This is my latest find! To say I was excited when I found this on Craigslist is an understatement.
I have talked about my obsession with campaign furniture before. For some reason I am just drawn to it. I love the gold hardware. Those drawer pulls and brass corners are amazing.
I have seen a few pictures of campaign desks like this (with the sawhorse type legs), and I have said that if I ever see one, or anyone else does, they better buy it! I have done another style campaign desk before (you can see that here), but I knew I wanted one like the black desk I got today.
There is a limited supply of campaign furniture in the area. I search craigslist all the time and rarely see any campaign pieces. I think I have seen two dressers campaign dressers on craigslist, and I bought one of them. I also found another campaign dresser at a local Goodwill. Sometimes I will search for campaign furniture in the US, like on California’s, Maryland’s or Virginia’s craigslist. They have an excess, so I think they should send some this way 😉
My dad went on a work trip to Oregon, so last night I decided to hop on craigslist and see if I could find anything good down that way. I typed in “campaign” under furniture, and the black desk popped up, but it was in Longview. I pretty much flipped out, and emailed the person as fast as I could, giving them my cell phone number and telling them my dad could pick it up on his way home. I was crushed when I saw that it had been posted for 6 days. I thought there was no way it was still available. My dad was going to be driving by Longview around 9AM, and I was emailing at 10PM, so I got it through my head there was no way it was going to work out.
This morning at 7:30AM my phone was going off, and I thought it was my alarm. I tried turning it off, but when I looked at it, it was a phone call… from Longview, WA! I don’t think I have even woken up THAT fast. I called the guy back, got the address, got the address to my dad, and he brought it home for me. It pretty much made my day!
So here it is! I think it is such an unique piece. This is the most expensive piece I have ever bought, but it was still pretty cheap. This is one solid piece. The top piece with the drawers feels like it weights as much as the large campaign dresser I have. And somehow my dad loaded it in the car by himself. He had a dolly, but still.
It does need to be sanded and repainted. I also need to clean the tarnished hardware to get it shining again. It is from the early 1900’s, so that is expected. I love how there are handles on the sides, and the brass corners go all the way around the piece. That makes it extra special.
I have no clue what color to paint it. I would love to do something bright, but if I decide to sell it, it has to be something that would match most people’s decor. What color do you think I should paint it? If anyone has any suggestions on color, let me know. Here are some similar campaign desks. I like looking at them for inspiration. The color choices are endless!
Linking up with:
Love this! If you decide to sell it, let me know.
Boy that is such a cool piece! All those colors look great…the red would go well in an Asian theme( my mom had loads of Asian furniture, lots in red lacquer)
You did good on that one!
Jan
LOVE it with the yellow and zebra stripe chair!!
I would go with white or a blue…Love it!
Love this find!! It's gorgeous! I carefully pryed the hardware off with a screwdriver or we may have even attempted with our hands/nails to get the screws out of the wood. Then I think I used a hammer to get them back on once I was finished with the brasso!
Wow, I live in Vancouver and I thought so hard about going to get this desk!!! But I just had too many obligations at the time. I'm so glad that it went to someone who will appreciate it. I just showed my husband this because he kept wanting me to go and get it. Small world. Just let us know what color you decide to paint it. I kept thinking about turquoise or ASCP Aubusson Blue. Have fun with this baby.
Liz M.
Hi, Came across your reply to a blog on The weathered Door where you liked a campaign desk that she was going to be refinish. I have a desk just like that one. Were you still searching for one? You can email me at nicolenpr@verizon.net if you are. Thanks, Nicole
I scored one of these from a friend who is moving.. SOO INTIMIDATED with it because of the wrap aroudn hardware and the legs… any suggestions?
Here is one I have for sale on craigslist. I think I have it priced cheaply, from the prices I have seen on the internet. Very solid shape.
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/atq/4891336371.html
I have the same piece in the yellow color you posted. Just listed it for sale last night due to moving! Love campaign furniture:/
Hello, I know this an old post. Came across it in my search for ideas on painting my old yellow campaign desk. Not sure if I can re do or should just sell it….. It’s the exact same one you have but canary yellow. Looking to redo it with a more subtle color. Would love to see what you did with yours? Funny thing is i live in Kelso, WA. Close to where you got yours. Anyhow, any pointers on redoing would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Sam, I have mine stored away. I have been waiting until I have a place to use it and feel more confident in painting it. I’ve wanted to lacquer it and last summer I tried lacquer for the first time. Spraying the desk is a must for me even if I use an acrylic water-based paint, oil-based, or lacquer. I just want to get it right and have a nice finish! I don’t even know what color I would do! As far as I’ve gotten on mine is I took off most of the hardware and began stripping the desk top portion (not the legs). It will definitely be a lot of work when I get around to it, but hopefully worth it. Good luck on your desk!
Best, Reeves