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TINKER & TOAD

Tel: +44 (0)1435 863535

Email: [email protected]

https://www.decorativecollective.com/dealers/tinker-toad

Item Details

A very good example of a Campaign Butlers Tray Table from the late 19th Century. Crafted in a lovely rich mahogany which now has a lovely time worn patina. Having its original brass snap-hinges and stand with canvas webbing. Stamped to tray and stand A & N C.S.L (Army and Navy Co-operative Society Ltd). A functional tray table with all the hinges in good working order so the sides can be laid flat allowing it to be used as an occasional table if so wished. Measurements given are with the sides closed up.


The Army & Navy Co-operative Society Ltd. was incorporated on 15 September 1871, being formed by a group of army and navy officers. The aim of the was to supply goods to its members at the lowest remunerative rates. The society leased part of a distillery premises in Victoria Street, London which was owned by Vickers & Co.


By 1876, the business had again outgrown its premises. They leased more of the distillery from Vickers, closed their warehouse in Johnson Place moving to a new location at Ranelagh Road in Pimlico. The business was now offering a banking department to its members, and had negotiated an option on the site as part of the lease deal at Victoria Street. This option was taken up in 1878, allowing for the purchase of part of the Victoria Street premises. A refreshments room was added to the store for its growing customer base. The store also expanded internationally by opening offices in Paris and Leipzig.


The society continued to grow, so new locations were added. In 1890 stores were opened in Plymouth, and Bombay, India while in 1891 a further store was opened in karachi. This Indian adventure continued with stores opening in Calcutta in 1900, while stores in New Delhi, Shimla and Ranchi were opened in the 1930s.


In 1934, the society was incorporated into a limited company – Army & Navy Stores Ltd. 


In 1973, Army and Navy Stores was purchased by the House of Fraser. The John Barker & Co. stores in Kensington and Eastbourne were integrated with Army & Navy. The group was later extended with the addition of the Chiesmans stores, among others, to its portfolio.

  • Period:
  • Sold
  • Location: Sussex
    • Dimensions: H: 64cm (25.20in)
    • W: 81cm (31.89in)
    • D: 56cm (22.05in)