
Early 20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Antique Military Campaign Style Yew Wood Bedside Chests
Located in London, GB
A wonderful pair of antique military campaign style yew wood bedside chests. They were made in England, and date from around the 1930’s.
They are of superb quality and are a lovely ...
Category
1930s British Vintage Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Yew
Antique circa 1920 Light Oak Military Campaign Chest of Drawers with Drop Front
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely circa 1920 Art Deco period English oak and brass Military Campaign chest of drawers with drop front top drawer.
This is a nicely mad...
Category
1920s English Vintage Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Drexel Accolade 3 drawer Walnut Campaign Chest
By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a nice looking chest by Drexel. It has 3 drawers and the middle drawer is a double drawer. It's made of walnut and is in a campaign style. The corners and the pulls have bra...
Category
Late 20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Campaign commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Campaign commodes and chests of drawers 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 commodes and chests of drawers created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, more furniture and collectibles, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Campaign commodes and chests of drawers made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original commodes and chests of drawers, popular names associated with this style include Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London, Harrods, Baker Furniture Company, and Sarreid Ltd.. 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 commodes and chests of drawers differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $883 and tops out at $22,500 while the average work can sell for $3,306.