Current vendor/set recommendations for "nice" Jaques style set?

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Avatar of grackled

I'm drawn (like many here, I'd guess) to the looks of vintage Jaques style sets, and would like to buy a "nice" current reproduction - approx 3.5" King height, good looking Knights (original/Marshall/Nimzovich? - well made in whatever style), wide (perhaps stamped) bases, Kingside Knight/Rook stamping would be a nice touch, etc.

I am in the US - I know of House of Staunton, but have seen mixed reviews of them lately(?)...I know most all such sets are currently made in India, and it definitely makes sense to me to buy direct, but again have seen mixed reviews of the various vendors?

Budget-wise I'm thinking in the ~$250 range, if that can that buy something "satisfying" that I won't later wish I had spent more - if not please advise

Thank you for any and all suggestions!

Avatar of baudouin27

Here’s one - more money, but you wouldn’t have regrets about the quality of the set:

https://chessantiques.com/product/nathaniel-cooke-1849-staunton-chess-set/

Staunton Castle is top of the line as well. Maybe this one:

https://stauntoncastle.com/products/nathaniel-cooke-series-1849-distressed-mahogany-boxwood-chess-set-king-3-625?_pos=8&_sid=ca719de61&_ss=r

Or you could order a set from a Chess Master, Sándor Biró: https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-equipment/original-romanian-hungarian-tournament-chess-set-im-biro

Avatar of VTVXIV

For traditional Jaques designs, I recommend Staunton Castle for quality, accuracy, and pricing. Mandeep Saggu’s carvings/finishes are phenomenal, and his customer service is reportedly great from what I’ve read, though I have no personal experience aside from direct and responsive chats with Mandeep.

Avatar of paulo_armi

I recently bought a Morphy Cooke 1849-50 Repro with a 3.5” King from Staunton Castle in antiqued boxwood and ebony. I was surprised by the overall quality of the pieces, especially how well carved, detailed and consistent the four Knights are. Mandeep kindly accommodated my request for unweighted pieces and shipped the set within just a few days. Overall, it is a great set for this price range. I will definitely buy more Jaques reproductions from them.

Avatar of felonet
I’d go William Grimshaw set from Staunton Castle with that budget
Avatar of lighthouse

Just get a real Jaques chess set , theses repro 's just don't come close to the real thing , wink

https://www.antiquechessshop.com/product-category/staunton/

Avatar of GrandPatzerDave
lighthouse wrote:

Just get a real Jaques chess set , theses repro 's just don't come close to the real thing ,

https://www.antiquechessshop.com/product-category/staunton/

Like they say, "Don't spend all his money in one place!" Or something like that... wink

Avatar of grackled

Thanks all for the replies and suggestions so far! - including the one for the real thing!...

Avatar of felonet
Whichever you choose - come back and make a review about it!
Avatar of LukeF745

Another vote for Staunton Castle's 1849-50 Morphy Cooke with the three and a half inch King. I spent a ridiculous amount of time researching the various Jaques repros and I feel it paid off. I'm picky and I couldn't be happier with my decision. Additionally, Mandeep was very responsive and a pleasure to do business with.

Avatar of Castletohorsey
There is a real numbered Morphy just appeared at Auction!
Avatar of IpswichMatt
Castletohorsey wrote:
There is a real numbered Morphy just appeared at Auction!

Entered Number 1291, right?

Auctioneer's estimate £200-£300 - LOL

Avatar of Castletohorsey
Yes the auctioneers valuation on these sets are a joke… it’s a nice set with some black damage that can be fixed, but there are some pawn replacements. But still a great set, chunky late Morphy knights.