Mid-19th Century Camphor Campaign Cellarette

A finely figured mid-nineteenth century camphor wood campaign cellarette, of rectangular form with brass corner plates, name plate, sunken ring handle, lock escutcheon, and carry handles, the top opening to reveal compartments for bottles.

This cellarette was made in the mid-nineteenth century for a British officer, posted overseas, and would have formed part of his personal possessions while on a tour of duty. Camphor wood was a popular timber for military furniture. It has fine figuring but more importantly, its sweet scent acts as an insect repellant – a necessity in hotter climes.