Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
CAMPAIGN STYLE
Sometimes called “knock-down” furniture, campaign furniture was designed to be folded, collapsed, taken apart and packed flat to load onto a ship or a camel’s back. Although mobile furniture for military campaigns dates back to the Romans, the British Army in its global conquests in the 18th and 19th centuries defined the style with sturdy and elegant pieces. Even in a tent thousands of miles from London, a four-poster bed, dining table and seating could simulate the comforts of home.
Antique and vintage campaign-style furniture was also initially designed as propaganda. The mahogany and teak structures were part of a purposeful demonstration of power in these campaigns, with the colonizing military officers imposing their culture and view of what they considered “civilized” on a given land and its peoples. Designers and manufacturers including Thomas Butler, Ross & Co. of Dublin, and Morgan & Sanders contributed to the rapid production of this furniture as the British Empire expanded through Africa, Asia and Australia.
Campaign furniture was utilitarian as well as refined, fitted with recessed brass handles and brass angles on stackable chests and other case pieces to protect vulnerable corners. The Wellington chest was one of the most famous pieces to come out of this style, named for the Duke of Wellington, who slept in his campaign bed long after his battles were over.
The flexibility of campaign-style furniture would influence 20th-century Scandinavian modernists such as Kaare Klint, Mogens Koch and Arne Norell. For his 1930s Safari chair, Klint drew on the simple Roorkhee chair, named for a town in northern India. The lightweight and adaptable campaign-style seat was created in the late 19th century and had no fixed joinery. The Roorkhee’s influence can also be seen in the Wassily chair, a pared-down work of tubular metal and durable canvas conceived by legendary Bauhaus instructor Marcel Breuer.
Now, 21st-century designers like Jomo Tariku and Dokter and Misses are creating pieces that recognize the contributions of African artisans to campaign furniture in order to reframe this style without overlooking its difficult past.
Find a collection of authentic antique and vintage campaign bedroom furniture, chairs, decorative objects and other pieces on 1stDibs.
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Style: Campaign
Campaign Style Tooled Leather, Brass And Burl Mahogany Writing Desk
By Thomasville
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 20th century campaign style burl mahogany desk with brass accents and tooled leather top. It is finished on all sides thus enabling it to float in a room. Floor to drawer i...
Category
Late 20th Century American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique 19th Century British Campaign Desk in Mahogany
Located in Peabody, MA
Antique British campaign desk in mahogany, ca. 1890s, fitted with solid brass hardware. The sawhorse legs are fully collapsible.
Category
1890s British Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage Campaign Style Mahogany Library Executive Writing Desk 60"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage writing desk in the style of Michael Vanderbyl for Decca / Bolier & Co. Made from rich mahogany veneers, having a rectangular form with three fitted drawers and raised on mo...
Category
Late 20th Century Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Desk by Baker in Campaign Style With Leather Top
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Elegance & Function: Vintage Baker Campaign Desk with Leather Top!
This vintage Baker desk, crafted in the classic campaign style, combines refined...
Category
1980s American Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Italian Military Campaign Style Wood and Brass Desk with Red Leather Top, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century military campaign desk. This fantastic piece was made in Italy in the 1960s.
This trestle desk is made from a beautiful wood with exceptional grain, the top is ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Antique 19th Century Campaign Metamorphic Desk, Ca. 1850-1875
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique metamorphic table to desk, circa 1850-1875. Beautifully constructed in Campaign style in honeyed light brown wood, the table features a hinged flip top that opens to a desk w...
Category
19th Century Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Starbay , Stunning ‘ Richelieu’ Campaign Style Desk and‘Normandie’ Swivel Chair
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer this stunning modern stained walnut and brass bound ‘Rochefort’ campaign style desk, with rectangular top and brown leather writing surface, above seven drawers, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
19th Century Walnut Davenport or Ship Captain's Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A walnut davenport or ship captain's desk with marquetry inlay; lift-up compartment with fitted interior, small gallery. Handsome old worn tooled leather ...
Category
19th Century Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
English Leather Top Campaign Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 19th century British colonial campaign desk with a brown tooled leather top, brass hardware, keys to the top and side drawers, and sits on porcelain casters.
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage Campaign Style Desk by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Campaign style desk designed by John Van Koert for Drexel. The desk is supported by gold crossed wood supports with a gilt finish. The top portion offers cubby-hole storage on either...
Category
1970s American Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
English Zebra Wood Military Campaign Writing Desk, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
English zebra wood military campaign writing desk with brass bound molded edges, original recessed side handles, fitted leather interior with tooling and retains the original crystal ink wells...
Category
1820s American Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Italian Bamboo Rattan Writing Table or Desk
By Dal Vera
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Amazing midcentury bamboo and wicker desk with drawers. This wonderful piece was designed in Italy during the 1980s.
This writing table is unique because of the materials used, ba...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Campaign Style Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A 19th-century style Campaign desk, the flip-top revealing a fitted interior, slide-out tooled leather writing surface, raised on splayed legs with a stretcher.
Dimensions: 29.25"...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Vintage Campaign Style Leather Top Sawhorse Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome mid century British colonial style desk crafted in hardwood with a tooled leather top on a case with three drawers and brass hardware. The sawhorse style base has multiple s...
Category
20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Beautiful Military Campaign Writing Table
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to ofer for sale this amazing military campaign writing table with brass corners and leather top made by R.E.H Kennedy of Ipswich and retailed by Harrods London .
Don't he...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage Vanity / Writing Desk With Chair by Morris of California. Circa 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Campaign Style Vanity / Writing Desk With Chair by Morris of California. Circa 1960s
Features a white body with contrasting bright yellow drawers...
Category
1960s American Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Campaign-style Desk in Gloss Lacquer, USA c 1960s
Located in Norwalk, CT
Campaign-style desk on saw horse form supports. Newly lacquered in high gloss black lacquer. Original brass finished hardware. The desk features three drawers, and at 6" deep, allows...
Category
1960s American Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Small Campaign Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Campaign style mahogany campaign desk, the circular crossbanded molded edge top hinged and folding open to reveal an interior with pigeon holes and a ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
1970s National Mt. Airy Military Campaign Style Executive Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Another good looking campaign style piece for your collection! We are delighted to offer for sale this vintage executive desk hand crafted in the Military Campaign style by Mt. Airy, which is one of the higher quality campaign manufacturers. This well-made desk executed out of oakwood which has a lovely warm patina to it, the cuts of timber are lovely with great proportions from any angle. Supporting a rectangular top with a central drawer flanked on either side by a column cabinet with four drawers each having a top and bottom drawer, two of which are double as a filing drawer in the middle offering plenty of storage space. Solid finished back all standing on a plinth base to make it more stable. The brass inset military handles & brass corner brackets are all original and in brass. Signed "National Mt...
Category
Late 20th Century American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Medium Dark Walnut Architect Adjustable Desk with Black or Brown Leather Insets
Located in Ballard, CA
The Iconic Jean Pierre desk named after the famous actor Jean Pierre Aumont is an handcrafted desk in solid walnut with black or brown leather insets,...
Category
2010s North American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood, Walnut
Hardwood & Brass Military Campaign Workstation Desk for Home Computer Part Suite
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Military Campaign style home office desk / workstation which is part of a suite
This piece is part of an office suite, I have in tot...
Category
20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
English Campaign Style Desk with Two Drawers
Located in Dallas, TX
We are delighted to offer for sale this high quality desk crafted in the Campaign taste is such a striking element for the tasteful study. This handsome campaign desk follows the design tradition of the master cabinetmakers of the 18th and 19th century who were commissioned by Officers in the British Army to create heirloom quality pieces that were not only exquisitely hand-crafted but also practical to set up when on the campaign trail. It features a rectangular top provides a convenient writing surface with French dovetail...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Campaign Style Desk or Credenza
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout vintage desk or credenza crafted in mahogany and satinwood with multiple components having a wide profile with four drawers on one side and a cabinet with two shelves on the...
Category
20th Century American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Satinwood
Vintage Campaign Style Writing Table/Desk Lacquered in Red
Located in Dallas, TX
Classic Campaign style desk manufactured by Sligh of Holland/Grand Rapids, Michigan. Restored, consist of five drawers with recessed brass pulls. Inlaid leather top with elegant embossed gold design and brass legs. Brass bound corners and Campaign pulls...
Category
1950s American Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Handcrafted Colonial Teak Campaign Table with Folding Legs
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Circa 1890's
Solid teak hand crafted Campaign folding table from the days of the British Raj. Has flaps that pivot outwards and tuck away ben...
Category
Late 19th Century British Indian Ocean Territory Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Antique Leather Top Military Campaign Pedestal Desk
Located in London, GB
A superb quality antique leather top military campaign pedestal desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930’s.
It is extremely well made, with a useful and smart d...
Category
1930s British Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Vintage Boho Nautical for Lexington Campaign Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
This vintage boho nautical campaign desk by Lexington is a perfect blend of classic functionality and coastal-inspired charm. Crafted with a sturdy wood frame, the desk features a ri...
Category
Late 20th Century American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Samantha Todhunter Design Matilda Leather Sawhorse Campaign Desk
By Samantha Todhunter
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic campaign style sawhorse desk or work table designed by Samantha Todhunter London, England. The bespoke Matilda desk was custom ordered for a hi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique English Victorian Mahogany Folding Military Campaign Writing Desks
Located in Dayton, OH
2 Civil War era British campaign writing desks. Made of mahogany featuring a folding form that opens to a writing surface complete with ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Classic Bamboo & Lacquer Campaign Desk With Chair By E. Murio
By E. Murio
Located in Austin, TX
East meets West, Bamboo meets Lacquer. Add a generous helping of mid-century charm to your surroundings with this Bamboo & Lacquer Campaign Desk by Murio. Serve your workspace needs ...
Category
1970s Philippine Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Upholstery, Bamboo
British Colonial Military Officer's Campaign Metal Field Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare British colonial officer's campaign field desk on stand. Constructed from metal and brass featuring a royal blue painted finish with gilt high...
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Metal
Original circa 1900 Graves & Sons Naval Military Campaign Parter Desk Map Drawer
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this very rare original Graves & Son’s stamped Naval Military Campaign officers desk
Graves and Sons were listed at Fore Stree...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Antique English Campaign Leather Top Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome antique British colonial desk Crafted in mahogany in a campaign form with the original red leather top, nine drawers in front with a unique kneehole cabinet, brass hardware ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Classic Campaign Style Leather Top Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage architect's campaign desk. Top lifts up to display plans. Desk has brass pulls and trim with a gold tooled leather top. A true classic.
Category
20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Italian Campaign Style Burlwood Desk on Steel Sawhorse Bases
Located in North Miami, FL
This important and large burlwood campaign style executive desk with amazing solid heavy steel with lions feet is Italian from 1960's. The top 6-drawer hutch is wonderful but can be...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Architect Adjustable Desk with Black or Brown Leather Insets
Located in Ballard, CA
The Iconic Jean Pierre desk named after the famous actor Jean Pierre Aumont is an handcrafted desk in solid walnut with black or brown leather insets,...
Category
2010s North American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood, Walnut
Fine Quality Three Piece Faux Bamboo English Leather Top Executive Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful cabinet-made faux bambook desk in the French or Campaign style. The desk features a fine off-white leather top with gold embossing. The desk comes apart in three ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
English Campaign Leather Top Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 19th century English desk handcrafted in mahogany with a tooled leather top, three piece campaign construction, brass hardware, and classic bracket feet.
Kneehole measures...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
American Sheraton Mahogany Campaign Desk, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Sheraton mahogany Campaign slant front desk with two upper case flanking doors concealing pigeon holes, sliding lower case writing surface concealing fitted interior over si...
Category
1820s American Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Chinese Export Campaign Secretary
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Chinese export Campaign or travel secretary the top with foliate carved backsplash over lifting lid, the fall front with molded raised panel door...
Category
1790s Chinese Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Stunning Hardwood & Brass Military Campaign Workstation Desk for Home Computer
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Military Campaign style home office desk / workstation
This piece was specially designed to house a tower PC, you have the space on ...
Category
20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Victorian Walnut Campaign Travelling Desk
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality Victorian walnut campaign travelling desk, opening to a maroon leather interior, the frame remains in very good condition fo...
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Antique Travel Desk On Stand for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique travel desk with brass bands, tooled leather interior, brass shield plate and escutcheon, ebonized trim and presented on a plain stand with...
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Beautiful Yew And Brass Military Secretary Campaign Chest Writing Table
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this amazing military secretary campaign chest with three large drawers and brass corners with brass insert handles and one faux drawer , however the top...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
FINE HARDWOOD KENNEDY HARRODS LONDON MILITARY CAMPAiGN DESK OR WRITING TABLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this fine Harrods London, REH Kennedy Military Campaign desk or writing table
Please note the delivery fee ...
Category
20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Rosewood 'Collapsible' Campaign Pedestal Desk
Located in London, GB
An Ingenious 'Collapsible' Campaign Pedestal Desk
Constructed from rosewood, each pedestal supported on tapering feet, one enclosing two drawer...
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Reprodux Bevan Funnell Lovely Campaign Style Bureau
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer this lovely campaign style small bureau with brass handles and four drawers on bracket feet made by Reprodux , lovely condition .
Don't hesitate to contact me if ...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Exquisite Antique Hardwood Military Campaign Writing Slope Desk & Later Stand
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning original Antique Victorian Mahogany & Brass Military Campaign writing slope.
I actually have a pair of these, the other has slightly different dimensions and is listed under my other items.
What a find, if you are in the market for this type of luxury antique militaria...
Category
19th Century English Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Modern Campaign-Style Desk, Lacquered in Navy Blue
Located in Norwalk, CT
Handsome polished steel and dark blue lacquered desk in the campaign style. Heavy polished steel base in good condition. Nice large top featuring a center drawer and two side drawers...
Category
1970s American Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Circa 1780 Chinese Export Solid Camphor Wood Campaign Roll-Top Desk
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Chinese export solid camphor wood campaign bureau à cylindre or roll-top desk, circa 1780. An extremely rare example - entirely of beautifully figured camphor wood which has mellowed...
Category
1780s Chinese Antique Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage Brass and White Lacquered Campaign Style Writing Table/Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Classic Campaign style desk manufactured by Sligh of Holland/Grand Rapids, Michigan. Consist of five drawers with recessed brass pulls and brass legs. Brass bound corners and Campaign pulls...
Category
1950s American Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
VINTAGE HARRODS KENNEDY BROWN LEATHER ARITECTURAL WRiTING TABLE OR DESK
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage, Harrods London retailed, REH Kennedy made, architects writing table with large single top drawer and brown leather writing surface
Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price
This is a wonderful find, this is a writing table that one large top drawer, traditionally these were found of navy campaign desks and they were known as map drawers...
Category
20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Antique Military Campaign Desk / Writing Table
Located in London, GB
A wonderful antique military campaign desk / writing table. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930’s.
It is very well made and has a very smart design. The darker w...
Category
1930s British Vintage Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Campaign desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Campaign desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks and writing tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Campaign desks and writing tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desks and writing tables, popular names associated with this style include Harrods, Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London, Sligh Furniture, and Andrew Martin. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for desks and writing tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,150 and tops out at $22,500 while the average work can sell for $3,121.