POSSIBLY PRISONER OF WAR, 19TH CENTURY

Details

A FRENCH CARVED BONE FIGURAL CHESS SET
POSSIBLY PRISONER OF WAR, 19TH CENTURY
The kings, queens and bishops modelled as naively carved figures, the knights as horses' heads, rooks as turrets, one side polychrome probably later staining
The king -- 3 3/8in. (8.5cm.) high; the pawn -- 1¾in. (4.5cm.) high

Provenance

Phillips, London, 26 May 1992, lot 20.

Special notice

This lot is offered without reserve. 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.

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

Chess sets are known to have been created by Napoleonic prisoners of war in Britain for play, whilst the more elaborate examples were sold at the depot markets. A relatively primitive example, reputedly from Porchester Castle prison, is illustrated in the catalogue of The Lloyd Collection of Napoleonic Prisoner of War Artifacts, fig. 77, John F. Rinaldi, 1986.

More from The Dr Jean-Claude Cholet Collection of Chess Sets

View All