My Jaques Circa 1885 - 1890 ebony & boxwood. Just love this one!
What's the oldest chess set you own?
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EfimLG47 wrote:
IpswichMatt hat geschrieben:
@QueenClaudia2003 - a good place to start would be Alan Fersht’s book.
You are correct that a lot of sellers don’t know what they’re selling - this even extends to antique auction houses, when you frequently see mistakes in the descriptions of chess sets. For example, it is a common misconception that the crown stamps on one rook and knight of each colour are the “Jaques Trademark”.
You are correct that a lot of sellers don’t know what they’re selling - this even extends to antique auction houses, when you frequently see mistakes in the descriptions of chess sets. For example, it is a common misconception that the crown stamps on one rook and knight of each colour are the “Jaques Trademark”.
Not long ago I contacted a US auction house after they offered a Staunton chess set, which they had dated to ca. 1780, and asked them to eventually reconsider, after I made them aware that the Staunton design was only introduced in 1849.
Bet they liked that 😂
nojchess wrote:
My Jaques Circa 1885 - 1890 ebony & boxwood. Just love this one!
That's gorgeous.
Feb 8, 2021
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#24
nojchess wrote:
My Jaques Circa 1885 - 1890 ebony & boxwood. Just love this one!
Beautiful. Did you restore it was that done by a previous owner?
Yes it was restored by previous owner. For me old Jaques sets are the best sets in chess history!
IpswichMatt wrote:
@QueenClaudia2003 - a good place to start would be Alan Fersht’s book.
You are correct that a lot of sellers don’t know what they’re selling - this even extends to antique auction houses, when you frequently see mistakes in the descriptions of chess sets. For example, it is a common misconception that the crown stamps on one rook and knight of each colour are the “Jaques Trademark”.
You are correct that a lot of sellers don’t know what they’re selling - this even extends to antique auction houses, when you frequently see mistakes in the descriptions of chess sets. For example, it is a common misconception that the crown stamps on one rook and knight of each colour are the “Jaques Trademark”.
Matt ,
Just got my book in the post today , finally got around to buying the book, My copy being no713 of 1000 pressed books in softcover , And signed by the Man ,
Do you remember that well known song from The Fiddler on the Roof "if only that was the case"
Feb 10, 2021
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#27
EfimLG47 wrote:
My oldest is this one, dating to the mid 18th century. It is a set made in the "Old English" pattern, which belonged to the Gareth Williams collection and is shown as exhibit 1 in Michael Mark's "British Chess Sets". The set was exhibited at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London on the occasion of the annual meeting of Chess Collectors International from 12-24 May 1986. The board is slightly younger and probably dates to late 18th or early 19th century.
Wow, that looks amazing! Could you tell me where you bought this from and post the link?
@Aida_Amin - I got this set via Luke Honey.
Feb 11, 2021
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#29
lighthouse wrote:
Do you remember that well known song from The Fiddler on the Roof "if only that was the case"
No, I've managed to avoid ever watching "Fiddler on the Roof". I've also never seen "The Sound of Music"
My Fersht book has fallen to pieces, the binding quality isn't great. High quality pictures though
IpswichMatt wrote:
lighthouse wrote:
Do you remember that well known song from The Fiddler on the Roof "if only that was the case"
No, I've managed to avoid ever watching "Fiddler on the Roof". I've also never seen "The Sound of Music"
My Fersht book has fallen to pieces, the binding quality isn't great. High quality pictures though
Did not the BBC show it evey year at Chrstmas time !
Yes the binding good be way better !
Are you dead?
Feb 11, 2021
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#33
janeymacfeck wrote:
Are you dead?
I've modified my comment so now no-one will understand your comment JaneyMacFeck! Ha!
Apr 25, 2023
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#35
Hi all, Nice pics, here is our contribution : 17th century English Rowbotham chess set, link to more photos and other English playing sets 
: https://www.chessantiquesonline.com/rochford_collection/Eng_Playing_Sets.html
Here is an article on the topic : https://www.chessantiquesonline.com/EE_Article1.pdf
Regards, Ciaran
PrimeMinus wrote:
Hi all, Nice pics, here is our contribution : 17th century English Rowbotham chess set, link to more photos and other English playing sets
: https://www.chessantiquesonline.com/rochford_collection/Eng_Playing_Sets.html
Here is an article on the topic : https://www.chessantiquesonline.com/EE_Article1.pdf
Regards, Ciaran
Ciaran, that is a real beauty. Wow! And a real political set, considering that the top of the king looks almost exactly like a pawn. This is one of those sets that could have either caused a revolution or sent the maker to the scaffold. 
And a very interesting article, thanks for sharing. By the way, Exhibit 1 in Michael Mark's "British Chess Sets" is the set shown in #3. It belonged to Gareth Williams before I purchased it.
Apr 25, 2023
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#37
Hi Holger,
Thanks, yes interesting observation on the tops of the pawns and kings. That great that you know your set's collection lineage. Don't see a lot of early sets around anymore. My father is enjoying your book. Thanks again for sending it to him. Regards, Ciaran
Apr 26, 2023
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#38
Meagre offerings compared to the serious collectors in the room but these are the oldest I own … hard to know but perhaps between 70-90 years old…(or maybe my Bakelite set is older ?) … not sure… but in terms of wooden sets - these are my oldest and the pieces look perplexed to have lived this long!!😉
Even with something this ‘young’ I feel compelled to look after them … very old sets must become quite a responsibility.
Apr 26, 2023
0
#39
PrimeMinus wrote:
Hi all, Nice pics, here is our contribution : 17th century English Rowbotham chess set, link to more photos and other English playing sets
: https://www.chessantiquesonline.com/rochford_collection/Eng_Playing_Sets.html
Here is an article on the topic : https://www.chessantiquesonline.com/EE_Article1.pdf
Regards, Ciaran
I think this set is magnificent and really interesting to reflect on Holger’s comments too. Also - I am learning wood-turning, this set seems like an achievable project. Albeit, I don’t have pieces for dimensions - I am inspired to try such a design… in the coming years.
