He picked it up in a second hand store for about $40NZ dollars some time ago.  

If I can track him down I'll get him some money for it.  

It was a bit of a let down when I opened up the second plastic bag of pieces to find them the same just different colour.  I was made slightly happier by the fact that all the pieces were there (I was told some were missing)

That's actually a really fascinating set, although I think I would've liked if the black side had a different theme, like, maybe reptiles versus feline mammalians or something. The table is fantastic too! I trust you have it on display... it's a great conversation piece, super classy.

I can't understand how your ex's brother could forget he owned something so ornate. He must not be a real chess player...

I like it, that is cool.

You could floor a burgular with those pieces.