This rare early 19th century rosewood campaign desk displays exquisite beauty and remarkable design functionality characteristic of British military furniture. Adorned with gilt bronze mounts and constructed from solid rosewood with Goncalo Alves drawer linings, this masterpiece features an exquisite étagère bookcase and three drawers with unique locking mechanisms. Designed for easy disassembly and troop portability, the étagère can be detached, enabling ease of movement from different battle fronts. The original gilt-tooled leather writing surface adds to the creation’s magnificence, and would have allowed the marshal to catch up on correspondence. Supported by removable solid rosewood gilt bronze-mounted legs, this campaign desk is a symbol of opulence in 19th century campaign furniture, reflecting the wealth and influence of powerful empires.

The expansion of the British Empire during the 18th and 19th centuries resulted in the production of campaign furnishings that proved to be stylish, practical and some of the most fascinating pieces ever created. Also, known as "knock-down furniture," campaign pieces were as elegant as any of their non-traveling counterparts, but could be taken apart and re-assembled quickly without tools. As British officers of the higher ranks went on campaigns in Africa or India, they expected to live much the same as they did in England, with the same or similar amenities. Thus, many furniture makers began to design furniture that was sophisticated, sturdy and able to be used in a range of settings. Made out of high-quality materials, campaign furniture soon became popular with the landed gentry of Britain. To find such an exceptional example of this revolutionary type of furniture, particularly in such wonderful condition, is extraordinary.

Early 19th century

46 3/4“ high x 38 7/8” wide x 19 5/8“ deep