19TH CENTURY

Details

A FRENCH BONE AND EBONIZED WOOD 'LYON' PATTERN CHESS SET
19TH CENTURY
The kings and queens with pierced crowns and galleries, the white bishops with tagua nut bell-shaped bodies, the knights with horses' heads, rooks as turrets
The king -- 3¼in. (8.2cm.) high; the pawn -- 1½in. (3.8cm.) high

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

Named after the city of Lyons, these sets are typically stained a reddish brown and black, decorated with either bone or ivory trimmings. The French playing sets evolved from the last quarter of the 18th, using the lathe, and this type became one of the standard playing sets throughout 19th Century. See Michael Mark, Practical and Ornamental, Exhibition catalogue, published by Asprey & Chess Collectors International, 1986, fig. 13.

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

View All