Jaques of London has been instrumental in the development and success of modern chess. Chess pieces before the mid 19th century were of two kinds - excessively elaborate and costly hand-carved reproductions of the Kings court, or rudely turned and daubed pieces in which rank was dictated by height alone. In the 1840s, this all changed. Nathaniel Cooke, proprietor of the Illustrated London News, brought John Jaques a new and elegant design for chessmen. Between the two of them, this initial design was polished to produce a set using symbols (for the king, a crown, for the bishop, a mitre) which could be easily recognised and reproduced. This radical design received rave reviews in the press, particularly for the exquisite design of the Knight, based on sculptures from the famous Elgin Marbles. Mr Howard Staunton, the first British chess World Champion, was so taken with the design that he agreed to have his name and signature adorn every box of pieces.
The Staunton chess set, as it became known, is now the de facto standard for play at all levels. Few companies can say they influenced the development of a game the way Jaques of London has shaped the world's favourite board game, chess. As world renowned purveyor of some of the finest handmade chess sets available, Jaques is proud to present this beautiful limited edition set for your playing pleasure.
Handmade from boxwood and jet black Ebony, featuring the original Staunton design, the pieces are presented in a stunning mahogany casket the perfect choice for serious players and those with an eye for the finer things in life. This heirloom-quality set features the attention to detail that Jaques’ master craftsmen are known for throughout the world and the casket is signed by the company directors, who are the direct descendants of the creator of the Staunton Hand crafted Chess Set, John Jaques II.
Casket: 36.5cm x 25.5cm x 16.5cm
King: Base Diameter 49mm
Rook: Base Diameter 43mm
Pawn: Base Diameter 35mm
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