Victorian Camphorwood Campaign Trunk Belonging to a WT Askew...

Hammer

£300

Victorian Camphorwood Campaign Trunk Belonging to a WT Askew. A Victorian military campaign trunk, made in camphorwood, with original brass fittings and handles. The brass plaque on the top is inscribed 'WT Askew'.
H: 33.5cm W: 75cm D: 37.5cm. This Victorian Camphorwood chest was made circa 1870 when there was much upheaval and troubles in India, the untamed areas of Afghanistan, and the Northwest Frontier.
British Officers would need strong durable chests to transport their uniforms and effects on the long arduous and dangerous journeys, hence why these trunks had brass corners to protect these, they also had the advantage of looking attractive.
Camphorwood has a natural perfume and so when the trunk is opened you get a gentle aroma of the beautiful camphor scent. This timber was especially important in the East as insects avoid this timber and so the uniforms etc were free from attack.
These Victorian Camphorwood military chests make fantastic coffee tables as not only are they functional they also make great conversation pieces. Of course, they can be used in many places around your home as have a capacious storage area.