$4495 House of Staunton Chessboard

https://www.houseofstaunton.com/signature-contemporary-chessboard-walnut-burl-maple-burl-2-5-squares-20709.html

Who would buy this?

I would not buy that.

It is humorous though for me.  The first nice board I ever bought was from Frank Camaratta to go along with a Collector Set I bought from him.  It was called the Contemporary board and was a pedestal board like the one linked to.

After a relatively short time, I sold that board because the pedestal was not that conducive to tournament play.  I prefer the boards where the outer frame is elevated, or the playing area is sunken.  This way, you can carry the board, with pieces on it from the tournament hall to the skittles area to discuss the game without the pieces sliding or otherwise falling off the board.

Also Made in the USA ,

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ColoradoWoodWorker?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=516537432

Much better value ,  only thing shipping & tax to the EU would not be cheap .

I agree can't beat CO Woodworker.  Shipping wouldn't be that bad would it?  Anyway. handmade solid wood boards for the price of laminate boards from other sellers. 

My solid wood board from ColoradoWoodWorker.....maple & Brazilian cherry squares, walnut apron....

https://www.etsy.com/listing/498580706/brazilian-cherry-and-maple-drueke-style?ga_search_query=cherry&ref=shop_items_search_15&frs=1

Pieces are GM Blitz set from ChessBazaar....

https://www.chessbazaar.com/the-gm-blitz-edition-staunton-series-chess-set-in-ebony-wood-natural-boxwood-3-75-king.html?___SID=U

No I don't.  I bought a HOS laminate board right before I learned about Colorado Woodworker.  I am not happy with my HOS board (slight lifting of some square edges and peeling of the side board laminate, which has revealed the cheap particle board underneath.)  I have been looking at Brad's boards ever since.  I know it is just a matter of time until I own one.  Right now I can't decide the style I like best.  The raised boards are beautiful, but I also like the Drueke style with the groove as RussBell has shown above.  I also think the magnetic 4 piece boards are really cool!  then there are all the wood choices to decide from!  

I live less than an hour drive from him, so it only seems logical that I get one of his boards!  

Very nice.  

18" board (2.25" squares) I presume?  

Board exterior dimensions = 22" x 22".  Playing area = 18" x 18".  Squares = 2.25".  A very good board for the price.  Quality and craftsmanship are excellent.  I love mine!

CO Woodworker has some very interesting boards to choose from.  Also, some of the boards that he has made and not yet sold (i.e., are in inventory) are typically discounted vs ordering a board that is not in stock.

@forked_again would at least avoid shipping charges if he picks the board up from Brad.

I just checked and he offers free shipping in the US anyway.  But, It might be fun to go down there and check out his operation if I could.  

I think you would enjoy the visit.  Perhaps Brad can show you his operation and how he makes his boards.  Should be an interesting experience.

Well I'm going to have to blame Endgame347 and RussBell for my impulse buy today!  I couldn't hold out any longer.  My Colorado Woodworker board is on the way!  After much deliberation, I chose the Peruvian Walnut and Maple Drueke Style:

Of course I need a new chess set to go with it.  I'm making my kids buy that, LOL!  Getting the 1849 Jaques reproduction set from Chess Bazaar. 

Went for this one. 

https://www.chessbazaar.com/reproduced-1849-original-staunton-pattern-chess-set-in-ebony-boxwood-with-king-side-stamping-3-75-king.html

I got the 3.75" King which should be perfect with the 2.25" squares of the board, just like RussBells combo (In terms of size) in his picture above.  they make a 4.4" king version, but its over 100 bucks more, and would probably do best with 2.5" squares.  My other board is 2.5" which works well with my Isle of Lewis pieces, but figured I go with something a little smaller (and standard FIDE size). 

@forked_again - that board is a beauty!  I'm sure you will enjoy playing on it, and won't regret the purchase.  Your new pieces should look great with the board as well, and should fit it perfectly.  Well done!

Thanks Russ, your picture inspired me.  

Yes I like the bishop mitre as well.  There are a lot of Jaques of London reproductions out there, and Chess Bazaar does not have my favorite, but they do have a great price for a nice quality, decent representation to the the original, from what I have read.  

Besides the bishop, which is a key feature, I really like the wide fat rook in this set.  Apparently, depending on the year, the original Jaques sets had different style rooks and some of the reproductions have a more slender rook.  That fat rook was something I really wanted for some illogical reason.  So While I shopped, it was the rook shape and Bishop shape and mitre I focused on most.  Then there is the finish, and I think there are better antiquing jobs out there for the white pieces, but I'll just have to let mine antique the old fashioned way. 

So there are a lot of nice sets out there, with fancier knights and more beautiful colors (I really like the reddish rosewood colored pieces), but I am attracted to the history of this set, and playing with pieces like the ones used in the middle of the 1800s!  I suppose that's why I also have Isle of Lewis pieces which have a really cool history I enjoy thinking about when I look at them.   

I did send him a message and said I would save him the shipping cost and pick it up and maybe get a quick tour of his operation! But I would understand if he doesn't want to waste time with that.  We will see.  

Suggest to him that a little show & tell will provide additional inspiration for you to sing his praises on Chess.com!