1849 - Which retailer is most accurate?

Well, the most accurate version of the Jaques set is, unsurprisingly, a Jaques set... 😊

https://www.jaqueslondon.co.uk/products/staunton-chess-set-mahogany

https://www.jaqueslondon.co.uk/products/staunton-chess-set-leather-casket

These two 1849 sets, are the original size king at 4.4 inch and made to special order, however, even

with a discount code, will still cost between £2,100 and £3,500.

Jaques do sell less expensive sets at smaller sizes but if it's the OG you want, that £2,100 set with the Mahogany casket would be the one to go for. It's a special set if you can afford it. Also budget for a large chess board as the 4.4 inch king has a base of 49mm

Edit: I just thought I would add this. Jaques also make a 4 inch version which is much more playable, and would fit nicely on a 60mm square board. Its the same design and quality but nearly a thousand pounds cheaper at £1,260 (At the time of writing) This would be my pick. Good luck. 🤗

https://www.jaqueslondon.co.uk/products/luxury-chess-set

Thank you very much An_English_Knight, I really appreciate your response. I'm torn, what you post is expensive but also very accurate (obviously) but I just wonder how the Indian made pieces rate in comparison for maybe half the price again for example. I'm really getting into the weeds here but presumably the original set back in 1849 would have been made from English cut trees (given Staunton, Cooke and Jacques were English) which might make the link you posted more authentic than anything else made elsewhere in the world. And once again, thank you for the reply.

Well with all the Indian chess manufacturers, the quality of an 1849 4.4 inch set is likely to be very high, but as always there will be the odd bad one from any of them. Its how they deal with problems that should influence you purchasing decision.

I can tell you one thing. As far as I am aware, The chess Empire, who have been around since the early 1960's, are the only chess set manufacturer in India authorised by Jaques to make their cheaper sets. They do make a lovely looking 1849 4.4 inch reproduction set for a high, but much more reasonable, price... As well as many other very nice looking sets.

https://www.thechessempire.com/product/1849-jaques-exclusive-series-staunton-chess-pieces-boxwood-ebony-4-4-king/

But... I have never seen any reviews for them or known anyone that has bought from them. So very much do your due diligence before buying from them, or anyone else come to that.

I will finish off by saying... All the reproduction sets from the usual suspects are going to be good, high quality and well finished sets and i bet you'd be delighted with them. However (excluding fakes) only the genuine Jaques made set will have the Jaques London stamp on the king base if that is something that means anything to you.

Good luck. Hope you find what you're looking for. 🤗

Thank you so much for your view on this. It's been a big help. I really appreciate it.

In one of the threads on this forum they talk about the development of the set I linked. I think the effort was partially driven by a forum member

Thank you all. Looking forward to deep diving via those links. Thanks again.

I have a 3.75 inch king Nathaniel set from Staunton Castle in ebony and antiqued boxwood (but not distressed) that is very very nice, and cost a fraction of what original Jaques sets would cost. It looks fabulous on the Carton-Pierre mousepad board I got from HoS and if I didn't tell anyone they might assume it is a real antique Jaques. I didn't go for the 4.25 inch king set because I felt they looked a little cramped on my 2.25 inch squares boards, and it would just be easier to use in the smaller size. With their current Black Friday discount the price is just under $225, which is great for a quality ebony set.

Ihttps://stauntoncastle.com/products/original-reproduction-nathaniel-1849-vintage-3-75-chess-pieces-in-antiqued-boxwood-ebony

I once made the mistake of a 4.5" set. Playing with it feels an awful lot like "lawn chess" as I scurry from piece to piece to shove 'em around (use your legs!). I had to put caster wheels on the board that's big enough for those guys. Good arm workout, though...

Have to agree with GPD, but wanted biceps like Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos (/s), so purchased the ‘1850-51 Early 2880 Jaques’ from Staunton Castle. The quality of their work is high and these pieces did not disappoint - well carved. Still, 4.4” equals like 8 knubbels stacked…

I love that set ^

I think it has the best lines amongst all the Jacques-style Staunton Castle offerings

I agree, that is a really nice looking set. I really like the rooks - those crenelations are striking!

I’ve always preferred Rooks too, they tell better jokes. The problem with Bishops is they’re always drunk while Knights are always hopping around like Tigger on crack. Pawns are just mean - they’ll kick you in the shins and spit in your eye as you’re going down. And with the King looking at you like he knows what you’re thinking about the Queen… Yeah, Rooks are my boys, for sure.