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A FRENCH CARVED IVORY AND BONE BUST CHESS SET
- DIEPPE, LATE 18TH CENTURY AND LATER

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A FRENCH CARVED IVORY AND BONE BUST CHESS SET
DIEPPE, LATE 18TH CENTURY AND LATER
Price Realized
(Set Currency)
  • £10,625
  • ($16,044)
  • Price includes buyer's premium
Estimate
    £3,000 - £5,000
  • ($4,400 - $7,200)

Sale Information

Sale 5923
Christie's Interiors - Style & Spirit
12 May 2009
London, South Kensington





Lot Description

A FRENCH CARVED IVORY AND BONE BUST CHESS SET
DIEPPE, LATE 18TH CENTURY AND LATER
Modelled to represent the French versus the Moors, the kings with sceptres, the bishops in wide brimmed hats, the knights as cavalry men, the rooks as turrets (with some later associations)
The king -- 3 3/8 in. (8.5 cm.) high; the pawn -- 2 in. (5.1 cm.) high

Special Notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.
All lots removed to off-site warehouse the day after the sale - 2 weeks free storage

Lot Notes

Sets carved to depict the battles between the French and their colonial possessions became a popular theme among the Dieppe carvers during the late 18th century and 19th century. Hans und Barbara Hollönder, Schach Partie Durch Zeiten und Welten, Exhibition Catalogue, 2005, fig. 122 illustrates a similar example.

The current lot has passed by decent from James Baxter, butler to Lord Mostyn of Mostyn Hall, Flintshire, to the current owner. James Baxter rescued it from disposal on a bonfire in the 1880's.

Department Information
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