Description
An antique English mahogany folding military / campaign chair.
Early 19th century. Late Georgian period, circa 1820-1830.
Retaining its original brass mounts including large scale castors.
Caned, close-nailed seat, and curved back.
With an antique brown leather cushion, matching close-nailed upholstered hinged arm rests, and a hinged folding footrest.
In superb condition overall and of very good colour.
Nb.
Any furniture specifically made to break down, or fold, for ease-of-travel, can be described as military campaign furniture. It was designed to be packed up and carried on the march. It has been used by traveling armies since at least the time of Julius Caesar, but it is commonly associated with British Army officers, many of whom had purchased their commissions. With the rise and expansion of the British Empire in the 19th and 20th centuries the demand by the military, administrators and colonists increased. British officers of high social position in the Georgian and Victorian periods (1714-1901) often carried high quality portable furniture.
Some items of campaign furniture are instantly recognizable as they were made to dismantle, or fold, with brass castors and hinges in unusual places, protruding bolts, or hinged frame. These all give clues to their functionality. However, some makers of campaign furniture were careful to ensure that their work was up-to-date and fashionable, thus making it more commercial. As such, much of it looked like domestic furniture.
Measures:
22″ width
20″ deep
40″ height.
Literature:
‘Victorian Campaign furniture – furniture used on military campaigns in the 19th century’, Nicholas A. Brawer, Magazine Antiques (Sept 2000).
‘Camp Furniture of the Victorian Officer’ (Army Museum 1981) edited by Elizabeth Talbot Rice and Alan Guy, National Army Museum.
‘At Ease Gentlemen: A catalogue of 18th, 19th & early 20th Century Campaign Furniture and Travel Equipment’, Christopher Clarke Antiques (October 2003).
‘The Portable Empire: A catalogue of 18th, 19th & early 20th Century Campaign Furniture and Travel Equipment’, Christopher Clarke Antiques (October 2004).
‘Essential Baggage: A catalogue of 18th, 19th & early 20th Century Campaign Furniture and Travel Equipment’, Christopher Clarke Antiques (October 2005).
‘Furniture Fit For Heroes: A catalogue of 18th, 19th & early 20th Century Campaign Furniture and Travel Equipment’, Christopher Clarke Antiques (October 2006).
‘The Quartermaster General: A catalogue of 18th, 19th & early 20th Century Campaign Furniture and Travel Equipment’, Christopher Clarke Antiques (October 2008).
‘British Campaign Furniture: Elegance Under Canvas, 1740-1914’, Nicholas A. Brawer (2001) ISBN 0-8109-5711-6
