tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79244371838505426402024-03-17T01:00:19.934-07:00Christopher Clarke Antiques Blog www.campaignfurniture.comChristopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-60225123360220869992023-08-05T07:51:00.001-07:002023-11-07T03:30:39.139-08:00The Folding Iron Chair Bedstead or California Chair<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeS_orN8fc2pZRxdsEY6pfn1AxRUHbZ49Un00mBFTmC2lEnFk6ymhTPl_nWiM-H9hgK0jK93lw-yfYdIF-qL0snPAoSAmWiYNKhUGTuDjdgvdAXzMGscAL6VCJZCdR0W-tjoNMMf1UIgdeyxu5e3tFurBoZMSQRl52kaHFPWtPWnwwcYO_3V7LERxIA8M/s5183/81440IronChair.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2490" data-original-width="5183" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeS_orN8fc2pZRxdsEY6pfn1AxRUHbZ49Un00mBFTmC2lEnFk6ymhTPl_nWiM-H9hgK0jK93lw-yfYdIF-qL0snPAoSAmWiYNKhUGTuDjdgvdAXzMGscAL6VCJZCdR0W-tjoNMMf1UIgdeyxu5e3tFurBoZMSQRl52kaHFPWtPWnwwcYO_3V7LERxIA8M/w640-h307/81440IronChair.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Iron Chair Bedstead or California Chair<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">
In the second half of the 19th century a number of retailers offered versions of a wrought and cast iron chair that would convert to give a foot rest or to become a bed. The action was straightforward; the foot section rested on top of the seat when not in use but would unfold forward to be supported by a pair of simple, hinged legs united by a rod stretcher. To make the bed, the back is pushed forward to release a short bar to either side that hold the arms in place. The back can then be dropped to the horizontal position, also to be supported by a pair of hinged legs. To reduce the size, when not in use, the foot rest is folded to lie on top of the seat and the back is folded all the way forward to rest on the foot. The arms move with the back and so are also reduced in their height. The illustration from the Maple catalogue of the 1880s shows the chair before and after. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nwtJbjpfgAJmXxJ1uYCcGplFQsWEOsNoDkhm8MErFsrbzekKVIQQO7f35xfGqq1QQ9Htx0CMoyFls_C48r8lZ-5nRY-urem3voqoIYnmv9XM5QZzztvOZKE62GUclmPAfW5O6nO5xmai24P0u34a8BRDp4LbHtw0P02-FzXtq8N1q0bnpMhzp3Ky1wJE/s1943/MapelCat11CaliforniaChairs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1943" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nwtJbjpfgAJmXxJ1uYCcGplFQsWEOsNoDkhm8MErFsrbzekKVIQQO7f35xfGqq1QQ9Htx0CMoyFls_C48r8lZ-5nRY-urem3voqoIYnmv9XM5QZzztvOZKE62GUclmPAfW5O6nO5xmai24P0u34a8BRDp4LbHtw0P02-FzXtq8N1q0bnpMhzp3Ky1wJE/w640-h304/MapelCat11CaliforniaChairs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Maple & Co. catalogue from 1880</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Maple & Co. described the chair with a brass front leg as a ‘Black and Brass Chair Bedstead’ available in two widths, available with or without cushions and in a separate section with a turned wooden front leg as an ‘Iron Folding Chair Bedstead’. William Whitely called it a ‘Folding Iron Chair Bedstead’. Oetzmann & Co. called it a ‘Patent Iron Folding Chair Bedstead’ and offered it in 3 widths and 7 different qualities. C. & R. Light didn’t name their example but listed it in their Bedroom section. Harrod's described it in their 1895 catalogue as a Folding Chair Bedstead with cushions. Most of the large furniture retailers showed it in their domestic furniture sections, suggesting it was aimed at home use. They didn’t discount its practicalities for travel but that seemed to be secondary concern. Oetzmann did list its size and weight for rail but most of the others make no mention of its usefulness for travel. An exception was Heal and Son. Their version had plain iron legs which folded and they named it a ‘Patent Iron Chair Bedstead’. They also noted that it would fold into a space measuring 3ft by 2ft and 16 inches deep. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajGoq_5jM_coCynX2F9Fe49_c7uoEKPR4J9571oQb-RNSHfubHkidB9uHsDiRBzEnDa635llslgBJjdm_l0DXtNGmKlh9IfQb9WLty9u6z19edHOGaIAHby6YsuQRu9SGB_zIMJ_hpkeglqX5KojA4F6W_WWv4xOEeQkdFl1BBrYMZj2ueKfvlkX0oCQp/s1338/80615aaIronChair.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="1338" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajGoq_5jM_coCynX2F9Fe49_c7uoEKPR4J9571oQb-RNSHfubHkidB9uHsDiRBzEnDa635llslgBJjdm_l0DXtNGmKlh9IfQb9WLty9u6z19edHOGaIAHby6YsuQRu9SGB_zIMJ_hpkeglqX5KojA4F6W_WWv4xOEeQkdFl1BBrYMZj2ueKfvlkX0oCQp/w640-h222/80615aaIronChair.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Painted example with the back forming the foot</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">When we did our first exhibition in Sydney, Australia, Warwick Oakman who was exhibiting with us mentioned that he was going to show a California Chair. Having never heard of the type before we were intrigued to see it only to discover that it was a chair we knew very well. We had just never known it referred to by that title. Warwick’s explanation was that was the name given to it in adverts aimed at diggers heading for the Australian Gold Rush of the 1850s. The positive connection to the American Gold Rush was hoped to increase sales. We have two sales flyers by John Shepherd, a Cabin Fitter and Camp Furniture Manufacturer, dated 1880 and 1887. They both list pretty much the same articles which includes Iron Bedsteads to form a Chair and American Chairs. The first describes this form of Chair but its possible that American Chairs, given the gold rush link, is also another name for it. </span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqx9-UPW8Gml_ihwBu5Lrdkrto3Vrcpgh_UhMQlHEN00QVh-ugBwguV_XrfWK6iZWqEWtLbFdCmCa-PGMaHeFChd05rzMyxejJHO7tacKzg1sKBvGM_FqLKGwszPDh_gxBFc1LeIjeof5QjO4gCpnFJIg-9V2HAIMOaTM2QHFyhZxu3-LRK4iKiiUctHTp/s678/CaliforniaChairs.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="519" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqx9-UPW8Gml_ihwBu5Lrdkrto3Vrcpgh_UhMQlHEN00QVh-ugBwguV_XrfWK6iZWqEWtLbFdCmCa-PGMaHeFChd05rzMyxejJHO7tacKzg1sKBvGM_FqLKGwszPDh_gxBFc1LeIjeof5QjO4gCpnFJIg-9V2HAIMOaTM2QHFyhZxu3-LRK4iKiiUctHTp/w490-h640/CaliforniaChairs.JPG" width="490" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">William Whitley catalogue from the 1880s.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Even though a large number of retailers sold the chair it is unusual to find a label on them. A few differences can be found to the design, mostly centred on the front legs. They were made with both cast and sheet brass, turned wood and cast iron. Some of the brass examples had a brass rail frame, much like those seen on a bed, linking them. Some had a plain wrought iron front leg similar to those used on the back. Of these some were made to fold and some were fixed. Some had a back that folded as described above with the bed resting on 4 pairs of legs when fully extended. Others were a little more complicated and have 3 pairs of legs with the back ending up as the foot section when a bed. This type typically have a ‘half back’ which stays in place when used as a bed and helps to hold the cushions in place. The chairs were commonly painted black bar the brass or wooded front foot. A few were painted like the yellow example shown. Most of the metal chair frame was made to be hidden by the cushions. This made them then, and now, the star of the show. Whatever material fitted in with the owner’s colour scheme or something more adventurous, if they were for a conservatory or garden, could be used. Oetzmann offered Chintz or Cretonne loose covers making it easy to update the chair with the latest fashion. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The majority of these chairs were made in Britain with some believed to come from France. An American version was designed by Cavedra B. Sheldon who took out a patent for a very similar design in 1876. His chair had a few differences. The mechanism for adjusting the angle of the back was far more elaborate than the simple system used on the British chairs. Dependent on the model they offered 1 to 5 positions, whereas the Sheldon design gave over 10 and also allowed the footrest to be raised. Visually the most obvious difference to the Sheldon design is that it has caned walnut panels to the 3 sections. The European chairs have metal straps interlaced to support the cushions. Sheldon sold his patent to the A.F. Marks Chair Company Limited. They were based at several different addresses on Broadway, New York through their history. The chair seems to have been their main item and they produced it for 25 years. Examples are held by both the Met and Brooklyn Museums in New York. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">In Britain, an example can be seen at Tredegar House, Newport, South Wales. It belonged to the Hon. Godfrey Morgan, Captain in the 17th Lancers, and it is thought that he used it in the Crimea. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The design was made over a relatively long period covering all of the second half of the 19th century and into the early 1900s. The use of iron meant they were relatively easy and cost effective to make which made them affordable. They were obviously a popular design given the number of manufacturers and retailers who sold them and they were very practical. They could be used for travel but seem to have been even more widely used in the home. If a soldier they were both a hard-wearing chair and bed; if used domestically they were an extra bed, a comfortable chair and could be used both inside and outside. When buying them today, you need to make sure that the condition is not an issue. You do not want one that is damaged as it won’t be as easy to restore as a wooden chair. You also want to make sure that it is not rusty because at best it will stain your cushions and at worst it won’t support them. So be careful to ensure that the condition is good. If you do own one of these chairs, I’m sure you will agree with me that they are a great design and find it as comfortable and practical as I do.</span></div>Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-58344577114386713542023-04-28T02:36:00.001-07:002023-05-02T02:00:16.543-07:00From Chair to Cannon Spring Exhibition 2023<p> If you can't make it to our exhibition From Chair to Cannon, here's a quick walkaround video to give you a taste of the show.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x1RtThWeayw" width="481" youtube-src-id="x1RtThWeayw"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://www.campaignfurniture.com/search?name=from+chair+to+cannon&start=0&count=24&available=1&sold=0"><b>Click Here To See The Individual Items</b></a><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://seek-unique-co.s3.amazonaws.com/campaignfurniture-Heut563-3jgUF-334/events/644817955b6ed_644817955b6ef_CClarke_From_Chair_to_Cannon_WEB.pdf" target="_blank">or click hear for the catalogue online.</a><br /><p><br /></p></div>Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-60576103939620272802022-04-03T03:30:00.008-07:002022-04-03T03:39:01.641-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD2ullH3mwBQhemIwcZOkqu6ZXIpmJkl4xcuDuiuUgbLJnupmDNHeLF5L8VoRn2kcx5dszaMit13jzFTZ0QwQwajWNEuOcbONM1VhyP0YvAx9A5IlhbUx8y7_7zjdowduqOv0p4lsksZ0rFvlm8oiCB3Ucb7Ivq3udRYIhvTwmQUHXj9xndD4oeOeiA/s1847/ExhibitionProBettsGlobeLARGE4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1847" data-original-width="1847" height="463" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD2ullH3mwBQhemIwcZOkqu6ZXIpmJkl4xcuDuiuUgbLJnupmDNHeLF5L8VoRn2kcx5dszaMit13jzFTZ0QwQwajWNEuOcbONM1VhyP0YvAx9A5IlhbUx8y7_7zjdowduqOv0p4lsksZ0rFvlm8oiCB3Ucb7Ivq3udRYIhvTwmQUHXj9xndD4oeOeiA/w463-h463/ExhibitionProBettsGlobeLARGE4.jpg" width="463" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>If you can't make it to our exhibition Furnishing The Empire, here's a quick walkaround video to give you a taste of the show. Its one of 9 exhibition for the Cotswold Art & Antique Associations Cotswolds Curated group of shops, so there's plenty to see if you wish to visit the area.</p><p>During the exhibition, which runs from the 2nd to the 10th April 2022, all items will be on our website. We will be posting videos of individual items during the exhibition which can be seen on the item's stock page as well as our YouTube and Instagram accounts.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="397" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W1ujQMTJA9E" width="660" youtube-src-id="W1ujQMTJA9E"></iframe></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.campaignfurniture.com/search?spec=1&name=Furnishing+The+EMpire&available=1"><b>Click Here To See The Individual Items</b></a></p><p></p>Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-68615563996183477752021-09-14T02:05:00.001-07:002021-09-14T02:42:42.318-07:00<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In May 2021, we were asked to give an<span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d;"> online lecture to the British & Irish Furniture
Makers Online (BIFMO) and the Furniture History Society (FHS).</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBXDkkgqtxeaXdOmuzFEnyoal7uCjeLksuOoj9PO2Z_7oTivwmAZ-obdCWx5rCjf5umfN8qUMLFwnGXeNf6g87uZHU7wo1jNdan7PCFPuUbNruObp-WTtqwjKRD5bRQYHlYKvVu7hlJ6g/s800/Lecture+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBXDkkgqtxeaXdOmuzFEnyoal7uCjeLksuOoj9PO2Z_7oTivwmAZ-obdCWx5rCjf5umfN8qUMLFwnGXeNf6g87uZHU7wo1jNdan7PCFPuUbNruObp-WTtqwjKRD5bRQYHlYKvVu7hlJ6g/w613-h345/Lecture+1.jpg" width="613" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background: white; color: #0d0d0d; line-height: 107%;">The history of campaign furniture, the different
types of makers and those who used it</span><span style="background: white; color: #0d0d0d; line-height: 107%;"> along with its eventual demise are all
discussed and well illustrated. Sean is introduced</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d;"> by Adriana Turpin of BIFMO
and, following the lecture, questions </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: verdana;">are</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: verdana;"> taken</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: verdana;"> from the audience. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Click on this link to watch the lecture:</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://youtu.be/y04SAldIY0c" target="_blank">TAKE UP YOUR BED & WALK</a></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SqJGyGzhyphenhyphengw4_cnh6K2sQdGrxBSGWQ1kFHf7MnkPm0fj184fEGG-sXekr_Zu8Z32hP8hKgVwnNUQqG6_JrHGOeDfF5xi2kyRNdGPth49_99CYbWWMdZjRNd8ycJ5sgY6Bl1EUzHQrCEG/s1392/Lecture+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1392" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SqJGyGzhyphenhyphengw4_cnh6K2sQdGrxBSGWQ1kFHf7MnkPm0fj184fEGG-sXekr_Zu8Z32hP8hKgVwnNUQqG6_JrHGOeDfF5xi2kyRNdGPth49_99CYbWWMdZjRNd8ycJ5sgY6Bl1EUzHQrCEG/w592-h333/Lecture+2.jpg" width="592" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfK1NGPWCfq6FdBl_ckKKOeEJmJ3v_n4vm8BetjMg0aGo0Lwgau-dbC1kN0M4VOV3PkhPm1H8o2GZGgUYTLqlxjV0mLtvgSD8YxkW7MR1SzDVzvslFQmJsfs9gHhUyrTmI2xDq7h7DYxj/w585-h329/Lecture+8.jpg" width="585" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: verdana; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span><p></p>Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-8003130113081250042021-04-01T11:17:00.002-07:002021-04-01T11:19:04.026-07:00<p><span style="font-size: large;"> Our latest exhibition Receiving Orders is now on our website.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Search Receiving Orders to see all 70 exhibition items or sit back enjoy a video walkaround the show.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="324" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7pqD_4_F3cc" width="484" youtube-src-id="7pqD_4_F3cc"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-30075304483201956432021-03-09T07:49:00.003-08:002021-03-09T08:18:51.829-08:00<p>At the beginning of February 2021, we gave a lecture to Stow Civic Society entitled Journey To Another World. This was an adapted version of a lecture that we gave during Stow Art Week to accompany our exhibition Illuminating India.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36TYLyxoP0yQzWL_NlJAwbDWvC7GWtXAePkxZMshJW6MhcytxdwPn3GqBUIKFB2gLaKUm8AYeNDIIx_eiCCR8wpiXbpls_W2RadPkARxjb7LwdlTqAokYmg_4y2DLGooOL0er1ygQAssL/s900/Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="900" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36TYLyxoP0yQzWL_NlJAwbDWvC7GWtXAePkxZMshJW6MhcytxdwPn3GqBUIKFB2gLaKUm8AYeNDIIx_eiCCR8wpiXbpls_W2RadPkARxjb7LwdlTqAokYmg_4y2DLGooOL0er1ygQAssL/w640-h454/Blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The lecture was recorded and can now be seen our You Tube Channel at this link:</span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/P7mzNETZ630"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Journey To Another World</span></b></a><br /></p><p>The talk lasts about 50 minutes and in it we look at how people travelled to India in the 19th century, who went, what they took with them to make the long journey more bearable and the companies that outfitted them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzo4LwYfSO-0osaPQgs3GPXAhZ0HYmdORz0KhgH440xGDpiZZ5-ejDDcMGJAH-S_hfi4Z5__HUjzb1Yn7tNfjDyhG0zBI0uI8J0xl4b8myz9FztvmySA5i3i4Ruzdt5ze6lSgIQgNtVMV/s850/Instagram1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="850" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzo4LwYfSO-0osaPQgs3GPXAhZ0HYmdORz0KhgH440xGDpiZZ5-ejDDcMGJAH-S_hfi4Z5__HUjzb1Yn7tNfjDyhG0zBI0uI8J0xl4b8myz9FztvmySA5i3i4Ruzdt5ze6lSgIQgNtVMV/w640-h640/Instagram1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmY8FFcjLb1L5SjaOlaBXyUax3PJKlDDhz-g4ub0mRku_GM3aAl9N9c5MmHoHuAFv-rfmYN-mFKFF85SPVCEMX5crNWNKqDbtoy-S8yUgcFnDCjBLM8nTDP1ypZUHok2gzuhyOHkuYeENe/s1800/Instagram1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmY8FFcjLb1L5SjaOlaBXyUax3PJKlDDhz-g4ub0mRku_GM3aAl9N9c5MmHoHuAFv-rfmYN-mFKFF85SPVCEMX5crNWNKqDbtoy-S8yUgcFnDCjBLM8nTDP1ypZUHok2gzuhyOHkuYeENe/w640-h640/Instagram1b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-84427426431818546542020-12-08T04:19:00.005-08:002023-10-05T02:25:42.950-07:00LAPADA Leaders Webinar<p> We were recently asked to take part in a live LAPADA Leaders Webinar to discuss campaign furniture.</p><p>The title of the talk was Toys For The Boys (and Girls). Tim Bent of Bentleys and Alan Hatchwell of Hatchell Antiques also took part and talked about the luxury luggage makers and aeronautical and industrial design antiques respectively.</p><p>If you would like to watch the three of us discussing our passion for the antiques we deal in with Freya Simms of LAPADA, you can do so on the LAPADA You Tube channel by clicking on the image below.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tOS6C3QS04&feature=youtu.be" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1327" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq51p6jSWwRFn4QCI4tp2h1-BWOPfKWcJbMjVaYsNIHJTFAnjr2QKMFgH2V-_VM8gNS7eYiqbX-fXKPySBRlQOiV60FvEI7n7AIWe36izNBvbbzXPXyhHUMbNDBKExP3fJBmu_4-y7J3rx/w400-h253/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-52413577748001266622020-05-06T02:04:00.000-07:002020-05-06T02:04:03.379-07:00A walk around our exhibition The Salute<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our exhibition The Salute has just opened online, due to the lockdown but we though you might enjoy a walk around it with commentary.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grab a drink, sit in your favourite chair and enjoy a 20 minute exhibition of campaign furniture and travel related antiques.</span></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/64c0kfFIcaU/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/64c0kfFIcaU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All the items are on our website, with descriptions and professionally taken photographs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">www.campaignfurniture.com</span></div>
<br />Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-42723141817634387302020-03-31T10:32:00.003-07:002020-03-31T10:34:59.678-07:00Brighton Buns - Ingenious Folding Candlesticks for Travellers Written by Nicholas Brawer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/antiques/large-brighton-bun-travel-candlesticks" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" Cast Brass Brighton Buns" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvYyuE1fpZKy3Sxdr2ExM88UJ2Z1mmFzt63n0M2AOk9pDv2FKXFpv_4-eBafIRVE0tGETgiMVHYh8nKr7x0aAPvYkFUeNEJi7DdznZh_ESSHgMGHhl8-iwpiMDQha2yfaO0UEEPPz12FX/s320/82274LrgBrightonBunsPROe.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/antiques/large-brighton-bun-travel-candlesticks" target="_blank">Cast Brass Travelling Candlestick</a></td></tr>
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From approximately 1735 through 1925, explorers, travellers, military officers, and European Royalty all employed a distinctive type of folding candlestick on their journeys. Perhaps because of their resemblance when packed for travel to a now-forgotten English pastry, these candlesticks are colloquially and affectionately referred to today as 'Brighton Buns.'<br />
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A Brighton Bun consists of two drip-pan bases that screw together in such a way that they form a circular bun. When unscrewed, the bases divide into two equal halves, revealing two loose candle cups. When upturned, the drip pans form the bases for two chamber candlesticks into which the candle cups are screwed. The candle cups are sometimes embellished with ring turnings, flared lips, or ejector slits through which the candle stubs may be removed. The more elaborate Brighton buns contain conical snuffers.<br />
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The bases of these elegant and useful travelling chamber candlesticks range in size from approximately 3 ¼ inches to 6 inches in diameter: Brighton Buns were made by casting, spinning, or pressing brass, bronze, and copper; rolling and spinning Britannia metal; hammering or pressing silver; or turning wood on a lathe. Examples have been recorded in a variety of woods, ranging from olivewood, yew, and elm to ebony and Karelian birch. By the early twentieth century, the traveller could order Brighton buns plated in silver, covered with 'Russia leather', 'American cloth,' or, for the more affluent, 'Crocodile leather.'<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2wKHfqmolp1mIOB6HIndsFbuR-D-Z7eFlVnc6ifVlThTUmGF2sQVGrhX-IHdQ25emwlX9f0mC0jKibwiq78QSgy1kgZB4nGPi09EA1xFz7dVlHw47MPaQ90gZF3FtVHXC_uNKUA6mZZV/s1600/81824bBrightonBuns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="1303" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2wKHfqmolp1mIOB6HIndsFbuR-D-Z7eFlVnc6ifVlThTUmGF2sQVGrhX-IHdQ25emwlX9f0mC0jKibwiq78QSgy1kgZB4nGPi09EA1xFz7dVlHw47MPaQ90gZF3FtVHXC_uNKUA6mZZV/s320/81824bBrightonBuns.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/antiques/pair-of-karelian-birch-brighton-buns" target="_blank">Karelian Birch Candlesticks</a></td></tr>
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John Caspall has observed that 'Soon after their introduction, and in their early years, Brighton buns were invariably cast from brass or bronze, were always quite heavy, and carefully lathe-finished... Much lighter 'basin-halves' were formed by pressing from sheet material, and the rims were sufficiently thickened by rolling to permit a fine circumferential thread to be cut.'<br />
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Although the majority of Brighton buns currently on the market are of English manufacture, and more often than not made from pressed or cast brass, they were in fact made in a variety of countries, including Germany, Austria, and the United States.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho00JX2Vfbd4solTZ4U3crWWsml48GDMCFhJ5RDPt_P7yH81psN2d83MWA44RAJuqc6XjDoHQUbH7ZUcvZH6GX3MNq1wN-81E1V0onSEkZP1ppqqjN_WcmUSvrn66FrlIp2mdPc32146tf/s1600/6211DixonBrightonBuns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho00JX2Vfbd4solTZ4U3crWWsml48GDMCFhJ5RDPt_P7yH81psN2d83MWA44RAJuqc6XjDoHQUbH7ZUcvZH6GX3MNq1wN-81E1V0onSEkZP1ppqqjN_WcmUSvrn66FrlIp2mdPc32146tf/s320/6211DixonBrightonBuns.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Britannia Metal Mikitary Candlesticks by James Dixon & Sons</td></tr>
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During the height of British imperialism, travelling brass candlesticks found their way to some of the farthest corners of the Empire. They were considered essential travelling kit by such early explorers of the Canadian frontier as David Thompson (1770-1857), a geographer who was based in Rocky Mountain House, a fur-trading post on the North Saskatchewan River in Alberta, British Columbia, at the turn of the nineteenth century. In A History of Rocky Mountain House, Hugh Aylmer Dempsey published lists from early nineteenth century invoices and inventories that show the kinds of goods shipped by the North West Company's Columbia Department for the Indian trade in Montreal. In addition to axes, blankets, belts, garden seeds, ivory combs, playing cards, chocolate, coffee, cinnamon, cloves and camphor requested for the years 1807-1808 there is an entry for 'candlesticks, brass camp.'<br />
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Not only were Brighton Buns used by senior officers in the British army and intrepid explorers of the Canadian frontier, but also by European royalty. An exceptional pair of sterling silver Brighton buns engraved with the monogram of Queen Charlotte Sophia, the consort of King George III (r: 1760-1820), and bearing hallmarks for 1808, appeared on the market in 2000. Franz Joseph I, emperor of Austria (r: 1848-1916) was an avid collector of lighting devices that were popular in Austria and the Alpine countries from the fifteenth to the eighteenth centuries. Among the devices in his collection was a pair of Brighton buns that Franz Joseph's cataloguer called a 'traveller's candleholder, which when opened and put together, provides two candle sockets and two bases.'<br />
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Brighton Buns were also popular in America during the Civil War and well into the late 19th century. Illustrations of 'Camp Candlesticks' appear in the Catalogue of Arms and Military Goods published by the New York military furnishers Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, in 1864. Similarly, in 1896, the Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island, illustrated a 'Travelling Candlestick' in their Catalogue of Sterling Silverware.<br />
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Though the Army & Navy Co-operative Society, arguably the most popular military and colonial outfitter of the Victorian and Edwardian periods, did not include Brighton Buns in their Price List of 1881, by 1907 they were offering Brighton Buns for sale under the catalogue headings 'Barrack Furniture and Camp Equipment,' where they are referred to as 'Brass Folding Candlesticks.' They were also offered for sale through the Ironmongery Department, where they are described as 'Military, brass.' At the same time, under the heading 'Stationery Fancy Goods,' they offered 'Travelling Candlesticks' covered in 'Russia leather,' 'Crocodile Leather,' 'Brass, 3 3/8 in. diameter,' 'Brass 3 7/8 in. diameter,' and 'Silver, 3 5/8 in. diameter.' Similarly, around 1910, Harrod's Supplementary Export Price List offered 'Brass Candlesticks,' both 'large' and 'small' under the catalogue heading 'Barrack Furniture and Camp Equipment Department.' Brighton Buns were still being advertised for military use by the Army & Navy Stores as late as 1925, when a pair of 'Brass Folding Candlesticks' is illustrated in the catalogue in the 'Barrack Furniture and Camp Equipment Department.'<br />
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<a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/antiques/leather-brighton-buns-travel-candlesticks" target="_blank">Leather & Brass Brighton Buns</a></div>
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In 1787, A. Hepplewhite and Company published its belief that 'to unite elegance and utility and blend the useful with the agreeable has ever been considered a difficult, but an honourable task.' Brighton buns realize this maxim to the letter.<br />
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Nicholas Brawer is the author of British Campaign Furniture: Elegance Under Canvas, 1740-1914, published in 2001 by Harry N. Abrams, and was the curator of Britain's Portable Empire: Campaign Furniture of the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian Periods, an exhibition held in 2001 at the Katonah Museum of Art in Katonah, New York. Nick has a shop in New York at 28 East 72nd Street at Madison Avenue.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6wt91CIDBiQSJODnsV5A-dZvr6T20j8ridwAV5HCOTLaV2uk3zBmOXOvnQ3bNkhADRtOAp7UGJ9Apu_An5oYFtpOmkN1BAi_YWu9OHYzMm9_JuzWIUVkGa9LYJVguXNgL4Aqo6lKZA3Q/s1600/7253SilverBBuns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6wt91CIDBiQSJODnsV5A-dZvr6T20j8ridwAV5HCOTLaV2uk3zBmOXOvnQ3bNkhADRtOAp7UGJ9Apu_An5oYFtpOmkN1BAi_YWu9OHYzMm9_JuzWIUVkGa9LYJVguXNgL4Aqo6lKZA3Q/s640/7253SilverBBuns.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/antiques/silver-travelling-candlesticks" target="_blank">Silver Brighton Bun Candlesticks dated 1839.</a></td></tr>
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The examples of Brighton Buns illustrated here are ones that we have sold. Further examples of travelling candlesticks can be seen on our website by searching 'Brighton Bun' or clicking on this <a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/search/brighton%20bun?page=1" target="_blank">link</a>.Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-39861378422742857222020-03-31T08:39:00.001-07:002020-04-01T03:31:43.395-07:00Williams Tonks & Sons connection to Campaign Furniture.<b>Williams Tonks & Sons connection to Campaign Furniture.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our father Christopher Clarke was born in Birmingham to a long line of medical for-bearers however, part of the family tree relates to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Tonks"><b>Henry Tonks</b></a>. You can follow the link for more in depth information but he was a surgeon whose family owned a brass foundry in the city and was also famous for teaching art at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slade_School_of_Fine_Art"><b>Slade School of Fine Art</b></a> with <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rex_Whistler">Rex Whistler</a></b> being one of many of his notable pupils.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_DyYraFtbqDXb6DuCfhoqgolDbC_E4FPTOqxmpt0e2i9XdLG1uBKRzXhv-c2gdkqqSO6WUmAoh3satxoLkRbhcJbEb3aNqPBuD0LssNEePHkyppUspjZ3CRv4FFBs6aJ90Q308U2Yvwa/s1600/Tonks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="755" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_DyYraFtbqDXb6DuCfhoqgolDbC_E4FPTOqxmpt0e2i9XdLG1uBKRzXhv-c2gdkqqSO6WUmAoh3satxoLkRbhcJbEb3aNqPBuD0LssNEePHkyppUspjZ3CRv4FFBs6aJ90Q308U2Yvwa/s320/Tonks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Image credit <span style="color: blue;"><b> <a href="https://www.antiquedoorknobs.org/" target="_blank">Antique Door Knobs Collectors of America</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> The foundry Henry Tonks' family owned were called William Tonks & Sons and though maybe not as well known as<b><a href="https://www.westlandlondon.com/articles/view,coalbrookdale-foundry_44.asp"> Coalbrookedale</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.westbromwichhistory.com/people-places/archibald-kenrick/">Archibald Kenrick</a></b> were one of the largest and most prolific metalware making companies in Great Britain during the 19th century. If you are interested in marked metalware do look at Vin Calcutts excellent <b><a href="https://oldcopper.org/index.php">The Old Copper Website</a> </b> and you can read up more on the<b> </b><a href="https://oldcopper.org/makers/tonks.php"><b>Tonks Foundry</b>.</a> there as well as identifying other marked metalware.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As you will know, if you are familiar with our website, with Birmingham being the workshop of the world in the 18th and 19th century here and across the country there were a vast amount of metalware manufacturers producing a vast array of goods that could be used for travelling or by makers of campaign furniture.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Firstly, items in brass and iron such as beds and chairs such as the wonderful <a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/antiques/iron-campaign-single-bed"><b>folding iron bed</b></a> and the <b><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/antiques/iron-portable-douro-bedchair">iron duoro chair</a> </b></span>in our last catalogue. As well, as this we have had <b><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/antiques/portable-shower-bath">showers</a> </b>and<b> </b>items such as <b><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/antiques/campaign-washstand-by-york-house">washstands</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/antiques/teak-and-brass-campaign-shelves-1">shelves </a></b>which brass components.<br />
Secondly, there will be the component parts of chests, tables, bookcases etc that have iron or brass fittings. Flush handles, brass strapwork, escutcheons, brass ferules, thumb bolts and threaded fittings to brass hooks and hinges etc.<br />
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So how do William Tonks & Sons fit into picture of what was being produced that could be useful to the campaign furniture cabinet maker or traveller? Unlike specialist makers such as <b><a href="https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O7881/rocking-chair-r-w-winfield/">Winfield</a></b> or <b><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/antiques/officers-campaign-bed">Hoskings</a></b> who made specific finished items ready to be retailed Tonks made a huge amount of different items that other manufacturers could use in their designs as well as items for use in a more architectural context such as door knockers, window latches and door plates.<br />
We have seen W T & S items such as table clips, handles and hinges so it would be reasonable to assume that they also made campaign handles and brass strapwork for campaign chests. Strapwork would not be marked and most campaign or military handles (if they are marked) are marked on the back so you would not know unless you removed them. Interestingly, our father on a visit to the USA over 40 years ago spotted Tonks hinges on an American late 18th bureau bookcase. Tonks exported world wide so pieces of their metalwork will appear on colonial furniture possibly misleading the uninitiated into thinking the piece is English.<br />
The box below was certainly English and had hinges by William Tonks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRW24A6waGOF54ZhpgMk5MA6MmTsyZGtniOMsQ2RbDf50DcuLDB-A9UO5YwT7QVxme5bfVUsLyAJqhvx-vBzRmm-DOSlfJhu-_J1Uf9-HOaM4mUUtM1knKUCAsOhHNlzBwt7oztMEFn-Xg/s1600/Carlise+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRW24A6waGOF54ZhpgMk5MA6MmTsyZGtniOMsQ2RbDf50DcuLDB-A9UO5YwT7QVxme5bfVUsLyAJqhvx-vBzRmm-DOSlfJhu-_J1Uf9-HOaM4mUUtM1knKUCAsOhHNlzBwt7oztMEFn-Xg/s320/Carlise+box.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "muli" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><b><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/antiques/travel-box-carlisle-watts" target="_blank">Travel Box Carlisle & Watts</a></b></span></span></div>
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We have handled a few other pieces which could be classified as campaign or travel. One of the most iconic pieces of campaign equipage would be the <b><a href="http://antiquecampaignfurniture.blogspot.com/2020/03/brighton-buns-ingenious-folding.html" target="_blank">Brighton Bun</a></b><b style="color: blue;">. </b>Tonks made a nice example of these which we know because they marked the outside of the dishes. Generally, when we see them of this size they tend to have pressed dishes and light weight sconces. The Tonks examples which would predate these have case dishes and sconces and though small feel more substantial.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHbgipv7AyfV-Nq-oW4ycn_TYkonD0vZ8DrSDRoC_SYOZ5VTS-HpuOqFEvpwR40PcHO0Oz92oXCEeiYZXpwyyD7Sd5VNFx3h0wvprD548QiNidDvWgtG4V82sgJ0SNsxcKhW_AoOFX1rW/s1600/7235TonksBuns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="400" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHbgipv7AyfV-Nq-oW4ycn_TYkonD0vZ8DrSDRoC_SYOZ5VTS-HpuOqFEvpwR40PcHO0Oz92oXCEeiYZXpwyyD7Sd5VNFx3h0wvprD548QiNidDvWgtG4V82sgJ0SNsxcKhW_AoOFX1rW/s320/7235TonksBuns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another piece of brass ware we usually have in stock would be the Walkers Patent hooks. First patented in 1864 they continued to be made into the 20th century and can still be found in William Tonks catalogues of this date. On the earlier examples which come in several sizes they will be stamped Walkers patent 1864 to the front and those made by Tonks will have the WT & S mark to the back alongside the sun motif they used during the period.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutwFL91KT3cuMKbIm4ijWoYbIJHMx0AZv2PVCwDfN-9wlRzCYcr8RH2BXPIZJisfxNFHSDS2kQehvWoGPV-rShQbjMow38_gEHcyQQxrfklT_-JHgMyxbL8XhIl6MH62NUMQaLBq2RrkH/s1600/16238769364491307933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutwFL91KT3cuMKbIm4ijWoYbIJHMx0AZv2PVCwDfN-9wlRzCYcr8RH2BXPIZJisfxNFHSDS2kQehvWoGPV-rShQbjMow38_gEHcyQQxrfklT_-JHgMyxbL8XhIl6MH62NUMQaLBq2RrkH/s320/16238769364491307933.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLQFFI4DYUgiVZMfJEGxUV4XfhZuJxakF54doBa3h9YWlg-pl0yh0FtaIxCmTCYbsN57dU2mxu1jZxqVVQUS_VoCGofKw4R0VAA0OqQfH7-vJiUUiQTn0fz_jG1hm-KMigjlO0z05-rN_/s1600/walkers+stamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLQFFI4DYUgiVZMfJEGxUV4XfhZuJxakF54doBa3h9YWlg-pl0yh0FtaIxCmTCYbsN57dU2mxu1jZxqVVQUS_VoCGofKw4R0VAA0OqQfH7-vJiUUiQTn0fz_jG1hm-KMigjlO0z05-rN_/s320/walkers+stamp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENsCcLo2Yb9hpYhCxsGJGLGGPMuJJj7b0qhCQrJe-FOx2mq8KFLrKukPrqPCDxqYiUAgMLiWjbBgBaPVljVI_0Y3VAKx9oPJurWnNjj7Owek9qklwQjDfRXqicYG3EJ9oIG0i1fM-jfWo/s1600/walkers+open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENsCcLo2Yb9hpYhCxsGJGLGGPMuJJj7b0qhCQrJe-FOx2mq8KFLrKukPrqPCDxqYiUAgMLiWjbBgBaPVljVI_0Y3VAKx9oPJurWnNjj7Owek9qklwQjDfRXqicYG3EJ9oIG0i1fM-jfWo/s320/walkers+open.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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At present we have a stylish pair of candelabra marked WT & S which are designed to be screwed on to a wooden base. It is possible that they could have been for use on board ship where falling candlesticks could be particularly dangerous.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5aAFd1IM0U41V_UQ0FHOcdBkN-1MMONAQohz8bnROMwlsJKkyoyrv3u9Ca9xksxpQdsNk_e-DUqrxt0BYIpfcejCNlJEHlkGXJvSsMswTvChd_btgfmuVJK6dwANnGYKDux6vu3VX02C/s1600/tonks+sticks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5aAFd1IM0U41V_UQ0FHOcdBkN-1MMONAQohz8bnROMwlsJKkyoyrv3u9Ca9xksxpQdsNk_e-DUqrxt0BYIpfcejCNlJEHlkGXJvSsMswTvChd_btgfmuVJK6dwANnGYKDux6vu3VX02C/s320/tonks+sticks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/antiques/pair-of-william-tonks-fixed-brass-candelabra" target="_blank">William Tonks Candelabra</a></b><br />
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William Tonks & Sons were an important company who produced an extensive collection of items cast in brass and also in cast iron many of which turn up for sale on a regular basis. They have been somewhat overlooked as a company worthy of research and we can only hope that this small article may be the beginnings of rectifying that situation. As mentioned the company continue into the 20th century when in 1970 they merged with Newman Brothers which was also later bought up by Ingersoll-Rand. Interestingly, the Newman Brothers and Tonks legacy survives in the form of the <b><a href="http://newman%20brothers%20museum/" target="_blank">Coffin Works</a> </b> museum which featured in the first BBC series Restoration in 2003. </div>
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As more items come to light this page will be updated with further information.<br />
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Simon Clarke<br />
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<br />Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1JS, UK51.929125799999987 -1.724889551.927901799999987 -1.727411 51.930349799999988 -1.722368tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-1318502773911769982019-02-05T04:24:00.001-08:002019-02-05T04:24:40.688-08:00Thomas Butler - The Grandfather of Campaign Furniture Makers?<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Thomas
Butler can perhaps be considered the ‘Grandfather’ of campaign furniture
makers. Certainly all of the other cabinet makers who worked in or around
Catherine Street in the early 19th century had, at some stage, been linked to
him and went on to make very similar pieces to those of Butler.<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpt_A40Vbu3BDb2x56x6Aa7YLadDtxdzenqk2FBsAg-M-cV3enjDij1-0SFLUuXhBs6OS-5VG4myQr11qmRQLOxMIxooVshPLJxe1-HhwCqDuG5nQxWvBDceuHSMjafiEylQ0vl6qakRno/s1600/81365cButlerChairbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpt_A40Vbu3BDb2x56x6Aa7YLadDtxdzenqk2FBsAg-M-cV3enjDij1-0SFLUuXhBs6OS-5VG4myQr11qmRQLOxMIxooVshPLJxe1-HhwCqDuG5nQxWvBDceuHSMjafiEylQ0vl6qakRno/s400/81365cButlerChairbed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Butler
is recorded as first starting in partnership with Edward Johnson at 146 Strand,
which is opposite Catherine Street, sometime before 1787. Johnson had
previously taken out insurance at 14 Catherine Street in 1784 and it may be
that Butler was in his employment before they became partners with the plan
that he would eventually take over the business. This would tie in with Johnson
and Butler dissolving their partnership in March 1787, the stock auctioned by
Christies and it seems Johnson stopping work as cabinet maker. The move to 146
Strand for a brief period may be explained by a line in the notice of the
partnership’s dissolution, which also states the business was formerly of
Catherine Street. The notice says all demands on the business can be made to
Butler at the Strand until the Catherine Street address is rebuilt. It’s
possible that 14 Catherine Street had been damaged by fire or simply that the
property was being altered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">After
running his own business for a short time, up to 1791, Butler joined in
partnership with John Heppel at 14 Catherine Street. When the partnership was
dissolved, Heppel moved out and set up in business as a cabinet maker at 55
Oxford Street.<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Although
he had previously made a variety of furniture with both Johnson and Heppel, Butler
now concentrated his business on the manufacture of sofa and chair beds and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">described his
premises, in adverts, as an Upholstery & Bedding Warehouse.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-size: 12pt; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyry8mJTlcMciOHjTQ53anIlRo5Pi-rh0BZV46KFiet3plA_H22S17bmh4LsW0FyXLFCT6aIV9HoG2vSxEgAyZwxujOfASZdlhI4iVBv0U6u1vqKXWOG4hir8QM7-PA4P-8rkJgMI6As80/s1600/81365aButlerChairBed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyry8mJTlcMciOHjTQ53anIlRo5Pi-rh0BZV46KFiet3plA_H22S17bmh4LsW0FyXLFCT6aIV9HoG2vSxEgAyZwxujOfASZdlhI4iVBv0U6u1vqKXWOG4hir8QM7-PA4P-8rkJgMI6As80/s200/81365aButlerChairBed.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chair Bed by Thomas Butler</td></tr>
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There was a</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">great interest in metamorphic furniture at the end of the 18th century and a
sofa or chair that could be quickly converted to a bed no doubt proved popular.
Four poster beds that could be easily set up and taken down were soon added to
Butler’s range. By the turn of 1800 he had gone back to also manufacturing other
cabinet work and supplied the Prince of Wales with two elegant mahogany Writing
Tables in 1802. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzQXthTRqjs_SqhAKwTdWjpHgGSkHPr5RIdLowT6B8LSYdM3uQ6kcz3ojsuR8IdhrcGSB1mD1fOO4pkOOoBUGgAslf5tY-U3rB8dD-byrokvJ-pYqtDDIoRoASBWZ3SbffA3rESVvrwcS/s1600/81365bButlerChairBed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzQXthTRqjs_SqhAKwTdWjpHgGSkHPr5RIdLowT6B8LSYdM3uQ6kcz3ojsuR8IdhrcGSB1mD1fOO4pkOOoBUGgAslf5tY-U3rB8dD-byrokvJ-pYqtDDIoRoASBWZ3SbffA3rESVvrwcS/s200/81365bButlerChairBed.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extended as a bed</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
is easy to see how making metamorphic furniture progressed to campaign
furniture and the Napoleonic Wars would have further increased the demand. A
broadsheet advert of 1806 shows that Butler was producing Portable Chairs,
Imperial Dining Tables, Escretoires and both Chair and Sofa Beds. These items
were aimed at both the military and the domestic markets with designs also
available in the Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek and Chinese manner. It was also
possible for customers to provide their own timber. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Butler made the most of suggesting that he was
the originator of a number of the designs of his furniture although this is a
very grey area. It was not uncommon at the time for cabinet makers to use the
word patent to describe their furniture even if they hadn’t actually taken a
patent out. It was a means of elevating the design and suggesting it was
protected. Butler is not listed as having taken out any patents of his own and
it is known that he used his Catherine Street neighbour Thomas Waldron’s 1785
patent for a bed that could be assembled without the use of screws or nuts and
bolts. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Morgan & Sanders,
who started as Butlers foreman and clerk before they set up in rivalry, also later
claimed that they were the originators of some of his designs whilst working
for him. It will probably never be known how many of Butler’s designs were
original to him, conceived by others in his workshops or taken from other
cabinet makers. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIwhd6sfZ6YOaO9oTPGSS64tHjX7nhkGMtNRBbXH0WjYlXdSo0hhE4lAfOXBxfo561BNlmKQf-oc51WVqJEpI2g82a6M2wWfKLkD2FzrN3f4Fikm3g19FWPMAFmBtZT14i24Bufkf3zq3/s1600/6644ButlerBed2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="1600" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIwhd6sfZ6YOaO9oTPGSS64tHjX7nhkGMtNRBbXH0WjYlXdSo0hhE4lAfOXBxfo561BNlmKQf-oc51WVqJEpI2g82a6M2wWfKLkD2FzrN3f4Fikm3g19FWPMAFmBtZT14i24Bufkf3zq3/s200/6644ButlerBed2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four Poster Bed dissassembled</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo30NVO5Y9U2CRzTp38uEzV_XuqIgmJSm8y6AfF6uictXIHyuaqXkYz2xPjnH5vkNNBGxbnUSxlgYum2q4WtGvci2JQdRuuoiIsD-xVYzGVgelIYyWjOihOCkDypvljcuycczw6Klp8tEr/s1600/80169aArglesChairBedWeb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Thomas
Butler was also a non-conformist minister at Charlton, near Hitchin and perhaps
it was this secondary occupation that led him to retire and then return Catherine
Street twice. In late 1800, he sold his business to Thomas Oxenham much to the
chagrin of Morgan & Sanders, who believed it had been promised
to them. They quickly set up as neighbours and competitors to Oxenham at Nos.
16 & 17 Catherine Street. The intense competition between Butler and Morgan
& Sanders, led by the latter, was played out in the press over the next 10 years with each
issuing adverts attacking the other.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Oxenham,
originally a mangle maker in Oxford Street, didn’t last long. In 1802 Butler
had taken the business back and continued for another 8 years. In 1804 he took
out insurance on properties behind Catherine Street at 4 to 7 Helmet Court and
Pegasus Yard, Savoy. This suggests that business was good, and he expanded. In
1810 he retired once more, this time selling the business to Edward Argles. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Argles was a Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer from
Maidstone, Kent and probably saw the move to London as a good opportunity to grow
his business. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for him and he was declared
bankrupt in June 1813</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo30NVO5Y9U2CRzTp38uEzV_XuqIgmJSm8y6AfF6uictXIHyuaqXkYz2xPjnH5vkNNBGxbnUSxlgYum2q4WtGvci2JQdRuuoiIsD-xVYzGVgelIYyWjOihOCkDypvljcuycczw6Klp8tEr/s1600/80169aArglesChairBedWeb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo30NVO5Y9U2CRzTp38uEzV_XuqIgmJSm8y6AfF6uictXIHyuaqXkYz2xPjnH5vkNNBGxbnUSxlgYum2q4WtGvci2JQdRuuoiIsD-xVYzGVgelIYyWjOihOCkDypvljcuycczw6Klp8tEr/s200/80169aArglesChairBedWeb4.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
Once
more Butler returned and set up again at 13 and 14 Catherine Street. He only
lasted a year, perhaps because he had lost too many key employees. His son in
law, John Steains, who had been with him since 1793, took the opportunity when
Argles moved in, to set up in business with George Pryor and John Mackenzie who
had also been employed by Butler. They established themselves at Brydges
Street, which ran on north from Catherine Street. In July 1814, Butler retired
for the final time and his stock was auctioned over 3 days. Morgan &
Sanders later advertised that they had taken over a considerable part of
Butler’s premises, as one final jab at their former employer.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQTa4hOrC3jvkMlXZ2xYXQqy4GmmxvBBIjFFBB2NmQJwvV4M8zPMSQ1LcdFPX4q9l5ZJqu9Eu16er-SwmeQlAgXIlO6c8_G-44Q79AJGxdzv2tFLTqcEC6T_BeA0r1kyw10YBdQSKaPdV/s1600/6508SmallImperialTable2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="1600" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQTa4hOrC3jvkMlXZ2xYXQqy4GmmxvBBIjFFBB2NmQJwvV4M8zPMSQ1LcdFPX4q9l5ZJqu9Eu16er-SwmeQlAgXIlO6c8_G-44Q79AJGxdzv2tFLTqcEC6T_BeA0r1kyw10YBdQSKaPdV/s200/6508SmallImperialTable2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small Imperial Table.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>Although
Johnson and Waldron were fore runners to Butler in Catherine Street and Morgan
& Sanders are perhaps the most recognised name of the two today, Butler’s
influence on campaign furniture should not be under estimated. He capitalised
on the interest in metamorphic furniture and the demand for campaign furniture.
In doing so, he also paved the way for the other businesses to profit from the
same markets. We group Butler, Morgan & Sanders, Oxenham, Argles, Steains,
Pryor & Mackenzie and John Durham as the Catherine Street makers not just
because of their location. They all produced very similar pieces, working to a
number of the same designs which were first popularised by Butler. So much so that it can be difficult to determine
which of them made one of the recognised designs without a maker’s label.</span><br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Recognition
is due to Nicholas Brawer and Elizabeth Heyer for their seperate research on
Thomas Butler and Morgan & Sanders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">More
can be read about the some of the other Catherine Street makers on our website at
the below links:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/makers/edward-argles"><b>Edward Argles</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/makers/john-durham">John Durham</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/makers/morgan-sanders">Morgan & Sanders</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b> </b>By Sean Clarke</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com4Christopher Clarke Antiques, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1JS, UK51.929125799999987 -1.724889500000017551.927901799999987 -1.7274110000000176 51.930349799999988 -1.7223680000000174tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-40515036073252304742018-04-07T03:31:00.000-07:002018-04-07T03:34:28.673-07:00A Rare & Unusual Georgian Campaign Table.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFnH3GMGxgxDrKIhfaZv3_VHgl1ILxRlJfHgDIsKKVzBEAAaob_avXf5YMoWea9Eu0vWm21UqIxZ5v6PyvNkSVJTw__sZYeAR2xZt0e8i30n63fACKHk73-weXJhr2dyBkHzgzpxIEuFB/s1600/82176GeoTable2LARGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFnH3GMGxgxDrKIhfaZv3_VHgl1ILxRlJfHgDIsKKVzBEAAaob_avXf5YMoWea9Eu0vWm21UqIxZ5v6PyvNkSVJTw__sZYeAR2xZt0e8i30n63fACKHk73-weXJhr2dyBkHzgzpxIEuFB/s400/82176GeoTable2LARGE.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">A Rare & Unusual Georgian Campaign Table</span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When you first see this late 18th century table you may not think it is "campaign" or that unusual. Maybe the first clue to it not being what it appears would be that the top is made from two pieces of timber.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Once seeing this you next thought might be " The top is from a card table. That can't be right." You decide to have a closer look and see what its all about.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> So what do we notice from this photo:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> 1. The top is hinged but not folding upwards like a card or table but downwards. Most odd.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> 2. The timber to the top and side rails is a dense Cuban mahogany.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> 3. Unusually, the legs with their boxwood stringing are made of a lighter possibly Honduras mahogany. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Can this table be right ?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lets have a look underneath and see whats going on.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VNgR7tAs2pEwe8qVWCQZpusqAA4fGhpHiun9-3lSqUXZJ1v-nM1Zy5-5VIbU5Ftdp_oomkvoEG9uxcYzgvAdI6oC0EkUg3UQurlLuMgQD9UJPcn1kwGuRZGtzT-DE-6kH9VX-jWbgCRn/s1600/82176GeoTable3LARGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="1600" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VNgR7tAs2pEwe8qVWCQZpusqAA4fGhpHiun9-3lSqUXZJ1v-nM1Zy5-5VIbU5Ftdp_oomkvoEG9uxcYzgvAdI6oC0EkUg3UQurlLuMgQD9UJPcn1kwGuRZGtzT-DE-6kH9VX-jWbgCRn/s320/82176GeoTable3LARGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Interesting. We have 8 iron hinged fixings that are connecting the top to the base section. Lets undo these and see what happens.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkvk2ouElicM9HSsmN_xxQggErlxWMbEc9JT5MKRgZOXut490Phll0vswVJXfCFiquiXBwQdW-2eenWEA1VgRc0uRK9CtT1WaA5sMlJPqBaHlng8e1H2e1VUZK5B7ktMJXmIUWLGAS6lt/s1600/82176GeoTable5LARGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkvk2ouElicM9HSsmN_xxQggErlxWMbEc9JT5MKRgZOXut490Phll0vswVJXfCFiquiXBwQdW-2eenWEA1VgRc0uRK9CtT1WaA5sMlJPqBaHlng8e1H2e1VUZK5B7ktMJXmIUWLGAS6lt/s320/82176GeoTable5LARGE.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLuC1_A5n9jY9jkA5WRD3R-u3qqgsritrdYO4JB6ceSjDqs1s8nKibxxUQEECPiISvYBhm7KIXGE4NjjqUTv09wOlEOQ9be28dYqEH3X-XAUYEBKKqnVa6u9paKWL2h7t9LGrq1_8mqcM/s1600/82176GeoTable6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1600" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLuC1_A5n9jY9jkA5WRD3R-u3qqgsritrdYO4JB6ceSjDqs1s8nKibxxUQEECPiISvYBhm7KIXGE4NjjqUTv09wOlEOQ9be28dYqEH3X-XAUYEBKKqnVa6u9paKWL2h7t9LGrq1_8mqcM/s320/82176GeoTable6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Undoing the hinge fittings has allowed the top to be removed and further iron fittings allow the legs to be removed from the frieze rails. So we have a table that completely dis-mantles.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, what can we deduce from this?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> From the style of the square tapered legs with the boxwood stringing this table would date to around 1790. We know that at this period in the second half of 18th century cabinet makers were experimenting with different designs to make furniture that could be dis-mantled to make it portable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> At this period the campaign furniture would look like its domestic equivalent and would usually be made by cabinet makers rather than makers who specialised in travel furniture. Some of the known furniture designers of the time included some portable furniture in their design books but there were not, that we have discovered, that many designs available for their subscribers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> For this reason we occasionally come across furniture which we believe were bespoke made for a client and possibly one off pieces. I believe that to be the case with this table.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Two last details that should be mentioned are that all the fitting are iron as opposed to brass which is unusual. Possibly, even blacksmith made that leads me to believe that the table is more likely than not made by a provincial cabinet maker. Secondly, why did the maker not put hinges to the top section the other way around to allow the top to close and protect the polished surface as opposed to this way that means it will not close flat as the iron hinges are in the way?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By Simon Clarke.</span><br />
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<br />Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-92182433757265529822017-09-02T08:48:00.000-07:002017-09-02T08:48:22.691-07:00John Folgham, case and knife case maker.<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>John Folgham, case and knife case maker.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whilst, visiting the wonderful National Trust Property<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chastleton-house"> Chastleton House</a> ,which is just down the road from the shop, I noticed this fine Georgian Knife box which I hadn't recalled seeing before.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tQhIv5uNSxF5xUMsqMYHUKO1YAbxb9q36FfcOGeLOUslNBzGRj4k_S_cTRUS0aDCVkdSeLxU3SG4bNusfQYu4knnDwBTZZpw50Hb4MurzqnP6mZ4arlwAGek9F1ZdIR2AH3_6jxZOXU2/s1600/IMG_5287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tQhIv5uNSxF5xUMsqMYHUKO1YAbxb9q36FfcOGeLOUslNBzGRj4k_S_cTRUS0aDCVkdSeLxU3SG4bNusfQYu4knnDwBTZZpw50Hb4MurzqnP6mZ4arlwAGek9F1ZdIR2AH3_6jxZOXU2/s320/IMG_5287.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> This box with its serpentine front is much like like many that you will see in many country houses.So what made this box stand out you might ask ? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> On the wall behind the box is the framed original invoice supplied by the maker John Folgham in 1787.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzBJkZUJle9x1ggm4iWn71gEpfL57lisNZPfTuEe6TY78a77OkH3kRrEvV6zk6ZAC-tPGATZYJP6FkdzbwprEgre_p18u9LIVLsEGOPYpxnnb6LIQXdnIvy9JwuECljUYop6OwuQ9L6OK/s1600/IMG_5285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1600" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzBJkZUJle9x1ggm4iWn71gEpfL57lisNZPfTuEe6TY78a77OkH3kRrEvV6zk6ZAC-tPGATZYJP6FkdzbwprEgre_p18u9LIVLsEGOPYpxnnb6LIQXdnIvy9JwuECljUYop6OwuQ9L6OK/s640/IMG_5285.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can see from this that the box was bought by Arthur Jones Esq. who owned Chastleton at the end of the 18th century. the writing is a little tricky to read but lists the cutlery the box would hold as well as another item which I am trying to decipher. It appears to read " a neat **** Greywood Tea Caddy Varnish" . Interesting , that it seemed to be the fashion to call items "neat" during this period. Not sure what the addition of 0 16 is for. Delivery ? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Any ideas ?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Referring to The Dictionary of English Furniture makers,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1660-1840 we see this on the maker:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkwiO0GoAtbYMzvslnRUDaWoHCFjZn-EJbmv0uRTUwLc0UzwzvfRkdrdPHtDaXmcf584_jFGLQEdMUXRhE5XVwHs_2C_jEl-t7PV7QdYYgeLsWjuNlDAgZYTg09Jkev0aTUX_QkAlZqoA/s1600/IMG_5456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="757" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkwiO0GoAtbYMzvslnRUDaWoHCFjZn-EJbmv0uRTUwLc0UzwzvfRkdrdPHtDaXmcf584_jFGLQEdMUXRhE5XVwHs_2C_jEl-t7PV7QdYYgeLsWjuNlDAgZYTg09Jkev0aTUX_QkAlZqoA/s640/IMG_5456.JPG" width="302" /></a></div>
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Fascinating stuff. What would this equate to in modern times ? To give and idea of value I believe a housemaid would have been paid about £ 5 per annum in the 1770's.</div>
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by Simon Clarke.</div>
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<br />Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-62823741200871948962017-04-01T07:44:00.001-07:002017-04-03T02:14:21.575-07:00Campaign or Military Chests - Beginners Guide Part 2.Campaign or Military Chests - Beginners Guide Part 2.<br />
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<b>Where was it made ?</b><br />
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This can sometimes be a little tricky to the un-trained eye as a lot of campaign chests can at first glance all look the same. On closer inspection, following a few guidelines you should be able get a reasonable idea where a campaign chest was made.<br />
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We have had military chests made in England, Ireland, Scotland, Malta, Australia, China, India and some from places in the East and the colonies that we have not as yet been able to pinpoint.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7xIyAAobm8Kf2WGPxN9DXXLffiwBumHItg2SFl08ytnfRnimS5kLxDHj072Sk-XP2V7QSEKyzhH5Noc01vebt5KFbzPy8nqj6HU4n5AZTbj01fDMy7ViLyPc9JDGypG1oZkmU35m8kSN/s1600/80802aDayCoD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7xIyAAobm8Kf2WGPxN9DXXLffiwBumHItg2SFl08ytnfRnimS5kLxDHj072Sk-XP2V7QSEKyzhH5Noc01vebt5KFbzPy8nqj6HU4n5AZTbj01fDMy7ViLyPc9JDGypG1oZkmU35m8kSN/s320/80802aDayCoD.jpg" width="309" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/antiques/secretaire-chest-by-day-son"><b>Secretaire Campaign Chest by W. Day & Son.</b></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHDmKjsaI-tG7XBsvW0_SqYUhvLOp4Nxe5BrFEpNV_8bPBcPvFeLsadFOmt80xqKupu6FD6d-cCJkNuIO-Qp_vghY-7upJ53t2xKwFs9oEn_LHi1Nx0H0wzac0lv7iV6zcCNbrpECTLpe/s1600/7621ChineseExportSecCodOpen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHDmKjsaI-tG7XBsvW0_SqYUhvLOp4Nxe5BrFEpNV_8bPBcPvFeLsadFOmt80xqKupu6FD6d-cCJkNuIO-Qp_vghY-7upJ53t2xKwFs9oEn_LHi1Nx0H0wzac0lv7iV6zcCNbrpECTLpe/s320/7621ChineseExportSecCodOpen.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/antiques/china-trade-secretaire-chest"><b>China Trade Secretaire Chest</b></a></td></tr>
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So what should you look for to determine the place of origin of a campaign chest ? The following indicators will give you some clues though it should be stressed that these are not hard and fast rules and there will be cases where single indicators will not give a definitive answer and a combination of these will be needed to provide an answer.<br />
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When evaluating a campaign chest consider the following and it should be possible to work out where a campaign chest was made. Maker's name, timber, construction techniques, and hardware.<br />
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If on inspecting your campaign chest you see a maker's name there will be a good chance you will be able to find out where they were based. If their details are on a label or stencil there is also likey to be their address. So look out for paper labels, ivory, ivorine or brass plaques, stencils or stamps. If only a name, a little research should provide more information on where a company were based. You will still need to follow the other indicators as its is possible a maker may have made chests at home and abroad. Be also aware that sometimes maker's marks can be fraudulent and not original to the piece.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JLENrCnrkHkx1i98MZsCPJ5QvJfjWGFCi9MeDtfVtt5m_KHAe2ZdJajAB4xFSm77OZGetFqVZD6ZOGxiXdc_d8JCB6Sn2WipwGyliZg5OVZMMngvyBVLxpIDikuF3JKQ_T8ACDJXPu-P/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JLENrCnrkHkx1i98MZsCPJ5QvJfjWGFCi9MeDtfVtt5m_KHAe2ZdJajAB4xFSm77OZGetFqVZD6ZOGxiXdc_d8JCB6Sn2WipwGyliZg5OVZMMngvyBVLxpIDikuF3JKQ_T8ACDJXPu-P/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<b><br />Label on Seagrove Chest</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9am865M0Y9iTF15NP31aypbuygLoQn71uCqrVfpJAuTD9Lo9LACQCptMOEkMwkz8src5Eifz9Q-1_L5V46i59tt8KeI3pQLkFvyUI4dwD6HDxbZkJY-5nT5mX-CI5Csvy6BxXEIWQTya/s1600/81448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9am865M0Y9iTF15NP31aypbuygLoQn71uCqrVfpJAuTD9Lo9LACQCptMOEkMwkz8src5Eifz9Q-1_L5V46i59tt8KeI3pQLkFvyUI4dwD6HDxbZkJY-5nT5mX-CI5Csvy6BxXEIWQTya/s320/81448.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/makers/seagrove">Seagrove Chest</a></b></td></tr>
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Occasionally, you may come across a British made chest that doesn't have a maker's name but on closer examination you may see pencil inscriptions. These are likely to be on the secondary timbers on the carcase or drawer bases or backs and can include cabinet maker's name, date, or merely a number given to a drawer or if it is for the top right or left side.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9KqleNDYEg2XTolzg1y5kxBMSBJeN3VovTAQiPhmcbR3bDWbrgVrqIolSZ3vqr-vRMkfP31Ow_GnWRDbkJs9tyCpnJhussJgqDRIBGr0ejVz83dRe9u0KYLlMBsfTLlL1ziPFSWkE2v7/s1600/81704cCavChestInscription.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9KqleNDYEg2XTolzg1y5kxBMSBJeN3VovTAQiPhmcbR3bDWbrgVrqIolSZ3vqr-vRMkfP31Ow_GnWRDbkJs9tyCpnJhussJgqDRIBGr0ejVz83dRe9u0KYLlMBsfTLlL1ziPFSWkE2v7/s320/81704cCavChestInscription.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pencil inscription on A&N CSL teak chest shown below.</td></tr>
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The timber which a chest is made from can be a great indicator as to where a chest was made though it should be remembered that in most British cabinet making a lot of the primary timber used was imported. A lot of British chests will have been made from mahogany, teak and camphorwood . Timbers that were imported. Some campaign chests were made from blonde oak or walnut and that would be a fairly strong indicator to the chest being made in Britain as it would be highly unlikely that these timbers would be used abroad. To get a more accurate pointer to origin rather than looking at the primary timber used it is the secondary timbers used for back boards and drawer linings that give a far stronger provenance. As a general rule these will be native timbers to the place of construction. In British chests the use of oak, ash and deal were commonly used for secondary timbers in drawer construction though on some you will find mahogany also used. A good knowledge of different types of timber is obviously essential here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-HC40CqdHb12YUaA7scn-xC8DS_orzG1koMwszF4nSaWzbBQ4C7PKiiktOhG-CNv8Otj8AI2trLGe3NR9ZOEGtN0Zyks4KP_7BxMNr5clXQJyUenGibG0P3Nue35uQL6qmrDDhEtCkUk/s1600/81704gCavalryChest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-HC40CqdHb12YUaA7scn-xC8DS_orzG1koMwszF4nSaWzbBQ4C7PKiiktOhG-CNv8Otj8AI2trLGe3NR9ZOEGtN0Zyks4KP_7BxMNr5clXQJyUenGibG0P3Nue35uQL6qmrDDhEtCkUk/s320/81704gCavalryChest.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/antiques/cavalry-campaign-chest-by-army-and-navy-csl-1">Teak A&N CSL Cavalry chest.</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94bOx9qLmeRRKG6fdeDQ2__MKRf1pvK9Y60GJL6oApH6yw11j3od3lp1_k3Dymo33ocX-ME-Aaw3bkYwZpJugn4SsPBLtqLUD4DviM_PkSI2LQJ73FipJcQ0HV_qGjoa-HPWThbcDqqrp/s1600/81639bAngloChinesCoD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94bOx9qLmeRRKG6fdeDQ2__MKRf1pvK9Y60GJL6oApH6yw11j3od3lp1_k3Dymo33ocX-ME-Aaw3bkYwZpJugn4SsPBLtqLUD4DviM_PkSI2LQJ73FipJcQ0HV_qGjoa-HPWThbcDqqrp/s320/81639bAngloChinesCoD.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/antiques/colonel-warrands-campaign-chest">Teak Anglo-Indian Chest.</a></td></tr>
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In the knowledge of the different construction techniques used in British cabinet work and those used abroad we find some strong indicators as to where a chest was made. This, like the knowledge of timbers, can take a while to fully understand. 18th and 19th century British cabinet work is second to none in quality so generally easily recognisable. For the novice a good starting point will be to inspect the dovetail joints on the drawer construction. A finely cut dovetail joint is easily distinguishable from a larger and sometimes far cruder colonial equivalent. Be aware though that by the end of the 19th century some British cabinet makers had embraced modern technology and had started to use machine cut dovetail joints that like the colonial equivalent will be larger and cruder. For the more experienced collector closer inspection of campaign chests construction will show a marked difference in those made in Britain and the colonies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQV6-ow5-nOaYVzR7qyoaDYz42COlUXwkC9zMxjk34-OMeR190HaTBssAd1W0mbMcgwTrwpuSUJAZjlJDkhJlhnppZlZ_t0wtzZJplzPyR0JTuGYbLy6dRuOS6P_rkKoG3BN7E8bFIvawX/s1600/dovetail+joints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQV6-ow5-nOaYVzR7qyoaDYz42COlUXwkC9zMxjk34-OMeR190HaTBssAd1W0mbMcgwTrwpuSUJAZjlJDkhJlhnppZlZ_t0wtzZJplzPyR0JTuGYbLy6dRuOS6P_rkKoG3BN7E8bFIvawX/s320/dovetail+joints.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/antiques/small-ash-oak-brass-bound-campaign-chest">Fine British Dovetail Joints.</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6YV2FMnHBOtxucNmE5kB9Uhq715pzOZbub_c6OQRAZLaI7wpXwPu1CzVHM5vAKK19Vxz1mcI26ziqy18gC1gVbnCrb06Qv9ScO-C2Jc3AHfhMaI_VQ9vKdwuSiJphe2qVdDiptRsFxKx/s1600/dovetail+joints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6YV2FMnHBOtxucNmE5kB9Uhq715pzOZbub_c6OQRAZLaI7wpXwPu1CzVHM5vAKK19Vxz1mcI26ziqy18gC1gVbnCrb06Qv9ScO-C2Jc3AHfhMaI_VQ9vKdwuSiJphe2qVdDiptRsFxKx/s320/dovetail+joints.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/antiques/cavalry-campaign-chest-by-army-and-navy-csl-1">Machine cut Dovetail Joints.</a></td></tr>
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A final great indicator to the whereabouts of where a chest may have been made is the metal hardware used by the maker on their chests. Though there are differences, both in style and manufacture in British made handles, corner pieces and brass strap-work and those made in the colonies this can be a difficult one to use as an indicator of construction origin. Apart from the lower quality sheet brass strap-work and lower grade skeletal handles found on some Anglo-Indian chests, differentiating between the British made and higher quality colonial brass work can be quite tricky. However locks can sometimes be an easier one to examine. A lot of British locks will provide a few clues that show they are British. There may be the maker's name which research can provide a whole host of information. They may have evidence of the reigning monarch with either a GR or VR indicating Georgian or Victorian period. You may also see "patent" or "4 lever" which are good signs they are British. A note of caution though: it was quite common for British hardware to be exported to the colonies to be used in furniture made in that country. Also, it is not unusual for locks to get replaced on chests. For this reason using just one of the above indicators should not be relied on to show where a campaign chest was made. However, using a combination of all of the above may help even the novice to get some idea of country of origin.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSgeqP_smLyGDu0y8ZUsqPBpT0mMMcLUBHN7usOiAss0lF3QO9iPlW43Fo46nYIETyxX6OSUjFVGK1HXOe5_aXWWCnhTxU0axt4Z9_4roBI6fxKXb7esK5r1-rcL8xGCqUxtTZ2ynxNHU/s1600/top+LHS+lock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSgeqP_smLyGDu0y8ZUsqPBpT0mMMcLUBHN7usOiAss0lF3QO9iPlW43Fo46nYIETyxX6OSUjFVGK1HXOe5_aXWWCnhTxU0axt4Z9_4roBI6fxKXb7esK5r1-rcL8xGCqUxtTZ2ynxNHU/s320/top+LHS+lock.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Lock on a Richard Millard Chest.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebZ-A7qOUOTYcuKHgAnZte7gLzzxOZ3nH26W85qnAv6J8oTLV_3pUBFrP55hzS3InpYzk7Y7jIu0WqlszJDw4q0s9PADDkrTsMzMJCESHz83nl8IrmiYf_8Q4A__XJMFkn6cil6jBUHPv/s1600/Secretaire+named+lock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebZ-A7qOUOTYcuKHgAnZte7gLzzxOZ3nH26W85qnAv6J8oTLV_3pUBFrP55hzS3InpYzk7Y7jIu0WqlszJDw4q0s9PADDkrTsMzMJCESHz83nl8IrmiYf_8Q4A__XJMFkn6cil6jBUHPv/s320/Secretaire+named+lock.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Lock to Secretaire drawer on the same chest.</td></tr>
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The study of origin of colonial chests is an area that still requires much research. Chinese Export chests may be easily distinguishable but it should be remembered that Chinese cabinet makers were working not only in China but right the way across to the west of Canton and into India. It can be possible to differentiate chests made by Chinese cabinet makers working in India through their quality, and the construction techniques used but the waters can get somewhat muddied. It is hoped in the future with more information coming to light that this should become easier and we will know which chests made in India were by local cabinet makers, Chinese cabinet makers or those made by English cabinet makers who had set up workshops in the country.<br />
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Hopefully this will give you some help in tackling this somewhat complex issue and should enable you to at least determine if a chest is British made. As mentioned, moving on to the colonies may take a little more time and experience. You may also be able to use the above in considering other types of campaign furniture as most will be equally relevant to chairs, tables etc.<br />
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By Simon Clarke.<br />
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<br />Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-35538153516277514252017-03-18T10:08:00.002-07:002017-03-21T08:12:20.514-07:00Campaign or Military Chests - Beginners Guide Part 1.To those who have not studied campaign furniture understanding military or campaign chests can appear quite confusing. When was it made? Where was it made ? Is it original ? What timber is it ?<br />
We often come across military chests and other pieces of campaign furniture online that have descriptions that bear no resemblance to the piece in the photograph at all. Even antique dealers with many years experience fall foul of wanting a piece to be something that it is not or believe it to be much older than it actually is.<br />
I hope that some of the information provided here may help you make a more informed judgement.<br />
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To start off with a few common mis-conceptions:<br />
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If a chest or other piece of furniture has carrying handles it must be campaign. It could be but not always. A lot of Georgian library furniture had wonderful substantial carrying handles but would never have been taken travelling. Can you imagine anyone taking a large astragal glazed bureau book case which has carrying handles to both top and bottom section on the Peninsula Wars ? We have certainly seen the top sections being sold as campaign purely because of the carrying handles. And what's this all about? <a href="http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2017/of-royal-and-noble-descent-l17306/lot.57.html">A set of three Victorian mahogany campaign bookcases, mid-19th century</a><br />
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19th century two part brass bound campaign chests should have carrying handles. ( The maker must have forgotten with this one so we'd better put some on. )<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9ioOXvQDSzBOK926JXxNaQnLdEiIKIfb4rpq2R71Uc-q2xGsytzz5ArBRUSlRagwD-LBRFfyGvMxbc703wsGfQ4YJi91RI6SKAoK1eSQVs7MfqzlWY0joXVjvZeEWrlM145K8ErlT-_1/s1600/side+handle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9ioOXvQDSzBOK926JXxNaQnLdEiIKIfb4rpq2R71Uc-q2xGsytzz5ArBRUSlRagwD-LBRFfyGvMxbc703wsGfQ4YJi91RI6SKAoK1eSQVs7MfqzlWY0joXVjvZeEWrlM145K8ErlT-_1/s320/side+handle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chest by Gregory Kane with later added on carrying handles. Swiftly removed after its purchase.</td></tr>
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Most mid to late 19th century campaign chest will not have side carrying handles as the chest would come with a couple of painted pine packing cases to transport the two sections. There are exceptions to this rule such as smaller Naval chests or Colonial chests. With experience you can tell if later handles have been added.<br />
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This chest splits in two so it must be campaign, right ? I recently came across a chest described as campaign that split in two that clearly was not. The explanation is quite simple and logical if you think about it. A lot of small cottages had narrow winding staircases. The solution to getting a large chest upstairs was what I would call the cottage chest. They tend to be Georgian and the main clue as to why they are not campaign is constructional. A true campaign chest whether it be Georgian or Victorian will be cabinet made with both sections having both top and base boards dovetailed into the sides for strength. The construction of a cottage chest will be different. The base of the top section and the top of the base section will be open with the two section fixed together with tenons or dowels fixed to the sides of the base section. These will slot into mortices in the sides of the top section. The chest below demonstrates this and is not the one I saw mis-labelled.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrVyTBpwv4OO-HuEHrcXLKlGjW8Qn_IaVJjFzYZmmxIwJNficK-TxdFmQ4nPqM2qa_H2cP6BX69jl69bKbVMfrIDWNfL_Sm9nn_9uLAIvL5RJi-RH38DiWsuA3B40JSdbSOkbv0_KieeY/s1600/cottage+chest+heather+cook+antiques.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrVyTBpwv4OO-HuEHrcXLKlGjW8Qn_IaVJjFzYZmmxIwJNficK-TxdFmQ4nPqM2qa_H2cP6BX69jl69bKbVMfrIDWNfL_Sm9nn_9uLAIvL5RJi-RH38DiWsuA3B40JSdbSOkbv0_KieeY/s320/cottage+chest+heather+cook+antiques.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credit: Heather Cook Antiques. https://heathercookantiques.com/product/18th-c-english-oak-cottage-chest</td></tr>
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All campaign chests should have flush handles, brass corners and strapwork and have turned feet that should be removable. Not quite.The above description would be what most people think of as a military chest which will date to the middle of the 19th century. The campaign chest evolved through the Georgian period and on into the 19th century. In the Georgian period the main premise for the maker was to make a domestic chest or other piece of campaign furniture easier to transport and stronger to survive the rigors this involved. The look would strongly resemble the domestic equivalent which is why it is not immediately obvious they are campaign. There may be a moulding to the top, swan-neck handles, wooden knobs or bracket feet.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georgian campaign chest.<br />
Note side handles have incorrect swan neck handles<br />
attached to the back plates.</td></tr>
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Most people's conception of a military chest.<br />
This one by Seagrove.</td></tr>
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Campaign chests were used by officers in the military fighting battles across the Empire. Certainly, a lot were owned officers who were not prepared to compromise their living standards with the furniture and travel accouterments they took with them on their travels. We have had many examples where we have had the owners details noted on the chest that bear testimony to this. However, a lot of chests and other pieces of campaign furniture belonged to the multitude of other travellers who were either supporting the Empire or travelling to the colonies. It should be remembered that certainly pre-1900 and the Golden Age of the ocean liner, cabins on board ships were unfitted. The solution to this was the cabin fitter who could, at the shortest notice, provide all that a traveller may require on their long voyage ahead.<br />
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I hope that gives you a small insight into what you should be looking at when considering a campaign chest. As with any other type of antique if thinking about buying you are better off dealing with an expert. They know their specialty and you will get a piece that has been researched and correctly dated and described. You will also be paying what something is worth rather than buying something with a dubious description at a price that may not bear any relation to its true value. Just because a dealer is a specialist it doesn't equate that they are the most expensive merely that they know what the price should be as opposed someone guessing a number out of thin air. Prices of antiques will always be subjective with different dealers being able to charge more than others. Look online and see how the prices compare then decide who you feel more comfortable buying from.<br />
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By Simon Clarke.<br />
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<br />Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-41165756818239305712017-02-18T06:52:00.001-08:002017-02-18T06:52:57.865-08:00The Cavalry Chest.<br />
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Why the Cavalry chest ? Though very likely this term was used prior to this we first came across the name in the Army & Navy Stores Catalogue of 1907. It's name giving connotations of a superior model. <br />
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This teak example below matches the one pictured above in all aspects apart from size being a standard campaign chest size of 39 inches and has the A&N ivorine plaque to the top right drawer.<br />
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The listing notes a model that was available with a superstructure with mirror but this is not pictured on the page. We have had examples of this model and below is one that matched the description even down to the size of 3 ft. 9 inches.<br />
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One fact that isn't included in the description above and is worth noting is that timber that borders the leather adjustable writing area tends to be a veneer of an exotic timber. We have come across coramandel, rosewood and maple. This may have been an additional extra.<div>
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As with most pieces of standard campaign furniture from the mid 19th century onwards different makers made similar models to each other. Whether they called them Cavalry chests we cannot be sure until their trade catalogues come to light.</div>
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The following chest which sadly doesn't have a makers name on it is an interesting example that shows some unusual characteristics.</div>
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This chest has a number of small differences that set it aside from the A&N CSL model. It has inset brass carrying handles to the sides; the secretaire drawer is the first long drawer as opposed to the second; the writing section has a small campaign handle to lift it and is adjustable on a lectern foot instead of resting on the hinged stationery section and there isn't a secret compartment to the right of the secretaire but 3 inkwell sized divisions. However, perhaps the most important difference is that the fronts of the drawers are veneered in figured walnut, which is something we have not previously seen on this model of campaign chest.</div>
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By Simon Clarke.</div>
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Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-87676186692707669712017-01-24T04:17:00.000-08:002017-01-24T04:17:34.167-08:00Maynard & Co. A lesser known Campaign Furniture Maker. <br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Maynard & Co.</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Military and General Outfitters and Agents.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>27 , Poultry, Next to Mansion House.</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maynard & Co. are not one of the first names you would think of when considering makers of campaign furnit</span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ure. Though in business for almost 80 years , from 1814 to 1893, not many pieces by them have have surfaced. However, they were one of a number of companies who developed a business that could offer every assistance to the traveller to the East from booking their passage and selecting their cabin to supplying their portable furniture</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have come across a couple of chests by the maker both quite different which may back up the theory that they have bought in some of their stock and with the one below having features that are not seen in the other fairly standard types of construction found on chests made by other makers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mahogany campaign chest circa 1831.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The above <a href="https://campaignfurniture.antiquitylive.com/antiques/maynard-campaign-chest">chest</a> has quite distinct handles and has an unusual bolt mechanism for holding the top and bottom in place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As time progresses I am sure more will come to light on this interesting company and will be recorded online on our makers file for <a href="https://campaignfurniture.antiquitylive.com/makers/maynard-co">Maynard & Co</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simon Clarke.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-8702171948133991612016-01-23T04:10:00.000-08:002016-01-23T04:10:54.293-08:00 The Victorian Army’s Cabinet Maker of Choice.<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">Ross
and Co. of Dublin were one of the most important makers of campaign furniture
in the Victorian era and justifiably, their name still stands out as a leader
in their field, today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">With
the rapid growth of the <st1:place w:st="on">British Empire</st1:place> in the
19<sup>th</sup> century, came the increased movement of administrators,
colonists and of course the Army and Navy. It was not uncommon for an officer
to have what would now be considered a ridiculous amount of luggage. This is
perhaps best explained by a diary entry dated 1813 by Lieutenant – Colonel
William Tomkinson who noted why he equipped himself with 600 lbs of personal
baggage while on duty in Spain during the Peninsular war: ‘[My equipment] <i>may
appear a large fit-out for a person going on service, but experience taught us
that campaign after campaign was not to be got through without the things I
have stated; and the more an officer makes himself comfortable, the better will
he do his duty, as well as secure his own health, and the comfort of those
belonging to him. It does not follow, that because we attempt the best in every
situation that we cannot face the worst. The poorer the country the greater
must be your baggage, from the length of time you are obliged to march without
obtaining a fresh supply.’</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">James
Ross Murphy and Patrick Murphy capitalized on the demand for portable furniture
that accompanied this increased movement of people with the formation of their
company E. Ross on Ellis Quay. Although examples of domestic furniture by Ross
are known the vast majority of their output was designed to quickly fold or
pack down for ease of travel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">The
company’s exact start date is unknown but the first record of Ross is 1821 when
they are listed in the directories as being located at 6 Ellis Quay. They
remained on the quay throughout their history although their address is listed
in the Dublin Directories at various combinations of the numbers between 5 to
11 and they are known to have also later had a factory at <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">35 Tighe Street</st1:address></st1:street> (now named <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Benburb Street</st1:address></st1:street>).
These two locations were of course ideally located for the many officers
stationed at Collins Barracks and this no doubt was a benefit to the business;
a fact also picked up on by John Ireland, their neighbour and an Army Clothier,
who was located at 11 Ellis Quay in 1850.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">Ross
stand out from the many other campaign furniture makers of the period for a
number of reasons but perhaps the most important is their originality in
design. As can be seen from the adverts of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">London</st1:city></st1:place> makers of the day, such as Hill &
Millard, J W Allen and Day & Son they were all making fairly similar
campaign pieces. Their adverts would typically show a two part chest of
drawers, a washstand, folding bed and a <st1:place w:st="on">Douro</st1:place>
pattern chair. There would be the odd item that was specific to a particular
maker but generally by the mid 19<sup>th</sup> century there were standard
pieces that most officers would require and which they could easily find from a
number of makers. Apart from their most basic chest of drawers, which followed
the traditional design, most items manufactured by Ross differed greatly to
that by other makers. A number of their chests would have a clever, folding
superstructure or an unusual combination of drawers, their washstands wouldn’t
have the normal brass standards adopted by the other makers but have turned
columns and their Easy Chairs would put comfort at a premium.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">Much
of Ross’s work can be considered typical of the William IV and Victorian
periods in its use of the fashionable design features of the day. This would of
course have given their cabinet making greater appeal than that which was
purely utilitarian; an important factor to their customers who would mostly
have been well heeled gentleman officers with an eye for the stylish. It also
means that much of it is not obviously made for campaign until close
inspection. A good example of this is the Desk Chair below, that breaks
down into eight pieces for travel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">The
majority of campaign furniture was commissioned or retailed as individual
pieces but Ross very cleverly gave the option of buying a suite of furniture.
Such a suite would have a combination of a short set of Dining Chairs, an Easy
Chair, a Couch, a Center Table and a Chiffonier or Sideboard which broke down
to become the packing case. On the inside door of the cabinet furniture would
be a label, giving packing instructions. The packing case cabinets were often
adorned with carved decoration and moulding, which again was unusual for
campaign furniture that mostly considered flat surfaces and square edges to be
a pre-requisite. However, when it came to packing the cabinet, the moulding
would be removed and the carved show wood protected with a bolt on panel so no
sacrifice was made for the added decoration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">Perhaps
the most famous such suite is that made for Captain Simner of the 76<sup>th</sup>
Regiment and his wife, Francis Mary Bolton, as a wedding present on March the
27<sup>th</sup>, 1863. It was made from walnut taken from the family estate at
Bective, in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Ireland</st1:country-region> and
travelled with the Captain and his wife to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Madras</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Burma</st1:country-region></st1:place>
and Secunderabad over a 12 year period. They may well have considered it their
best wedding present, as it must have given great comfort in the very different
climate of the <st1:place w:st="on">Far East</st1:place>. Ross’s concessions to
embellishment with the carving probably also gave a reminder of the <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place> that they had left behind and so a feeling of a
little luxury in a harder environment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">We
are fortunate that Ross labeled most of their work with either a painted
stencil, or small ivory or brass plaque, giving their current address at Ellis
Quay. That which is not labeled was probably from a suite, where other items
would have the Ross mark. However it is usually relatively easy to recognize
Ross campaign furniture from its other traits. The use of walnut was common for
Ross, perhaps because they recognized its revival in popularity under the
Victorians, which again, would give an added selling point. Yet it was
untypical of most campaign furniture makers who generally preferred mahogany or
teak. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">Ross’s
numbering, for ease of assembly, of the individual parts that make up a piece
of their furniture is also unique. Most campaign furniture makers used a simple
system, often using Roman numerals but always starting, naturally, with the
number one. Furniture by Ross is often given a two digit number or sometimes a
letter and number depending on the item and Roman numerals are not noted as
having been used. An example of such numbering is the set of four Balloon Back
Chairs, illustrated, where the numbers range from 62 and 63 on the first chair
to 70 and 71 on the second, 74 and 75 on the third and 92 and 93 on the fourth.
Although at first this seemingly random system of numbering doesn’t seem to
make sense it was probably logical for a factory that may have been making
several pieces of the same item of furniture at the same time. Added to this
Ross were probably selling their wares to members of the same regiments and
their numbering system may well have saved future confusion amongst brother
officers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">Ross
prospered through out the 19<sup>th</sup> century and by 1864 their reputation
was sealed by the approval of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales. By 1882 even the Army
were recommending them, something only done on occasion. The Report of the Kabul
Committee on Equipment (<st1:city w:st="on">Calcutta</st1:city>) stated <i>‘….
the committee now consider it to be necessary for the comfort of an officer,
that he should have a bed, and they find that the pattern…made by Ross of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Dublin</st1:city></st1:place> is the most
suitable. It weighs under 20lbs. <o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">The
success Ross and Co. of Dublin enjoyed throughout the 19<sup>th</sup> century
can be put down to a number of factors, the most obvious being that they were
very good cabinet makers. This quality of work coupled with their ingenuity of
design, which was quite distinctive from their contemporaries, and attention to
the popular styles of the day proved a winning combination. However, Ross also
had other factors working in their favour to create a strong customer base. Not
only were a large percentage of the British Army’s officers Irish but Ross were
clever enough to position themselves close to one of the biggest barracks in
Europe. The barracks were garrisoned by an Army that had spread itself across
the world and whose mostly landed officers could afford the best, wished to
travel in style and to have all the comforts of home when they arrived at their
destination. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">By
1909 there is no listing for Ross in the directories and their last address of
8,9 & 10 Ellis Quay is listed as vacant, surrounded by tenements. Their
demise is due to the same factors that affected other campaign makers, which
put simply is that they were right for their time and their time was over. The
world and how war was conducted had changed significantly by the beginning of
the 20<sup>th</sup> century. The Boers, with their speed of movement and good
use of the ambush had taught the British Army a sharp lesson. Arnold-Forster,
the Secretary of State for War perhaps recognized that things had to change
when in 1903 he said <i>‘The British Army is a social institution prepared for
every emergency except that of war.’</i>
Domestic use had also tailed off, there weren’t as many colonists as in
past generations and those that were heading off to make a new life knew that
their destination was now far better set up to furnish them than in their
ancestor’s days. The emergence of the motorcar also meant people could travel
far quicker and so did not need to take as much with them for the comfort of a
long journey. Although there was still a demand for both military and civilian
travel furniture the cake had become much smaller. Added to this Ross probably
suffered from the same effect that many independent retailers also do today,
the popularity of the supermarket. The end of the 19<sup>th</sup> century saw
the spectacular rise of The Army and Navy Store, a shop where everything could
be bought from a travelling shaving brush to a tent. Whether you were looking
to buy your groceries or a billiard table The Army and Navy Store could ship it
to you in most parts of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">There
is still much to be learnt about Ross of Dublin and it is a regret that there
are inconsistencies in their directory listings and so few records of the
company other than their furniture that survive. The discovery of a trade
catalogue would shed more light on their full range of goods and offer other
invaluable information. However, they have left a passion amongst collectors
for their camp equipage, much of which travelled the globe when it was first
made and is still doing so as it is eagerly sort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">by Sean Clarke and Nicholas Brawer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">This
article was first published in ‘<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Ireland</st1:country-region></st1:place>’s
Antiques & Period Properties’ magazine, Vol. 1 No. 3,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">Summer
/ Autumn 2004.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-29084558930236756652015-07-11T05:17:00.001-07:002015-07-11T09:27:21.614-07:00Gregory Kane : Campaign Furniture Maker.<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Gregory Kane,
like most Campaign Furniture manufacturers, was first described in the Treble
Almanac of 1829 as a Trunk Maker with premises at 8 ½ Fishamble Street, Dublin.
He appears to have moved to 1 Fishamble in 1830 but continued as a Trunk Maker.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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He must have
had his ups and downs as he was declared insolvent in June 1832 whilst still at
Fishamble Street. However he must have moved his premises at this stage as in
the Insolvent Debtors Court he was described as “Late of Fishamble Street.” He
clearly recovered from this little mishap and continued as a Trunk Maker at
Essex Quay from 1833. <o:p></o:p></div>
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By 1835 he was
working out of both 3 and 29 Essex Quay, although in his newspaper
advertisement from May 1835, for his “Portmanteau and General Trunk Warehouse,“
he described his location as 29 Essex
Quay, within two doors of Essex Bridge. He considered himself to be “the only person
in the Trade who manufactures Solid Leather Trunks” and played an active role
in the workmanship which allowed him to sell his items at 20% less than any other
house in Dublin. He describes using Bramah’s Patent Locks and sold multiple
items including horse skin portmanteaus, hat cases, carpet bags and even violin
and guitar cases; however he makes no reference to Barrack/Military furniture
at this stage. He continued advertising the above through 1835 and 1836.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In December
1836, Michael Ennis reached into his shop window and stole a portmanteau. Roger
Ferrall, who was in Mr. Kane’s employ caught the thief a few doors down from
the shop. In court the thief could not recollect a word of the incident, due to
the fact that he suffered fits of epilepsy. He was, however, still found guilty
and sentenced to six months imprisonment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Through 1837
he continued to work out of 29 Essex Quay and continued to advertise himself to
gentleman attending the “Elections in the Country” as well as to travellers.
His wares now included ladies trunks and bonnet cases. In 1838 he opened
premises at 81 Dame Street (nearly opposite the Lower Castle-Gate) but still continued
at 29 Essex Quay. He described his business as a “Solid Leather Basil and Horse
Skin Portmanteau Warehouse.” He now included military chests in his wares as
well as an improved description of a solid leather portmanteau, which he
marketed to the military and gentleman travelling. The portmanteau had an
expanding top, whilst preserving a compact, portable appearance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As is evident
throughout Gregory Kane’s life, he was a dedicated philanthropist and in 1839
he was appointed to a committee to elicit subscriptions for six young children whose
father had died unexpectedly. This attitude continued through Kane’s life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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By the 26<sup>th</sup>
September 1839 he no longer advertised 29 Essex Quay and we can only presume
that he had left the premises and continued on solely at 81 Dame Street. In
October 1839, working as a “portmanteau and trunk maker,” he came before the
local Magistrate to ask advice on a portmanteau that he had made. It was
apparently of extraordinary construction and extremely valuable and was made
following receipt of an order from a doctor for a lady in Rathmines. When it
was presented to her, however, she stated she had never ordered it. He was
advised to continue with civil proceedings.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He continued
at 81 Dame Street through 1840, and in 1841 he exhibited leather trunks and hat
cases at a Meeting of Irish Manufacturers in Rotundo called by the Lord Major.
He now included harnesses, saddles, writing desks and dressing cases as part of
his wares. He exhibited a hat case, a trunk and a patent square hat case at the
Royal Dublin Society’s House Exhibition of Irish Manufacture, Produce and
Invention in June 1841. The patent square hat case, was described as
particularly unique and superior to anything of the same kind.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In 1842 he described
himself as a “Military Portmanteau and Harness Manufactory,” and his extensive
stock included cabinet work such as mahogany and rosewood writing desks and
dressing cases, work boxes and tea caddies. He was able to sell at 10 to 20%
lower than other houses as he had just returned from the Continent with a great
quantity of leather. He also advertised that he had been awarded a Silver Medal
by the Royal Dublin Society and now advertised trunks and chests for the East
and West Indies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He continued
at 81 Dame Street through to 1844, when he advertised a newly-invented portmanteau
for ladies, with separate compartments for bonnets, caps and dresses. He again
exhibited at the Royal Dublin Society Exhibition of Articles of Irish
Manufacture, Produce and Invention, and this included portmanteaus and trunks.
In 1845 he moved from 81 Dame Street and opened 68 Dame Street, advertising
that he had again received a Silver Medal from the Royal Dublin Society. He was
still described in the directories as a “Portmanteau and Trunk Maker.” He appears
to have opened further rooms or perhaps living quarters at 69 Dame Street in
1846, to add to 68 Dame Street. He now advertised “Malles Postes” portmanteaus
which were designed for travellers to France, due to the strict regulations
with regards size of portmanteau. He also sold air-tight chests, school trunks
and oil cloth covers, overland mail portmanteaus as well as new and second hand
Camp Furniture.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In 1847 he
finally described himself “By Special Appointment” as a “Military Portmanteau,
Dressing-Case and Camp Furniture Manufacturer to the Earl of Besborough.” He
exhibited at the Royal Dublin Society Exhibition in July 1847 and his
collection included a brass bedstead, hair mattress, bed clothes, and dressing
case, complete in a portmanteau, not larger than a band-box. These were
particularly suited for a military man. He also paid particularly reference in
his advertisements to a pair of ordinary trunks, which were made to form a
beautiful military chest of drawers, a canteen, a secretary and a pair of
tables.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He was again
in court in 1847, after one of his employees, John Rudd, who had previously
neglected his business, cut out leather to make seven trunks but left it
unfinished. He appealed to the local Magistrate that he wanted to “preserve the
branch of Irish Trade in the country.” He further argued that Rudd’s actions
could drive enterprise and industry from the country. John Rudd was sent for
one month’s hard labour.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He achieved another
small Silver Medal from the Royal Dublin Society for his lady’s double Russian
leather portmanteau, as well as other gentlemen’s portmanteaus. He also advertised
full sets of Camp Furniture to the Army and these included Patton and Harstow’s
Iron Bedsteads. He opened extensive premises to include both 68 and 69 Dame
Street in November 1847, and described them as “Camp Furniture and Portmanteau
Warerooms.” His “Native Artisans” made up every article of Military Equipage,
and according to Mr. Kane the articles could not be excelled by the best London
Houses.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A sale of
Kane’s wares was held in December 1848, in order to make room for a planned
extension of another branch of his establishment. Presumably this was to extend
into 70 Dame Street although he only advertised the premises as “68, 69 and 70
Dame Street” from 1850 onwards. A handsome Crown and gas Tubing initialled “V.A.”
on an iron balcony adorned his shop in August 1849 for the visit of the Queen
to Ireland. He noted in advertisements that he was able to deliver military outfits
to any Barracks in England, Scotland and Ireland at no extra expense.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the Irish
Almanac of 1850 he is noted as the “Portmanteau Maker to the Lord Lieutenant”
and was also recorded as having a premises at Mountainville Lodge, Dundrum. The
Lord Lieutenant had visited the Royal Dublin Society’s Exhibition and Gregory
Kane had erected and furnished the marquee in which he had luncheon. The
furnishings were representative of the furniture with which a colonel on active
service might have outfitted his tent whilst on active duty abroad. Included
was a plain deal (British for Pine or Fir tree wood) box, three feet three
inches by one foot six inches. When assembled, every part could be converted into
articles of furniture, including a round table, sofa with bedding, six chairs,
a carpet, a hearth rug, a table cover, a dressing case and other articles. He
was awarded a Gold Medal and Certificate at the Exhibition. He also appealed to
ladies and gentlemen travelling to Australia and the Colonies. In particular he
was able to supply portable furniture of every description.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Lord Lieutenant
paid a visit to his factory on the 31<sup>st </sup>March 1851 and is said to
have expressed his high approval of the “neatness, elegance and convenient
arrangement of the articles” shown to him. These included camp and portable
furniture of all descriptions, in particular his “Travelling Cabinet.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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In April 1851
he was addressed in the Freeman Journal by other Camp Furniture Establishments
in Dublin, including the famous Eleanor Ross of Ross & Co, Ellis Quay;
where they felt the need to explain to Mr. Kane that they used only Cabinet
Makers, in the manufacture of every branch of portable furniture. Quite what
the disagreement was, is unknown.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He exhibited
at The Great Exhibition in 1851 and in particular displayed his “Registered
Travelling Cabinet,” and advertised it for viewing to Dubliners prior to it
being transported to London. His Travelling Cabinet was patented on July 23
1851 and included a cabinet and book case, a circular table, a side table, a
sofa table, a mahogany couch, six chairs, curtains, a carpet and a hearth rug.
He also won a Prize Medal for his Travelling Bedstead, which “within the
compass of one small box contains all that is necessary for the traveller.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Evidently
proud of the number of prizes he had won at previous exhibitions he started advertising
that fact in 1852 and listed the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
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1841 – The Royal Dublin Society’s
Silver Medal – For Portmanteaus<o:p></o:p></div>
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1844 – The Royal Dublin Society’s
Silver Medal – For Lady’s Portmanteaus <o:p></o:p></div>
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1847– The Royal Dublin Society’s
Silver Medal – For Camp Furniture<o:p></o:p></div>
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1850 – The Royal Dublin Society’s
Gold Medal – For Camp Furniture and Portmanteaus<o:p></o:p></div>
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1851 – The Great Exhibition Prize
Medal – For Camp Furniture and Portmanteaus<o:p></o:p></div>
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He also
claimed to be the manufacturer to the Garrison, and due to the numerous and
pressing orders for his Prize Cabinet, he made up an additional supply.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gregory Kane
was granted a further patent for the “construction of Portable Houses or
portions thereof, out of parts, which may be used for other purposes,” on the
10<sup>th</sup> May 1852 and proceeded to exhibit at the National Exhibition in
Cork in the same year, and this included a newly invented portmanteau with
three parts expanding.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He exhibited
at the Great Industrial Exhibition in Dublin in 1853 where he displayed a small
cabinet with the remarkable ability to transform into a chiffonier, a chest of drawers,
a dining table and a dozen chairs. He also exhibited what appeared to be a
common square box, which quickly converted into a well-stuffed easy chair. His
shop was again adorned with a gas lit, crown surmounting the initials “V.A.”
for the visit of Her Majesty in August 1853. Her presence was also noted at the
Exhibition where she attended Mr. Kane’s extraordinary portable house and made “a
minute examination of the contents.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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He was granted
a patent on the 2nd March 1854 for a “Patent Portmanteau Field Bed” and “Patent
Envelope Bed” and threatened in a newspaper advertisement to take legal action against
any persons infringing on the patent. He informed the Army that these campaign
beds were only to be obtained at his establishment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Alterations
were performed in September 1854 to expand and add to his business premises at
68, 69 and 70 Dame Street and he invited tenders for the work. After the
extensions he found himself again before the magistrates in 1855, after a
certain John Martin of Peter Street had used abusive language against him as
well as discharging a loaded weapon into the garden of a Mrs. Patten, who was
with Mr. Kane’s wife at the time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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From 1855-56
Kane appealed directly to the Militia as well as to officers leaving for the
Crimea, to whom he touted an outfit for an Officer’s Room at one half the usual
price. Again Mr. Kane was the victim of an attempted robbery when the grating
was removed from his entrance on a Tuesday night in February 1856. Fortunately
for him the policeman on duty thwarted the attempt. The very same store was
beautifully decorated for the Queen’s birthday in May 1856, with the display
including “V.A.N.E.” (A
combination, of the initials of the Queen, Prince Albert, Louis Napoleon, and
the Empress Eugenie) separated by stars. The display in his window
included the new Continental portmanteaus, and perhaps seen deeper in the shop
were the bedstead and even the children’s cots he now sold.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Continuing in
his philanthropic ways he attended and subscribed to the Crimean Banquet in
1856.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mr. Kane is
still listed in the <i>Irish Almanac</i> at
68, 69, and 70 Dame Street in 1857 and he continued to advertise “The
Travelling Cabinet” as well as a multitude of portmanteaus of the newest
design. His products now included a patented air-tight bullock trunk which was
designed specifically for gentlemen proceeding to the India War, due to its impervious
nature to destruction from insects and white ants. By 1859 he was referring to
his business as a “Cabinet and Upholstery Ware-Room” and he appealed to the
Officers in the Garrison as well as gentlemen recently gazetted. He continued
along his visceral pattern of advertising by equipping the ball room at the
Beggar’s Bush Barracks for the 30<sup>th</sup> Regimental Ball.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A further
patent was granted to Mr. Kane on the 8<sup>th</sup> June 1860 for “Kane’s
Portable Folding Bedstead,” and he advertised this to the above mentioned
persons as well as intending tourists. In 1861 Kane was awarded “Her Majesty’s
Letters Patent under the Great Seal,” for this very military bedstead and it
proved very popular with Officers of the Army.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Great
Exhibition of 1862 was a perfect advertisement for Kane’s wares, and these
included, as usual, his “Travelling Cabinet” and portmanteaus. He also included
items that were air tight to exclude insects and portmanteaus with a lap of cow
hide, in order to prevent water from seeping in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He continued
to advertise his “Kane Portable Travelling Cabinet” which contained the entire
furniture of a Drawing-Room as late as 1863. He again adorned his shop with a
great quantity of light to illuminate a Crown, Prince’s Plume and Ribbon, for
the celebration of the Royal Marriage of Albert Edward, The Prince of Wales and
Princess Alexandra of Denmark in March. <o:p></o:p></div>
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With the
patronage of the Army he constructed perhaps the most extraordinary piece of
campaigning kit ever devised: A “Portable House” or “Australian House” for a Captain
Richardson’s estate in Madras, India. Prior to its transport it was exhibited
at his premises for Dubliners attention. A similar portable house was displayed
in the yard in front of the Society House at the Royal Dublin Society’s Exhibition
in 1864.This appears to be the only such portable house ever recorded and is
arguably the ultimate expression of portability. After all, why not have a
portable house to fill with all that portable furniture. This structure makes
Kane unique amongst Campaign Furniture manufacturers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In 1865 Mr.
Kane is noted as having adorned his shop in plume and finery with the letters “A.A.”
for the visit of the Prince of Wales. He also found the time to attend the International
Exhibition in the same year where “Camp Furniture of the best and most compact
description” was displayed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He continued
his Royal appreciation in 1868 by again decorating his establishment with a Crown,
four letters and a star for the Royal Visit. The display was described in the <i>Dublin Evening Post</i> as both artistic and
effective. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Gregory Kane
continued in his establishment at 68, 69 and 70 Dame Street through 1870 when
he advertised Christmas and wedding presents, including dressing cases,
dressing bags, work boxes and other fancy goods. This year saw him re-sorting his
warerooms, and selling cheaply a large quantity of soiled and second hand
portmanteaus and bags.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He continued to
advertise Christmas presents from Dame Street through December 1874, and
contributed a number of prizes to Dublin Bazaars in 1875 and 1876. He continued
to appeal to members of the Army and was still advertising a “Complete Outfit
of Barrack Furniture” in 1876 and 1877 to new Officers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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From 1877 through
1884 he also continued his charitable giving, contributing significantly to Subscriptions
and Bazaars. He continued with the business, however, and was still advertising
portmanteaus and Gladstone Bags in 1885, two years before his death in 1887. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After his
death his significant assets were auctioned off by James H. North and these
included Shamrock Lodge in Dalkey as well as the leasehold interest and the
entire stock of valuable camp furniture and portmanteaus of 68, 69 and 70 Dame
Street. The auctions ran from December 1877 until August 1888. <o:p></o:p></div>
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All that
remains today from the output of this significant Victorian maker of Campaign
furniture are a very few chests and desks, invariably of the highest quality,
that appear only sporadically on the <a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/index.asp">open market.</a><span style="text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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By Jordan Pryce Lewis & Nicholas Brawer.<br />
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Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-11233014935842359082014-11-29T04:28:00.001-08:002014-11-29T04:42:55.638-08:00 "An Officers Room." We are now, amazingly, on our 23rd exhibition of antique campaign furniture and travel requisites.<br />
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Our latest "An Officers Room." comes from the name of the satirical print below:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnfFG4xtLfJtfIi-Lr4NXOl2Zytb_N-WrE91qQkMsr-T19M81jXrCDSfqUOg0jIHoXJH5Xn8RAPiRmXKwBnPCT7QxNlcYijKru2QBgGfJ1hTcaRxD4O6SOaMG3bzn0zcBm-q1DmuZb63s/s1600/81223aOfficersRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnfFG4xtLfJtfIi-Lr4NXOl2Zytb_N-WrE91qQkMsr-T19M81jXrCDSfqUOg0jIHoXJH5Xn8RAPiRmXKwBnPCT7QxNlcYijKru2QBgGfJ1hTcaRxD4O6SOaMG3bzn0zcBm-q1DmuZb63s/s1600/81223aOfficersRoom.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">The vast majority of the items illustrated in the Officer’s Room print on the cover of the exhibition’s catalogue are for the young soldier’s leisure as opposed to aiding them in the art of war. The perception of the officers is that their life is one long round of fun. Of course, we know that this was far from the reality. However, there is some truth that, if their wallet would allow, many officers would kit themselves out very well indeed. We have produced 23 exhibitions and catalogues illustrating the huge variety of items that were available to the military and travellers. This one is no different and has items from as small as a tiny pair of folding binoculars to a 9 foot folding refectory table. A number of known makers are represented as well as Peter McCarthy and Gilham, whom we have not shown before. Other items include a good pair of faux rosewood chairs and a patent iron chair by Ross with its original packing case, 6 different campaign chests, various named dispatch boxes. travel candlesticks and a variety of cooking canteens and spirit heaters. The first 2 are rare 19th century canteens, one belonging to a hero of Inkermann, the other 4 show the progression of portable cooking equipment from the battlefield to the picnic for 2 in a classic car. We are also lucky enough to have a number of mint condition Princess Mary Boxes. They were part of a box of 72 that were never issued and so remained unopened for almost 100 years. This is just a small hint at the 90 items that can be viewed in the catalogue PDF, on these website pages and of course in person at our showrooms in Stow on the Wold.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444;">This </span><a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/exhibition.asp"><span style="color: #38761d;">link</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> will take you to a pdf of the catalogue and the items are also on the stock pages of our website.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;">You can also get a feel for the exhibition with this short video. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #274e13; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnF4kPCezg8">"An Officers Room."</a></span></div>
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By Simon Clarke.</div>
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Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-1018003305928897152014-10-18T03:52:00.001-07:002014-10-18T03:52:14.203-07:00The " Naval " Campaign Chair.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IwDeLpOccjZ3nWeI86V71Nyck0wUzhQ-bakaJDZHSZthOnIbGxqBvsS2GtHS-7qxiCitBLtjJ9ZfdYFfkPMzLCwgGvgeN4fFcKbCBv8vtPaYtz4bYHkBoEkblBQcn9XcrHFCXSzDFaSQ/s1600/H0134-L45469396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IwDeLpOccjZ3nWeI86V71Nyck0wUzhQ-bakaJDZHSZthOnIbGxqBvsS2GtHS-7qxiCitBLtjJ9ZfdYFfkPMzLCwgGvgeN4fFcKbCBv8vtPaYtz4bYHkBoEkblBQcn9XcrHFCXSzDFaSQ/s1600/H0134-L45469396.jpg" height="320" width="231" /></a></div>
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Circa 1760.</div>
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Probably my favourite design of campaign chair is a type we tend to call the " Naval " chair because we have plenty of documentary evidence of them being used on board ship and because their design is so well suited to use on ship where the decks may have to be cleared at speed. They are usually one piece except a few that have a removable seat and can fold flat in seconds. Ideal if you are heading into battle and you need space around the guns.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvvyi-PDFapGe_AxJA33Zo87z-jIMfZZU4KV49kDs5zRZeoySYeMp7xrk7OxBGGcT7Nn2qYqy_y1YKtBr4vfdl0ruX2UYLNS1is7Iswkhs0DC6O_WYqv4vy3Jmx1Q7cBBeqril1H6W1aJ/s1600/H0134-L45469401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvvyi-PDFapGe_AxJA33Zo87z-jIMfZZU4KV49kDs5zRZeoySYeMp7xrk7OxBGGcT7Nn2qYqy_y1YKtBr4vfdl0ruX2UYLNS1is7Iswkhs0DC6O_WYqv4vy3Jmx1Q7cBBeqril1H6W1aJ/s1600/H0134-L45469401.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
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The earliest examples I have come across would be a set of chairs in the Great hall at <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele/things-to-see-and-do/house/">Cotehele</a> which for some reason are referred to, from memory, as the Banks chairs. They would date from the 1740s.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTb5OmMyRbCWGcbQJx6Q0qqu3Tr6zk74VK7y1JgCOwPBJy7HK5gmK9okCn7OPhJ64VtM4XxMt1DQhND5_PtDedsVblpdP3tKITETx5PleMtRlfe37sZnfGwMtC5OyqA3ch-DWiec7rthfC/s1600/cotehele.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTb5OmMyRbCWGcbQJx6Q0qqu3Tr6zk74VK7y1JgCOwPBJy7HK5gmK9okCn7OPhJ64VtM4XxMt1DQhND5_PtDedsVblpdP3tKITETx5PleMtRlfe37sZnfGwMtC5OyqA3ch-DWiec7rthfC/s1600/cotehele.JPG" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
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Second Chair from Right . Circa 1740.</div>
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This next chair is one of a pair which we underbid on this week. ( you can only go so far and sadly I didn't think we could go any further and still make a profit. ). They are the first of this period we have ever seen and can be considered very rare.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVM182gjgXjMgABbOwpP_Dqzn9d5seCQWcywoNULvaadbYOkbHlCGCbGmDuRpDsgWhcG_lSZm6LC0pX_afqUW-p9z6qJA5lMc7QFtH5bjRkS_rvkkVE2yMvcg5a1sIHtVPeRJal6qGddpf/s1600/Lawrences+Oct+2014+Paira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVM182gjgXjMgABbOwpP_Dqzn9d5seCQWcywoNULvaadbYOkbHlCGCbGmDuRpDsgWhcG_lSZm6LC0pX_afqUW-p9z6qJA5lMc7QFtH5bjRkS_rvkkVE2yMvcg5a1sIHtVPeRJal6qGddpf/s1600/Lawrences+Oct+2014+Paira.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Circa 1750.</div>
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Date wise a little after this chair would be the one at the top of the page which one could imagine may date from 1800. In fact, examples of single and armchair versions of this model can be seen in Nelsons Cabin on board HMS Victory. ( Some they have are modern copies. )</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jeYO-j3nxqjf1tbn11W4QTP_XX0cFQJHXVCdXYes6Qj6EKOKAcFHj-ZJxuozcZYJOxLmYzyV2l0nY5qr7axOZqXPPYFVeQqzgM7N2scd0SOsL4pHq3jR62VirJZw0Okz8wEO4tfjLbWM/s1600/Nelsons+Cabin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jeYO-j3nxqjf1tbn11W4QTP_XX0cFQJHXVCdXYes6Qj6EKOKAcFHj-ZJxuozcZYJOxLmYzyV2l0nY5qr7axOZqXPPYFVeQqzgM7N2scd0SOsL4pHq3jR62VirJZw0Okz8wEO4tfjLbWM/s1600/Nelsons+Cabin.JPG" height="293" width="320" /></a></div>
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Nelson's Cabin HMS Victory.</div>
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However, in Treve Rosoman's excellent article in the FHS 1997 Journal "Some Aspects of Eighteen-Century Naval Furniture" he mentions a set of this design travelling with an Admiral Boscawen on his final voyage to Canada in 1758 and another set with Admiral Paulet in the 1750's.<br />
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Another variation on the design would be this example which we have also sold.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIhYJiv7TZp9I-bNeYCeA8dlPKlrkda15v2o5DwSX-44M0KtbgBWRf4YUeVAp3DajcaKj_5RojzM_sQLvvsmYBqZsY9ZtuTR8YDpNgqJLtPdYkoqwe_knPzRtPz4mtOjREEO7SASECpLO/s1600/80455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIhYJiv7TZp9I-bNeYCeA8dlPKlrkda15v2o5DwSX-44M0KtbgBWRf4YUeVAp3DajcaKj_5RojzM_sQLvvsmYBqZsY9ZtuTR8YDpNgqJLtPdYkoqwe_knPzRtPz4mtOjREEO7SASECpLO/s1600/80455.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
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Circa 1760.</div>
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In our last catalogue <a href="http://www.campaignfurniture.com/exhibition.asp">Flying The Flag</a> we illustrated a fine example of a Hepplewhite version of this design.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvMVPmFvbhGI2eRXZKj2DQQ07JaZT9YNUVI6AgBFisALRtyDCXntZC0z2ovdZjxiGYslHkWNlHXvTSP7OBJTMRFRFYcBhbx0aYCVkV8caGO3iSJoMHR-OMFBwrmxWPm3Wjr0Ehz513_Zu/s1600/12aHepplwhtChair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvMVPmFvbhGI2eRXZKj2DQQ07JaZT9YNUVI6AgBFisALRtyDCXntZC0z2ovdZjxiGYslHkWNlHXvTSP7OBJTMRFRFYcBhbx0aYCVkV8caGO3iSJoMHR-OMFBwrmxWPm3Wjr0Ehz513_Zu/s1600/12aHepplwhtChair.jpg" height="320" width="221" /></a></div>
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Hepplewhite. Circa 1780.</div>
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The success of this design continued as we have also had examples of early 19th century versions from the Regency period.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMIkZBDe5YvKilMp0YZqN6KTBhta8wmuIUFWHLgmepXFA57a4VXJSpbpAkfn2ZXxOSv1ZCY-mZ2ffhOSxPfP00JEgNNd-kJIMb0gl8wdnTbc_zmqbz4zluMgoHF_Ef-rNpX1w14l-97pT/s1600/80108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMIkZBDe5YvKilMp0YZqN6KTBhta8wmuIUFWHLgmepXFA57a4VXJSpbpAkfn2ZXxOSv1ZCY-mZ2ffhOSxPfP00JEgNNd-kJIMb0gl8wdnTbc_zmqbz4zluMgoHF_Ef-rNpX1w14l-97pT/s1600/80108.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
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Regency. Circa 1825.</div>
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If further proof that a great design can be timeless and also travels is the final and lastest version of the chair we have had dates to the 1930s and has a distinct Art Deco feel to it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CBve1my6PUt0afD5DdG4hNr6rb0ogIMCRLE0L0DNBsvW2YDb5aD08-IbD6y7TqLo4A56fTq6d5SxeQe2r7O4TolGEqHkGOsmXTnJ0ijLCZqjuSRK1Gy-NnO6YACJ4T4WqJEMW53Ymq_m/s1600/8088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CBve1my6PUt0afD5DdG4hNr6rb0ogIMCRLE0L0DNBsvW2YDb5aD08-IbD6y7TqLo4A56fTq6d5SxeQe2r7O4TolGEqHkGOsmXTnJ0ijLCZqjuSRK1Gy-NnO6YACJ4T4WqJEMW53Ymq_m/s1600/8088.jpg" height="264" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anglo-Indian. Circa 1930.</div>
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By Simon Clarke.</div>
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<br />Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-80663586571582844502014-09-20T02:24:00.001-07:002014-09-22T05:27:08.006-07:00Local History. Apparently, it's quite interesting !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxpxPjebStK8KmS7bD8SmAdmSr4kOJaW0tUwKtl0wUNyp907UEHYra63igiVpoODb8vgzn5GLILP2A2U5u17vhtUt72dQpRglbkvdPIp3MTvsEJBzF224PWFIBv4N0AS_y4IqrpVhCqpx/s1600/DGBinStow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxpxPjebStK8KmS7bD8SmAdmSr4kOJaW0tUwKtl0wUNyp907UEHYra63igiVpoODb8vgzn5GLILP2A2U5u17vhtUt72dQpRglbkvdPIp3MTvsEJBzF224PWFIBv4N0AS_y4IqrpVhCqpx/s1600/DGBinStow.jpg" height="129" width="320" /></a></div>
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Five weeks ago I set up a Facebook page for the town I live in called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/534480613344369/?fref=nf">Days gone by in Stow on the Wold & the Villages</a>. I had been looking at another similar Facebook group for Cheltenham and wondered if the people of Stow would find something similar interesting. Cheltenham has a population of 115,600 and they have 9,456 followers. People are sharing photos and memories and getting re-united with long lost friends.Would this work in a small town like Stow-on-the-Wold whom many people say lacks any community spirit , not being a small village where everyone knows everyone and being a town made up of long standing families, people who have businesses in the town but live elsewhere and others who have retired and moved into the town.<br />
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The Stow & the Villages group has now been open for 5 weeks and with a population of 2,794 now has 698 members. A very health comparison. It is important to remember that the whole idea of this was as much about an interest in local history as hoping to promote a feeling of community and desire to share memories of lives shared in the same town.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznCnk4Qnu8T6ZTg3U-y36Y9YTkWakBAJ3xNTy2wQjMjhFlDk7LIW5Y2LW_MB_cljP0pQuUbCH2ya9yuwjW4MTr9ibB4rbZ5K2o9Xfnr560Lsx2LB_UD_qA9lbcqKrw5tLsqnNr32sDmOb/s1600/78+Sq1966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznCnk4Qnu8T6ZTg3U-y36Y9YTkWakBAJ3xNTy2wQjMjhFlDk7LIW5Y2LW_MB_cljP0pQuUbCH2ya9yuwjW4MTr9ibB4rbZ5K2o9Xfnr560Lsx2LB_UD_qA9lbcqKrw5tLsqnNr32sDmOb/s1600/78+Sq1966.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the high velocity digital age we live in this is just the time to be doing this. We all took photographs in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s and then either filed them under the bed or in the loft and forgot about them. Our older relatives in the 10's,20',s 30's ,40's & 50's did the same. Most of those people in those photographs never actually got to see them. Nowadays, the technology is in place that without too much much effort these photos can easily be uploaded and shared to anyone who might be remotely connected with them. They may have family who came from Stow-on-the-Wold but left the town 100 years ago but now have the option to discover whole areas of family history they would never thought possible but a few years ago.Where we are lucky now with the timing of doing this is that there are still people alive now who can either remember or have the memories to still be able to put names to those faces in the photographs. Unfortunately,with the majority of photos ever printed no-one ever wrote the name of the people on them meaning that with time this information can so easily be lost.<br />
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This now, to me, validates how Facebook can work in not only providing a medium for people to communicate about their present lives but also to help share the past and record it before it is lost for ever.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIHyricp_d-V4QKCdypOf92-fKfaHFlXL6FpWQPj7j6KrL84CUvsrLmlUd_oWGzaaMdv3ERRjYG7kIjiNsXIEv7dU-GUTlcsu_8L0Qr_k5Asp2dJhbnu1GpCoJv1tulGWded_Zy8MNU01/s1600/Stow+trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIHyricp_d-V4QKCdypOf92-fKfaHFlXL6FpWQPj7j6KrL84CUvsrLmlUd_oWGzaaMdv3ERRjYG7kIjiNsXIEv7dU-GUTlcsu_8L0Qr_k5Asp2dJhbnu1GpCoJv1tulGWded_Zy8MNU01/s1600/Stow+trip.jpg" height="165" width="320" /></a></div>
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A timely window. In the last 5 weeks more memories, and information about Stow has been shared than ever in it history . I think that's worthwhile.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Have a look <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.6000003814697px; text-indent: 2px; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/534480613344369/">Days gone by in Stow on the Wold & the Villages </a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18.6000003814697px; text-indent: 2px; white-space: nowrap;">and see what you think.</span></span><br />
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Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-47912870063507513112014-06-21T09:11:00.000-07:002014-06-26T06:02:57.867-07:00Princess Mary Boxes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
At a meeting held in the Ritz Hotel, Piccadilly, London, on
14 October 1914, H.R.H. Princess Mary inaugurated a special fund to pay for the
manufacture and distribution of her now</div>
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well-known Christmas 1914 Gift Tin.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYqtRP0ZkDz-v9RHS8a7m0_ScSHrObcgSp073m0sUsVnfypMJ5t2EHHjbEK1P1b4m23RkNnasz78cZQ3I0Hl-B_E0iRxuTZlx-O8Wbt8A_xA5vVwqh-OltsUD3YiRLf3qx1sfxpBqqgl0/s1600/$(KGrHqR,!m!FBSBfS5ukBQ()NFK-Kg~~60_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYqtRP0ZkDz-v9RHS8a7m0_ScSHrObcgSp073m0sUsVnfypMJ5t2EHHjbEK1P1b4m23RkNnasz78cZQ3I0Hl-B_E0iRxuTZlx-O8Wbt8A_xA5vVwqh-OltsUD3YiRLf3qx1sfxpBqqgl0/s1600/$(KGrHqR,!m!FBSBfS5ukBQ()NFK-Kg~~60_12.JPG" height="276" width="320" /></a></div>
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‘For many weeks we have all been greatly concerned for the
welfare of the Sailors and Soldiers who are gallantly fighting our battles by
sea and land. Our first consideration has been to meet their more pressing
needs, and I have delayed making known a wish that has long been in my heart
for fear of encroaching on other funds, the claims of which have been more urgent.</div>
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I want you all now to help me to send a Christmas present
from the whole nation to every Sailor afloat and every Soldier at the front. On
Christmas-eve when, like the shepherds of old, they keep their watch, doubtless
their thoughts will turn to home and to the loved ones left behind, and
perhaps, too, they will recall the days when as children themselves they were
wont to hang out their stockings wondering what the morrow had in store.</div>
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I am sure that we should all be the happier to feel that we
had helped to send our little token of love and sympathy on Christmas morning,
something that would be useful and of permanent value, and the making of which
may be the means of providing employment in trades adversely affected by the
war. Could there be anything more likely to hearten them in their struggle than
a present received straight from home on Christmas day?</div>
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Please, will you help me?’</div>
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The appeal letter from H.R.H. Princess Mary to the British
Public, dated 15 October 1914, which led to the manufacture and distribution of
her Christmas 1914 Gift Tin.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNvley0wjxUz0MGED7E9OVr5xhTBkSIT12j2IpiNEWCVnNyNSZrVHbrutjkOSYYTcux9ciXl8ZZFNvTmuuGHav8vVG1nvy8yXIXA184J71Ucpb6HXya9klqol656n2B69PKQ15PJa2M8s/s1600/$(KGrHqVHJEQFC1ZD03N7BQwM7bLe+w~~60_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNvley0wjxUz0MGED7E9OVr5xhTBkSIT12j2IpiNEWCVnNyNSZrVHbrutjkOSYYTcux9ciXl8ZZFNvTmuuGHav8vVG1nvy8yXIXA184J71Ucpb6HXya9klqol656n2B69PKQ15PJa2M8s/s1600/$(KGrHqVHJEQFC1ZD03N7BQwM7bLe+w~~60_12.JPG" height="177" width="320" /></a></div>
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The General Committee established that day included the
Prime Minister, Churchill, and Kitchener, together with a host of
representatives from Parliament and the Commonwealth, a powerful body that
ensured popular support, though famously many of the tins did not reach their
intended recipients in time - indeed some of them were still being distributed
as late as 1919, a delay compounded by the fact the issuance numbers were
extended to all men and women in uniform on 25 December 1914, not just those at
sea or at the front.</div>
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The brass embossed tin, designed by Messrs. Adshead &
Ramsey, bore a bust of Princess Mary within a laurel wreath, with the legend
‘Imperium Britannicum’ flanked by a sword and scabbard above, ‘Christmas 1914’
below, and the monogram ‘M’ to the left and right. Around the edges of the lid
were embossed the names of the Allied powers.</div>
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The contents differed according to the intended recipient -
thus, instead of the usual pipe, tobacco and cigarettes, non-smokers received
acid tablets, Indian troops spices or candy, and nurses chocolates. All
contained a royal greetings card, and the majority the bullet pencil. </div>
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The statistics arising from Princess Mary’s initiative make
fascinating reading - with a closing account of nearly £200,000, the Fund was
able to cover the costs of some 2,600,000 gift tins, the whole distributed by
War Office, Admiralty, India Office, Colonial Office and the High Commissions
of the Colonies. And in terms of contents, some 710,000 pipes were purchased,
together with 44,000lbs. of tobacco and over 13 million cigarettes. But the
number of tinder lighters that were purchased fell below par owing to the fact
ceric stones from Austria were required in the manufacturing process - and the
Austrians did not feel inclined to replenish the supplies when they ran out!</div>
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The quality of the latter boxes is markedly different in to the better quality earlier boxes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfoJhyphenhyphen6-t64fYK5dCPhGXu2xLRUbIXJWHzV4OyIPnPpyBoy_z7NfbNTRVaWBfV44MdDr185NwQFOST_zlHRn-miY-VXd9MpLpjWg3i8YA2sp6iNetBM1Zyk4skdhWksIwsLyOXLNxEtwm/s1600/Un-opened+Box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfoJhyphenhyphen6-t64fYK5dCPhGXu2xLRUbIXJWHzV4OyIPnPpyBoy_z7NfbNTRVaWBfV44MdDr185NwQFOST_zlHRn-miY-VXd9MpLpjWg3i8YA2sp6iNetBM1Zyk4skdhWksIwsLyOXLNxEtwm/s1600/Un-opened+Box.jpg" height="280" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxXqX1CcTrhtyEDcKuUVLjNt2R9ks_MznBcD3QuBj3BtDNE1aDlY9dkcw15t-d3c39zLJCtwAeqObUCJ7QTucPR8CxW07UQI_wtcv5lnvYtRQpFRJfAXDeN9-pPZkF-3wE7NF-AAmjybC/s1600/Xray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxXqX1CcTrhtyEDcKuUVLjNt2R9ks_MznBcD3QuBj3BtDNE1aDlY9dkcw15t-d3c39zLJCtwAeqObUCJ7QTucPR8CxW07UQI_wtcv5lnvYtRQpFRJfAXDeN9-pPZkF-3wE7NF-AAmjybC/s1600/Xray.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
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Interestingly, next week on June 28th 2014 at Chalke Valley History Festival
an un-opened and sealed box containing 81 of these boxes will be opened by Lady Emma Kitchener, great-grandniece of
military great Lord Kitchener. See this article in <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2658930/Cardboard-box-filled-unopened-Christmas-gift-tins-sent-Royal-Family-British-soldiers-fighting-trenches-100-years-ago.html">The Mail Online</a>.<br />
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And also here:<br />
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http://www.cvhf.org.uk/blog/2014/06/lady-emma-kitchener-to-open-princess-mary-gift-boxes-untouched-for-nearly-100-years/<br /></div>
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I have come across references to some boxes being made in
silver and have had this confirmed by a dealer friend who narrowly missed out
on buying one. Presumably these were presentation pieces or for high ranking
officers. I will have to investigate.</div>
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By Simon Clarke.</div>
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Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-91375565010024070832014-03-29T10:22:00.000-07:002014-03-29T10:22:21.183-07:00The Ballantyne Coat of Arms<h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The Ballantyne Coat of Arms , Teak, Early 19th century.</span></h2>
There are lots of great stories relating to English titled families sending instructions to China to have dinner services made for them and the amusing results when things are lost in translation. I guess this is where the the phrase "Chinese whispers" comes from. One I particularly like, is the one with arrows pointing to the armorial indicating what the colours should be. You can guess what happened. These little notes ended up being incorporated int the design.<br />
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This is the first time I have seen this happen on a piece of carving.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBWXD49q_zSdFe-3MjmfceCg1cC5QcRW2B27AiaPIdwWSYfn9KrGNGcD025IYJwFzxpczBHFVdvuaP0Ra2npfuu3mgxr4ieJMU_8pjEyq8isfMp7bmwto4gk3JwsX8fkL7o6xkiaXg3k3/s1600/80992BallantynePlaque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBWXD49q_zSdFe-3MjmfceCg1cC5QcRW2B27AiaPIdwWSYfn9KrGNGcD025IYJwFzxpczBHFVdvuaP0Ra2npfuu3mgxr4ieJMU_8pjEyq8isfMp7bmwto4gk3JwsX8fkL7o6xkiaXg3k3/s1600/80992BallantynePlaque.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
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This fine piece would have been commissioned by a traveller to the East and at a glance all seems good. When you look closer you realise that the Gryphen should be facing the other way and one of the mullets ( armorial speak for stars) is missing. Also the first 2 letters of Tarde are missing. It being such an exact science this would have an armorialist spitting feathers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6K57uBmRnN7uORtRAFkyR1v449j7j0Hj-smjb81vEZzr1HQNOr3J24iB-Et972k1wxDW-Bho2DnJx3gORBY-6XTyZGnsClGoOJNpRbrrx8fh5op0ixr6H8FAzFVw8MrxdW0yEQxjq9a1m/s1600/80992aBallantynePlaque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6K57uBmRnN7uORtRAFkyR1v449j7j0Hj-smjb81vEZzr1HQNOr3J24iB-Et972k1wxDW-Bho2DnJx3gORBY-6XTyZGnsClGoOJNpRbrrx8fh5op0ixr6H8FAzFVw8MrxdW0yEQxjq9a1m/s1600/80992aBallantynePlaque.jpg" height="289" width="320" /></a></div>
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What particularly tickled me though were the angels. Not only do they have the most wonderful Chinese faces and are adopting a pose no self respecting angel would dream of assuming on something as formal as an armorial but these two amply chested angels are definitely of the female persuasion rather than the more androgynous angels found in European art.<br />
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Simon Clarke.<br />
<br />Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924437183850542640.post-19887579373596714052014-03-22T06:27:00.000-07:002014-03-22T06:27:51.558-07:00Proof that Campaign Furniture still travelsAnother happy customer unpacking his purchase.<br />
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Follow the link below to see Christopher <span style="font-family: inherit;">Schwarz </span>:<br />
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<a href="http://blog.lostartpress.com/2014/02/26/unpacking-the-douro-chair/"> Unpacking the Douro Chair</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_lbvrPbBwOATBr4-C63kWp8mE3OI0Li4g9dmaQ5bSI9S57QZ0I4KIRslSY6machyphenhyphenllGA09wLoQYN3US1fGjle9rPyyS6uccFZGfG9OzeTr-Iphul-QQp9VWxyypsu9R8wgvA8VCdzigM/s1600/10.+Douro+Chair+with+Case+by+Allen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_lbvrPbBwOATBr4-C63kWp8mE3OI0Li4g9dmaQ5bSI9S57QZ0I4KIRslSY6machyphenhyphenllGA09wLoQYN3US1fGjle9rPyyS6uccFZGfG9OzeTr-Iphul-QQp9VWxyypsu9R8wgvA8VCdzigM/s1600/10.+Douro+Chair+with+Case+by+Allen.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
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Proof that campaign furniture still travels well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9d264gtDVwzQghhXuW9QCo5kbvOzRaOjYQUCaB22RNVglT1GaMpLmIV6dUzIkq4f7ZleNidoeF9wlj8nzESJOP0-Sehw_QAVO8jGfVXsIK7HjXMJOPDCBe0bUEYbXJawwHMUxd6Q-ngA/s1600/10.+Pair+of+Colonial+ArmchairsB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9d264gtDVwzQghhXuW9QCo5kbvOzRaOjYQUCaB22RNVglT1GaMpLmIV6dUzIkq4f7ZleNidoeF9wlj8nzESJOP0-Sehw_QAVO8jGfVXsIK7HjXMJOPDCBe0bUEYbXJawwHMUxd6Q-ngA/s1600/10.+Pair+of+Colonial+ArmchairsB.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Christopher Schwarz has also now produced and excellent book introducing campaign furniture to those wishing to produce there own travelling furniture and with the first English-language translation of A.J.-Roubo’s 18th-century text
on campaign pieces, plus original drawings of dozens of pieces of
British campaign furniture culled from original copies of the Army &
Navy stores catalogues.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lostartpress.com/collections/books/products/campaign-furniture">Campaign furniture book</a>Christopher Clarke Antiqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048016217423269519noreply@blogger.com0