From the photograph supplied it appears to be of a good standard quality for this type of piece, and in reasonable condition (many of these campaign items have had very hard wear when used for their intended purpose.) There are apparently some fairly deep scratches (approx. 2mm deep) to the top left hand surface of the chest extending to about 3" from the end. There is no evidence of furniture beetle.
Dimensions
The external dimensions are (in inches) 47x47x22deep
in cms 120 x120 x 56 cm
Materials
Nicely coloured hardwood probably cedar and brass bandings and handles
Country of Origin
Almost certainly made in Britain and bears a small Army and Navy marker on one of the drawers. Also there is an old storage label on the back dated 1906
Date of Manufacture
Probably around 1880
Maker
Not know
Description
Victorian Campaign Chest of drawers, with attractive drawer configuration to the upper section with a deep central flanked by two pairs of small drawers, and with a deep drawer beneath; the lower section having two long graduated drawers, and supported on short turned legs, probably screwing out for travelling purposes. There should be hardwood locking lugs between the upper and lower section. The piece is brass bound to the corners and joints, and has inset flush brass handles and small brass key escutcheons.
Opinion and Comments
The whole is of a pleasant colour, though would benefit from professional restoration and waxing to enrich the colour and and bring out the figuring. The brasswork could be repolished if a brighter effect was preferred.
Suggested Replacement Figure
If this piece was professionally restored and the scratching damage to the top could be ameliorated
£2000 -£2500
Suggested Current Market Price
£950 - £1250
Suggested Liquidation Price
£500 - £750
Opinion For
Mr. T. D.
Item
Walnut Davenport
Quality and Condition
Appears to be of average to good quality for this type of davenport, and to have been well treated, and well looked after. Has been in the owners family for three generations and was professionally restored in 2005.
Dimensions
width: 22" (56cm) x height at front: 27.5" (70 cm) x height at back 32" (82 cm) including the raised writing box; depth (front to back) 22" (56 cm)
Materials
From the photos looks to be nice quality burr walnut veneers to the main surfaces, with straighter grain walnut veneer to other parts, with the front cabriole legs probably carved from solid walnut.
Country of Origin
Almost certainly English
Date of Manufacture
Approximately 1860- 1880
Maker
This type of piece would have been being mass produced by a variety of furniture manufacturers at this period.
Description
Most Attractive Victorian Burr Walnut Davenport, having an upper stationery section with lifting lid, the angled writing fall with replaced leather inset, and lifting to reveal serpentine fronted storage well with drawer and shallow pigeon holes, the whole supported on well proportioned and nicely carved cabriole legs; and with four drawers to the side and four opposing dummy drawers.
Opinion and Comments
This is a most attractive example of this type of Davenport, and although the slightly more ornate Victorian furniture is somewhat out of favour at present, I feel this is pretty enough to buck the trend.
