I have the option to purchase the set at $125. I must wait until Monday of next week to pick up the set due to raising the funds.
Others have expressed this is a good buy. Here are my questions:
1. How much would it cost me to get a replacement black queen and black knight? This is my preference as I would love to be able to use this as my personal set.
2. If I chose to sell the set, would it be better to give it a light cleaning or sell as is?
3. Would it be better to piece the set out, or sell the entire set together?
In an earlier post, I requested help with evaluating the price of a set. I called the set an 1862 set (and I also called it an 1867 set in a typo), but on further investigation, I believe the set is later. The box has this label:
Working with the pieces, I have noticed both kings (which stand at 4 1/8 inch high) have the red stamp of “Jaques London” on the base.
The base of the kings measure 1 7/8 inch.
One white knight, one white rook, and one black rook has the kingside stamp in red on the top. I am missing one black knight, which I assume should have the stamp. I am additionally missing the black queen.
Speaking of the knights, here is a picture of the carving:
All of the knights have both ears. The kings have their crosses. There is no chipping, not even to the white queen’s collar, which I was amazed at.
The set looks well worn, so I cannot imagine it being a reproduction. There is mildew on some pieces, which rubs off easily with the pad of my fingers. Here is a picture of some of that mildew: