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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
Antique Military Campaign Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
A smart and very well made antique military campaign chest of drawers. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1920-30’s. It is of superb quality and is a great size, the...
Category

1920s British Vintage Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

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

George III Mahogany Campaign Chest in Two Parts & Rare Small Size on Turned Feet
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early 19th century English five drawer mahogany campaign chest of unusual small size. Made in two sections and on turned feet, the top section with two short drawers over one long dr...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Restored Mid-Century Mahogany Chest of Drawers: 1960s Vintage Elegance
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the exceptional beauty of our mid-century chest of drawers, masterfully crafted from mahogany wood. This striking pair of 1960s vintage chests has been completely restored a...
Category

1960s American Vintage Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

STUNNING RALPH LAUREN MILITARY CAMPAIGN CHEST OF DRAWERS NiGHTSTAND
Located in Pulborough, GB
Antiques of London We are delighted to offer for sale this Stunning Ralph Lauren Military Campaign Chest of Drawers. A stunning Ralph Lauren military campaign chest of drawers nightstand is a unique and captivating piece of furniture that combines the elegance of traditional design with the rugged charm of a military-inspired aesthetic. It exudes a sense of adventure and sophistication, making it a captivating addition to any bedroom. Crafted from high-quality materials, this nightstand showcases Ralph Lauren's commitment to exceptional craftsmanship. The chest features a distinctive campaign design, inspired by vintage military furniture...
Category

20th Century British Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

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 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

Antique Teak & Brass Military Campaign Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
A fantastic antique military campaign chest in teak and brass. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1840-1860 period. It is of amazing quality and is a very useful s...
Category

1860s British Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

1980's Campaign Style Bachelor Chest of Drawers
Located in Southampton, NJ
Campaign style Bachelors chest with four cock beaded dovetailed drawers boasting fiery Mahogany grains. A well designed mid size chest of drawers with generous storage. Matching piec...
Category

20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Campaign Style Chest
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid Century Campaign Style Chest. Two part construction with brass hardware. Wood appears to be Hickory. Chest is raised on turned legs with side handles.
Category

Mid-20th Century Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Hickory

Antique Military Campaign Style Chest of Drawers in Yew Wood
Located in London, GB
A fantastic 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 siz...
Category

1930s British Vintage Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

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

Burl Wood Campaign Tall Chest With Brass Butterfly Details
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A vintage burl wood campaign style tall chest with brass butterfly design details. The chest of drawers has two doors at top that open to small drawers inside. Below the doors are ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Burl

F.Sage&Co London Beautiful English Oak Military Campaign Chest Of Drawers
By Frederick Sage & Co.
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer this amazing Military Campaign Chest of Drawers made by Frederick Sage&Company London . It is a great size and is a very useful item. It comes apart in two main p...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

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

19th Century English Mahogany Campaign Chest
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
British Military Officers Mahogany 2 part Campaign Chest with brass mounting. These chests were commissioned by officers of the British Army during their various campaigns around the...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Beautiful Vintage Campaign Style Nightstands
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this fantastic pair of bedside table made by teak and brass , each one with two drawers and a spacious shelf . In good condition . Circa 1980. Don't hesi...
Category

Late 20th Century British Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Vintage Parisian Leather Clad Luggage Trunk Chest of Drawers
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Vintage Parisian Leather Clad Campaign Luggage Trunk Chest of Drawers
Category

1990s French Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Leather

Anglo Chinese Antique Campaign Chest with Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and remarkable 19th century Anglo Chinese chest with eight drawers handcrafted in teak in two piece construction, having a pullout desk with leather...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Beautiful Secretary Military Campaign Chest Of Drawers
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this beautiful two part secretaire campaign chest of drawers circa 1960 , the upper section of the chest having a pull out secretaire drawer enclosing a ...
Category

Mid-20th Century British 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

Chest of Drawers Campaign Military Mahogany Brass 19th Century
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Unusual small size Striking with the combination of richly coloured mahogany and brass The veneers on this chest are exceptional, creating the effect of pools of ripples moving down ...
Category

1840s English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

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

Antique Campaign Chest with Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Transporting antique campaign chest crafted in mahogany with dramatic wood grains, brass inlays and hardware, and featuring a foldout writing desk hav...
Category

Early 20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

French Turn of the Century Wood Navy Chest with Brass Hardware
Located in Dallas, TX
A small French natural wood navy chest from the early 20th century, with brass hardware. Created in France during the early years of the 20th century, this small navy chest, inspired...
Category

20th Century French Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

English 19th Century Bissitt & Brunton LTD Campaign Chest with Two Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small English 19th century Campaign chest by Bissitt & Brunton LTD, with two drawers, brass hardware and bracket feet. This charming small English 19th-century Campaign chest, craf...
Category

19th Century English Antique 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

English Naval dockyard campaign chest
Located in Salisbury, GB
Victorian Naval dockyard chest This Victorian Naval dockyard chest was made in the last quarter of the 19th century. Made in 2 parts so this was easily transported to and around the...
Category

1870s English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Pair of Harrods Kennedy Military Campaign Side End Table Drawers Green Leather
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this sublime pair of vintage Harrods Kennedy Military Campaign side tables with drawers and green leather tops A truly stunning and well made p...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Antique Scottish or English Campaign Butler's Desk Chest of Drawers
Located in Centennial, CO
An elegant and functional antique Scottish or English campaign style butler's desk chest of drawer. Crafted out of teak or sycamore (exterior) and elm (interior) with original brass ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

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

HENREDON Asian Japanese Tansu Campaign Style Modular Stackable Chests - Pair A
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of modular stackable two-drawer chests in the Japanese Tansu Campaign style by Henredon. Mahogany with smooth surface top, low height, brass accents, drawer handles & side han...
Category

Late 20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

HENREDON Asian Japanese Tansu Campaign Style Modular Stackable Chests - Pair B
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of modular stackable two-drawer chests in the Japanese Tansu Campaign style by Henredon. Mahogany with smooth surface top, low height, brass accents, drawer handles & side han...
Category

Late 20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Antique British Colonial Campaign Chest of Drawers
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome British Colonial chest crafted in mahogany with six drawers in a low profile with brass campaign hardware and bracket feet.
Category

Early 20th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

VINTAGE CIRCA 1940's MILITARY CAMPAIGN SIDE END LAMP WINE TABLE DRAWERS LOVELY
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this sublime vintage circa 1940s English Military Campaign bedside table sized lamp wine table. A truly stun...
Category

1940s English Vintage Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Fine Harrods London Kennedy Chest of Drawers Brown Leather Writing Slope Desk
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage Harrods London Kennedy Military Campaign chest of drawers which doubles as a writing bur...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Leather, Hardwood, Oak

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

Harrods Kenney Hardwood & Brass Military Campaign Sideboard Chest of Drawers
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage solid mahogany with brass trim Military Campaign sideboard with three drawers and two cupboards made by REH Kennedy and retaile...
Category

Early 20th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

RESTORED ViNTAGE ENGLISH PINE & BRASS MILITARY CAMPIGN TALLBOY CHEST OF DRAWERS
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, fully restored hand made in England Pine and Brass tallboy chest of drawers Please note the ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

19th Century tall campaign chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century tall campaign chest of drawers circa 1880. Good quality tall chest made in a hardwood like padouk.   Bank of 7 equally proportioned drawers...
Category

Late 19th Century Indian 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

Campaign Style Walnut 2-Drawer Chest of Drawers In The Manner Of Henredon
Located in Southampton, NJ
Handsome 2-drawer Campaign Style chest having solid walnut construction with brass pulls, side handles and corner accents. Incredible craftsmanship throughout with great detail and s...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Hardwood Campaign Brass Bound Chest of Two Short and Two Long Drawers
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Early 20th century hardwood campaign brass bound chest of two short and two long drawers with sunken brass handles, raised upon out swept feet.
Category

Early 20th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Burl Wood Bombe Chest of Drawers, Italy 1960s
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1960s Italian bombe chest of drawers with a gorgeously grained burl wood veneer. This piece has three drawers with curved metal leaf m...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal

Pull Out Tray 4 Drawers Flame Mahogany Brass Pull Compact Bachelor Chest Dresser
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pull Out Tray 4 Drawers Flame Mahogany Brass Pull Compact Bachelor Chest Dresser MINT!
Category

20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Leather Bound Military Campaign Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
A fantastic antique leather bound military campaign chest of drawers. This was made in England, the chest of drawers itself is Victorian and dates from around the 1890-1900 period. ...
Category

1890s British Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

19th Century 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

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

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

Mid-Century Italian Patchwork Burl Campaign Style Chest / Commode / Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an Italian patchwork burl petite chest or commode or even a side table with campaign styling. The piece is a rich patchwork burl, a particular favorite of mine. It is in very...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Beautiful Yew Military Campaign Style Made by Bevan Funnell
Located in Crawley, GB
Bevan Funnell 'Reprodux' yew campaign style chest of five drawers, the brass mounted top inset with green leather . Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Please ha...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Campaign Tall Chest: Ebonized Mahogany with Brass Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dive into the captivating blend of historical elegance and modern sophistication with our Mid-Century Campaign Tall Chest of Drawers. Crafted from the finest mahogany wood, this exqu...
Category

1940s Canadian Vintage Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

English Camphor Wood Military Campaign Chest with Recessed Brasses, C. 1820
Located in Hollywood, 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

Campaign Style Ebonized Mahogany Brass Inlay Two Drawers Small Dresser Chest
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Campaign Style Ebonized Mahogany Brass Inlay Two Drawers Small Dresser Chest Mint!
Category

20th Century Unknown Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Campaign English Chest of Drawers
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 19th century British colonial campaign chest hand crafted in mahogany with classic two piece construction, five drawers, brass hardware, and turned feet.
Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Pair Asian Modern Style Walnut Campaign Chests Henredon, 1970's
Located in Rochester, NY
A pair of Asian style two drawer figured walnut campaign bachelor chests by Henredon Fine Furniture with decorative brass hardware at fronts and recessed brass swing handles at sides...
Category

20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

English Chippendale Kingwood Military Campaign Chest with Secretary, Circa 1780
Located in Hollywood, 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

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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