So I just inherited my Grandfather Les's chess set.  He was born in 1890, so it's probably an early 20c chess set.  Love the board (and I'd love any recommendations on cleaning and care) as well as the genuinely goofy looking facial expressions in the kinghts.

The newspaper clippings are a sheaf of chess puzzels from the Christian Science Monitor.

I've spent most of my short life around wooden antiques, and although I am by no means an expert I can offer you one piece of advice for how to take care of the board:

Keep water well away from it, and that goes for all water-based liquids. Not only will it completely destroy any finish that has been applied to the wood, if the board is inlaid (as it appears in the photo) then the water will cause the woods to crack and swell at different rates to the point where pieces actually start falling off. If you should spill a cup of tea or something on the board get to it IMMEDIATELY.

Sorry if that sounds a bit forceful, but I've seen so many absolutely beautiful antiques ruined in this way (I've seen a lot - my father repairs antiques professionally).

EDIT: The pieces should be more durable as it looks like they're varnished. Looks like a lovely set, though.

Agree. Nice pics! :)

Nice set! The only care instructions I've seen are on the House of Staunton FAQ page.

http://www.houseofstaunton.com/articles.asp?ID=249#002

Thanks for the advice vansamoht - talked to a friend of mine who does fine woodworking.  His recommendation was to take a rag barely dampened with mineral sprits over the surface to get of some of the surface dirt and then to follow up with 100% bees wax -- really quickly on and then off so as not to build up a high sheen

Noticed your post and couldn't resist the opportunity to send a picture of my own grandfathers chess set. I used to play with this set against my dad and have always been fascinated by the design of the pieces.

Nev-t: Beautiful.  Love the wear on those St. George style pieces.  Much loved / much used.  Is one of the black rooks damaged?  Any sense of where / when your grandfather acquired the set?

Great thread! Thanks for sharing. I hope one day my children have fond memories looking at and using my chess stuff . . .

-Ted

I love it - what a cool chess set - awesome board as well. The Knights actually look nice from side on - the front-on shot is hilarious!