Anglo-Indian Camphor Campaign Chest

Details

Description

Stunning mid-19th Century solid Camphor wood trunk with campaign brass binding and incredible flame-like grain. Standing on turned feet, likely … Read more Stunning mid-19th Century solid Camphor wood trunk with campaign brass binding and incredible flame-like grain. Standing on turned feet, likely a later addition. All compartments do lock, including the two exterior locks, keys pictured.

Campaign-era trunks were most commonly utilized by British naval officers who had them commissioned them for military campaigns. The brass banding offers protection at the areas of the trunk that are most frequently bumped during travel. Camphor wood is durable, moisture resistant, and its distinctive aroma is a natural and effective insect repellent. The combination of all these merits made camphor the ideal material for travel trunks. Personal goods, particularly textiles and furs (think wool uniforms) are kept safe from moths and all prized possessions safe from wood-boring beetles and other pests during long ocean voyages of the time.

These benefits translate just as well to modern life. Though one is not likely to be going any naval voyages; camphor trunks are still just as effective for storage of linens, wools, and blankets as they were in the Victorian era. A fabulous, beautiful storage piece for a bedroom, hallway or living space.

Interior tray lifts out to reveal ample storage space and two small drawers under the left-hand compartment. Additional storage in lid with two mirrored doors on either side of a carving of Ganesha, known in Hinduism as the god of wisdom, good fortune, and new beginnings (among other things). See less