British Colonial Rosewood Secretaire Chest of Drawers
Mid 19th centuryA British colonial campaign secretaire chest of drawers made of solid rosewood. The top drawer opens to reveal a secretaire interior, fitted with a black leather writing surface and eight drawers, all drawers with a brass pull. It is also fitted with two pigeon holes and a compartment that can be locked. This top drawer features many secret compartments. All of the chest’s drawers with the original recessed brass handles. On the sides brass carrying handles. The piece stands on four claw feet.
Campaign or “knock down” furniture was portable military furniture and used by British officers when they set out for a campaign in India. This piece consists of two parts for ease of transport. Because campaign furniture was extremely versatile, it also appealed to home owners who appreciated its elegance, strength and ease of storage.
The secretaire chest of drawers is in good condition and has been lovingly restored and finished to its former glory using a traditional form of French polishing and waxing. The drawer sides and bottom are made of teakwood and attached with fine dovetails to the rosewood drawer front. The backside of the chest has also been made of teakwood.
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Bombay
British colonial India
H: 122 cm W: 130 cm D: 60 cm
H: 48” W: 51” D: 23½”