House of Staunton review

Last week I purchased The Collector Series Luxury Chess Set and Board Combination directly from House of Staunton.

I'm very happy to report that they did a great job. I was worried that something would be damaged in shipping.

Everything was perfect. They used a huge supply of the packing protection styrofoam popcorn. Each chess piece was individually wrapped. Box in box packing as well.

After inspecting all 34 pieces for damage, I was very pleased that I wouldn't be returning anything.

That package deal I bought included the board and box also. I'm very pleased with them as well.

In the past I've given products and companies poor reviews when I wasn't satisfied. I feel it's only fair to give praise when it's deserved.

I'm proud of my new Boxwood and Ebonized set with 4 inch kings.

Even if something is damaged they'll send you a replacement if you contact them. Anyway it looks like a great set. Enjoy!

Looks good.

Mine:

@macotime, So YOUR the guy that bought the last combo set?!?!

Just kidding. It's a sharp set. I've been eyeing that one since I first came across pics of Mr. Goldendog's set

When I grow up I wanna be like you two guys ;)

Beautiful sets, guys! I think I like the look of the board on the top set just a little more. I really like that darker, more understated dark square color. I do truly love them both, though. I would be proud to own either.

Very nice sets!  It is also nice to know that HOS did you right.  I too have had a few problems with some chess dealers and it is always nice to hear of a good experience.

Here is one of my sets that I particularly like.

HOS Cooke Series, 3 5/8" King:

HOS BCC London Series, 4" King:

HOS Leuchars, 3.5" king:

HOS Professional, 3 5/8 King:

thanks for the info and pix... lovely. so: if one were fact-free re chess but wanted to give her [informed] husband a lovely chess set for his birthday, what would she choose?  thanks for all suggestions.....

Editgrl, you should ask him what set he likes most. Everyone has different likes, and dislikes. The HOS sets are nice. I own one myself, also You should have him check out Thechessstore.com, they have a huge selection as well.

Good luck.

Plastic peg set.  2 centimeter king: 

I just checked out that site... Here is a nice set let's see how much it costs... $1039!! I think that the last set I bought cost me closer to $20 lol. No wonder you guys are showing them off here!! Nice sets, I just may need a rich uncle to suddenly appear from nowhere and buy me one

Tough to recommend something without knowing budget and/or preferences. If your husband wants a set that would be used to actually play with, rather than just a display set, I'd say an Ebony/Boxwood Staunton set w/ King height between 3.5" and 4", and a board with 2.25" squares. Personally, I'd go cheap on the board (ie veneer, not hardwood) and spend as much as possible on the set itself. Try the major online retailers like House of Staunton and see what sets they offer in your budget range. Typical/popular design choices for Staunton sets would usually be vintage Jaques replicas, adaptations of the Dubrovnik design, and replicas of the Reykjavik set. Personally, I'd stay away from sets featuring super-fancy, intricately carved knights. I consider those a marketing gimmick because many consumers have been trained to equate value of "heirloom" sets with carving of the knights. Also stay away from sets with leather-padded base on all pieces (another impractical marketing gimmick).

Anyway, just my 2 cents. It's really a matter of personal taste.

Take a look at Ebay under chess.  Use "house of staunton" as a filter, there are always a few mint condition used sets in the $350 to $500 range that would be more like $800-$1200 if you got them new.  As Frank said, put your money in the pieces, not the board.  Your husband can always use a  vinyl/mousepad/silicone  rollup as a stopgap if need be.  If you were like maybe not aware of how much good sets cost and are a bit aghast at spending such serious coin on a set, well then you have to move on and use "Staunton" as the Ebay filter.  Lots of OK sets that don't have the HOS charisma or quality but much much cheaper.  Problem is you kind of have to know what you're doing.  It is Ebay after all.  One "direct from India" vendor I've succesfully purchased from is "Chess Bazaar".  Pretty decent quality at every price range.  You probably want it to be a surprise, but of course the only way to be sure your husband will be happy is to have him pick it out himself.  If you have deep pockets and you want it to be a surprise I don't see how you could go wrong with a 4" HOS collector in ebony and boxwood.  You've already seen pictures of it.  Good luck, keep us posted, chess players love to talk about chess sets!

Veneer boards hold up just fine over the years. I have a couple 20 years old & they look like new. I would not scoot pieces on a veneer board though like some guys like to do. Frank.... you have way too many chess sets but, they are all nice looking. I prefer a 3 1/2 king myself..!

I thought about Editgrl's request some more, and thought I might add this as well. If your husband is a serious chess player IE... tournament, or once played tournaments, you definitely need to let him pick out the set he wants.

The reason I am saying this is because there are many attractive display sets that are really just for looking at, and not playing with. Example..the rock ( Marble, Glass, Jade etc.) sets that the Queen, Bishop, and Pawns all look alike, the only difference in in height. Which often times is so slight you really have trouble telling the pieces apart ( I doubt he wants one of these sets ). If he was, or is a tournament player he will want a Staunton, or Staunton style set.

Good luck to you, your husband is lucky to have someone that is as thoughtful as you, by checking around before buying something he may not even like.

Very good advice!