Rare Antique ' Barleycorn/Ropetwist ' Bone Chess Set (K=97mm/3. 75 "), Box.
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:21532516 | Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom |
| Material: Bone |
Hello and welcome to this auction sale for a large, elegant, intricate and finely detailed bovine bone 'Barleycorn?Ropetwist' style English antique chess set (King = 97mm/3.75"), plus an original solid hardwood storage box with sliding lid. In today's age it is quite rare to find a complete and matching 32 piece chess set in this pattern, complete with its original box, and with no real noticeable defects or damage...just aged patination and some acceptable fading. ...; One white Rook has a very small crack and a nibble (please see photo no 9). 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 cabinet display statement (please see photo no. 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 original, storage quality hardwood box is. This clean, presentable and well kept 32 piece chess set has been well looked after throughout its very long life (over 150 years) and possesses no real noticeable damage, blemishes or defects, other than a normal 'aged' patina, a few minor nibbles and some slight 'red' fading, as you would expect. There are no cracks or splits that often occur in an item so old...which is a pleasant surprise for antique bone chess pieces. The chessmen do possess a lovely mellowed patina, proving age and authenticity. The 'cochineal' red side is a vibrant red with no real loss of colour, just some slight fading, which makes me believe that the chessmen have been re-stained in the recent past, yet remain sympathetic to their antique history. The set has been well cared for considering it has had several owners during its long life and I 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 1840), you will notice slight dimensional variances when comparing like for like (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! 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 and Queen have four pieces prior to assembly, the Knight and Rook have three and the Bishop and Pawn have two.The chessmen are housed in a quality solid hardwood box of the time with the traditional sliding lid. The box is clean, presentable, intact and fully functional. It stores the chess pieces safely and securely when not in use. Its interior is green baize/felt lined to its base.This 'Ropetwist' style of chess set is turned/crafted in bovine bone and and it was probably made, or thereabouts, before the introduction of the wood turned/crafted world famous 'Staunton' 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 'Washington' pattern. The Rooks/Castles are an inherited design from some of the 'George Washington' patterns.This auction lot is stained in 'cochineal' red and natural bone; colours which later become popular in the early/mid 1800's. All pieces have wide 'cogged' bases which improves stability and balance. 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 '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 = 97 mm/3.75".Queen = 85 mmBishop = 49 mm Knight = 54 mmRook/Castle = 60 mmPawn = 36 mm.The total weight of the chessmen = 382 grams.Total weight, including the box = 530 grams (unpacked).Box dimensions are 204 mm long x 130 mm wide x 67 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. .
