Really beautiful set! I like distressed pieces as it accentuates the shapes and details—I got Staunton Castle’s Czech Club reproduction in distressed boxwood for that reason. And beautiful mahogany stain! I’m not actually familiar with how real mahogany chess pieces look, but the color of the stained pieces is really beautiful.
1849 Jaques Reproduction - Chess Villa

Whenever I get a new set, I find myself obsessing over details … and the Macro photos I took on my camera have highlighted a very strong, straight line under the knights eye … exacerbated somewhat by the dark stain in the crack. It’s interesting - because in the flesh - that line doesn’t come across so strong and further, perhaps when playing - I don’t view pieces at table level… still … funny what we collectors obsess over … what we pick up when studying the minutiae. Still… a lovely set… in my eyes.
and on a smaller crowded board …


Thank you for posting pictures of your new set. 🤗 I like the slightly uneven mahogany stain, it adds additional personality to the pieces. The pieces look gorgeous on both boards.
And cute giraffes in the background. 🦒 And those lovely Isle of Lewis pieces...

Cheers @jacmater and @DelphinSnow - I’m glad you enjoyed and good eyes Delphin — an eclectic mix display. They are lovely pieces.👍
Simply a beautiful set of classic pieces! The kind of possession that begs to be ogled over often and you're going to do just that.
Btw, too nice for the pub.

I mostly don't get antiquing, but new & fresh reproductions do not feel so pub, a vintage 1849 we'd hardly take- so the perfect pub 1849, maybe you got it

Cheers for the feedback.👍 @Magictwanger - it was your post that got me looking at Chess Villa - so thanks. On the pub … I reflect on my collecting and smile - in the past, I used to take so much care with my pieces and now I play with nearly all my sets anywhere and whenever I can. The dings and dents and dirt of a normal chess game do not worry me like they used too. I do however fear major breaks and animals chewing pieces - so I do protect them when they are on display at home… high and out of the mouth of my pooch! 😊
Dear buddy Powder.....It's nice to have "just one" premium set in minty shape. That set is in the premium class imo.
Ne plus ultra, as ungwichtet might say.

the beautiful stain job is truly in a class of its own and the only one that comes close that was showcased recently is

Cheers @MGT88, thank you and I agree that it does work well on that board, albeit a tighter fit. I always find it interesting to see how my thinking settles after I get a new set in my collection and this one has settled well - in marketing parlance from my university days - no post purchase dissonance here. 😊
👍

Hey @Powderdigit, that is a really lovely set. Seems like perfect level of antiquing on the light side, and lovely color stain with just a touch of distressing on the dark pieces. I have been looking at similar Jaques reproductions but have been on a hiatus from buying lately as I am starting to run out of room. Unfortunately for me, selling off one of my sets feels like cutting off one of my own fingers. My Kindle has no such problem. I continue to acquire chess books at an alarming rate, even the occasional paperback or hardcover edition. At least I feel like my game is improving a bit though, which at my age is hard to do.
Sorry to post on this forum out of the blue from the UK, but I wonder if anyone can help with a missing white pawn from a Vintage Jaques Staunton set I have - 3.5" King (1890 set). The box is in poor shape and being restored for me, but I do need to find a white pawn. Apologies for bothering everyone, but any help greatly
appreciated. Kind regards. Simon
Hi all,






It’s been a while and I hope this post finds everyone well.
Somewhat intrigued by a recent post from @magictwanger, I investigated Chess Villa and on a whim, I purchased an 1849 Jaques Reproduction (3.75”) that was on special.
I have been looking at this style for a long time but nearly every set was above my price range and originals are way out of my league.
Before I go any further, I cannot speak to the accuracy of the reproduction nor to what variant it may have been reproduced from. I just don’t have the knowledge or comparative pieces (in my hand) to make such a comment. Further, I know people are passionate about stains and antique finishes … I purposely purchased a stained set because I liked it - no other reason.
With that context - my thoughts.
Firstly Arpit from Chess Villa is a gentleman and made me feel confident in my purchase. It was delivered quickly, packed well and the pieces have exceeded my expectations. They are a delight. For those that remember my review of the RCM 50’s Dubs - the mahogany stain on both these sets are very similar. I love the colour and the finish / but others may think the finish is a bit sloppy - not me - exactly want I ordered and expected. I’ll let the photos do the talking now and thank you Arpit and the team at CV - very good. 👍
Whether an accurate reproduction or not, I like these pieces. They are beautifully made, nicely weighted (but not too heavy) - they will be a joy to take to a cafe or pub and play. 👍