Pictorial Review Official Staunton's 1849 Antique Chessmen

Today was a great day for this collector as my 1849 Antique Ebony Staunton Chessmen arrived from Official Staunton. This reproduction Jaques set is superb in every way. The set features new and improved antique boxwood finish pieces along with jet black ebony pieces. Also The antique finish is simply gorgeous. Check out my pics. Official Staunton has also incorporated a new proprietary weighting process to prevent  cracks and splits. This robust set weighs a ton! Kings measure 4.4" in height with a diameter base of 1.875".  Pawns are 2" in height. If you love wide base pieces as much as I do, then this set will please you.  And how about the exquisite hand carved Knights? Unbelievably gorgeous. And those finely turned chunky Rooks, wide mitred Bishops and Pawns. Sweetness! I can't  praise this set enough so I will let my many pictures do it for me. This set is a "must have" for discerning collectors and players alike. Don't miss out on this museum quality set.  Set is shown on my chess table with 2 1/2" squares.

https://www.officialstaunton.com/collections/chess-pieces/products/1849-official-staunton-antique-ebony-chessmen

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Looks fabulous, Mike. My set was apparently delivered today as well, but I'm travelling, trying to catch a late flight home tonight. I'll post my impressions tomorrow.

How does the set compare to the 1851? They look very similar...

Thanks Frank, I  agree the set looks similar to the 1851 set

What a beauty Mike. Gorgeous set.

Thanks Santi, the set even looks better in person.

A gorgeous set.

As to the differences, on first impression, the 1849 bishop miter cut is less scooped, and there are subtle differences in the carving of the knight. For example, the 1849 ears are shorter. The snout of the '49 appears to protrude over the belly, whereas the belly of the '51 seems to protrude beyond the snout. Just first impressions comparing pictures of the two sets rather than the actual pieces. Mike, you're in the best position to compare.

Thanks for posting these great pics, Mike. I always look forward to the knights doing their Ladzinski Happy Dance!

I am sure it does, the carving is magnificent and the antiqued tint on the boxwood looks so nice.

Thanks Chuck, I agree with your observations.  My 1851 sets are stored away. So comparisons can be made by viewing the links to the sets on the Official Staunton website provided below:

https://www.officialstaunton.com/collections/chess-pieces/products/1849-official-staunton-antique-ebony-chessmen

https://www.officialstaunton.com/collections/staunton-reproduction-sets/products/1851-reproduction-staunton-antiqued-chessmen

and my YouTube vdeo post on the 1851 set:

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-equipment/video-1851-reproduction-staunton-chessmen-by-the-official-staunton-chess-compan
 

You're welcome Chuck, yes the Knights shall dance!

Only words .....THE WOW FACTOR.

Seven hundred and fifty bucks is a lot of money for a chess set, but quality does come with a price. Very nice set indeed. The excitement you reveal is contagious. Enjoy.

Thanks onthehouse, yes it is a fabulous set

Thanks RC, I know what you mean. So many nice OS sets and short pockets!

No question Mike!

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I think OS made the most convincing/best repros of this type of design even before the improvements. It stands to reason that the weighting system and better resistance to cracking make it even better. Great set.

Hi Guys,

Thank you for all the encouraging support.......

so here I want to illustrate the differences between the new 1849 knight and the 1851...

Great set Mike!  After busting my 5 year budget on the HOS Mammoth Ivory set last year, I am going to have stick to CB (or nothing) for a while.