Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
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
Faux Bamboo Campaign Style Burlwood Desk or Writing Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Ernest Hemingway style beautifully made desk or writing table with chinoiserie faux bamboo, burl wood inlay, finished back, and drawers (one opens for a keyboard) The desk features ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Faux Bamboo, Burl
Antique Military Campaign Style Pedestal Desk
Located in London, GB
A smart and extremely well made antique military campaign style pedestal desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1950’s.
It is of superb quality, it is very heavy a...
Category
1950s British Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
British Campaign Writing Table
Located in New Orleans, LA
This rare early 19th century rosewood campaign desk displays exquisite beauty and remarkable design functionality characteristic of British military furniture. Adorned with gilt bron...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Fine Quality Three Piece Faux Bamboo English Leather Top Executive Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful cabinet-made faux bambook desk in the French or Campaign style. The desk features a fine off-white leather top with gold embossing. The desk comes apart in three ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Campaign Style Desk by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Campaign style desk designed by John Van Koert for Drexel. The desk is supported by gold crossed wood supports with a gilt finish. The top portion offers cubby-hole storage on either...
Category
1970s American Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Military Campaign Style Desk
Located in London, GB
A top quality antique military campaign style desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930’s.
It is very well made, with a useful and smart design. The wood has a l...
Category
1930s British Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
1980's Campaign Style Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Southampton, NJ
Campaign style writing desk with four cock beaded dovetailed drawers boasting fiery Mahogany grains. A well designed desk with generous storage for its mid size. Matching pieces can ...
Category
20th Century American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Classic Bamboo & Lacquer Campaign Desk With Chair By E. Murio
By E. Murio
Located in Austin, TX
East meets West, Bamboo meets Lacquer. Add a generous helping of mid-century charm to your surroundings with this Bamboo & Lacquer Campaign Desk by Murio. Serve your workspace needs ...
Category
1970s Philippine Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Upholstery, Bamboo
English Campaign Midcentury Desk with Faux Bamboo Base and Leather Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English Campaign style Midcentury desk with faux bamboo double X-Form base and leather top. This English Campaign style midcentury desk exudes an air of distinguished charm and fu...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Faux Bamboo
Antique mahogany campaign desk
Located in Salisbury, GB
Military campaign desk
This large Military campaign desk was made in the last quarter of the 19th century.
It is made of mahogany with brass inset corners and flush brass handles.
Th...
Category
1890s English Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Mastercraft Mid Century Leather Top Brass Desk
By Mastercraft
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive vintage Mastercraft writing desk crafted in brass, in a sleek chinoiserie stylized form, with a unique acid washed finish, having a tooled leather top on a case with three...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Yew Wood Military Campaign Style Pedestal Desk
Located in London, GB
A top quality antique yew wood military campaign style pedestal desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1950’s.
It is very well made, with a useful and smart design...
Category
1950s British Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Yew
English Leather Top Campaign Style Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome English Campaign style writing desk crafted in mahogany with a tooled green leather top, brass hardware, two drawers in the case, and elegant tapered legs.
Category
Mid-20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Antique Military Campaign Style Desk
Located in London, GB
A top quality antique military campaign style desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930’s.
It is very well ma...
Category
1930s British Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage Bombay Company Faux Bamboo Campaign Desk With Black Lacquer
Located in Centennial, CO
This stunning vintage Bombay Company campaign style writing desk sits on a beautifully carved faux bamboo base. It has been professionally refinished with stunning black lacquer. Original campaign style brass hardware accents contrast beautifully with the black lacquer. Construction is solid and the drawers work well. Ready for many years of use and enjoyment!
Wood construction is strong and stable...
Category
Late 20th Century Taiwanese Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Beautiful Yew And Brass Military Secretary Campaign Chest Writing Table
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this amazing military secretary campaign chest with three large drawers and brass corners with brass insert handles and one faux drawer , however the top...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Military Campaign Style Desk Table in Wood, Brass and Leather, Italy 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Amazing desk table in the antique military campaign style in wood, brass and leather top with three drawers by Sea Line Orvieto.
Made in Italy in the 1960s.
It has three good size...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
English Campaign Style Desk with Two Drawers
Located in Dallas, TX
We are delighted to offer for sale this high quality desk crafted in the Campaign taste is such a striking element for the tasteful study. This handsome campaign desk follows the design tradition of the master cabinetmakers of the 18th and 19th century who were commissioned by Officers in the British Army to create heirloom quality pieces that were not only exquisitely hand-crafted but also practical to set up when on the campaign trail. It features a rectangular top provides a convenient writing surface with French dovetail...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mahogany and Leather English Campaign Desk Resting on Stretcher Base
Located in Montreal, QC
English Campaign Desk resting on stretcher and inset with black leather top and decorated with brass handles
Category
1950s English Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Vanity / Writing Desk With Chair by Morris of California. Circa 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Campaign Style Vanity / Writing Desk With Chair by Morris of California. Circa 1960s
Features a white body with contrasting bright yellow drawers...
Category
1960s American Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
FINE HARDWOOD KENNEDY HARRODS LONDON MILITARY CAMPAiGN DESK OR WRITING TABLE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this fine Harrods London, REH Kennedy Military Campaign desk or writing table
Please note the delivery fee ...
Category
20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Victorian Walnut Campaign Travelling Desk
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality Victorian walnut campaign travelling desk, opening to a maroon leather interior, the frame remains in very good condition fo...
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Early 19th Century Rosewood 'Collapsible' Campaign Pedestal Desk
Located in London, GB
An Ingenious 'Collapsible' Campaign Pedestal Desk
Constructed from rosewood, each pedestal supported on tapering feet, one enclosing two drawer...
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
1970s National Mt. Airy Military Campaign Style Executive Desk
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 and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
English Campaign Leather Top Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 19th century English desk handcrafted in mahogany with a tooled leather top, three piece campaign construction, brass hardware, and classic bracket feet.
Kneehole measures...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
1950s English Campaign Style Mahogany & Brass Demilune Form Desk
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 1950s English mahogany and brass campaign style desk. It is marked with a back brass plate. The drawers have dovetail construction. It has a subtle curving to the shape.
M...
Category
1950s English Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
19th Century Walnut Davenport or Ship Captain's Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A walnut davenport or ship captain's desk with marquetry inlay; lift-up compartment with fitted interior, small gallery. Handsome old worn tooled leather ...
Category
19th Century Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
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 and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Vintage Boho Lacquered Campaign Writing Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Boho Campaign style desk. A chic classic case with chrome classic hardware. Rests on two sawhorse pedestals. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Category
Late 20th Century North American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Small Campaign Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Campaign style mahogany campaign desk, the circular crossbanded molded edge top hinged and folding open to reveal an interior with pigeon holes and a ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Campaign Style Desk or Credenza
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 and Writing Tables
Materials
Satinwood
Sublime Andrew Martin Polished Chrome Luggage Campaign Dest Leather Boarders
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Andrew Martin chrome and leather luggage Military Campaign style desk
A very good looking well made and...
Category
20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Hardwood & Brass Military Campaign Workstation Desk for Home Computer Part Suite
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Military Campaign style home office desk / workstation which is part of a suite
This piece is part of an office suite, I have in tot...
Category
20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Restored Hand Dyed Brown Leather Military Campaign Partners Pedestal Desk
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage Military Campaign twin pedestal partners desk with hand dyed, cigar brown leather writing surface
This is a wonderful find, ...
Category
20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Italian Bamboo Rattan Writing Table or Desk
By Dal Vera
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
Amazing midcentury bamboo and wicker desk with drawers. This wonderful piece was designed in Italy during the 1980s.
This writing table is unique because of the materials used, ba...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Vintage Drexel Campaign Desk with Gilt X-Base Legs and Low Roll Top
By Drexel
Located in Stamford, CT
Fabulous vintage Campaign style low roll top desk with gilt X-leg base by Drexel.
This is such a handsome desk by Drexel, done in Campaign style with low roll tops or tambour doors ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Exquisite Antique Hardwood Military Campaign Writing Slope Desk & Later Stand
Located in GB
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 and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Medium Dark Walnut 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 and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood, Walnut
Vintage Distressed Burr Yew Wood Military Campaign Twin Pedestal Partners Desk
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this vintage Flamed & Burr Yew wood twin pedestal partner desk made in the Military Campaign style
This is a good looking and well made piece, ...
Category
20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Yew
Stunning Hardwood & Brass Military Campaign Workstation Desk for Home Computer
Located in GB
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 and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Original circa 1900 Graves & Sons Naval Military Campaign Parter Desk Map Drawer
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer this very rare original Graves & Son’s stamped Naval Military Campaign officers desk
Graves and Sons were listed at Fore Stree...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Chinese Export Campaign Secretary
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Chinese export Campaign or travel secretary the top with foliate carved backsplash over lifting lid, the fall front with molded raised panel door...
Category
1790s Chinese Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Newcraft Ltd English Wooten Style Home Office Foldaway Modern Desk Work Station
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Newcraft Ltd English Wooten style home office foldaway modern desk work station cabinet. Item features wooden case, ornate brass corner accents, fully fitted interior with pu...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
British Colonial Military Officer's Campaign Metal Field Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare British colonial officer's campaign field desk on stand. Constructed from metal and brass featuring a royal blue painted finish with gilt high...
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Antique English Victorian Mahogany Folding Military Campaign Writing Desks
Located in Dayton, OH
2 Civil War era British campaign writing desks. Made of mahogany featuring a folding form that opens to a writing surface complete with ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
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 and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
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 and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood, Walnut
Vintage Campaign Style Writing Table/Desk Lacquered in Red
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 and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage Brass and White Lacquered Campaign Style Writing Table/Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Classic Campaign style desk manufactured by Sligh of Holland/Grand Rapids, Michigan. Consist of five drawers with recessed brass pulls and brass legs. Brass bound corners and Campaign pulls...
Category
1950s American Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
American Sheraton Mahogany Campaign Desk, Circa 1820
Located in Hollywood, 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 and Writing Tables
English Zebra Wood Military Campaign Writing Desk, Circa 1820
Located in Hollywood, SC
English zebra wood military campaign writing desk with brass bound molded edges, original recessed side handles, fitted leather interior with tooling and retains the original crystal ink wells...
Category
1820s American Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Early 20th Century English Walnut Campaign Desk
Located in Burton, TX
This Antique English Campaign Desk was crafted by artisans from walnut in the early 20th Century. The desk features a brass banded black leather top consisting of three drawers that ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique English Black Lacquer Leather Top Campaign Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic antique English campaign desk crafted in hardwoods having a tooled red leather top over an elegant black lacquer two pedestal form with six drawers and a cabinet bound with camp...
Category
Early 20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Italian Military Campaign Style Wood and Brass Desk with Leather Top, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century military campaign style desk. This fantastic piece was produced in Italy and is signed by Sea Line Orvieto in the 1960s.
This desk is made in a marvelous wood w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Harrods London Reh Kennedy Military Campaign Green Leather Writing Table Desk
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely hand made in England Harrods Kennedy Military Campaign writing table desk with Green leather writing surface
This desk is a very good size, ideal for compact spaces whilst still maximising the use of the surface work area. It has five good sized drawers and plenty of leg room
This was made by REH Kennedy...
Category
20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
English Leather Top Campaign Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 19th century British colonial campaign desk with a brown tooled leather top, brass hardware, keys to the top and side drawers, and sits on porcelain casters.
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Campaign desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Campaign desks and writing tables 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 and writing tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Campaign desks and writing tables 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 and writing tables, 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 and writing tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,150 and tops out at $22,500 while the average work can sell for $3,121.
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