Lot 87
87
A FRENCH POLYCHROME CARVED IVORY FIGURAL CHESS SET
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more
A FRENCH POLYCHROME CARVED IVORY FIGURAL CHESS SET

LAST QUARTER 19TH CENTURY

Details
A FRENCH POLYCHROME CARVED IVORY FIGURAL CHESS SET
LAST QUARTER 19TH CENTURY
The green painted side depicting the Napoleonic army versus the Russian army
The king -- 3½in. (9cm.) high; the pawn -- 2¼in. (5.7cm.) 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.

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Lot Essay

These chess figures probably represent one of the most defining battles in the Napoleonic Wars, the battle of Borodino, 7th September 1812. Napoleon led the Grand Arma©e across the Polish border in an attempt to intimidate the Tsar, Alexander I. They clashed with the Imperial army, commandered by General Mikhail Kutuzov, resulting in the largest loss of life to date. It was to be Napoleon's last offensive, followed by the failed occupation of Moscow, and subsequent retreat and humiliation of the Grand Armée and allied forces. Napoleon Bonaparte and Marshal Davout are represented as the King and Queen on the green side, whilst the opposing red probably depicts the Russian army, with Alexander I of Russia as the king and Genearl Kutuzov as the queen.

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