Captain Blackwood`s Trunk A Catalogue of 18th, 19th

Captain Blackwood’s Trunk
A Catalogue of 18th, 19th & early
20th Century Campaign Furniture
& Travel Equipment.
Christopher Clarke (Antiques) Ltd.
The Fosseway
Stow on the Wold
Glos. GL54 1JS
England
Tel : 01451 830476
email : [email protected]
www.campaignfurniture.com
Captain Blackwood’s Trunk (item No.28) is the perfect example of how the history and possible
significance of a piece of campaign furniture can be elevated by research into the owner. It is a good
trunk by a good maker that already stands out for its distinctive brass on black leather decorative
look. However, being able to establish that it had to have been bought by Blackwood within a 3 month
period between March and June 1815 and so probably at Waterloo is rare indeed.
Quite often we can date a piece by a combination of facts, the most common being the officer’s rank
used on any name plates which will give you a starting point. An example of this is Captain Watts’
trunk (item No. 30). The trunk is fairly typical of those made in British India over a long period in the
19th Century. The type of engraving and brassware suggest that it maybe earlier rather than later but it
is very difficult to be able to offer an accurate date on such a trunk purely by its construction etc.
The presence of a name combined with a regiment has allowed us to confirm our suspicions as Watts
became a Captain in 1807 and the regiment returned from the east in 1819. It is far harder to do this
research with domestic items because they do not offer up the same information. However, being able
to discover a piece’s history and put it into a context, perhaps associated with a famous battle like
Blackwood’s trunk, brings a piece alive.
Sean and Simon Clarke
The front and inside cover
illustrations are item No. 28
The back cover illustration is
described as item No. 31
Copyright Christopher Clarke
(Antiques) Ltd., 2012.
All dimensions are in inches.
Please note that due to the printing
process the colour may vary.
1. Campaign Bergere Chair
Practical as both an Easy and a Desk Chair, this mahogany campaign Bergere chair is
a desirable piece of furniture. It is a little taller than most Bergere chairs and of course
campaign versions are not easy to find. The back is curved and is caned along with the seat
and sides allowing for good circulation of air which would make it practical in a hot climate.
To dismantle the chair the bolts that hold the arm panels to the back are removed. These
bolts are good quality with the thumb grip hinged to fold flat and so protrude less when not
in use. The arm panels are held to the front by sitting on a lug to their uprights. The front legs
have long bolts which fit through the seat and up into the arm uprights. So when broken
down you have a back section with legs, the seat, two arm panels, two arm uprights and
two front legs. It is worth noting the long sweep to the back leg which although graceful is
perhaps unexpected on a campaign chair. F.S. Dec 18 / 32 in inscribed in ink to one of the
arm panels. This was probably done by the maker, the caner or perhaps the owner.
Dated 1832.
H 37 W 26 D 29
1
2. Campaign Armchair by Ross & Co.
This mahogany chair is a known model by Ross & Co. of Dublin. The front legs have longs
bolts which fit through holes to both the front and side rails and up into the uprights of the
arms. The side rails, in turn, have bolts which fit through the back legs and then the back rail.
The arms and their uprights are hinged to allow them to fold parallel to the back legs. The
chair has its original leather which has developed a deep, rich colour. The leather seat is fixed
to the front rail and loops over the back to be fixed by two belts to the front rail. The leather
to the back is grained and is fixed to the two back posts. The parts are numbered either 4
or 5 to show which side they are to be used on after which their positions are self evident.
One back leg has a plaque to both the front and back; an ivorine one to the back and half
the remains of an enamel one to the front. The address given is 8, 9, 10 Ellis’s Quay, Dublin
which dates the chair to between 1864 and 1908. The chair is also interesting as it is the first
piece of Ross furniture we have seen to have a cabinet maker’s stamp. This one is stamped
twice to the underside of the front rail with RW Bale or Bate. The underside of the seat has
an owner’s name of R. Charlton with SRW painted in white. One back leg has iron bracing
plates screwed to either side as an old repair to a break. A good chair with added interest for
the names marked to it and the original leather. Circa 1880.
H 30 1/2 W 21 3/4
2
3. Recumbent Easy Chair
A mahogany adjustable reclining chair that closely follows the design by Robert Daws.
Loudon describes the action of Daws’ chair, in his Encyclopaedia as ‘the position of the
back of this chair can be varied at pleasure, and the projecting part in front can be elongated
or adjusted to any slope. When it is not wanted to be used as a reclining chair, the back
can be fixed upright and the front projection slid in, so as to produce the appearance of a
common easy chair.’ Daws’ instructions of 1831 noted that ‘A person, while sitting in the
Chair, may fix the back to any inclination, by raising the spring beneath that part of each
arm where the hand rests.’ The springs are released by triggers under the arm and leaning
back whilst doing so will recline the chair. The foot rest pulls out from the front of the chair
and has a ratchet, hinged to the front that can be set in 3 positions to the back. The legs
of this chair are removable with the front legs on a long bolt that fits into the upright of the
arm and the back legs fixed with a brass dove tail joint (similar to AD Brown’s Patent seen
on items marked Miles & Kington) and further locked with an iron bolt. Although the back of
the chair can be laid relatively flat, it is unusual that only the legs of the chair are removable.
It is possible that the back was never made to dismantle or that it has been fixed at some
stage. We know of another example of a Daws chair that has removable legs and looks
to have brass roundels at the points that the arms meet the back and the back meet
the seat, suggesting there were versions made to breakdown comprehensively. Robert
Daws patented his Improved Recumbent Chair in 1827 and traded from 17 Margaret St.
Cavendish Sq. until 1839 and then from 33 Edgware Rd. He was also listed at Harlington
in 1838. He generally labelled his chairs and although this version is not marked it is of the
quality you would expect of Daws. It would certainly be useful to the traveller giving great
comfort and as Daws noted, also forming a couch when fully reclined. Circa 1830.
H 41 W 25 D 30
3
The above image is taken from a sales flyer produced by John Shepherd, a known maker
of campaign furniture. He advertised that he was a Cabin, Camp & Barrack Furniture
Manufacturer and Cabin Fitter of London. The picture shows a similar cabin bed in use.
The flyer is dated February 1880.
4. Small Cabin Bed
This small sized teak colonial Cabin Bed can be considered extremely unusual for its size.
It is probable that it was intend for a child to sleep on but of course still doubles up in use
as a small sofa for an adult. Added to its shorter length it also has two banks of drawers as
opposed to the usual one, which raises the height a little. There is evidence that this bed had
originally some form of retainer to stop the sleeper falling out of bed, as you would expect.
It has carrying handles to the sides and swan neck handles to the drawers. The back and
sides are double caned to give a smarter finish. A rare form of cabin bed. Mid 19th Century.
H 33 1/2 W 49 D 24 1/2
4
5. Cabin Bed
With a fully upholstered top section, this colonial teak Cabin Bed is a little different to others
we have seen. The top section is removable on this version whereas a standard cabin bed
is not built to come apart. Added to this, it’s common on others to have the back and sides
caned to allow for easy circulation of air in a hot climate. This one only has the seat caned.
A cabin bed would serve as both a bed and a settee and give you drawer space. As you
provided your own furniture for your hired cabin on a long journey, it was important to be as
practical with your limited space as possible. A cabin bed fulfilled these criteria. Originally it
would have had two sections to the front corners of the seat to prevent you falling out of bed
in stormy seas. Typically these were made to either be removed or fall forward when you
wanted to use the bed as a sofa. It is unusual to find a cabin bed still retaining these sections,
with the vast majority removed when their purpose was no longer needed. Mid 19th Century.
H 29 3/4 W 72 D 26 1/2
5
6. Campaign Bench
This long mahogany bench has the legs set to fold as two pairs on hinges. For use they are
locked into position by a hinged bar that runs the length of the bench. Lifting the bar prevents
the turned legs from folding. The bench is re-upholstered in red leather. It folds relatively flat
and would be equally useful in camp or domestically as an extra seat. Late 19th Century.
H 17 3/4 W 47 1/2 D 12
6
7. Walker’s Tour Through England & Wales
To give this game its full title, it is Walker’s Tour Through England & Wales, a New
Geographical Pastime. The game is played by 2 or 3 players who take it in turns to spin a
totem which must have markings from 1 to 8. If the first player spins a 7 then he places his
marker on Ipswich which is marked accordingly. On his next turn he adds the number spun
to 7 and moves to that town. The winner is the player who reaches London (118) first with an
exact spin of the totem. To the sides of the map are the rules as well as a short description
of each numbered town. The game has a label to the rear of the marbleized card slip case
stating that it was published by William Darton, Map Seller of 58 Holborn Hill, London. The
game is engraved with hand colouring and backed on linen. There is a second label to the
back of the linen on which Darton further sells his wares. To the bottom of the map is printed
Published for the Author January 2nd 1809 by W & T Darton, 58 Holborn Hill. An interesting
game in which the players could learn the geography of English and Welsh towns along with
a brief summary of their attributes. Dated 1809.
Case size H 7 1/2 W 4 1/2 D 3/8
7
8. 28th Native Infantry Chest
The dark, rich colour of the teak to this campaign chest is good and it has brass banding
which has developed a deep colour with time. Looking at the construction of the drawers,
the rectangular lugs and the overall quality of the workmanship it is likely that this chest was
made by a Chinese hand. It was probably made in India by a Chinese cabinet maker, Canton
or one of the other ports that the Europeans traded with to the East. The small size is also
more common to colonial chests than English ones. The drawer handles are very similar in
style to an early English flush handle. The top of the bottom section has various remnants of
sealing wax, one of which is stamped 28th NI, for Native Infantry. There is a moulding to the
bottom edge of the chest and it is has replaced feet.
Early to mid 19th Century.
H 39 W 27 1/2 D 17 1/4
8
9. Mid C20th Chest
Although made in a later age when travel furniture was no longer a normal requisite for an
officer, this teak chest has updated the concept of the campaign chest. It retains the regular
shape and two part form that is typical of most campaign chests but it has a plinth base
instead of removable feet. The drawers don’t have brass flush handles but cut outs and are
locked in pairs during transport by a similar side bar to those found on Wellington chests.
Below the top drawer there is a pullout shelf. There are good carrying handles to the sides
and twist catches that lock the two sections together. An interesting piece that shows there
was still a demand well into the 20th Century for Campaign Chests that were practical as
opposed to those that play on a stylized look with no added benefit for portability.
Mid 20th Century.
H 40 1/2 W 30 1/4 D 18
10. Georgian Secretaire Chest
This Georgian mahogany Campaign Chest
is a fore runner to those that are considered
a standard model and as such has different
attributes. Although it splits into two halves
it has features that you wouldn’t expect to
see on a later chest. It has fixed bracket
feet as opposed to turned, removable feet
and it has an overhanging mould to the
top edge. It also has carrying handles as
a packing case for it was not considered.
It may have been wrapped in canvas at
the time to offer it some protection. The
fall of the secretaire is at a height that you
would stand to work at. The interior has 4
short and 3 long drawers all of which are a
good depth. The top drawers are made to
look like two short and two medium sized
drawers to give symmetry. However, there
are actually only two long drawers but this
attention to detail, along with the extra
trouble taken to hide the break in the faux
dividers, shows the quality of the chest.
The blue baize is replaced. This is a good
example of an earlier campaign chest.
Early 19th Century.
H 46 3/4 W 34 D 20 5/8
9
11. Campaign Chest in Three Parts
Good storage is offered by this mahogany campaign chest and it is unusual having three
sections of drawers. The type of handles, machine cut dovetails to the drawers and the
use of plywood (which was considered very modern at the time) all point to a date around
1900. The turned feet are removable and there is evidence to the top section that the chest
originally had a removable gallery. This might indicate a naval use. Circa 1900.
H 65 W 36 D 18 3/4
10
12. Campaign Chest with Cupboard
The cupboard section to the top of this three part mahogany campaign chest is hinged to
flat pack. When the shelf is removed and the top unbolted from the sides, the doors will lift
off their hinges. The two bolts to the back of the chest can then be removed allowing the
sides to fold down flush on their hinges to rest on the top drawer section. The back then
folds down to rest on top of the two sides. The drawer sections split into two parts as you
would expect and the feet unscrew. This is a well made chest with oak drawer linings and
good brass ware. A number of the locks are stamped VR for Queen Victoria. Although this
model of campaign chest with a collapsible cupboard section is a known model they are not
common. Circa 1870.
H 66 1/2 W 42 D 21 1/2
11
12
13. Secretaire Chest by Day & Son
A teak short drawer Secretaire Campaign Chest by W. Day & Son. The secretaire has Bird’s
Eye maple veneer, two long drawers and four pigeon holes. The bottom interior drawer
is fitted to take two inkwells with a pen tray and desk tidy. The main lock, which is to the
Secretaire drawer, is marked Bramah Patent along with Day & Son and his two addresses
on the Strand. The maker’s name is also tooled to the centre of the leather desk skiver,
which is typical of the company. The two part chest is brass bound with removable feet
and the drawer linings are in teak. William Day was established in 1812 and like many of
his competitors, started life as a trunk maker. He patented an expandable trunk which
could be altered in size and boasted of The Dukes of York and Sussex as his customers. It
seemed it was a natural step for a number of these trunk makers to move into producing
camp equipage and Day was no exception. His adverts show that he sold sets of campaign
furniture very similar to other London makers such as Allen and Hill & Millard. It seems that
his main address was 353 Strand, London although he expanded to included 378 by 1841.
The London Directory of 1828 also shows that he had premises at 31 Holywell Street just off
the Strand. Whether this was a workshop or for retail is not known. By 1865 the company
was trading as W. Day & Son however, by 1870 they are no longer listed in the directories.
As an aside, by 1880 John Pound, one of Day’s competitors, had taken over his premises at
378 Strand. William Day and Son were good makers and this is echoed in the quality of this
chest. Circa 1865.
H 43 W 39 D 18 1/4
13
14. Book Cabinet
This mahogany book cabinet was not made
to fold in half like most made for travel.
Instead a facia board would have been
fitted over the front to protect the contents.
There are bolt holes to the top and bottom
to fix the facia board in place. The doors
of this cabinet are mahogany but the top,
bottom and back are painted softwood.
The sides have later mahogany veneer
applied to them. The doors have grills of
brass wire and the interior has two shelves
which are adjustable. Although not named
it is possible that this cabinet was made
by Ross of Dublin. The type of escutcheon
used and the way the chamfering has been
done to the inside edge of the door panels
are typical of other Ross pieces we have
handled. The size is such that the cabinet
would sit well on a two part campaign
chest, turning it into a three part piece of
campaign furniture. Late 19th Century.
H 28 W 35 7/8 D 9 1/4
14
15. Small Cabinet
This small sized mahogany cabinet has a single shelf which can be put into two positions
and brass skeletal carrying handles. It has paneled doors with a brass moulding edge to the
lead door. The top and bottom also have a reeded moulding edge. Good timber has been
used with a finer cut for the central panel of the doors. The size is such that it could be set
on a number of pieces of furniture including a chest. Although it has some decoration the
cabinet has very little by way of over hanging mouldings and so would pack easily for travel.
Early 19th Century.
H 11 1/2 W 23 1/2 D 7 1/2
16. Glazed Book Cabinet
The full width of this mahogany glazed book cabinet is such that it sits well on most
campaign chests. It can of course also be used on the floor. Having a portable library would
be useful to anyone educated who travelled in the 19th century to while away the time.
When you consider that a passage to India could take six months the value of a collection of
good books increases. This cabinet has two shelves to each side that can be adjusted to a
variety of different positions. For travel the two sections would be pushed together to form a
box which would either have had a canvas or a softwood packing case. Mid 19th Century.
H 30 W 27 3/4 D 8 3/4
15
17. Watt Patent Table
The patent to this low walnut table by John Watts of Sheffield refers to the unique hinge
system. Watts took out patents in 1931 and 1934 for his system which used four strips of
metal connected by pivot pins to allow the table to both fold and open in a quick movement.
The two pairs of legs also have metal fittings connecting them to the underside of the top
so they will also fold when the table is collapsed. The underside of the table has a metal
label noting Patents Pending, John Watts Ltd, Sheffield & London. Watts were established
in 1765 and started out as cutlers in Lambert Street, Sheffield. They have had a long history
and have diversified along the way becoming known for their razors, flatware and scissors.
In the 20th Century they moved into furniture manufacture. Given that the label suggests that
Watts’ patents hadn’t yet been granted at the time of manufacture, the table can be put at
circa 1930.
H 19 3/4 W 24 D 24
16
18. Small Coaching Table
This walnut Coaching Table is the perfect height to use with an easy chair or as an
occasional coffee table. It folds as you would expect of a coaching table and the locking bar
to the underside is unusually long, offering more support to the two part top. With this twist
bar unlocked the X frame legs will fold in towards each other, with the two parts of the top
ending up parallel. Mid 19th Century.
H 21 3/4 W 17 3/4 D 16
19. Rosewood Coaching Table
The grain to the rosewood veneer to the top of this table is particularly striking. Rosewood
coaching tables are known but much harder to find than mahogany ones and typically they
are a little larger in size. This table is veneered to both the top and underside, which is a mark
of its quality and the legs and stretcher bars are made of solid rosewood. The X frame legs
have an elegant sweep and the turning to the stretchers is bold. One leg has an eyelet to its
inside edge with a hook higher up which would have been used to fix the legs together when
folded. At what time this was put on, it is not known and it may well be original. Such a table
was a cut above other coaching tables when it was first made and remains so today.
Early 19th Century.
H 29 1/2 W 36 1/4 D 24 5/8
17
20. Small Tripod Table
This low mahogany Tripod Table packs down neatly for travel. The legs unscrew on wooden
threads and, as can be seen, will then screw back in parallel to the top. This significantly
reduces the size for travel. There is a partial label to the underside which looks to read
Teace’s Depot, Bournemouth. Another example we have had was stamped Patent No.
13806, Oct 1887 giving its date. Circa 1890.
H 14 W 10 D 10
18
21. Brass Tripod Table
The action on this French brass and copper tripod table is very simple and it will flat pack
in one quick and easy movement. Simply picking it up by its large hanging ring will cause
it to naturally fold. Two of the three legs are fixed together and have a ring that the third leg
passes through. The single leg has a stop fixed to it to hold its correct position on the ring.
The copper top is dished as a plate and the table could have a number of uses from a trivet
by a fire to a useful low table. Late 19th Century.
H 17 W 12 1/2 D 11 1/2
22. Folding 3 Tier Table
Probably conceived with domestic use more in mind than travel, this mahogany table is still
very practical. It has three tiers and will fold by lifting the narrow central section of the top, as
can be seen. The splayed legs and the supports are riveted to the shelves to allow it to fold in
this neat way. It is stamped to the edge on either side of the top’s central section with Sharp’s
Patent and has a pressed brass plaque giving the maker’s details of Sharp’s Patent Folding
‘K’ Furniture, Steam Works, Bournemouth. We have been unable to find out any information
on the company and perhaps they were only short lived. However, the plaque suggests that
they produced a range of furniture working to their patent, in much the same way that Allan
Jones did with his Hatherley patent designs. Circa 1900.
H 27 1/4 W 21 3/4 D 22
19
23. Small Bidet
This mahogany bidet raises questions that we have not been able to answer yet such as
why does it have a small hindged flap to one end? The top can be used either way up and
has a leather padded seat to one end. Why does this seat have a deliberate hole to the
centre. It suggests something fitted to it. If this is so, then it would appear that it was used on
the side without the seat as obviously you couldn’t sit if something was protruding from the
pad. It is possible that the Bidet was intended for dual use but it is difficult to determine what
the secondary use was. The legs have a brass ferrule to their tops and are fitted with long
steel screws. When dismantled they will fit within the bidet box. The top has a tongue joint to
one end to fit to a corresponding groove on the box. The other end has a lock to secure the
top in place. The interior of the box is rounded to the ends, as you would expect for it to take
a removable liner. The height is such that it makes a useful side table for an easy chair.
Early 19th Century.
H 14 3/4 W 17 1/8 D 9 1/2
24. Large Bidet
The size of this mahogany bidet is far larger than standard but it does mean that it makes
a good sized coffee table. The top has two brass teeth to one end and a lock to the other
to secure it. When removed, the shaped interior is revealed that takes the liner. The edges
are chamfered for extra comfort. The legs are removable and are fitted with good Catherine
Street type brass caps with screws. The quality of this bidet is very good from the timber
selected to the cabinet work and it points to a London maker. It is much bigger than a
normal bidet and perhaps its value as a low table was also considered by the maker.
Early 19th Century.
H 18 3/4 W 25 ¾ D 16 1/2
20
25. Campaign Buffet
Made of oak, this buffet breaks down fairly comprehensively for travel. The legs and columns
are fitted with wooden threads to one end which screw into the bottom part of the column
above, once they have passed through a hole to the corner of the shelves. To dismantle
the buffet it is turned either upside down or onto its side and the legs are first removed. The
bottom shelf is then taken away and the columns above are then unscrewed and so on.
Such buffets are very difficult to find and the only other reference to one we have seen is by
John Mead whose design is illustrated in Brawer. Mead’s design was dated 1864 and works
to a different principal to this one. He described the piece as a ‘Portable Folding Whatnot,
Dinner Wagon or Sideboard’. When the middle shelf was removed the legs were hinged
to fold into the middle to be sandwiched by the top and bottom shelf. Such a buffet would
provide much needed shelf space to an officer be it for books , boxes, weapons or food.
Circa 1880.
H 40 W 42 D 16 3/4
21
26. Hieroglyhic Portrait of Napoleon
As noted in the text below, this hieroglyphic
water colour portrait is copied from a
German print. The print was very popular
at the time and was copied and circulated
by a number of different hands, sometimes
under the title of The Governor of the Island
of Elba. This title would suggest that it was
first done after the Peninsular Wars and
before Waterloo, with Napoleon in exile.
There are slight variations in the text to the
different versions. The full text to this one
is shown below. The cartoon is of course
propaganda with the victors seizing the
opportunity to damn Napoleon.
Early 19th Century.
H 10 W 9
This Hieroglyhic Portrait of the Destroyer is
faithfully copied from a German Print with
the Parody of his assumed Titles. The Hat
represents a discomfited French Eagle,
maimed & crouching after his conflict with
the Eagles of the North. The Visage is
composed of the carcasses of the victims
of his Folly & Ambitions, who perished on
the plains of Russia & Saxony, his Throat
is encircled with the Red Sea in allusion to
his drowned Hosts. His Epaulette is a Hand
leading the Rhenish confederacy under the
flimsy symbol of a Cobweb; the Spider an
Emblem of the Allies who have inflicted on
that hand a deadly sting !
22
27. Camphor Wood Trunk
Chinese Export camphor wood trunks are not unusual in themselves and thousands were
made for the Western market. What is unusual about this example is that it has an outer
stained pine packing cage, to offer it protection. The shadow marks to the chest show that it
has spent a considerable amount of time in the cage. The top section of the cage lifts off and
originally it may have been kept on with belt straps. To remove the camphor trunk from the
cage the two sections of pine above the handles are unscrewed so the trunk can be lifted
out. The trunk’s dimensions are given without the cage and it’s a good coffee table height.
The protective cage for this trunk is a rare survivor. Early to mid 19th Century.
H 19 W 36 D 18
23
28. Capt. Blackwood’s Waterloo Trunk
The history to this New Invented Light Waterproof Leather Travelling Trunk by Thomas
Handford is remarkable and its purchase can be dated to a 3 month period. This in itself is
extraordinary but the significance of the events within those 3 months make it even more
so. It is highly likely that Captain Robert Temple Blackwood purchased this trunk in the
knowledge that he would need it when joining his new regiment to combat the threat of
the return of Napoleon. Blackwood enlisted as an Ensign in the 52nd Foot on the 23rd of
December 1806; 18 months later he made Lieutenant and was fighting in the Peninsular
Wars. It was here that he was severely wounded at the Siege of Badajoz on the 6th April
1812 when there was an attempt to destroy a dam that was flooding the British trenches.
He moved to the 56th in 1813 where he made Captain; 5 months later he joined the 86th,
shortly before the Battle of Paris and Napoleon’s abdication. Blackwood is still shown in the
March 1815 Army List as a Captain of the 86th, which had been disbanded in 1814 after
Napoleon’s exile to Elba. It is probable that he joined the 69th Regiment in response to the
return of Old Boney and the start of his 100 Days campaign. This is the regiment that is
engraved to the trunk. As the unfortunate Captain died at Waterloo on the 18th of March he
had to have joined the 69th during the 3 month period between the issue of the March Army
List and his death. The trunk maker Thomas Handford, also moved to 7 Strand in 1815
which fits in neatly. Blackwood suffered with the 69th at Quatre Bas 2 days before Waterloo,
with many cut down by the French Cuirassiers whilst still trying to form a square. At Waterloo
the 69th were part of the Allied line between La Haye Sainte and Hougomont. They formed a
square with the 33rd and although it was broken by the French, they reformed it after the Life
Guards came to their aid. They suffered 41% casualties to the regiment, of which Blackwood
was one. After the battle he was buried at the orchard at Hougomont. It is possible that his
personal belongings were sent back to his family in this trunk, which would have been a
good size for the job and has two compartments to the top for documents. Other baggage
would probably have been auctioned off to fellow officers with the money returned to
the Blackwoods. Aside from its history, this brass bound leather on pine and mahogany
trunk is a good piece of camp equipage. We have written of Handford’s history in previous
catalogues but suffice to say he is a good maker and these trunks are distinctive and smart
in their look. Over the last 200 years the trunk has become detached from the history it has
witnessed. It has now been re-discovered and it has turned it from an attractive trunk by
a good quality maker to a piece of officer’s baggage from Waterloo, one of history’s most
significant battles. The date is 1815.
Blackwood’s name plate is illustrated on the front cover & Handford’s label to the inside cover.
H 14 W 23 D 12
24
“About ten in the evening of the 2nd of April,
Lieutenant Blackwood of the 52nd, with three
sappers carrying bags of powder, silently left the
advanced trench, and creeping behind the ravelin,
lodged the powder with a lighted match upon the
dam. They regained the trench in safety and the bags
exploded – unfortunately without sufficient effect.”
From The History of the 52nd.
25
29. Anglo Indian Trunk
The quality of this Anglo Indian brass bound teak trunk is good with brass carrying handles,
as opposed to iron, and a shaped hasp lock. The size is a little bigger than most and it can
easily be imagined that it was packed on the side of a beast of burden. It has an oval name
plate to the top but it is not engraved. Early to mid 19th century.
H 19 3/4 W 31 1/2 D 17
26
30. Capt. Watts’ No.3 Trunk
Most of these Anglo Indian teak trunks are generally mid 19th Century in date but the
owner’s details allow us to date this one earlier. The oval brass name plate shows that it
belonged to Capt. R. Watts of His Majesty’s 19th Regiment. Watts became a Captain on the
25th of March 1807 in the 19th (Yorkshire N. Riding) Regiment of Foot. The 19th arrived in
Madras in 1796 en route to Ceylon where they stayed until their return home in 1819. These
dates would tie in with the trunk being made in India and it is highly likely that Watts bought
it in the East. The trunk is fairly typical of its type except that it doesn’t have style foot posts
to raise it off the ground. It is brass bound with iron carrying handles to the sides and a hasp
lock to the front. The interior is plain with the lid held open with webbing straps. The bottom
has a rebate to ensure the top locates neatly to it. Circa 1810.
The engraved name plate is shown opposite.
H 14 3/4 W 26 D 14 3/4
27
31. Trunk by Lowndes
Plain in look, this leather on pine trunk has tin edging, stud work and is painted black. It was
never intended to be anything other than a practical working trunk to perhaps take clothes or
personal effects. It is however, well made with the boards 3/4 of an inch in thickness and it is
lined in linen. The inside of the lid bears the label of a good, recognised maker of campaign
furniture in J & W Lowndes. It gives their address as 18 Haymarket Corner of James Street
and describes their premises as a Military Camp Equipage Warehouse. It also states that
they sold Iron Bedsteads, Bedding, Canteens, Trunks & Solid Leather Portmanteaus. J & W
Lowndes are first noted in 1790 and are always shown in the directories at 18 Haymarket.
Although listed under trunk makers they are also shown under bed and mattress makers,
which fits in with the label. The company also had a business as muslin and material
manufactures in Cheapside and later at 7 Watling Street which again ties in with producing
bedding. Another family member, I.J. Lowndes, performed funerals. Little of Lowndes’ work
appears on the market but they are also known to have made campaign chests and ships
tables. They were in existence until 1850 when they cease to appear in the directories.
Early 19th Century.
The maker’s label is also shown on the back of this catalogue.
H 11 1/2 W 28 D 15 1/2
28
32. Red Dispatch Box
This red leather Dispatch Box has a Bramah
lock and consequently the front board is
almost twice the depth of those to the back
and sides so that it can accommodate the
lock. The leather has a fine hatched tool
pattern and the interior is lined in velvet.
The ring handle to the end is silver plated
whereas most tend to be brass.
Early to mid 19th Century.
H 3 W 10 1/4 W 4 3/4
33. Express Dispatch Box
Longer than the standard size, this green
Dispatch Box is marked Express to the top
front edge in gilt. It doesn’t have a secure
lock but brass slide catches that should
drop to lock the box when carried by its
brass ring. For this reason these dispatch
cases are sometimes referred to as Gravity
Boxes. Given the title and the fact that you
do not need a key to open the box it can
be assumed it was meant for the delivery of
urgent documents to a third party.
The interior and base are lined in green
marble paper. Early to mid 19th Century.
H 3 1/2 W 15 1/4 D 5 3/4
34. Dispatch Box by A. Wright
This large size red leather Dispatch Box
bears a label for A. Wright of 20 St. John
St. Smith Sq. Westminster. The label notes
the maker as a Dispatch-Box and Lock
Manufacturer so it is perhaps a little curious
that the lock used on the box is a Chubb.
it bears the serial number 574154 which
dates to June 1868.The box interior is
lined in green leather and the lid interior has
crossed ribbons to hold papers. Abraham
Wright was active from the 1860s to the
1880s and made good quality boxes. The
lid has a large brass, flush campaign handle
for carrying and the box bears the initials
G.W. Circa 1870.
H 5 1/4 W 15 D 11 1/2
29
35. Gentleman’s Dressing Case
This black leather Dressing Case has a lift out tray that reveals a number of toiletry tools
below. Some original such as a Durham Duplex Razor with blades and some that are
replaced. The top tray has two silver topped containers, one of which is indistinctly
hallmarked but looks to be 1915. The box has a mirror housed to the lid interior and very
good quality stay hinges. The lock is a Bramah and marked J T Needs & Co 100 New Bond
Street and Late J Bramah 124 Piccadilly which are the details they used between 1901 and
1919. These dates tie in with Durham Duplex who were founded in 1910. Circa 1915.
H 3 1/4 W 11 D 6 1/8
36. Leuchars Jewellery Box
This red leather Gentleman’s Jewellery Box was made by Leuchars, a company with an
enviable reputation who were eventually bought by Asprey in 1888. The maker’s stamp is to
the back edge of the box and notes Leuchars & Son 38 & 39 Piccadilly, London & 2 Rue De
La Paix, Paris. The Bramah type lock is marked Leuchars Patent with the Piccadilly address
and number 2840 M. The hinges are exceptional and the box has corner plates to the front
edge of both the top and bottom to strengthen it. These along with the lock are silver plated.
There are two removal trays with dividers to separate the contents, including a space to take
a pocket watch. The box retains its original, protective leather hide outer case which has a
belt strap and is initialled. A good box by a good maker. Circa 1885.
H 6 W 13 D 9 1/2
30
37. Campaign Toilet Mirror
A mahogany Toilet Mirror with stringing decoration which has faded in colour. To dismantle
the mirror the wing bolts that support the glass on the columns are removed. These bolts
also allow the mirror to be angled. With the mirror removed the acorn topped columns will
unscrew from the box. The oak lined drawer has two compartments to the sides that house
the columns and bolts during travel. The framed looking glass will then sit within the drawer
resting on top of the two dividers. The mirror is very neat in the way it packs down with the
glass protected within the drawer. Early 19th century.
H 17 3/4 W 14 1/4 D 12
31
38. Calamander Decanter Box
Calamander wood is part of the ebony family and its rich hazel brown and black markings
was valued as a decorative timber. The four bottles to this Decanter Box can be considered
larger than most and they are cushioned by a dark blue leather lining with velvet to the lid.
The box’s lock is marked Bramah London and the lid rests open on stay hinges.
Mid 19th Century.
H 10 1/2 W 9 1/2 D 9 1/2
32
39. Brass Bound Tea Caddy
This mahogany, brass bound tea caddy was not made with domestic use in mind. It was
made to full fill a role and the two removable containers to the interior, although well made,
considered practicality over sophistication. Whereas some caddies might have smart
wooden boxes lined in silvered paper, these two containers are made of tin with a hinged
lid. They do the job well and are better for field use. This is not to say that the box doesn’t
have an elegance because it does. The rounded ends and thin brass straps set against the
mahogany have an understated style that is synonymous with campaign furniture. The straps
are fixed with screws approximately every inch with the heads filed down to give a clean line.
The box has two stay hinges and a name plate to the top which has not been engraved. It is
a good looking Georgian box. Early 19th Century.
H 4 W 10 3/4 D 4 1/4
33
40. Set of Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Beakers
A set of four Regent Plate Beakers in a leather case by
Goldsmiths & Silversmiths. Regent Plate was the name that
the company gave to their high quality silver plated wares
to define its quality. The top of the beakers flare out and the
interiors have a gilt wash. The undersides of the beakers are
stamped Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company, 112 Regent
Street, W. Regent Plate. The company was started by
William Gibson and John Langman in 1880 and they were
patronized by Royalty. They were situated on Regent Street,
London and joined Garrards in 1952. Early 20th Century.
Case size
H 6 1/4 W 4 D 4 1/4
34
41. Watson Patent Hip Flask
Marked to the cap A. Watson Patentee, London this small
hip flask is covered in pigskin leather. The patent probably
refers to the column of rubber discs to the cap interior that
act as a seal. The flask has a curved shape to fit comfortably
and is small enough to be carried in a pocket. Circa 1900.
H 3 3/4 W 4 1/2 D 1 1/4
42. Small Glass Travel Flask
This small brass flask set contains all you need for a shot
of spirit including coasters for the silver plated beakers to
sit on. When not in use the coasters stack and form the
base of the container that protects the glass flask. The multi
faceted flask has a silver plated screw cap and the four shot
beakers sit on top of it when packed into the case. The flask
case has a replaced leather grip and would originally have
been silver plated with evidence to the interior on the top.
The small size of this set makes it easy to carry around and
would provide a useful nip of spirit for four people whilst out
in the field. Early 20th Century.
Flask size
H 7 1/4 W 1 3/4 D 1 3/4
43. Adam’s Peak
A naïve water colour showing a camp in Ceylon with Adam’s Peak or
Sri Pada, in the background. Adam’s Peak was, and still is, a popular
destination for visitors for a number of reasons. Aside from being an area
of outstanding natural beauty, the Peak holds significance for Buddhists,
Muslims, Christians and Hindus alike, so attracting pilgrims. This painting
shows a native setting up the camp whilst another collects water. The tent
has some furniture in it and two Europeans are shown to the front; one
loading a rifle, the other lounging on the ground. Presumably a third was the
artist. The first European to ascend the mountain was a Lieutenant Malcolm
in 1816, who measured the plateau to the top at 74 foot in length by 24 in
breadth. Early to mid 19th Century.
H 10 1/2 W 8
35
44. Leather Persuader
Also known as a Life Preserver, this Persuader is made of two lead weights linked by a piece
of baleen, to give it some whip and is covered in leather. It has a leather wrist loop and is
small enough to fit easily in a pocket. Late 19th Century.
L 8 1/2 W 1 1/4 D 1 1/8
36
45. Square Leather Box
The lid of this small square leather box fits quite snugly as it half covers the sides. Originally it
would have had a belt strap to further secure it, held in place by a loop to the underside. The
leather is decorated with simple tooling to the top and bottom. Mid 19th Century.
H 3 1/4 W 6 1/2 D 6 1/2
46. Small Telescope
Although unnamed, this is a good quality three draw telescope made of gilt brass with a
leather grip. The eye piece has a slide to protect the lens when not in use and the end has a
cap. The size is such that it can fit in a pocket. Late 19th Century.
Size fully extended is given.
L 16 1/4 W 1 1/4 D 1 1/4
47. Ivory Spyglass
This single draw ivory and gilt brass Spyglass or telescope is wonderful quality and small
enough to fit in the pocket. It is probable that it originally had a leather case which has long
since gone. The eye piece is turned ivory and the draw, which is pulled to adjust the focus,
has a smooth action. It would more likely have been used domestically as opposed to a
military gentleman. However, the range is good and it would have been useful on a journey.
Early 19th Century.
H 1 1/4 W 2 D 1 1/4
48. Small Long John Binoculars
This pair of brass Long John Binoculars are much shorter in length than the norm. They
retain their original colouring to the brass and have leather grips. There is a central focus
wheel but the binoculars can also be adjusted to suit the eye width of the user. They have a
two part leather hide case which is secured by adjusting the shoulder strap.
Late 19th Century.
Case size is given.
H 6 W 4 1/2 D 1 3/4
37
49. Portable Trivet
The legs to this brass trivet or stand are made to unscrew so that it can be flat packed.
Whereas the top is fairly plain, cast with in a simple bar construction, the legs have very
decorative, deep turnings. Such an item would be useful by a camp fire for resting pots etc.
Late 19th Century.
H 7 3/4 W 6 D 12
50. Registered Kit Bag Lock
The registration number of 645295/15 stamped to this brass Kit Bag Lock gives a date of
1915. The rectangular shape is a little less common than most and the wave to the top bar
offers a more comfortable grip when it is used as an extra handle. Such kit bag locks were
made over a long period of time either side of 1900 and were useful to the security minded
traveller. The associated padlock is stamped VR to indicate it is Victorian. Circa 1915.
H 2 1/2 W 4 D 3/8
51. Large Kit Bag Lock
Made of brass, this Kit Bag Lock is a little chunkier than most. Such locks were used to
secure your possessions whilst travelling, be it to a rail on the train or simply as an extra
lock joining the pair of handles of your bag. It has an associated tumbler padlock with it and
would have been useful to a traveller to guard against theft. Circa1900.
H 3 1/2 W 4 3/4 D 1/2
52. Sprung Bootjack
Made of mahogany and brass, this Bootjack is designed to grip the neck of the boot when
you stand on the brass foot print section. It is a very simple but effective action, with the
downward pressure closing the mouth of the bootjack. Circa 1870.
H 4 W 14 1/2 D 4 1/4
38
53. Suitcase by Shamas Din
To look at this leather suitcase you would assume it was by one of the better British makers.
It has a good handle made of layers of leather, reinforced corners, internal straps, a pocket
to the lid interior and stud feet to protect the base. It was however, made by Shamas Din
& Sons of 63 Nowshera which is now in Pakistan. The makers described themselves as
Saddlers and Suitcase Makers and their primary market would have been the British. The
case was owned at one time by A. Robinson who travelled First Class on the SS Aquitania
and used this suitcase on board. The date is indistinctive but is probably the 28th May 1939
with the route New York to Southampton. Early 20th Century.
H 19 1/2 W 30 1/4 D 8
54. Evins Leather Case
This leather hide case is of unusual proportions which suggests it had a specific purpose. It
is well made with the edges strengthened with additional stitched hide. The fishtail handle is
made of layers of leather stitched together and the case is decorated with tooling. The case
was made by Thomas Evins of 262 High Street, Exeter and as his label boasts he was The
Cheapest and Only Maker in the City. However, his attention to his prices doesn’t take away
from the quality of his workmanship. Late 19th Century.
H 15 W 21 D 7 3/4
39
40
55. Small Vizagapatam Box
Made up of fretwork panels of ivory over tortoiseshell veneered onto sandalwood, this
small box is very decorative. A feature is made of the small dome headed pins that hold the
fretwork in place on the sandalwood carcass and it has lion paw feet. It is from Vizagapatam
which became a renowned centre for such work. It was ideally placed with a good port
and fine timbers available locally. Ivory and sandalwood from Southern India was also
easily available. An English factory was established in 1668 and eventually the region was
ceded to the East India Company. The work from the area enjoyed a good reputation and
eventually grew to encompass a strong souvenir trade for the Europeans passing through. It
is probable that this box was intended for that market and certainly the elephant engraved to
the shield on the top would have appealed. Amin Jaffer notes that James Johnson, an officer
on HMS Caroline observed at Vizagapatam in the early 1800s that the ‘natives, besides their
cloths are very expert in their ivory works, imitating with some success the Chinese in making
curious little boxes and work baskets of ivory and bone, which are brought home by the
Europeans to take home as presents’. Late 19th Century.
H 2 W 3 3/4 D 2 3/4
56. Sandalwood Cribbage Board
This China Trade Cribbage Board is made of sandalwood with inset ivory panels. The central
panels are each carved with a pair of figures amongst trees. The sandalwood has carved
foliate decoration and the board sits on turned ivory feet. The underside of the board has
a drawer for the pegs which are now missing. The carving is intricate and it is a well made
board. Late 19th Century.
H 3/4 W 9 3/4 D 3
41
57. Chinese Export Games Box
Huang huali wood was used to make this
games box and it is one of the pointers
to its Chinese origin. It would have been
intended for the European market and either
sold to travellers passing through or to
merchants intent on shipping goods back
to the west. The board markings are inlaid
in ivory, ebony and sandalwood with half the
squares to the exterior cut out of the solid
wood. This more laborious work is another
indicator of the origin. The associated
counters are made of lignum and boxwood.
Early 19th Century.
Closed H 3 1/4 W 16 1/4 D 8 3/4
42
59. Small Travel Candlesticks
The dishes to this pair of cast brass travelling candlesticks or Brighton Buns are very small
and they are probably the smallest pair we have had. They are made in three parts with the
additional column raising the sconce to a reasonable height yet allowing the parts to fit within
the small dishes. One of these columns is also used to fix the two dishes together for travel
and its height is needed. The dishes are cast in two parts with the base, which has the screw
fitting, made of a slightly more orange brass. An unusual pair of travel candlesticks which are
heavy given their size. Early 19th Century.
H 2 3/4 W 2 7/8 D 2 7/8
58. Rosewood Travelling Candlesticks
The majority of treen travelling candlesticks or Brighton Buns are made of olive wood and
were souvenirs from Jerusalem. We have seen English ones made other woods such as
mahogany, walnut and oak but this rosewood pair are particularly striking for their grain. They
are sharply turned with a clean edge to the lip of the dishes. The sconces have simple ring
turned decoration as do the two snuffers. Mid 19th Century.
H 2 1/2 W 4 1/2 D 4 1/2
43
60. Folding Stool
This Folding Stool or Candle Stand is very compact and neat when folded up. It is difficult
to identify the timber but it looks to be a pale arbutus. Unlike similar stools, not only do the
legs fold but the length also folds in half. The shaped legs have trefoil cutouts, for decoration,
and are kept in place by hinged brass supports. When not in use the supports sit into
countersunk sections with the folded legs on top. We have seen other examples of small
folding stools that have been upholstered but it was not uncommon for stands of this size to
be used to lift the height of a candlestick when the candle had burnt low. Circa 1900.
H 4 3/4 W 9 3/4 D 4 1/2
44
61. Table Lighter by Orr
An electro-plated silver Table Lighter by P. Orr & Sons of Madras & Rangoon. This lighter
would be used in the home or an officer’s mess for lighting cigars or cigarettes. The ball
would be filled with oil or spirit and the central nozzle would have a wick. The two taper
pins (one of which is replaced) rest in the oil when not in use. They have a cross split to their
tips so that they retain some oil when pulled out and can then be lit from the wick and in
turn be used to light the cigar. P. Orr & Sons were founded in 1849 by Peter Nicholas Orr, a
watchmaker from London. He went onto build a successful silver business manufacturing
tableware, jewellery and timepieces. Premises were opened in Madras with branches in
Ootacmund, Rangoon and London and the name becoming a bye word for quality. The
lighter is marked P. Orr & Sons, Madras & Rangoon EP to the underside. Early 20th Century.
H 3 1/4 W 2 1/2 D 2 1/2
62. Ransome’s Patent Travel Inkwell by De la Rue.
The well known stationers De La Rue originally sold this metal travel inkwell. They marketed a
few different versions and in various sizes. The most common model has a wooden edge to
it but we have also seen them covered in leather. Thomas De La Rue formed the company
in Guernsey in 1813 before moving to London in 1821 to set up as a printer, stationer and
fancy goods manufacturer. The Ransome’s Patent design was a clever space saver with the
inkwell folding flat to its frame which doubles as a stand when in use. The inkwell is stamped
to one side with Ransome’s Patent above and below a crown and De La Rue & Co. The
back of the inkwell is stamped Push to indicate how to open the inkwell for use. A number of
companies, including the Army & Navy Society, sold these inkwells and it is easy to see why
it would have been a popular purchase for the traveller. Circa 1900.
Size open
H 1 3/4 W 2 D 1 1/2
45
63. Folding Whip Rack
This pierced brass Whip Rack is made so that the two vertical sections will fold parallel to
each other for travel. The horizontal sections are made of two pieces riveted to the middle,
so they will fold. It has six pairs of hooks which are large enough to support guns, swords or
whips. We have had a similar example in the past but with only 4 pairs of hooks. The rack is
marked twice with registration kite marks which date the design to the 23rd April 1881.
H 24 W13 D 3
64. Walkers Patent Hooks
Walker’s Patent folding brass hooks were made in different sizes with this small set far from
common. They are made to fold for travel but will expand to the width that you wish to set
them at for use. The hooks are stamped Walker’s Patent 1864 to one of the bottom straps.
Late 19th Century.
H 8 1/2 W 10 D 1 3/4
65. Set of Kenrick Peg Hooks
This string of iron and beech Pegs were made by Kenrick and Sons and hang in a W shape.
When not in use they will fold up to a relatively small size. The backs of the pegs are marked
A. K. & Sons No. 2. Archibald Kenrick were iron founders established in West Bromwich
in 1791 and they had an enviable reputation. The No. 2 to the back refers to the size and
the company not only made these pegs in strings but also as individual pegs that could be
screw fixed in place. Circa 1900.
H 12 W 13 D 3
46
66. Milly by Miss J.J. Paterson
Although a small water colour, the skill
of the artist is evident as is borne out by
the fact that it was exhibited at the Royal
Academy in 1910. The backboard from
the original frame remains with the water
colour and it gives the title Milly, along with
the artist’s name and address. Along with
this is a framer’s label for R. Jackson &
Sons which also notes Royal Academy,
1910. This is confirmed by its catalogue
entry as item 1049 which lists that it was
hung in the Water Colour Room. Miss
Paterson’s address is given as Bradstones,
West Derby, Liverpool. The house belonged
to Colonel A.M Paterson RAMC who
was probably her father and was also a
Professor of Anatomy. Milly is shown with a
sword hanging to her side and the baggage
of a soldier which suggests she was the
Colonel’s horse. The detail to the horse is
particularly well done, especially to the head
and neck. The artist has signed the picture
to the bottom right in pencil. Bradstones
was later lent as an Auxiliary Hospital for
50 patients in 1917, which ties in with the
Colonel’s involvement with the Royal Army
Medical Corp. Dated 1910.
Image size H 3 1/2 W 3
47
67. Portraits of Drummer Boys
This pair of naive water colours are of
two brothers, both drummer boys in the
Coldstream Guards. Their names, Edward
William and George Henry Harpins, are
written to the bottom right and both are
dated December 1849. Their young age
and distinctive uniform indicates that they
are drummer boys with the red hackles and
buttons in pairs showing them to be in the
Coldstream Guards. It was not uncommon
for boys to join the army as either band
members or drummers. Sometimes they
had family in the regiment; others were
orphans or were adopted along the way.
Although we have no information on the
boys service records, the Coldstream
Guards were in the Crimea five years after
these pictures were painted. The water
colours are framed individually. Dated 1849.
Image sizes H 9 1/2 W 6 1/2
48
Acknowledgements
Christopher Clarke Antiques would like to thank the following people
for their help, research and advice in the production of this catalogue :
Richard Emsley, Peter Gunn, Michael Hall Photography, Siri Siriwardene,
Jon Towell and Alan Hines of Luminous Design.
Other catalogues by Christopher Clarke Antiques
At Ease Gentlemen (sold out)
The Portable Empire
Campaign Furniture
Essential Baggage
An Englishman’s Tent
England Expects
The Portable House
Furniture Fit For Heroes
The Captain’s Kit Bag – with Manfred Schotten
Brass Bound & Portable
Furnishing the Colonial Bungalow
The Quartermaster General
The Great Escape (sold out) – with Manfred Schotten
For King, Country & Comfort
The Third Voyage
First Class travel
Sports and Games and Great Campaigns – with Manfred Schotten
Lieutenant Wilmot’s Bungalow
Bibliography
British Campaign Furniture, Elegance Under Canvas – Nicholas A.
Brawer
Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660 – 1840 – Geoffrey Beard &
Christopher Gilbert
Encyclopaedia of Cottage, Farm & Villa Architecture & Furniture –
Loudon
Furniture From British India & Ceylon – Armin Jaffer
The Decorative Arts of The China Trade – Carl L. Crossman
Christopher Clarke (Antiques) Ltd.
The Fosseway
Stow on the Wold
Glos. GL54 1JS
England
Tel : 01451 830476
email : [email protected]
www.campaignfurniture.com