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.
$2,843 / item
Modern Campaign-Style Console
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern campaign-style console table with an embossed leather top. This three-drawer console is accented with brass campaign-style hardware and sits on a metal base. Dimensions:...
Metal
Vintage Coffee & Side Table Nest of Tables Military Campaign with World Maps
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely nest of three side tables with world maps detailing. A nice decorative set, each one has a good quality print of a world map. They a...
Brass
$2,495
H 28.25 in W 51.75 in D 17 in
Modern Console Sofa Table Travertine & Brass Plate with Glass Top Style Artedi
By Artedi
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning modern travertine base sofa or console table with asymmetrical rectangular tubes and new ½ inch beveled rectangular glass top in the style of Artedi. Beautiful condition, ke...
Travertine, Metal, Brass
Clean Lined Modern Brass Console Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined modern console or sofa table, American, circa 1980s. This table is a versatile size and can be used as a console table, sofa table, desk, or vanity.
Metal, Brass
Louis XVI Style Marble Top Console Table
Located in North York, ON
Louis XVI Style marble top console table. This 1940’s American piece is fully restored in a light bubble gum lacquer finish with ori...
Marble
Console in Wood , Style: Art Deco , 1940
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our Argentina galleries are shipped directly to your address via air freight. • Simplified Customs Management: We handle the processing of export permits and the payment of customs duties. You will receive your purchase without additional paperwork or surprise costs. • High-Security Packaging: Following FedEx international standards, each piece is protected in custom-made wooden crates, designed to withstand 1-meter impacts and ensure the integrity of the object during transit. • Note for shipments to the USA: To comply with shipping company regulations and ensure delivery at the destination, a valid tax ID (EIN, SSN, or ITIN) is required. • Domestic US Shipping: For those pieces available in our United States storage, logistics are managed through 1stdibs. Personalized Restorations Our team of expert artisans offers restoration services tailored to your aesthetic preferences and design needs: • Cabinetry and Polishing: We perform polishing work on woods, allowing for transitions from light to dark tones (including deep black finishes). • Upholstery: We reupholster chairs and armchairs with fabrics or leathers of your choice, guaranteeing a high-quality finish. • Lighting: We adapt ceiling lamps by shortening smooth rods to adjust them to the height of your rooms. • Metal Treatment: * Restoration of chromed or silver-plated bronze pieces to their original state. o Chroming or silver-plating services for bronze objects. Personalized Quotes: We would be delighted to advise you and provide a quote for any intervention according to your personal taste. Console Art Deco Material: Wood and glass and gold Comte (1932-1960) was a design house and the most important manufacturer and importer of furniture and decorative objects in Argentina during the middle of the 20th century. Comte produced furniture in both the English and French styles of the 19th and 20th centuries.1 1932-1936: Training and early years The Comte company was founded in 1932 by Ignacio Pirovano, his brother Ricardo Pirovano and the architects José Enrique Tívoli and Mariano Mansilla Moreno. Later, Celina Pirovano, also an architect and wife of Ricardo Pirovano, would join Comte.2 The main creative force behind Comte was Ignacio Pirovano, who in turn was inspired by Jean-Michel Frank, whom he met in 1920, and his gallery located in Paris on his constant trips to this city. Ricardo Pirovano acted as president of the company and managed the administrative part of the company.3 During its first four years of existence, Comte was located at Avenida Roque Sáenz Peña 1129 and was dedicated to the import, execution and sale of fine furniture and decorative accessories,2 among which were found many pieces of European origin, for later sale. sale to his high society clientele in Buenos Aires. 1936-1942: Company growth On March 30, 1936, the company moved to 10792 Arenales Street and signed an exclusivity agreement with Jean-Michel Frank to produce his designs in the country.3 The French designer served as artistic director of the company. for an indeterminate period.3 At this stage the company specializes in furniture and decorations, carpets, wood coverings and in general everything related to the authorization of the most important works of large departments of the State, public and private companies, both from the country as well as from abroad.2 As examples we can mention the Llao Llao Hotel in Bariloche, Argentina, the Mar del Plata Casino, in Mar del Plata, Argentina and the Banco de la República del Paraguay in Asunción, Paraguay. During that period, several studios were opened: the first in 1937 located at 1164 Segurola Street, the second at 451 Paramaribo (current Fragata Sarmiento Street), quickly followed by new addresses at 1281 Avellaneda, 1536/40 Paseo Colón Avenue, 535 Darwin /43, Francisco Acuña de Figueroa 855 and Deán Funes 1832.2 This reflects the incredible growth of Comte and the company's production capacity. In 1939 Comte moved to 953 Florida Street, where it had an exhibition hall and sales to the public.2 1942-1960s: Expansion into other areas and final years On April 27, 1942, Comte was officially transformed into a Public Limited Company, with an authorized capital of m$n 600,000. For that year, it occupied the imposing premises on 936/40 Florida Street, where it would operate until the end of 1954, when it moved its commercial address to 1832 Deán Funes Street, where it had its industrial establishment.2 By 1946, it centralized all its operation in this last address, to which another location was added located at 1877.2 Luca Street. Consequently, with the experience acquired by organizing its aeronautical section and when the contracts corresponding to this section were suspended, it dedicated itself to preparing its plant for the lines of wooden cabinets in series specializing in cabinets for T.V., radios, transistor radios, combined, stereophonic, tables for sewing machines, among others.2 The company finally closed its doors sometime in the 1960s after the death of one of its founders, Ricardo Pirovano. Commercial items used Three types of commercial items were used by Comte: COMTE S.R.L., COMTE S.A. and COMTE S.A.I.yC. Initially the company was formed as an S.R.L. in the year 19322 (Limited Liability Company) dedicated mainly to the import of furniture from Europe. Around 1937, Comte expanded and formed a second company under the name S.A.2 (Sociedad Anónima) that would be used mainly for the manufacture of furniture and decorative objects under the exclusivity of both national artists (such as Alejandro Bustillo...
Wood
$1,140Sale Price|40% Off
H 26.5 in W 61 in D 14 in
John Vesey Style Mid-Century Modern Brass Chrome & Glass Console Table, 1970s
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mid-Century Modern mixed metal brass and chromed steel console sofa table in the style of John Vesey and Maison Jansen. Removable clear beveled glass top. Coordinating coffee table a...
Brass, Chrome
Lovely Campaign Style Nest Of Three Tables
By Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London
Located in Crawley, GB
Stunning antique military campaign style nest of three tables in mahogany and brass , made in England between 1950-1960 with brass corners and inlaid brass plaque in amazing conditio...
Brass
Geometric Memphis Style Plaster Console Table
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Sculptural entry console table with a triangular form base and a textural cream tone plaster finish.
Plaster, Wood
Phillip Modern Walnut Console or Entryway Table
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Phillip console by Crump and Kwash Solid wood case with continuous waterfall grain / blackened steel pulls and base / hand shaped walnut feet / natural oil finish / soft close drawers...
Wood, Maple, Oak, Walnut
$1,500
H 16.15 in W 36.42 in D 17.92 in
Mid Century 'World Map' Military Campaign Coffee Table, C.1960, France
Located in London, GB
Vintage World Map Military Campaign coffee table France, circa 1960. Verre églomisé map image with mahogany table frame and brass detailing. Very goo...
Brass
$1,295
H 27.25 in W 52 in D 16 in
Modern Chrome Rectangle Console Sofa Table Glass Top Style Pace or Karl Springer
By Karl Springer, Pace Collection
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning modern chrome rectangle console table or sofa table with glass top in the style of Pace or Karl Springer. Gorgeous vintage condition with wear consistent with age and the ch...
Chrome
$16,700
H 32 in W 43 in D 15.75 in
French Mid-Century Modern Style Hand-Hammered Iron Console, Manner of Giacometti
Located in New York, NY
Elegant modern craftsman console / sofa table in hand-hammered iron in the manner of Diego Giacometti. The piece has a brutalist, yet refined sensibility with its flared sabots, neoc...
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Style Marble-Top Console Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique marble-top console table features a marble top fitted in hardwood frame. Unique vintage style console table perfect for use in a variety of settings as a hallway, entrywa...
Marble
Brutalist Spanish Iron and Tile Coffee Table - circa 1920s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Brutalist Spanish Iron and Tile Coffee Table - circa 1920s Wear consistent with age and use Brutalist - Natural decoration - Vintage Measu...
Metal
Sold
H 27.5 in W 45 in D 15 in
Vintage Henredon Campaign Hollywood Regency Faux Bamboo Cane Sofa Console Table
By Henredon
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning Late 20th Century Henredon Campaign or Hollywood Regency style faux bamboo & cane sofa table. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will h...
Cane, Wood
Vintage Harrods London R.E.H Kennedy Military Campaign Cabinet
By Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London
Located in Den Haag, NL
Stunning solid Mahogany end table Vintage Harrods London R.E.H Kennedy Military Campaign cabinet, comes with Three drawers one pull out tray. ...
Mahogany
Sold
H 28.5 in W 55.5 in D 17.5 in
Hollywood Regency Campaign Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Cane & Glass Top Sofa Table
By Baker Furniture Company, Erwin Lambeth
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Hollywood Regency, Campaign, and/or Chinoiserie style faux bamboo, cane, and glass top console or sofa table. Comprised of a dark stained wood frame, silver and brass tone accents, rattan wrappings, cane bottom shelf, faux bamboo look designs, and rectangle segmented glass top inserts. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There were some light spots in the rattan wraps that have been touched up. In addition this table has been disassembled, cleaned, and tightened. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, late 20th century. Additional Comments: Although not original to the tables, we feel as though the cane bottom shelf would benefit from glass on top on its caning for a better item placement surface. We can supply that glass in clear glass if desired. What an absolutely fantastic sofa table!! This is a campaign style faux bamboo and cane rectangle segmented sofa...
Faux Bamboo, Cane, Glass, Wood
Mahogany Campaign Style Game Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
20th Century campaign style game table of mahogany with a trestle base and a pair of extending leaves. The table has an inset panel opening to a storage compartment for game pieces and has the original brass fittings. The narrow drop leaf table...
Brass