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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
Color:  Brown
Lovely Antique Victorian Walnut Military Campaign Officers Chest of Drawers
Located in GB
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...
Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Lovely Vintage Meubles Gautier Made in France Military Campaign Chest of Drawers
By Meubles Gautier
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very nice chest of drawers by Meubles Gautier made in France in the military campaign style A decorative and functional chest of drawers, it is quite a shallow chest...
Category

20th Century French Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

SCOTTISH 93RD SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS REGIMENT OF FOOT MiLITARY CAMPAIGN CHEST
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare, fully signed, 93rd Lancers (Regiment of Foot) military campaign chest of drawers ci...
Category

1880s English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Hardwood

Campaign Style Six Drawer Chest
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Campaign style six drawer chest or filing cabinet. Fits A4 and letter hanging folders. With brass hardware, drawers on runners and raised on bun fee...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Mahogany Marine / Campaign Chest Of Drawers Of A Cruise Liner
Located in Brussels, Brussels
lovely little mahogany campaign or marine chest of drawers which was at the time in a cabin of a cruise liner Very beautiful little model with the cabin number written behind the dr...
Category

Early 20th Century British Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

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

Antique Camphor Wood Two Part Campaign Chest
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Camphor Wood two part Campaign Chest, circa 1890. With a rectangular top, two upper drawers and 3 lower drawers, all with original brass campaign hardware. Hand dove tailed d...
Category

1890s English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Campaign Chiffonier In Mahogany
Located in Brussels, Brussels
lovely little chest of drawers in marine or campaign style in mahogany unusual chest made up of 5 drawers campaign chest of drawers with its typical brass decorations as well as its ...
Category

20th Century British 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

Rare 19th Century French Campaign Chest on Legs
Located in Houston, TX
The Rare 19th Century French Campaign Chest on Legs is a remarkable piece of furniture that embodies both functionality and elegance. Crafted dur...
Category

19th Century French Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

19th Century Teak Two Piece Campaign Chest
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century teak two piece Campaign chest, brass bound edges, ebony string inlay on drawer fronts, two short drawers one with desk interior, over three...
Category

19th Century British Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Teak

National Mt Airy Campaign Large Chest of Drawers
Located in Germantown, MD
Splendid National Mt Airy campaign chest of drawers. Featuring 5 large drawers, all dovetailed and sliding as intended by the manufacturer. Very good...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

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

English 19th Century Military Campaign Chest
Located in Kastrup, DK
English military officer’s Campaign chest of drawers. Made solid mahogany with original brass fittings. In two parts. Traditional formation with three over two drawers. The locks o...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Campaign Secretary Chest (Desk), Mid-19th Century
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a wonderful mid-19th century English Campaign Secretaire Chest. The chest is in overall very good condition and appears to retain its original surface (perhaps old refinish),...
Category

1860s English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Late 20th Century Vintage Regency Petite Patchwork Chest of Drawers
Located in west palm beach, FL
A gorgeous vintage Petite Campaign chest of drawers. A chic little cabinet with a beautiful patchwork design. Classic campaign brass hardware. Finished on all sides so sits beautiful...
Category

Late 20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

English Oak Military "Campaign Chest"
Located in Kastrup, DK
English military "Campaign Chest" Made in solid oak with fittings, handles and locks in brass. The chest is three-part with seven drawers with profiled edges. Three wide drawers, two high and two low...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

19th Century Mahogany Campaign or Marine Chest of Drawers
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb 19th century navy chest of drawers in mahogany from the English navy Chest of drawers with typical handles typical of campaign furniture which have a lot of charm as well a...
Category

19th Century British Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Military Campaign Small Chest of Drawers with Hidden Radio Tape Record Player
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage circa 1970’s Military campaign small chest of drawers with hidden record player inside. What a cool thing. On the outside yo...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Sublime Victorian Pine Military Campaign Chest of Drawers Original Brass Fitting
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely original circa 1880 Victorian pine military campaign chest of drawers with original fittings A very well made and functional chest o...
Category

1880s English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Stunning Burr Elm Chest of Drawers with Oversized Military Campaign Handles
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning military campaign style burr elm Theodore Alexander chest of drawers A very good looking a...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Campaign Style Maple 3-Drawer Chest / Filing Cabinet, Circa 1950s
Located in Germantown, MD
Beautiful vintage Campaign style maple 3-drawer chest of drawer or filing cabinet, Circa. Beautiful vintage condition. Original hardware. Measures 16" W x 17.5" D x 36.5" H W5031922.
Category

Mid-20th Century Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Custom Mahogany Campaign Style Dresser with Brass Hardware, Circa, 1950s
Located in Peabody, MA
English yew wood and mahogany custom made dresser of nine drawers, six with exterior pulls and three behind the right side cabinet door. The top ed...
Category

1950s North American Vintage Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

English 19th Century Teak Campaign Chest with Five Drawers and Brass Hardware
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English Campaign teak wood chest from the 19th century, with brass hardware and bracket feet. Created in England during the 19th century, this teak wo...
Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Walnut Campaign Chest of Drawers, Colonial Commode
Located in Potters Bar, GB
- Cracking campaign chest of drawers in walnut. - Classic campaign look with the brass handles and corner protectors. - Campaign furniture was designed to be moved around easily. - Five drawers so ample storage on this gorgeous chest...
Category

1990s Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Rare Burr Yew Wood Military Campaign Gentleman's Dressing Table Chest of Drawers
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer this rare vintage burr yew wood military campaign gentleman’s compendium This piece is based on a Victorian Military Campaign Gentleman’s dressing table...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Campaign Form Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Campaign style dresser with antique brown leather-wrapped sides. With four drawers and a slide, brass handles, and nailhead details all around the frame. Dimensions 40" W x 20...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique Tall Hardwood Military Campaign Chest of Drawers, circa 1860
Located in GB
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this lovely original circa 1860 solid mahogany Military Campaign chest of drawers Please note the deliver...
Category

1860s English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Hardwood

Brass Bound Campaign Style Chest or Coffee Table With Napoleonic Bee Parchment
Located in Peabody, MA
Campaign style brass bound chest on stand, clad in “Napoleonic Bee” parchment, with single drawer and leather handles, circa 1970s. Functions as a coffee or occasional table as well.
Category

1970s American Vintage Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Circa 1880 Solid Oak & Brass Military Campaign Chest of Drawers Secrataire Desk
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very fine, highly collectable solid oak with over sized brass fittings Military Campaign chest of drawers with mahogany lined & brown leather ...
Category

1880s English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

19th Century Mahogany Campaign Chest
Located in Montreal, QC
English solid mahogany campaign chest, in two parts, all fitted with brass hardware, the top drawer fitted with a secretaire featuring a multitude of compartments.
Category

1860s English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Campaign Style Filing Cabinet
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Campaign style verdigris brass bound filing pedestal chest of drawers, with three drawers, on bun feet. Suitable for A4, Legal and Letter Hanging Fold...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Anglo-Chinese Hardwood Naval Officer’s Campaign Chest
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An Anglo-Chinese hardwood naval officer’s campaign chest. This chest (probably padouk) is of typical rectangular form, in two brass-bound secti...
Category

1820s Chinese Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Oak Military Chest with Writing Interior
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century large oak military chest. The top lifting to reveal four shelves and centred by a mirror over two top short drawers and four long drawers with brass pulls. The centre dr...
Category

Late 19th Century Irish Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Military Campaign Style Vintage Burr Walnut Side Table Sized Chest of Drawers
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage Burr Walnut Military Campaign style, side table sized chest of drawers. A v...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Drexel Campaign Chest of Drawers / Bachelor Chest, Circa 1960s
Located in Germantown, MD
Offered is a beautiful 1966 Campaign Chest of drawers / Bachelor campaign Chest in excellent condition by Drexel. Smooth gliding dovetail drawers. Measures 34" Wide x 19" Deep x 45...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

English Campaign 19th Century Camphor Wood Low Chest with Inset Brass Hardware
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English camphor wood Campaign low chest from the 19th century, with three drawers and inset brass hardware. Created in England during the 19th century, this Campaign camphor wood ...
Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Burl Campaign Style Eight-Drawer Tall Chest with Brass Hardware
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian vintage burl wood Campaign style tall chest from the mid-20th century, with eight drawers and brass hardware. Born in France during the midcentury period, this elegant Cam...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Theodore Alexander Military Campaign Chest of Drawers on Stand Brown Leather
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer this extremely well made Regency style chest on stand by Theodore Alexander with slip brown leather serving tray and bronzed gallery rail Where to begin...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

English Campaign Style Filing Cabinet
Located in Westwood, NJ
An English Campaign style and brass filing chest of drawers, with nine drawers, on bun feet. Suitable for A4 and Letter Hanging Folders. Dimensions: 51" ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Exceptionally Rare circa 1860 Walnut Military Officers Campaign Chest of Drawers
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare and very fine solid walnut Military Officers Campaign chest of drawers If you’re in the market for the absolute finest campaign drawers ever to come to market then look no further, these are sublime. I’ve only ever seen one other chest made with this formation, I’ve bought maybe 1000 campaign chests over the many years I’ve been in the trade, the other one I saw I kept for myself which is exactly what I would be doing with this one had I not kept the other This is all walnut, you will never see another walnut campaign chest...
Category

1860s English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Antique Victorian Pitch Pine Military Campaign Used Chest of Drawers +Name Plate
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original late Victorian Military Campaign used chest of drawers in pitch pine with wrought iron ...
Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Good Quality 3 Drawer Mahogany Campaign Chest, from HMS Renown
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Good Quality 3 Drawer Mahogany campaign chest, from HMS Renown This is a delightful and interesting piece, it is made in Mahogany, a Campaign Chest with inset brass handles and 3 ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

English Military Campaign Style Chest of Drawers Exotic Wood Early 20th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Commode or chest of drawers in the English military campaign style. 20th century Good condition age with minor marks of use.
Category

Early 20th Century British Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Harrods Military Campaign Faux Book Chest of Drawers Brown Leather Writing Slope
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely handmade in England Harrods London Military Campaign chest of drawers with brown leather writing slope...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Leather

Bevan Funnell Military Campaign Chest of Drawers Leather Top TV Stand
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely RRP £4500 Bevan Funnell Military Campaign desk of drawers with brass fittings and leather top designed to seat a TV A very good look...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

British Campaign Rosewood Chest of Drawers, Early 1900s
Located in Nantucket, MA
British campaign chest of drawers in rosewood from the early 1900s. In classic campaign style, the chest is in two parts to allow for easier transportation complete with flush brass ...
Category

Early 20th Century Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Rosewood

Bevan Funnell Reprodux Campaign Chest of Drawers Leather Top TV Stand
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely RRP £4500 Bevan Funnell Reprodux Military campaign desk of drawers with brass fittings and leather top designed to seat a TV. A very...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

19th Century Two-Piece Camphor Wood Campaign Chest with Folding Writing Desk
Located in Madrid, ES
This 19th century camphor wood British military Campaign two-piece chest of drawers features a hidden fold-out writing desk. The attractive "blonde" camphor wood is contrasted with d...
Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

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

Campaign Style Gold Leafed Chest of Drawers by Baker
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Campaign style gold leafed chest of drawers by Baker Furniture Company.
Category

1960s American Vintage Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Gold Leaf

English 19th Century Campaign Chest with Fitted Drawer
Located in Montreal, QC
This particular campaign chest is remarkable in several ways. Unlike most such chests, it has a wonderfully complete and well- appointed secretary drawer with birds-eye maple veneer...
Category

19th Century British Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

19th Century Camphor Wood Campaign Chest with Desk Drawer
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Camphor wood campaign chest with fitted desk drawer, most likely British, Mid 19th Century, a high quality campaign piece made in two pieces from beautiful camphor wood, ligh...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

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.

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