Chess pieces - 1849 Edition 4" in a Oak and Red box Traditional Chess Pieces in Oak and Red Box

This classic recreation of the timeless 1849 edition of our Staunton design has been remastered in limited numbers, bringing the distinguished beauty of chess to the most dedicated players across the globe.

This timeless chess set is available in the following styles:

Mahogany and Green Box

Oak and Red Box

Beech and Black Box

Staunton Leather Casket

Staunton Mahogany Casket

Each set is presented in a Oak and Red box, keeping pieces stored in impeccable fashion, making them ideal for both display and play.

All Jaques exclusive Chess Pieces are lovingly crafted on-site, with hand finishing in-keeping with the same traditions that first saw us introduce the world-standard Staunton design in 1840. We also host a wide range of classic and modern chess board designs, with travel sets, magnetic pieces and beginner chess sets for those looking to take up the checkmate challenge for the first time.

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. Utilising John Jaques' original design from 1850, this stunning collector's chess set is available to buy online and is a beautiful heirloom -quality piece. With pieces hand carved by Jaques master craftsmen from boxwood and jet black ebony, this 4 inch Staunton Collectors Chess Set is presented in a beautiful Oak box

Wooden Box: 22.2cm x 16.2cm x 12cm
King: Base Diameter 46mm
Rook: Base Diameter 41mm
Pawn: Base Diameter 33mm