Jaques Chess set 1852 ?

[good-2-u]

Hi I’m new to the forum and I wonder if i might get some help and advice please. I have just had come into my possession a very nice chess set. I’m not sure exactly but I think it’s a Jaques of London 'Harwitz' Chess Set c.1855 – or maybe earlier, read something about a drop jaw knight being 1852.. It all seems very right to me, the stamps the patina the box and all. The box is not very grand as I'm assuming this was an original café set. The King is 3 1/2 in height and I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. It is not in perfect order which is obviously a shame but all the pieces are there and original. The damage is restricted to 6 pieces and I think very restorable, 3 bishops have their top bobble missing, one pawn and the Queen have chips to the rim and crown respectively and one pawn has a missing top ball. I’ve spoken to a restorer I got of jaques own web site and it seems to be affordable and easy to do so that’s good. - So is it real? (well I know the answer to this one just in case) - if so which set is it,? - is restoration going to affect its value - where is the best place to sell it? Photo URL http://www.theantiqueshop.uk.com/images/Chess/

[good-2-u]

oh and also i can't make up my mind if its weighted, some times i think it is then i think perhaps its not.. does it make any difference to value? is there an easy way to tell - don't really want to got ripping the felt off.

[candylab1]

Hello, You appear to have a Jaques Staunton set of the Anderssen drop jaw type c1860.Pity that you don't have the original box/label, this will affect value.Weighted sets are heavy so you should be able to tell.Also if you look at the felt you should be able to see/feel the disc of lead set into the base. The web site that will tell you all is http://www.britishchesssets.com There is a contact link for the owner/author who I am sure will be able to provide more info. The leading restorer of these sets is Alan Dewey but it sounds like you have already contacted him. Mick

[good-2-u]

Hi Mick, Thanks for the feedback, i've been on quite a learning curve these last few weeks, I've picked up Alan Fersht's book and looking at the Knight and the other pieces i'm thinking its a 1855 Harrwitz (the teeth on the knight pointing me more to the Harrwitz than the Anderssen) The Bishop, Queen, Rook & King are all identical to the 1855 versions illustrated too. Your right about the label, its a real shame. I've checked and its unweighted. What i like is all the pieces are even pattena, also the felts too are all the same, bar the one or two nicks that Alan Dewey is putting right its in great condition. Im going to hang on to it and its got me of a mind to start collecting. I've aways had a thing about chess and chess sets. P.S. if you know anyone with a board of the period i'd be interested. Cheers Harry

[sir_poshington-toff]

I have been asked to pass on a message from the author of "Jaques Staunton Chess Sets 1849-1939". The pieces are distinctly different from the 1852-55 drop jaw sets. Note in particular the arch of the back of the knight, the angle of its muzzle and its depth. The mitre of the bishop is also different. The 1852-55 sets are also not felted. The knights and bishops are of a variety sold circa 1865.

[candylab1]

Harry, I see that you have now received some definitive info on the dating of your king.Good period boards are in many respects harder to come by than sets and difficult to date as there are not as many indicators.You may want to re-contact Alan Dewey as he may be able to source one or point you in the right direction.The board should match the base width of your pieces.You can check even on modern set suppliers sites for the right dimensions but I think ( from memory) you would be looking for something with 2"(5cm)wide squares. Mick -- Edited by candylab1 at 09/28/2009 3:39 PM PDT -- Edited by candylab1 at 09/28/2009 3:40 PM PDT

[candylab1]

Harry, I have just realised that I edited the wrong bits.It should read "...dating of your set" and "...base width of your king"! Sorry about that. Mick

[good-2-u]

Sir_pos & Mick, many thanks for the info all well received thanks. 1865 it is... very nice. still very very happy. will be pride of place as soon as Alan has worked his magic :-) Cheers Harry -- Edited by good-2-u at 09/30/2009 4:58 AM PDT -- Edited by good-2-u at 09/30/2009 4:59 AM PDT