Apparently,you da' man!
Jaques antique chessmen
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It's a compliment. Like saying you're number one.
Feb 20, 2023
0
#105
Oh, thank you! For some strange reason, I have never heard this expression. Is it a short form?
It's primarily from TV and movies,or sports,where one is giving accolades to being very good at something.
Thanks for posting. Hard to believe that those knights from your "Steinitz" set are historic Jaques pieces. I've never seen original Jaques knights look anything like that. Are you sure they're 19th century?
Feb 23, 2023
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#109
Countertheory, I quite am - I bought the set from Frank Camaratta who provided me with
a lot of information concerning this set of chessmen. Amongst other bits of information he explicitly told me "It is one of the finest Jaques wooden chess sets of that period you will find." The boxwood knights are exactly the same patina as the other boxwood pieces, and I have no indication that there are any replacements in this set. I asked Frank about potential replacements in the set before I purchased it, and he assured me there wasn´t a single one. I am attaching another photo here, showing the four knights. The shape of the knights changed considerably in the Jaques sets in the course of the years.
Hi, and thanks for the additional photos and details. Yes, I can now see that they are the 1870-75 knights. And yes, aware that the styles changed a lot over the years. I have about seven or eight Jaques sets of my own, including one that I'm pretty sure is from 1849. I have always wondered why modern set makers can't get anywhere near the beauty of the old Jaques pieces. Anyway, congrats on your wonderful collection.
Feb 23, 2023
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#111
Thanks for your reply, Countertheory! Yes, I have often wondered myself - I guess it must have to do with the fact that those antique Jaques sets were truly hand-crafted - it gives those chessmen a "personal" charm that you simply cannot achieve using computer-controlled lathes. And, in addition, what makes these antique sets so beautiful is the honey-hue patina the boxwood pieces have developed in the course of so many decades. Some modern manufacturers try to artificially imitate this, but do not fully manage. Nature is always superior to its artificial imitation, I believe.
Congratulations on your sets - it sounds very thrilling, especially if you have a "first generation" set from 1849! If you feel inclined, you might post some photos - it would be lovely to see some of your beauties!
Enjoy that gem!
Sorry - images all messed up. Can't deal with technology sometimes.
Hang on, I'll try to republish the pics. These ones are terrible (and the wrong way around!)
Feb 25, 2023
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#117
Countertheory that could be a 1849 set just going by the bishop tops and high Rook bases, if you like post the set on my FB group, you would get loads of expert opinions there 😀♟️
https://www.facebook.com/groups/242107984735786/?ref=share
https://www.facebook.com/groups/242107984735786/?ref=share
@castletohorsey Thanks very much for the advice. I tried to repost pictures the right way up, ended up deleting my original one (Lord knows how!) and can't for the life of me seem to post any images the right way around. In short, I think I'll take your good suggestion and look up your facebook post. Thanks very much.
Mar 11, 2023
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#119
Here comes my latest purchase, a Jaques "Lasker" tournament size set (unweighted), ca. 1880-1885:
Thank you, lighthouse!