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Campaign Desks

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
John Widdicomb Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Campaign Executive Desk
John Widdicomb Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Campaign Executive Desk

John Widdicomb Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Campaign Executive Desk

By John Widdicomb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

John Widdicomb Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Campaign Executive Desk This desk measures: 72 wide x 36 deep x 29.5 high, with a chair clearance of 24.25 inches Good Vintage Conditi...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

Antique English Leather Top Campaign Desk
Antique English Leather Top Campaign Desk

Antique English Leather Top Campaign Desk

By E.G. Hudson

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Handsome Antique British colonial desk featuring a tooled red leather top with a cross banded border double pedestals with drawers in front and cabinets in the back, campaign brass h...

Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

1970s Romweber Burl Wood and Gold Trim Executive Desk with Filing Drawers
1970s Romweber Burl Wood and Gold Trim Executive Desk with Filing Drawers

1970s Romweber Burl Wood and Gold Trim Executive Desk with Filing Drawers

By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft, Romweber Furniture Co.

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Luxury, pure and simple. Well maybe not so simple… this burled Carpathian elm wood executive desk wears its gold trim like fine jewelry. The vintage 1970s desk captures the glamour of the era. The chocolate hued wood is illuminated with brilliant gold-colored metal handles, legs, and bezel. This is no dainty beauty. Designed for serious work and sophisticated environments, the desk features a suite of functional enhancements rarely found in pieces of this era. Three pull‑out table tops, one at the back, and one on each side. These convenient pull-out tables expand the usable surface area for devices or collaborative work. A long center drawer with an integrated organizing tray keeps essentials elegantly contained. On the left and right, two shallow top drawers provide quick‑access storage. Two deep file drawers (one left, one right) accommodate modern organizational needs. These file drawers lock, one key is included. Attention to detail rings throughout the design. Meant to be admired from all angles, it is a true work of art. Romweber, founded in Indiana and known for its uncompromising standards, produced some of the finest American case goods of the 20th century. This desk is a testament to that legacy: substantial, impeccably built, and designed to endure for generations. Its scale, materials, and craftsmanship make it an exceptional choice for executives and collectors seeking a statement piece that communicates authority, taste, and heritage. We also have a matching, equally grand, Romweber executive office credenza with file...

Category

1970s American Vintage Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

Antique English Leather Top Campaign Desk
Antique English Leather Top Campaign Desk

Antique English Leather Top Campaign Desk

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Handsome 19th century English desk handcrafted in mahogany with an ebonized finish, featuring a tooled green leather top on a banded case with three drawers over double pedestals wit...

Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture Campaign Style Leather Top Partners Desk
Baker Furniture Campaign Style Leather Top Partners Desk

Baker Furniture Campaign Style Leather Top Partners Desk

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Baker Furniture Campaign Style Leather Top Partners Desk This desk measures: 72.25 wide x 42.25 deep x 30.25 high, with a chair clearance of 24.25 inches We take our photos in a co...

Category

Late 20th Century American Campaign Desks

Materials

Leather, Wood

Military Campaign style  Mahogany Davenport Desk. England
Military Campaign style  Mahogany Davenport Desk. England

Military Campaign style Mahogany Davenport Desk. England

Located in Den Haag, NL

Military Campaign Writing Davenport Desk . Solid Mahogany 5 Drawers .1 dummy for the folding out desk ,comes with storage underneath. Brown Leather tops ,embossed with Gold . . 2 ...

Category

1960s English Vintage Campaign Desks

Materials

Mahogany

U.S. Military Folding Stainless Steel Field Desk
U.S. Military Folding Stainless Steel Field Desk

U.S. Military Folding Stainless Steel Field Desk

By René Herbst

Located in Hanover, MA

Vintage U.S. Military medical field desk. Converts to coffee table. This is (NOS) New Old Stock military surplus, never previously used. I contemplated stripping the paint to revea...

Category

1970s American Vintage Campaign Desks

Materials

Stainless Steel

1970s National Mt. Airy Military Campaign Style Executive Desk
1970s National Mt. Airy Military Campaign Style Executive Desk

1970s National Mt. Airy Military Campaign Style Executive Desk

By National Mt. Airy

Located in Dallas, TX

Another good looking campaign style piece for your collection! We are delighted to offer for sale this vintage executive desk hand crafted in the Military Campaign style by Mt. Airy, which is one of the higher quality campaign manufacturers. This well-made desk executed out of oakwood which has a lovely warm patina to it, the cuts of timber are lovely with great proportions from any angle. Supporting a rectangular top with a central drawer flanked on either side by a column cabinet with four drawers each having a top and bottom drawer, two of which are double as a filing drawer in the middle offering plenty of storage space. Solid finished back all standing on a plinth base to make it more stable. The brass inset military handles & brass corner brackets are all original and in brass. Signed "National Mt...

Category

Late 20th Century American Campaign Desks

Materials

Oak

English Camphor Wood Military Campaign Chest with Fitted Interior Desk, C. 1810
English Camphor Wood Military Campaign Chest with Fitted Interior Desk, C. 1810

English Camphor Wood Military Campaign Chest with Fitted Interior Desk, C. 1810

Located in Charleston, SC

English camphor wood and mahogany military campaign chest with an upper case central fitted hinged fall front secretary desk revealing a leather writing surface, flanking pigeon hole...

Category

1810s English Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

Architect Adjustable Desk with Red Leather Insets
Architect Adjustable Desk with Red Leather Insets

Architect Adjustable Desk with Red Leather Insets

Located in Ballard, CA

The Iconic Jean Pierre desk named after the famous actor Jean Pierre Aumont is an handcrafted desk in solid walnut with black or brown leather insets, adjustable top position, Classi...

Category

2010s North American Campaign Desks

Materials

Leather, Wood, Walnut

Antique English Campaign Chest with Pullout Desk
Antique English Campaign Chest with Pullout Desk

Antique English Campaign Chest with Pullout Desk

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Handsome 19th Century British Colonial campaign chest handcrafted in mahogany in a two piece construction, bound in brass with brass hardware and turned feet, featuring a pullout des...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

Trunk Mobile Office Bureau Leather Black Restoration Hardware Timothy Oulton
Trunk Mobile Office Bureau Leather Black Restoration Hardware Timothy Oulton

Trunk Mobile Office Bureau Leather Black Restoration Hardware Timothy Oulton

Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK

Travel and take your work anywhere, anytime Funky, fun, ergonomic, mobile office, compact bureau or bookcase for the home or travel to exhibitions or sites Vintage trunk stylish and ...

Category

2010s Central American Campaign Desks

Materials

Chrome

English Leather Top Campaign Desk
English Leather Top Campaign Desk

English Leather Top Campaign Desk

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Handsome 19th century English campaign desk featuring the original tooled green leather top, campaign brass hardware, two pedestals and a case with nine paneled drawers and block fee...

Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

English Camphor Wood Military Campaign Chest with Fitted Interior Desk, C. 1810
English Camphor Wood Military Campaign Chest with Fitted Interior Desk, C. 1810

English Camphor Wood Military Campaign Chest with Fitted Interior Desk, C. 1810

Located in Charleston, SC

English camphor wood military campaign chest with an upper case fitted drawer hinged fall front secretary desk revealing a leather writing surface, central prospect door with key, fl...

Category

1810s English Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

Campaign Style Desk
Campaign Style Desk

Campaign Style Desk

$3,687 / item

Campaign Style Desk

Located in Westwood, NJ

A 19th-century style Campaign desk, the flip-top revealing a fitted interior, slide-out tooled leather writing surface, raised on splayed legs with a stretcher. Dimensions: 29.25"...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Campaign Desks

Materials

Leather, Wood

Handcrafted Colonial Teak Campaign Table with Folding Legs
Handcrafted Colonial Teak Campaign Table with Folding Legs

Handcrafted Colonial Teak Campaign Table with Folding Legs

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

Circa 1890's Solid teak hand crafted Campaign folding table from the days of the British Raj. Has flaps that pivot outwards and tuck away ben...

Category

Late 19th Century British Indian Ocean Territory Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Teak

19th C. English Campaign Style Mahogany Travel Desk by G. Riddle, London
19th C. English Campaign Style Mahogany Travel Desk by G. Riddle, London

19th C. English Campaign Style Mahogany Travel Desk by G. Riddle, London

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A finely crafted travel desk by a noted British maker of boxes. The campaign style box has shaped brass corners, tabs, a lid plaque, center front escutcheon, and classic encased side...

Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

19th c English Leather Top Brass Bound Campaign Desk
19th c English Leather Top Brass Bound Campaign Desk

19th c English Leather Top Brass Bound Campaign Desk

Located in Milford, NH

A fine English mahogany kneehole campaign desk with green leather top with gilt tooled border inside a crossbanded veneer border, surmounting a brass bound case with a central frieze...

Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

Campaign Style Desk or Credenza
Campaign Style Desk or Credenza

Campaign Style Desk or Credenza

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Standout vintage desk or credenza crafted in mahogany and satinwood with multiple components having a wide profile with four drawers on one side and a cabinet with two shelves on the...

Category

20th Century American Campaign Desks

Materials

Satinwood

Victorian Mahogany And Brass Campaign Desk
Victorian Mahogany And Brass Campaign Desk

Victorian Mahogany And Brass Campaign Desk

Located in Essex, MA

Rectangular top with new tooled brown leather. Brass bound edge. The frieze containing a long drawer. All set on two pedestals each with three drawers. Back of the desk is finished w...

Category

1870s English Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

Fine Antique British Mahogany Campaign Style Server Chest
Fine Antique British Mahogany Campaign Style Server Chest

Fine Antique British Mahogany Campaign Style Server Chest

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Fine antique English mahogany Campaign style server chest, with a step back two tiered hinged top with walnut turned spindle supports for the two shaped a...

Category

19th Century Irish Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

Mid 19th century burr campaign lap writing desk
Mid 19th century burr campaign lap writing desk

Mid 19th century burr campaign lap writing desk

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Mid 19th century burr campaign lap desk circa 1860. Good quality burr writing box. Beautifully brass bound outside and inside edging. Stunning burr wood exterior. Original dark blu...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

Architect Adjustable Desk with Black or Brown Leather Insets
Architect Adjustable Desk with Black or Brown Leather Insets

Architect Adjustable Desk with Black or Brown Leather Insets

Located in Ballard, CA

The Iconic Jean Pierre desk named after the famous actor Jean Pierre Aumont is an handcrafted desk in solid walnut with black or brown leather insets,...

Category

2010s North American Campaign Desks

Materials

Leather, Wood, Walnut

Vintage Campaign Style Writing Table/Desk Lacquered in Red
Vintage Campaign Style Writing Table/Desk Lacquered in Red

Vintage Campaign Style Writing Table/Desk Lacquered in Red

By Sligh Furniture

Located in Dallas, TX

Classic Campaign style desk manufactured by Sligh of Holland/Grand Rapids, Michigan. Restored, consist of five drawers with recessed brass pulls. Inlaid leather top with elegant embossed gold design and brass legs. Brass bound corners and Campaign pulls...

Category

1950s American Vintage Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

Exquisite Antique Hardwood Military Campaign Writing Slope Desk & Later Stand
Exquisite Antique Hardwood Military Campaign Writing Slope Desk & Later Stand

Exquisite Antique Hardwood Military Campaign Writing Slope Desk & Later Stand

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning original Antique Victorian Mahogany & Brass Military Campaign writing slope. I actually have a pair of these, the other has slightly different dimensions and is listed under my other items. What a find, if you are in the market for this type of luxury antique militaria...

Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

Campaign Roll Top Desk on Stand
Campaign Roll Top Desk on Stand

Campaign Roll Top Desk on Stand

Located in Palm Beach, FL

A 19th century diminutive, antique, mahogany campaign roll top desk on stand with brass plaque, brass lined case, string inlay, intriguing pop up hidden compartments, brass recessed ...

Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Exquisite Victorian Hardwood Military Campaign Writing Slope Desk & Later Stand
Exquisite Victorian Hardwood Military Campaign Writing Slope Desk & Later Stand

Exquisite Victorian Hardwood Military Campaign Writing Slope Desk & Later Stand

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning original Antique Victorian Mahogany & Brass Military Campaign writing slope with later stand What a find, if you are in the market for this type of luxury antique militaria then look no further, this is the finest example I have personally seen. The timber patina is glorious, it’s a very old type of mahogany, most likely Cuban. The brass fixtures and fittings all operate perfectly and are flawlessly mounted The stand has been made at a later date to showcase and protect the piece, it is now the size of a normal side table. The writing slope itself has some interesting features, the top can be sat at a 45 degree angle for reading, there is a piece of beaded wood that slots into the two front holes, this holds and seats whatever literature you wish to rest there. The large side drawer is locked in place by a long metal rod, this rod also stops the drawer from coming all the way out. You have two internal document storage sections and various stationary cubby’s. The writing slope is baize lined and on the underside of the base you have a crosshatched silk ripped design which has been studded in place. This is exactly the same as antique LV steamer...

Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Hardwood

English Mahogany Campaign Slant Bureau / Bedstead with Original Brasses, C. 1790
English Mahogany Campaign Slant Bureau / Bedstead with Original Brasses, C. 1790

English Mahogany Campaign Slant Bureau / Bedstead with Original Brasses, C. 1790

Located in Charleston, SC

English mahogany campaign hinged slant front bureau / bedstead with removable faux drawer front panel with the original brasses and escutcheons, fitted interior with a folding bedste...

Category

1790s English Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

American Sheraton Mahogany Campaign Desk, Circa 1820
American Sheraton Mahogany Campaign Desk, Circa 1820

American Sheraton Mahogany Campaign Desk, Circa 1820

Located in Charleston, SC

American Sheraton mahogany Campaign slant front desk with two upper case flanking doors concealing pigeon holes, sliding lower case writing surface concealing fitted interior over si...

Category

1820s American Antique Campaign Desks

ANTIQUE ViCTORIAN BROWN LEATHER BRASS GALLERY MILITARY CAMPAIGN DAVENPORT DESK
ANTIQUE ViCTORIAN BROWN LEATHER BRASS GALLERY MILITARY CAMPAIGN DAVENPORT DESK

ANTIQUE ViCTORIAN BROWN LEATHER BRASS GALLERY MILITARY CAMPAIGN DAVENPORT DESK

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning full sized Victorian circa 1860-1880 Military Campaign Davenport desk writing slope with slidi...

Category

1860s English Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

Campaign Desk In Mahogany-19 ° Century
Campaign Desk In Mahogany-19 ° Century

Campaign Desk In Mahogany-19 ° Century

Located in Brussels, Brussels

Elegant mahogany campaign desk or marine desk from the 19th century from England Indeed this furniture called "campaign furniture" or navy furniture was...

Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Boho Nailhead Leather Desk
Vintage Boho Nailhead Leather Desk

Vintage Boho Nailhead Leather Desk

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This sophisticated vintage desk is a masterclass in Hollywood Regency and Campaign-style design, offering a sleek, masculine aesthetic that anchors any room. Featuring a classic Pars...

Category

Late 20th Century American Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

Antique Anglo Indian Military Campaign Camphor Wood & Brass Bureau Desk Drawers
Antique Anglo Indian Military Campaign Camphor Wood & Brass Bureau Desk Drawers

Antique Anglo Indian Military Campaign Camphor Wood & Brass Bureau Desk Drawers

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely late Victorian Anglo Indian campaign Camphor wood with brass inlay Military bureau desk This piece really is exquisite. It’s a genui...

Category

Late 19th Century Indian Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

Stunning Hardwood & Brass Military Campaign Workstation Desk for Home Computer
Stunning Hardwood & Brass Military Campaign Workstation Desk for Home Computer

Stunning Hardwood & Brass Military Campaign Workstation Desk for Home Computer

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Military Campaign style home office desk / workstation This piece was specially designed to house a tower PC, you have the space on ...

Category

20th Century English Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

ViNTAGE RESTORED HARRODS KENNEDY GREEN LEATHER MILITARY CAMPAIGN PEDESTAL DESK
ViNTAGE RESTORED HARRODS KENNEDY GREEN LEATHER MILITARY CAMPAIGN PEDESTAL DESK

ViNTAGE RESTORED HARRODS KENNEDY GREEN LEATHER MILITARY CAMPAIGN PEDESTAL DESK

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 lovely vintage, Harrods London retailed, REH Kennedy made, Military Campaign twin pedestal partners des...

Category

20th Century English Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

Vintage Restored Harrods Kennedy Brown Leather Military Campaign Pedestal Desk
Vintage Restored Harrods Kennedy Brown Leather Military Campaign Pedestal Desk

Vintage Restored Harrods Kennedy Brown Leather Military Campaign Pedestal Desk

By Harrods, Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage, Harrods London retailed, REH Kennedy made, Military Campaign twin pedestal partners desk with brown leather writing surface ...

Category

20th Century English Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

Stunning All Military Campaign Side Table with Single Drawer Part of Suite
Stunning All Military Campaign Side Table with Single Drawer Part of Suite

Stunning All Military Campaign Side Table with Single Drawer Part of Suite

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this nicely made military campaign style tall side table with single drawer which is part of a suite This piece is part of an office suite, I ha...

Category

20th Century English Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

STUNNING ViNTAGE HAND MADE IN ENGLAND PINE MILITARY CAMPAIGN TWIN PEDESTAL DESK
STUNNING ViNTAGE HAND MADE IN ENGLAND PINE MILITARY CAMPAIGN TWIN PEDESTAL DESK

STUNNING ViNTAGE HAND MADE IN ENGLAND PINE MILITARY CAMPAIGN TWIN PEDESTAL DESK

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely hand made in England Military Campaign style twin pedestal desk in pine with brass fittings Pl...

Category

20th Century English Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Hardwood & Green Leather Military Campaign Davenport Desk
Antique Victorian Hardwood & Green Leather Military Campaign Davenport Desk

Antique Victorian Hardwood & Green Leather Military Campaign Davenport Desk

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this Victorian Military Campaign writing slope in the form of a Davenport desk circa 1880 in mahogany with a green leather writing slope A very ...

Category

1880s English Antique Campaign Desks

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Campaign desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Campaign desks 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 desks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Campaign desks 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 desks, popular names associated with this style include Harrods, Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London, Sligh Furniture, and Andrew Martin. 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 desks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $895 and tops out at $22,500 while the average work can sell for $3,636.