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English Historic Mahogany Campaign Box with Bristol Blue Glass Liner, Circa 1820-1850

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This object is a compelling hybrid of 19th-century luxury tableware and functional travel design dating to the early to mid-19th century (circa 1820–1850). The deep, vibrant cobalt blue glass insert is a classic example of historic English Bristol Blue glass, which was heavily produced during the Georgian and Victorian eras. While standalone vessels of this specific shape and flared lip profile were traditionally manufactured to serve as dining table finger bowls or wine rinsers, its integration into the wooden housing reveals a much more specialized, traveling purpose.

Rather than creating a brand-new container from scratch, historical cabinetmakers commonly structured custom travel cases, military campaign gear, and tea caddies around pre-existing, high-quality glassware. The protective wooden box measures 6.5 inches wide by 9 inches high and is constructed from solid mahogany, highly prized for its dense, straight grain and natural resistance to warping under changing climate conditions. The interior circular opening explicitly routed to suspend the finger bowl flawlessly by its out-turned rim, preventing it from dropping through. Thick green felt lines the entire cavity to cushion the fragile glass against heavy movement, dampen sudden vibrations, and provide a secure seal when the heavy hinged lid is snapped shut.

In a military or maritime campaign context, this configuration served as a secure traveling repository. It protected valuable or perishable goods, such as loose-leaf tea, rare sugar blocks, or tobacco blends, keeping them safe from moisture and dampness under a brass lock while traveling by ship or carriage. Alternatively, the thick-walled glass well functioned as a heavy-duty ink or sponge station for an officer’s portable field desk, preventing wet contents from ruining the outer polished wood box.

Finding a rugged, early 19th-century mahogany campaign box that still retains its original, fragile 1800s Bristol glass liner completely intact is a rare survival.

Dimensions: bowl: base diameter 4″ x height 3.5″ , Box width 6.5″ x depth 6.5″ x height 9″

£203.53

Out of stock

Product ID: 110738 Categories: ,

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