19TH CENTURY

Details

AN ENGLISH IVORY CHESS SET
19TH CENTURY
The kings with geometrical finials and queens with ball knop finials both on turned urn-shaped and ribbed stems on circular bases
The kings -- 3½ in. (8.9 cm.); the pawn -- 1½ in. (3.8 cm.) high

Literature

G. Williams, Master Pieces, Apple Press, 2000, pp. 40-41.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Lot Essay

An early version of this type of set was once owned by the first president of the United States, George Washington, now housed in the National Washington Museum. The pattern is also described as barleycorn, and was exceedingly popular throughout the 19th century. Apart from the design of the royal pieces the set is also distinguised by the shallow cut of the bishops mitres and the tapering sides of the crenellated rooks.

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