Rare Antique Bone ' Old English/ Plain Barleycorn ' Chess Set (K=91mm/3. 6 "), Box.
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:18683641 | Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom |
| Material: Bone |
Hello and welcome to this auction sale for a rare, large, elegant, intricate and finely detailed bovine bone 'Old English/ Plain Barleycorn' style English antique chess set (King = 91 mm/3.6"), plus an old solid hardwood (ex-cigar) storage box with brass hinged lid. In today's age, it is quite rare to find a complete and matching 32 piece chess set in this transitional pattern, and with no real noticeable defects or damage...just aged patination and some acceptable mellowing on the... natural bone white side, proving age and authenticity. The rich vibrant red chess pieces have obviously been re-stained in the recent past with minimal wear or fading showing, making it most pleasing to the eye, yet remains sympathetic to their antique history. Overall, the set is very presentable and would make a lovely gift for that special person, or for a chess enthusiast, or purchased for a fabulous historic glass cabinet display statement, as photo no. 1 or 2.Please check out all photographs, as these form an important part of the description. Please note that no playing surface (games board) is supplied, but an adapted storage well made ex-cigar hardwood box is. This clean, stunningly hand-crafted and well kept 32 piece chess set has been well looked after throughout its very long life (well over 150 years...circa 1830) and possesses no real noticeable damage, blemishes or defects, other than a normal 'aged' natural patina, more noticeable on the natural white side. The recently re-stained vibrant 'cochineal' red side is undeniably endearing and a lovely contrasting colour...popular in the early-mid 1800's. There are no cracks or splits that often occur in an item so old...which is a pleasant surprise for antique bone chess pieces...just normal bone markings. The set has been well cared for considering it has had several owners during its long life and one must suspect that it has been stored for posterity and/or pre-owned by caring chess enthusiasts/collectors.Because each piece has been individually hand crafted/turned by skilled artisans, in the early 19th century (circa 1830), you will notice slight dimensional variances when comparing like for like, which is normal for its age (please check out the photos, and zoom-in/enlarge). Remember: This is a period in time without electricity or sophisticated machine tools! The skills of such craftsmen are truly amazing and the fine detail is astonishing! The barrels of the King and Queen have perfectly carved concentric coils, hence it is commonly named: 'Ropetwist' (Thinks! ...like coils of rope. But, this title is in dispute by some chess afcionados though). All pieces have wide, thicker bases to give each chess piece good stability and balance. Each piece is screw threaded for assembly; e.g. the King has five pieces prior to assembly, the Queen has three, the Rook has four, the Knight has three, the Bishop and Pawn have two (examples can be seen in photo no 12).The chessmen are housed in a quality solid (ex-cigar) hardwood box with a brass hinged lid. The box is clean, presentable, intact and fully functional. It stores the chess pieces safely and securely when not in use. Its interior base is green baize/felt lined to add protection for the valuable and historic chessmen.This 'Old English/ Plain Barleycorn/Ropetwist' style of chess set is turned/crafted in bovine bone and and it was probably made before the introduction of the wood turned/crafted world famous 'Staunton/Cooke/Jaques' pattern in the year 1849. The chess set was turned/crafted at a time when the cattle/meat trade was flourishing in the cities of England, and, as a by product, there was ample supplies of cattle bone. Its history and pattern goes back to the late 18th century through to the 19th century and its design was modified/developed over many decades. Many styles influenced the 'Barleycorn/Ropetwist' design, but none more so than the 'Old English and Washington' patterns. The pedestal Rook/Castle are an inherited design from such patterns.This chess set is ideal for play, display or for the collector...and for those who are interested in the history, materials used for manufacture, various patterns/designs...and a quest for knowledge/research. The 'Old English/Barleycorn/Ropetwist' chess design is always a conversational topic for debate among chess enthusiast's. This item will surely be a good investment, since its value will appreciate over future years.Heights of chessmen (N.B. Dimensions vary slightly due to individual hand turning and craftsmanship) :-King = 91 mm/3.6". Base diameter = 31 mm/1 1/4".Queen = 79 mmBishop = 46 mm Knight = 52 mmRook/Castle = 66 mmPawn = 37 mm.The total weight of the chessmen = 309 grams.Total weight, including the box = 550 grams (unpacked).Box dimensions are 228 mm long x 125 mm wide x 62 mm deep (overall). Notes:* The item comes from a pet free, non-smoking home.* Flash photography has been used, resulting in flashback on some pictures.* The chess pieces and box will be packed with care.* No games board is provided.* The chess set is not suitable for children under 3 years.* Please note: No 'Buy it Now' price is offered, so that it may find its own market value. Low start price and No Reserve.* Overseas bidders are welcome on the understanding that 'International Tracked and/or Signed' delivery service is accepted, both for Buyer's and Seller's 'peace of mind'. Any import duties.handling charges are the responsibility of the Buyer. * Thank you for your interest and 'Good Luck' if you intend to bid. .
