Jaques London Chess Board Restoration

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shaunlawler

I have been on the look out for an authentic Jaques chess board for a few months now as they don't seem to come up for sale very often, unless you pay a lot of money.

I found one on eBay and won the auction for £310 but it is need of restoration, as it has some damage and is looking a bit too worn. 

I received a quote of £1,104 from 'Fine Art Restoration' to restore the board but I am not sure if it is overpriced or not?

Does anyone have any thoughts?






GrandPatzerDave-taken

It is a beautiful board albeit in need of some love.  The restoration quote, however, seems like a bit much.  However, the "stabilize and restore lifting and missing veneer" looks like a significant challenge that just might justify the cost.  Do you have some other options for restoration?

Schachmonkey
Seems like you could find a pristine board for that money..
Schachmonkey
Ask in Chess collectors on FB. I wonder if a large sheet of archival acetate cut to fit in frame would be a temp option?
shaunlawler

Yes it was a bit of a risk getting it but I really like the style of the old boards and it will match the size needed for a Jaques tournament set that I hope to pick up soon.

I appreciate that it is a bit of work to restore but my initial thoughts was that it was a lot more expensive than I expected. 

If anyone has any suggestions on individuals/companies that could quote, please do let me know.

Schachmonkey
I love those old Jaques boards I saw this one great find. I have two of the modern ones. What the sq size?
shaunlawler
Schachmonkey wrote:
I love those old Jaques boards I saw this one great find. I have two of the modern ones. What the sq size?

Thank you  - yes there was quite a bit of interest so I was lucky to get it.

The squares are 2" so should hopefully fit a tournament size Jaques set nicely.

I just want to get it repaired first so I don't cause any further damage...

TheOneCalledMichael

Nice board! Wow 1k quote you can get a nice one from Millard restored in top condition already. 

I can see why you want to restore, it's just gorgeous board.

QueenClaudia2003

That's a lovely board. I like the old fashioned boards myself.

I saw this on eBay (sorry must drive you all insane with my ebay items and constant questions) it states Jaques what do you think. Board and pieces.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Jaques-London-J-J-S-Wooden-Chess-Set-Board-Chessboard-Chessmen-Box-Game-/403176266805?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

 

GrandPatzerDave-taken
shaunlawler wrote:

Yes it was a bit of a risk getting it but I really like the style of the old boards and it will match the size needed for a Jaques tournament set that I hope to pick up soon.

I appreciate that it is a bit of work to restore but my initial thoughts was that it was a lot more expensive than I expected. 

If anyone has any suggestions on individuals/companies that could quote, please do let me know.

Paging @greghunt.  Paging @greghunt, STAT! happy.png

Schachmonkey
It’s a Lardy 60/70s relabel the board looks nice.
QueenClaudia2003

I thought it was a lardy thanks. I like the board more. Sorry for hijacking post.

TheOneCalledMichael

The board is nice and I think it's not that old compared to the pieces. I think it's one of the recent ones, quality is not comparable to the vintage ones.

MCH818

That's one nice board! I love Jaques of London boards.

lighthouse

Going on your photo, looks like a inlaid sq board not a solid wooden board ,  That's Why the restoration quote was high ?

I Would have got the Jaques tournament set first, then look for a good solid wooden board as this day & age there is a buyers choice on bespoke chess boards , OK not antique Jaques but way cheaper than the quote you got given wink.png

 

 

 

 

shaunlawler
Thanks all.

I think the quote I was given so high because it came from a company that specialises in restoring very expensive antiques.

As I only want minimal repair work to the veneer on a couple of the squares, I think the cost should be much lower.

It seems to be a good buy and will pair nicely with a Jaques set once I find one (part of the fun) and will have a bit more character than a more recently made board.

I may be wrong and have bought a lemon. Who knows!
QueenClaudia2003

I think it's a lovely board you have and wouldn't worry over it. You bought it because you loved it.

My husband has just added another electric guitar to his collection which cost over £3000. It seems a lot but it isn't because he loves it so much and he deserves it because he works so hard.

I feel very strongly that life is to be enjoyed and we are here for a short time.

Enjoy your beautiful board!

GrandPatzerDave-taken
QueenClaudia2003 wrote:

I think it's a lovely board you have and wouldn't worry over it. You bought it because you loved it.

My husband has just added another electric guitar to his collection which cost over £3000. It seems a lot but it isn't because he loves it so much and he deserves it because he works so hard.

I feel very strongly that life is to be enjoyed and we are here for a short time.

Enjoy your beautiful board!

You're building an excellent case for your next set!  

lighthouse

This one not  bad for the price ?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154421758470?hash=item23f4410a06:g:3fwAAOSwp2lgfsW4

MCH818
lighthouse wrote:

Going on your photo, looks like a inlaid sq board not a solid wooden board ,  That's Why the restoration quote was high ?

I Would have got the Jaques tournament set first, then look for a good solid wooden board as this day & age there is a buyers choice on bespoke chess boards , OK not antique Jaques but way cheaper than the quote you got given

 

 

 

 

I thought all Jaques boards were veneered.  Were there some that were solid wood?