An English ivory chess set, 19th century

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An English ivory chess set, 19th century
One side stained red, the opposing natural, kings with serrated crown and queens with ball knopp finial both on turned urn-shaped and ribbed stems on circular bases; the king -- 3½in. (9cm.) high; the pawn -- 1 5/8in. (4.2cm.) high

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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.

COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
Michael Mark, British Chess Sets Victoria and Albert Museum 1986

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