Campaign desks are military or military-style desks that were used during the 1800s and early 1900s. Campaign desks were military items, but they had more utility than just being for military use. They have a row of drawers on each side with an inlaid panel in between. These antique campaign desks can be found at auctions all over the world!
Antique Campaign desk or military desk
Campaign desks are conventional military equipment that are both useful and, more importantly, portable. In fact, if something breaks down into smaller parts, it may be referred to as “campaign” furniture since it is lightweight and easy to transport.
Campaigns are often simple and straightforward in design, with most breaking down into two or three components to make them portable. The campaign desk has gone from being a battlefield necessity to a fashionable, appealing piece of furniture that fits in with some of the most luxuriously furnished studies, bedrooms, and living rooms.
A typical folding campaign desk from the late 1800s reveals a tooled-leather inset writing surface when opened. The desk is supported by an x-frame. This foldable political table, which dates back to the 1950s, is significantly different from Victorian examples.
Different types of antique campaign desks
Making a distinction between various types of military desk, there are four main types:
- Folding campaign desk
- Pedestal campaign desk
- Military trestle desk
- Compact standup desk
All four types of antique campaign desk are designed to be mobile. They are all military-style desks that were used during the 1800s and early 1900s. Campaign desks can be found at auctions around the world!
Campaign desks are conventional military equipment that’s both useful and, more importantly, portable. In fact, if something breaks down into smaller parts, it may be referred to as “campaign” furniture since it is lightweight and easy to transport.
Folding campaign desk
Folding campaign desk: A folding military desk is a great way to save space in your home or office, but you will also be able to use the same military desk on the road! Folding military desks are typically made from metal so they can support any weight. This type of campaign desks was used for situations where you need to set up a desk and fold it away quickly and without assistance.
Pedestal campaign desk
Pedestal campaign desk: A pedestal military desk is a great choice if you want something that looks good in your home or office. These desks are often made with beautiful wood and marble finishes. Most military desks available on the antique market are pedestal desks. As you can imagine pedestal desks are large and heavy and they used to take a lot of soldiers to shift their general’s desk around.
Military trestle desk
Military trestle desk: If you need a lot of space on your military desk, the trestle military desk is perfect for you! This type of military desk has two or three shelves that you can use to store your books, papers, or other office supplies. This antique campaign desk is ideal for working on navigational maps by multiple soldiers. They’re longer than normal military desks and they stand on two folding feet which are called trestles.
A military trestle desk not only looks fantastic, but it also provides a lot more knee room and, as you can see, it’s very simple to move since the top simply lifts off the trestles.
Compact standup desk
Compact standup desk: A compact military desk is perfect for people who want a military desk but don’t have a lot of space. These desks are typically small enough to fit in a corner and they are made to be lightweight so they are easy to move. These desks have a much smaller surface area and they have higher legs to support soldiers working on their feet.
How much do you expect to pay for an antique campaign desk?
Some of the best examples on antiques market commanding highest prices are campaign pedestal desks with green leather top and marching chairs. They normally have some wear but have to be strong, solid and fully functional. Another popular feature setting good military desks apart are solid brass handles. Usually, the handles are recessed to save space and help the desk be more mobile.
Prices for military campaign desks vary a great deal, but as with most antiques, you get what you pay for. If you’re looking for a desk that is in good condition and has all of its original features, then you can expect to pay more than if you’re willing to purchase a desk that has some damage or missing parts.
No matter what your price range, you can find an antique military desk that is perfect for you. So, next time you’re at an auction or antique store, be sure to take a look at the campaign desks!
Most online antique centres list military desks in the price bracket between £500 and £1,200, however, if you’re lucky, you can still pick up an antique campaign desk for around £300 or thereabouts. They are worth the money as they are quite imposing and they look good within either classic or modern interior.
