New JLP Walnut/Maple Chess Piece box @ ChessHouse

Full disclosure: I designed this box, freely gave all the specs to ChessHouse… and they built something that blew away my expectations. I have two boxes enroute, will post pictures and an update as soon as they arrive.

I’ve been a huge admirer of JLP’s production quality for years, and have purchased their Drueke style boards. If you haven’t had the pleasure of playing/owning one of those, and it’s in your budget… make it a point to pick one up! I’ve also scoured the globe for great chess sets, and barring one minor acquisition, my collection is almost complete.

However, in a world with superb chessboards and exquisitely carved chess pieces from Slovenia, Ukraine, Romania, Russia, Spain, India and now the US, one thing was missing… a gorgeous, heirloom quality chess box.

When I set out to design a box, I had the following elements in mind:

• It had to accommodate 4” King height sets
• All pieces had to be able to stand, with none rolling around
• Felted bottom, so it could be placed on top of a board
• Ideally 2 compartments, one for each color
• Felted interior as well
• As small a footprint as possible

I played around with a lot of configurations, and explored different sets to find the widest possible variations, including Sandor Biro’s incredible Hungarian Romanian set (chunky pawns!). I then sketched out the size, had a prototype made, and turned this all over to ChessHouse.

This is the result. I’ll let the pictures tell their own story…

https://www.chesshouse.com/collections/jlp-woodworking-hardwood-usa-products/products/walnut-and-maple-premium-hardwood-chess-piece-box

It’s a cool box, but I am wondering how much it cost to have them make a custom box for you. The value would depend on the cost benefit analysis

I’m not sure I understand your question? This is available to anyone who wants to purchase one, retail price is $199 but ChessHouse always has a coupon available so street price is ~$160 shipped or so.

Box looks elegant .... love the 2 tones with the maple and walnut.. Cant wait to see a picture of this sitting on that incredible table you have.

Very nice box.A bit pricey though.

It's a very nice box. I have a JLP board which I like. I have shopped for chess piece boxes but gave up. The prices are objectionable. I use small cardboard Amazon shipping boxes. I am satisfied with the effectiveness and good value of that container. I tie a cord around it with a packer's knot for security.

ChessHouse actually has a quite decent walnut box for $37 retail, they always have a coupon so it’s $30. I find that an incredible value…

https://www.chesshouse.com/products/walnut-storage-box-for-most-pieces-up-to-3-75

Looks like a good value.

It is a great value....I decided to order two boxes from what turned out to be a pathetically bad Amazon dealer and both came literally destroyed! Whoever packed them just stacked them on top of each other,with an ultra thin plastic bag as protection.Then slapped an address sticker on it...... Crack City! They must have been on it too.

It's so pathetic that I found it laughable and am getting a full refund.Going for quality this time around.

So, it doesn't have any latch, and only the cheapest hinges. Doesn't inspire much confidence considering the price.

It’s not designed as a “travel case”, or something that would need a locking hinge. It’s solid walnut and maple, so quite heavy - the primary purpose of this is to be able to store all your pieces together, and move them from your storage location (shelf/bookcase/closet) to your chessboard or table.

This box facilitates that, prevents nicks from pieces jostling each other in a jumbled box, and allows for protective storage from light and dust. It’s NOT a carry case to take pieces to your local club, but at the price point of this box, no one would take the pieces inside (likely $400+ sets) to do that.

For $199 I’d make my own, but I realize not everyone has the opportunity to do so. However, knowing the time (and tools) involved in making this, I’m happy to see that they are able to be paid accordingly.

FWIW, The Blake & Lake boxes(on Amazon) are very well made and are quite good for piece storage.I have two,but they don't have a latch....No biggie to me,since they never leave the house.

Wow, beautiful box! Congratulations on getting this project together.

The dimensions are just right and everything about this seems well thought out.

I'm definitely considering grabbing one, as a big JLP fan.

Speaking of JLP,I was able to obtain a mint JLP 21" Player's Choice board for $199.00 incl shipping a few months back....The workmanship is amazing.

I don’t make anything on the sale of these, I’m just happy that ChessHouse/JLP produced them.

However… as someone who has owned other JLP boxes (as well as the boards), and I’ve also had the pleasure of commissioning boxes and other woodwork from various talented individuals in North America, I have this to say: there is great work, and then there is JLP. It’s on another level as to fit and finish, truly world class.

There is one valid commentary that @chessmaster_diamond mentioned, the hinges. JLP uses regular box/cabinet butt hinges, but you can always swap them out for Brusso butt hinges that will fit perfectly (and cost $40 each )

Just received the two boxes I ordered, and they are even better in person than I expected.

Stunning. I have no words, only horrible photos that don’t even come close to doing these justice:

There's no doubt those boxes are penultimate products....The pictures do them more justice than you make them out to be.I have the JLP board,so I know how this guy's craftsmanship is....but....The price!

I am in the market for two nice boxes,but after just buying the S.C. Hallett set and a H.O.S. Tsarist Russian set,I'm tapped out of cash....Well,not really,but I'm scared of what the wife might do to me as I sleep,if I splurge for those "gorgeous" boxes.

Snip,snip....Not a good thought.

Very nice box , But at that price would rather pick up & old vintage or antique box , Yet I guess if you spend a lot on a chess sets & you got the $$$ + space why not .

I understand the price, a box of this type takes many hours to complete. The market determines the price point but it doesn’t reduce the time to create a quality item.