Trunk maker W. Day established his London workshop in 1812. His growing business soon expanded into the manufacturing of campaign chests and other items designed for military campaigns. High quality materials, sturdy construction methods and beautiful workmanship speak for itself, and it was not long before William Day would be supplying his products to Royal customers too.

This campaign chest is made of solid teak and the drawers are lined with oak. The secretaire has a beautiful interior that consists of five pigeon holes and two slim drawers. The smaller of the two drawers has space for two inkwells, a pen tray and two accessory sections. A working lock, the key also supplied, is fitted to the larger stationary drawer. A new baize fabric in a striking green colour was fitted to the dropdown writing surface. To keep the contents and drawers of the secretaire section in position during (campaign) transportation a thin wooden board was slotted to the front. We commissioned our restorer to make a replacement.

To the right of the writing section is a smaller drawer, most likely designed for storing military headwear. Underneath the secretaire and top drawer are three large well made drawers. They are all of a similar height, with ample storage space for the thickest of jumpers. The drawer locks are in full working condition, again the key is provided. The Bramah style lock (Mordan and Co.) of the secretaire is unfortunately no longer serviceable.

The chest can be split into two halves making the unit much easier to move, handle and place into position. Standing on four period feet that complete the look of this amazing piece.

But there is more to meet the eye of this campaign chest by W. Day. For a number of reasons it is very special. The first thing that is noticeable immediately is the actual size. The unit is much taller than most secretaire chests and other campaign chests. It stands 135cm tall, which is almost 20cm taller than most chests. This equates to almost an extra drawer of storage space. As the fold-down writing surface was designed to be used whilst standing up, the officer that owned this chest must have been a very tall man!

The second point is that it is unusual to find a makers mark on a campaign chest. In two drawers we find the original paper labels used by William Day and his Royal Warrant. The header of both labels carry the coat of arms of the Order Of The Garter. This consists of a shield held by the English lion and Scottish unicorn. Surmounted is the Royal crown with the motto of the sovereign, Dieu et mon droit.

The printed text also reads: W. Day, Manufacturer to their Majesties, 353 Strand, London. One label is found in the top righthand drawer. The second label is found in the long and slim drawer inside the secretaire section. 

These marks make it possible to attribute the chest to a manufacturer which is often not possible with campaign furniture. They will also help to date the chest more accurately. The recorded business address was 353 Strand, London. William Day did not expand his business with the building at 378 Strand until 1841. From 1865 the firm was trading as W. Day & Son. Hence the chest is an early W. Day piece, made in the earlier part of the 19th Century, no later than 1841.

This piece of furniture was acquired by us in a good solid condition. A few small areas needed some attention and all surfaces were cleaned, wax was applied and it was polished. This has been sympathetically done without erasing all the history of the piece. The brass straps and drawers handles have been cleaned but left in the used condition that we want to see them. The secretaire unit was worked on by our furniture expert. This W. Day secretaire campaign chest is now ready to be used and enjoyed by the next owner.  

Before purchasing please contact us to obtain a quote for home delivery by a trusted specialist courier. Alternatively you are welcome to collect your purchase from our premises in Ipswich, Suffolk.

 Product summary

• Manufacturer: W. Day
• Manufacturer's mark: Royal Warrant Paper labels in hat and stationary drawer. Printed with W. Day, 353 Strand, London.
• Period: early 19th Century
• Material: Wood - Teak & oak
• Size: Width 99cm (39 inches), Depth 53cm (21 inches), Height 135cm (53 inches) approx.
• Inside measurements hat drawer: Width 49cm (19.25 inches), Depth 25cm (10 inches), Height 25cm (10 inches) approx.
• Inside measurements drawer 1: Width 92.5cm (36.25 inches), Depth 49cm (19.25 inches), Height 26.5cm (10.5 inches) approx.
• Inside measurements drawer 2: Width 92.5cm (36.25 inches), Depth 49cm (19.25 inches), Height cm (10 inches) approx.
• Inside measurements drawer 3: Width 92.5cm (36.25 inches), Depth 49cm (19.25 inches), Height 25cm (10 inches) approx.

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