A fine late Victorian boxwood and ebonised Staunton pattern chess set

A fine late Victorian boxwood and ebonised Staunton pattern chess set, probably by F. H. Ayres, late 19th century, one rook and one knight on each side stamped with a red crown, the Kings 8.5cm high; presented in a rectangular mahogany case, 9cm high, 18cm wide

To be sold with a Chess player's pocket-book by James Mortimer dated 1888

The 'Staunton Pattern' chessmen were first patented in 1849, and the design is usually credited to journalist and entrepreneur Nathaniel Cooke. Occasionally it is attributed to John Jaques (see previous page), whose company was the first of many manufacturers to produce and retail Staunton sets. The design was named after Howard Staunton, a world famous English chess master at the time, whose important endorsement was mentioned in the Morning Herald when Staunton sets first appeared on the market:

'A new set of Chessmen has recently appeared under the auspices of Mr. STAUNTON, who, observing their manifest superiority over the old figures in ordinary use, not only as works of art, but in the more practical necessities of convenience, has vouchsafed the guarantee of his name and recommendation.'

The iconic, streamlined design, which was easier to produce than the more ornate ivory models from before, soon became the standard and is still synonymous with the game of chess.

Condition Report:
All pieces present. Minor marks, knocks, scratches and scuffs overall consistent with age and use. Some very slight wear to the ebony. The white horses are quite glossy and may have been lacquered. There are a few irregularities to the white pieces, including a dark vein across the top of a pawn, and shorter dark scratches to another. One of the bishops has a tiny split to the foot. These irregularities may be due to the natural properties of the timber. Two of the bishops have minor knocks to the ball finials, one black one possibly restored. One white pawn has a small chip to the rim. One black pawn has a mark to the top which could possibly be cleaned, another has residue between ball top and base, possibly adhesive though the piece is stable. Both crowns, though likely original, were probably manufactured separately and are likely a different timber (pine?), one has a tiny bit of residue underneath, possibly glued. Overall the set is aside from minor damages in quite well-preserved condition. These pieces are not weighted.