Game of thrones – five of the most-watched chess lots on thesaleroom.com
10 January 2020 The variety and styles of chess boards and pieces on offer at auction offers huge scope for an international audience of collectors.
A 19th century chessboard made from Rosewood, estimated at £100-150 at Tennants.
The game assumed a general form in the 16th century and, with the advent of international chess tournaments in the Victoria era, standard sizes and shapes for the ancient game's 32 pieces emerged in the 19th century.
Among the earliest standardised forms was Nathaniel Cook's ‘Ornamental Design for a Set of Chess Men’ patented on March 1, 1849, while slightly later came the so-called Staunton pattern which was named after the English chess master Howard Staunton (1810-74) who penned a regular column for the Illustrated London News where Cook was editor.
Plenty of chess sets and chess-related lots are offered at auctions on thesaleroom.com. Here are five examples which are appearing at sales this month.
1. Rosewood chessboard
A 19th century chessboard, made from Rosewood and stamped WW Morgan, 26 Queen Street, London is offered at Tennants on January 11.
The pieces are made of stained natural bone and the lot is estimated at £100-150.
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2. ‘Imperial Egg’ Chess set
An unusual lot at a timed auction conducted by James Auctioneers is this ‘Imperial Jewelled Egg’ chess set.
It is catalogued as by The Franklin Mint, a US firm that mass-produced collectables including items branded House of Fabergé but which had no connection with the original Russian maker.
This chess set was inspired by the famous Fabergé ‘surprise eggs’ and was created for the 150th anniversary of Peter Carl Fabergé.
The hand-enamelled egg comprises sparkling stones and opens up to reveal a miniature chessboard and pieces (although one pawn is missing).
It is estimated at £400-750 and the auction closes on January 19.
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3. Upright pattern chess set
An Edinburgh or Northern Upright pattern boxwood and rosewood chess set, estimated at £100-150 at Bamfords.
An Edinburgh or Northern Upright pattern boxwood and rosewood chess set is offered at Bamfords on January 16-17. The estimate is £100-150.
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4. Staunton pattern chess set
A Victorian boxwood and ebony Staunton pattern chess set, offered with a travel chess set and a folding cribbage board with a £50-70 estimate at David Duggleby.
This Victorian boxwood and ebony Staunton pattern chess set is probably by Jaques and Son, the London maker which had exclusive manufacturing rights for Staunton sets that later became the official international standard.
With four pieces stamped with a red crown and coming in a period mahogany box, it is offered along with a travel chess set and an inlaid folding cribbage board at David Duggleby on January 18.
The lot is estimated at £50-70.
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5. Chessboard table
A Rosewood and Birdseye maple chessboard on a pedestal, estimated at £80-120 at David Duggleby.
This Rosewood and Birdseye maple chessboard is mounted on an ornate cast-iron pedestal with hairy paw feet. It is estimated at £80-120 at David Duggleby on January 18.
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