Staunton set with huge kings: do you know something about it?

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Avatar of brasileirosim

I just found again this set in a bookshelf in my office. Unweighted. The King is amazingly tall with 12.5 cm (the Queen 10 cm). The white pieces have a nice patina, and the Knights are simple but beautifully carved. If I remember well I bought it in Switzerland, but I never saw a similarity set here or elsewhere . I would be grateful if somebody can give me any information about it.

And yes, the board is not flat.

Avatar of StumpyBlitzer

Moved it will be better here

Avatar of brasileirosim

What do you mean?

Avatar of Pawnerai

If I had to venture a guess, it's Austrian/German. Use the search term: "Onion Top"

Avatar of brasileirosim
Pawnerai wrote:

If I had to venture a guess, it's Austrian/German. Use the search term: "Onion Top"

Thanks for the information, yes, it seems very similar to the Onion Top depicted here

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-equipment/chess-bazaars-19th-century-austrian-set--a-pictorial-review

Avatar of TheOneCalledMichael

Yes it is Onion Top set. The knights are beautifully carved indeed. Here is my 86mm version, the carver who did my knights I think he was in a hurry to catch the train.

Avatar of MCH818

Nice Michael! I saw an Onion Top set on Etsy and really liked it. I should have known you would have it already.

Avatar of Powderdigit
Love this set!
Avatar of brasileirosim
MCH818 wrote:

Nice Michael! I saw an Onion Top set on Etsy and really liked it. I should have known you would have it already.

Great set, thanks for sharing! When were they produced? 1930s or 1940s or later? Or is this a reproduction? It is the first time I am reading about this pattern. If I remember well I bought it in Bern for something like 30 Sfr, and I knew the price was too low (it was a junk store).

Avatar of brasileirosim

How did you do to get this black background in your picture?

Avatar of brasileirosim
Powderdigit wrote:
Love this set!

Thanks!

Avatar of brasileirosim

There is some discussion on the set, focusing on its Austrian / German origin. I was surprised to see that some people went for an Austrian origin, as the Austrian sets have a very traditional pattern, especially concerning the bishops.

Holger Langer defends the German origin with (as always) excellent arguments)

https://www.chess-collection.de/newpage510dabb1

Avatar of brasileirosim

This set in the chess museum

http://www.chess-museum.com/staunton-style.html

The size of the kings is similar to my set. Also the knights are similar.