Rare Vintage ' French Regency ' Style Chess Set (K = 68 Mm), Wood Box.
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:19705535 | Country/Region of Manufacture: Germany |
| Material: Wood |
Hello and welcome to this rare, unusual, vintage, medium-sized 'French Regency' (King = 68 mm/2.65") Chess set, plus an original solid wood storage box. The set is for play, display or for the chess collector. It was most likely made in Germany from locally sourced close-grained hardwood, possibly Hornbeam, Sycamore or similar light coloured timber. The chess set follows the French Regency pattern with some improvements/modificatiion, notably the Pawns and Rooks which... possess a lower centre of gravity with chunky bulbous bodies. This improves their balance and stability, as seen in photo no. 4.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 original, well made, solid wood box is supplied with a sliding lid for safely storing these unusual and rare chessmen. The box is clean, intact and functional, but commensurate with its age...and has a date stamp: 11 April 1945 (6?) in what we would take as the English language; ( please see photo no. 12) but then, the German word for 'April' is the same...so that may prove its provenance. The interior has clean looking green coloured felt/baize added to its base, for added chess piece protection.This 32 piece complete and matching chess set is quite endearing and full of history and 'Regency' character. These well turned/carved hardwood pieces have been well looked after throughout their long life and have no noticeable damage or defects. This French Regency set is approaching 75 years of age. Many French Regency sets of yesteryear never had the natural boxwood sealed/clear lacquered or a wax polished finish and, as a result, soon become 'grubby'...this set is clean, neat and has a glazed/polished presentable finish which is enhancing. Interestingly, the unique stallion heads of the two-piece Knight's are somewhat accentuated, in a flat carved simplistic characteristic 'Germanic' styling. Each piece has been individually handcrafted/turned by skilled craftsmen, within a workshop environment, mid-20th century and you may notice slight dimensional variances when comparing like-for-like.The French Regency style of chess set was the forerunner for competitions/tournaments before it was eclipsed for the now famous 'Staunton' pattern in the 1920's. Their history go back to the mid 18th century through to the early 20th century and were developed/designed over those many decades. The French Regency was made famous at the 'Cafe de la Regence', Paris: a renowned chess club, frequented by the best chess players/celebrities of that time. This intricate and interesting chess set is sophisticated, elongated and elegant, and makes a lovely display and conversational piece because of its design history and date (made during or just postwar WWII).This is chess set for play, display or for the collector...it's for those who appreciate the history, design and development of the various chess styles, and like to do a bit of research. So, why not acquire a piece of rare chess design history...the manufacture of this chess style ceased production in Europe many decades ago.Heights of chessmen:-King = 68 mm (2.65") Queen = 60 mm Bishop = 45 mm Knight = 52 mm Rook/Castle = 39 mm Pawn = 37 mm. The total weight of the French Regency chessmen = 123 grams.Total weight, including the box = 271 grams (unpacked).Box dimensions are 160 mm long x 90 mm wide x 55 mm high (overall). Notes:* Flash photography has been used, resulting in flash-back on some pictures.* The item comes from a pet free, non-smoking home.* 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 additional import duties/fees are the responsibility of the buyer.* Thank you for your interest and 'Good Luck' if you intend to bid.
