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Campaign Tray 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
Large Antique Butlers Tray Top Coffee Table
Located in London, GB
A fantastic large antique butlers tray top coffee table. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1950’s. It is an impressive size and ...
Category

1950s British Vintage Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Wood

English 19th Century Coaching Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A handsome English circa 1880 coaching table. Hand-crafted in 19th century England of solid mahogany, this table stands on shaped X-form legs that feature three turned baluster stret...
Category

19th Century English Antique Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Midcentury Folding Campaign Tray Table by Drexel
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Beautiful midcentury Campaign folding table with removable tray and folding scissor base. Designed by Stewart MacDougall and Kipp Stewart...
Category

Mid-20th Century Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Atelier Luer Campaign Style Tray/Side Table with X-Frame Base and Leather Straps
Located in Miami, FL
Atelier Luer Campaign Style Tray/Side Table with X-Frame Base and Leather Straps Offered for sale is an Atelier Luer campaign style low tray/side table with and x-frame base secured...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Traditional Vintage Pine Folding Butlers Tray Side Accent Campaign Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage pine tray table. Features a folding base connected by X stretcher and rectangular octogon shaped top with brass handles.   
Category

Mid-20th Century Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Pine

19th Century Original English Mahogany Campaign Folding Table with Brass Work
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Circa 1850's Rare, original folding Campaign table from England. Authentic patina in sturdy but time honoured condition. Original brass hardware. Exuding charm and character and y...
Category

1860s English Antique Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Victorian Fiddleback Mahogany Campaign Coaching Table
Located in Essex, MA
Folding and rectangular when open, legs X-form when open.
Category

1850s English Antique Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Elaborately Hand-Carved Solid Walnut Campaign Tray-Top Table, English, ca. 1890
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Elaborately hand-carved solid walnut campaign tray-top table, English, ca. 1890, with naturalistically carved cherries and leaves, either side with filigreed maple leaves. Originally...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Walnut

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 Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Solid Oak Tray Top Table
Located in New York, NY
Nicely constructed oak tray top table with folding X-form base. Classic Campaign furniture style, with removable handles top and collapsable base. Po...
Category

1950s American Vintage Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Oak

Related Items
19th Century lacquered hand painted tray table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Chinese black lacquered tray table circa 1880. Beautifully hand painted and decorated tray table.  Black lacquered base colour, profusely painted in gold leaf, depictin...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

19th Century lacquered hand painted tray table
19th Century lacquered hand painted tray table
H 28.75 in W 31.25 in D 22.5 in
English 19th Century Work Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This stunning work table has a thick 1 ¾” thick pine top and would make a gorgeous kitchen island. Crafted from solid pine and oak, it remains incredibly sturdy and level. The brilli...
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19th Century English Antique Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Wood, Hardwood

English 19th Century Work Table
English 19th Century Work Table
H 32.13 in W 70.75 in D 40.88 in
19th Century English Butlers Tray Table
Located in Pomona, CA
A mid-19th century English mahogany butlers tray on the stand features a rectangular tray with a surrounding gallery. On a folding X-frame stand with woven straps to accommodate the ...
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1840s English Antique Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century English Butlers Tray Table
19th Century English Butlers Tray Table
H 34.25 in W 27.75 in D 17.5 in
Midcentury Campaign Tray Tables by Nils Trautner
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration are these Scandinavian tray tables by Nils Trautner for Ary Nybro. These wonderful tripod tables utilize thick leather cord and brass ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Superb Midcentury Rosewood Folding Table
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Model ka 128 Beautiful and rare rosewood folding table made in Denmark. Designed for compact portability. This versatile table can be used and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Superb Midcentury Rosewood Folding Table
Superb Midcentury Rosewood Folding Table
H 18.75 in W 25.75 in D 16 in
Antique Butler Tray Top Coffee Table
Located in Norton, MA
Butler's tray-style coffee table, mixed woods, drop-down ends and sides, 22" H (with handles up) x 33" L x 24" W (with sides up). Good condition.
Category

19th Century American Antique Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Butler Tray Top Coffee Table
Antique Butler Tray Top Coffee Table
H 28.75 in W 40 in D 30 in
Bamboo Butlers Tray on Stand
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Bamboo Butlers Tray on Stand This is a superb quality piece, the tray top fits on to the folding legs forming a neat drinks table The frame of th...
Category

1880s Antique Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Faux Bamboo

Bamboo Butlers Tray on Stand
Bamboo Butlers Tray on Stand
H 25 in W 24 in D 17 in
Handsome Mahogany Butlers Tray Table on Folding Stand
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Handsome mahogany butlers tray on folding stand; stand has needlepointed straps with medallions as the cross supports.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century English Mahogany & Satinwood Etagere Tray Table
Located in London, GB
This is a truly exceptional antique English Edwardian mahogany and satinwood marquetry oval two tier 'etagere', in the manner of Edwards & Roberts, circa 1890 in date. Crafted from the best flame mahogany, note the wonderful grain to the wood and the beautifully inlaid decoration with musical trophies within scrolling foliage and kingwood crossbanding. Masterfully inlaid with Sheraton influences, this etagere has an elegant refined look. The removable glass bottomed tray can be used to serve drinks, etc. It is raised on elegant square section tapering outswept legs with a shaped cross stretcher. The craftsmanship and finish are second to none. THE BOTANICAL NAME FOR THE MAHOGANY THIS ITEM IS MADE OF IS SWIETENIA MACROPHYLLA AND THIS TYPE OF MAHOGANY IS NOT SUBJECT TO CITES REGULATION. Condition: In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 84 x Width 89 x Depth 55 Dimensions in inches: Height 33.1 x Width 35.0 x Depth 21.7 Edwards & Roberts was founded in 1845, and had premises at 21 Wardour Street London. By the 1892 they occupied more than a dozen buildings in Wardour Street, where they continued to trade until the end of the century. They became one of the leading London cabinet makers and retailers working in a variety of styles, both modern and revivalist. Their business also involved retailing, adapting and restoring the finest antique furniture and there are many examples of their earlier furniture with later embellishments bearing their stamp. Edwards & Roberts specialised in marquetry, inlay and ormolu. Marquetry is decorative artistry where pieces of material (such as wood, pewter, or brass silver) of different colours are inserted into surface wood veneer to form intricate patterns such as scrolls or flowers. The technique of veneered marquetry had its inspiration in 16th century Florence. Marquetry elaborated upon Florentine techniques of inlaying solid marble slabs with designs formed of fitted marbles, jaspers and semi-precious stones. This work, called opere di commessi, has medieval parallels in Central Italian "Cosmati"-work of inlaid marble floors, altars and columns. The technique is known in English as pietra dura, for the "hardstones" used: onyx, jasper, cornelian, lapis lazuli and colored marbles. In Florence, the Chapel of the Medici at San Lorenzo is completely covered in a colored marble facing using this demanding jig-sawn technique. Techniques of wood marquetry were developed in Antwerp and other Flemish centers of luxury cabinet-making during the early 16th century. The craft was imported full-blown to France after the mid-seventeenth century, to create furniture of unprecedented luxury being made at the royal manufactory of the Gobelins, charged with providing furnishings to decorate Versailles and the other royal residences of Louis XIV. Early masters of French marquetry were the Fleming Pierre Golle and his son-in-law, André-Charles Boulle, who founded a dynasty of royal and Parisian cabinet-makers (ébénistes) and gave his name to a technique of marquetry employing brass with pewter in arabesque or intricately foliate designs. Etagère is a piece of light furniture which was extensively made in France during the latter part of the 18th century. It consists of a series of stages or shelves for the reception of ornaments or other small articles. Like the what-not it was very often cornerwise in shape, and the best Louis XVI examples in exotic woods are exceedingly graceful and elegant. In modern usage, an étagère is often used to refer specifically to a long-legged shelf unit that fits over a bathroom toilet...
Category

1890s English Antique Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Mahogany Butlers Tray On Stand
Located in Kettering, GB
A generously sized mahogany butlers tray on stand, 19th century, the tray with four handles and hinged sides on a square section folding stand. I...
Category

19th Century British Antique Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany Butlers Tray On Stand
Mahogany Butlers Tray On Stand
H 31.89 in W 29.93 in D 20.48 in
Mid Century Italian Toleware Side Tray Table, circa 1960
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and very colorful tray table from Italy. Collapsing base makes for an easy storage solution and maneuverability. In very good vintage condition....
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Metal

Moorish Moroccan Style Hardwood Folding Brass Tray Drinks Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive six-leg brass tray top drink table or side table made in the Moorish Moroccan taste. The table features a folding base with spool or bobbin turned legs ending with shaped...
Category

20th Century Asian Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items
Henredon Historic Natchez Mahogany Campaign Style Faux Bamboo Butlers Tray Table
Located in Centennial, CO
Perfect for the holidays is this stunning Henredon mahogany campaign style butler's tray table. The tray is removable and sits on a faux bamboo folding base, not only beautiful but s...
Category

Late 20th Century American Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Mahogany Scots Guards Campaign Folding Butlers Dry Bar Tray Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Scots Guard folding tray table. Made of mahogany featuring inlaid brass dovetail joinery with a central heraldic plaque or crest for the United Kingdom. British Shop...
Category

Late 20th Century Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Campaign-style tray table by Kipp Stewart
Located in Portland, OR
Mid century solid walnut campaign-style folding tray table. Turned wood finials and brass spacers add elegance. From the “Declaration” line designed by Stewart Macdougall & Kipp Stew...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Round Mahogany Tray Table
Located in New York, NY
The removable circular dished tray, supported by six incurved legs joined by X-form stretchers.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Round Mahogany Tray Table
Round Mahogany Tray Table
H 20.5 in Dm 29.5 in
Vintage Hardwood Folding Campaign Tray Table with Removable Top for Butlers
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very well made vintage military campaign folding tray table with original stand A very good loo...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Hardwood

French Mahogany Folding Campaign Table by H.J Linton Paris
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Rare Mahogany inlaid folding table by H.J Linton From Paris. Mid 19th century. The folding mechanisms functions perfectly.
Category

1860s French Antique Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture Party Butler Table with Removable Tray and Butterfly Top
Located in Southampton, NJ
1950's Baker Furniture Party Butler tray table with folding X-base constructed of Cherrywood. Two flush panel butterfly leaves unfold from the center on heavy brass hinges to create an 89" long surface supported by detachable reed form tapered brass capped legs with removable tray. Entire table folds for easy storage. An exceptional unusual French Campaign influenced style rarely seen in Baker party Butler...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Pair of Modernist Walnut Campaign Tables by Kipp Stewart
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of modernist walnut campaign tables, designed by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall for Drexel, American, circa 1950s. Beautiful graining to the walnut throughout. They are a v...
Category

1950s American Vintage Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Walnut

Antique Mahogany Butlers Tray Top Coffee Table
Located in London, GB
Large antique Georgian style Butlers tray top coffee table with a lift off top and dating to circa 1930s-1950s period. It’s in excellent condition and I can’t decide if it looks bett...
Category

1930s English Vintage Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Campaign Style English Tray Table
Located in Austin, TX
English Campaign style tray table in solid mahogany with brass hinges and handles.
Category

1920s English Vintage Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Campaign Style English Tray Table
Campaign Style English Tray Table
H 28.75 in W 40.5 in D 31.5 in
English Mahogany Butler's Tray with Chinese Silk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
19th century English mahogany butler's tray featuring a dramatic Chinese silk robe fragment. The fine embroidery depicts a pair of dragons, lions, an...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Gold, Brass

Mid 19th Century Flip-Side Oval Mahogany Butler's Tray On Stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
Mid 19th Century Flip-Side Oval Mahogany Butler's Tray On Stand. All brass hinges with spring assists working. Sides flip up and lay down for serving creating an oval form. X form re...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Campaign Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Campaign tray tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Campaign tray 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 tray tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, oak and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Campaign tray tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 tray tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $875 and tops out at $1,261 while the average work can sell for $1,068.

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