The Madras Armoury Chest

Period Inspiration
Forged in the heat of the Coromandel Coast and finished by hand in the storied workshops of Madras, this brass-bound campaign chest embodies the quiet authority of Anglo-Indian craftsmanship at the height of the 19th century. Known for its amalgamation of strength, mobility, and restrained elegance, the campaign chest travelled beside officers of the British Empire - across barracks, cantonments, frontier stations, and sea routes linking India to the wider world.

Constructed in rich, dark teak, favoured in the Madras Presidency for its resistance to warping, insects, and monsoon air, the piece carries the unmistakable markers of the era’s military furniture: brass corner caps, strapping, and flush-mounted handles, each engineered to protect the carcass during transport and to ensure the chest could be lifted, stacked, and secured aboard ships, wagons, or palanquins.

The façade displays a dignified simplicity: two short drawers surmounting two deep full-width drawers, each opening with the faint, satisfying weight that only seasoned timber can provide. Its chamfered bracket feet, gently worn from age and service, hint at quarters long vacated - Fort St. George, Trichinopoly, Secunderabad, Rangoon, places where officers once kept correspondence, instruments, uniforms, and keepsakes of worlds both near and distant.

More than a functional repository, this chest is an artefact of movement and empire. It is a companion of marches, a witness to far-flung stations, and a testament to the disciplined beauty of military design.

Material – Teak wood and Brass

Dimensions in Inches:
Width: 26
Depth: 18
Height: 24

Delivery Timeline - Every piece from The Collectors is crafted to order. Production and delivery typically require 4–6 weeks, with occasional extensions reflecting the care, materials, and finishing each object demands.

Customisation – Please email us at hi@thecollectors.in or call at 9886331003, before placing the order, in case you want to customise the wood type, dimensions or polish.

The price mentioned includes all taxes and delivery.

Item code - TCSC01

Please Note:
Product images are for design reference. Each piece is individually handcrafted, and natural variations in finish, leather tone, wood grain, and dimensions are part of its character, which make each piece unique. Photographs will be shared during production for your review. Materials such as fabric, leather, and hardware are subject to availability; suitable choices will be offered for your selection where required.