A Danish cast brass figural chess set, after a design by Carl Hansen, circa 1870

Details

A Danish cast brass figural chess set, after a design by Carl Hansen, circa 1870
in gilt and patinated hues, the kings crowned and wearing pantaloons and imbibing from tankards, the queens crowned and in 19th century costume, the bishops as jockeys, the knights with human bodies and horses' heads wearing tailcoats, the rooks as figures astride turrets, the pawns as figures of men in clogs, king -- 2 5/8in. (6.7cm) high, pawn -- 1¾in. (4.7cm) high; and a metal set, portraying the court of Louis XVI
Item 1. See Illustration. (2)

Lot Essay

Item 1. A similar lot sold Sotheby's Belgravia, Thursday 27 November 1980, lot 54.

This Danish set was patented in 1864, winning various medals between then and 1872. The set portrays a curious theme of historical, contemporary and fabled characters.

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