Can anyone identify the maker of my Vintage Club Staunton Chess Set?

Here's some pictures of a vintage ebony and boxwood  set I recently had restored by Alan Dewey (Chessspy). As always top notch restorations done by Mr. Dewey.  Below are some pictures of the  set. Your opinions as to its maker, its age, etc are welcome. Kings measure just under 4 5/8" in height with a diameter base of 1 7/8". Pawns are just under 2 1/2" in height. The set is heavily weighted. King side Rooks and Knights are stamped with a "K" at their tops.

Nice Mike, I could only hazard a guess as to how old...between 1900-1950's? Maybe 1930's if I had to commit. What did Alan say? Perhaps you could pm Jon Crumiller(sp?) here, since both he and Alan have done a great deal of research and are true experts in this area. Cheers, John C.

Hi John: I quote Alan "Alan DeweyA vert interesting set. The weights are quite unique having a wood part in the middle. Also the kings rook and knight have a K on not a crown. I have seen many many Staunton chess sets but none like this. A professional maker, Post 1849. Probably London. but maybe elsewhere in England.

Looking at the knight, I'd say after 1930s...

Interesting set.

I was going to say 1920s or 1930s based on the bishop, which looks a lot like the bishop of a 1920s repro set I have. I also see it looks a lot like the 1890 - 1900 Jaques bishop at http://www.britishchesssets.com/chess/BCS_Bs.jpg . Since many firms copied the Jaques sets that might mean it is no older than 1890 and probably newer. That doesn't really narrow it down much though.

The bishop is a little tall to suit me but it looks like a wonderful set.

Very nice unique set.! If Alan has no clue you might be out of luck in identifying the set.

Mike, I'm trying my best to track this down for you. Can you post a picture of the knight facing forward (so I can see the chest pattern from front).

Thanks! 

Thanks for your input Frank

Thanks Gomer, it also has similarities to the bishops in some Ayres sets.

Hi Benjamin: here's 2 frontal shots. Thanks for trying to track it down

I see the 'K' stamped on the black knight is stamped from the opposite angle. No biggie, just an observation.

Yes, I noticed it too but didn't think it was that important to mention. Thanks

Here are some observations thus-far:

I agree with you that the F.H. Ayres staunton chess sets are very similar, even as far back as late 19th century. In particular, the knights are of general same shape and design, but more detailed. The collars and base/column proportions of Queens/Kings are spot-on, in fact. 

The unique points to this set that are giving me some difficulties would be:

1. Can you describe more the wood separation in the weights?

2. The bishop mitre cut is very thin, similar to the Ayres and they seem to have a unique head shape (like an egg).

3. The knights have some unique grooves in the side and top of head, as well as the jawbone ending in a point. The blunt nose, pupil in eye, and small mouth are also telling.

Your pictures are excellent and what have inspired me to research further. I will report back if I can get a more clear direction for you.

B

Benjamin, Thanks for your observations. Here's a picture of the lead weights before Alan restored with green baize.

Yeah, that is crazy (and helpful) - washer-shaped lead weight area. 

Thanks, Mike!

Interesting enough, I have yet to happen upon ANY pieces emblazoned with a K so I'm hopeful that will be one of the easiest indicators that we're on the right track. 

Is it possible that the original owner had the K stamped by someone else other than the manufacturer..?

Mike - I believe the set to be from the British Chess Co. but still trying to confirm if any of these sets contain the K stamp.

Take a look at this reference picture »  http://www.chessantiques.com/BCC&Others/tn/pages/bcc1935.htm

Reference 2, an Ayres Set, King crenellation has similar but different tip, Bishop mitre slightly different and headshape not quite as eggy »

F.H. Ayres Set

Edit: I don't know if BCC produced sets in this time period I think the set is from, but the design is extremely consistent.

Perhaps the pieces were owned by a club that added this detail... still trying to confirm.

I don't think so

Very interesting Benjamin. Thanks for pointing  out some similarites in both sets.

Regarding the "K" stamp, I just remebered that I have a Master Club W.T. Pinney set from the early 1940s which also bears the "K" stamp on its Rooks and Kings. Below is a picture of the Pinney Rooks and Knights with the "King" stamp. But in addition, the Queen-side Rooks and Knights were stamped with a "Q".