Opinion on this Staunton chess set for sale

Hello all,

I am looking to pick up a set of Staunton chess pieces on eBay and just wanted to check whether the amount asked for was about right (£500).

The pieces are damaged quite a bit so would need to repaired.

Appreciate any thoughts as it will be my first set.

Thank you
Link:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114930099322?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160811114145%26meid%3D03b0960d4371433d836aa78ba1036467%26pid%3D100667%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D403060929004%26itm%3D114930099322%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2334524&_trksid=p2334524.c100667.m2042

I don't know much about antique sets, but it looks like the Marshall set offered by Frank at https://chessantiques.com/product/jaques-marshall-chessmen-club-size/. Frank's set is larger at 3 7/8". You can check out Frank's offering as a gauge on price. I remember another member mentioned it would probably be a few hundred dollars to restore a badly damaged 1849 set. I think it was @EfimLG47 who said this. He is a big collector who might be able to point you in the right direction on restoration. Good luck.

The King's finial is interesting for a Jaques set. The finial is flat at the bottom where it meets the King's "head". Not contoured like a donut cushion. And the bottom "base" part of the cross is lozenge shaped, separate from the top part of the cross. Are these tell tale signs of the production year? Anyone?

**Update** I can't find any evidence of a Jaques set with those King finials. As Schachmonkey mentions, most likely a mismatched repair. Especially when you consider the condition of the all the other pieces. An original King finial is highly unlikely. The set looks like it's been through a spin cycle and tumble in the dryer. 

I wish the Kings had the original/correct finials. Even if the original finials were badly damaged and hanging on by a splinter. Is it worth £500? ($700 usd) Ooof... that's a tough call. It's definitely not a "steal of a bargain". If you're considering it. Request a straight-on shot of all the pieces in a row. That incorrect King finial repair makes the whole set suspicious. 

This is the box included with missing lid

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A-Victorian-Staunton-Chess-Set-By-Jaques-Of-London-/114886238907

That's the same set of chess pieces sold by the same seller a month ago.

13 Jul, 2021 17:20:23 BST
Winning bid: £365.00 (8 bids)

Compare the knots in the wood of the white King. It's the same exact set. Does the seller have a good story as to why he is selling the set again? This "deal" is turning sour rather quickly.

Keep your eyes open to what eventually comes up.....You'll ultimately find what you want and "then" you'll be happy,with no reservations.

Good luck.

Seller looks a bit dodgy to me read seller's feedback. I never buy from a seller without 100% feedback unless the negative feedback was unwarranted. I certainly wouldn't on an expensive item.

Real repairs will cost quite a bit, so offer him half of what he's asking and see what happens.

I have found another potential Jaques set for sale on eBay. Slightly higher price at £900 but would appreciate any views as to the condition.

My initial thoughts are the condition looks good but there are a couple of areas that aren’t very clear, I.e. the discolouration to the top of the white king.

Appreciate any advice from you all.

Link:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Antique-Staunton-Chess-Set-Weighted-c1885-King-3-75-with-Original-Box-and-Key-/165031520675?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

I am not an expert on these,but from what I see it's a nice clean looking set.....Box looks to be in great shape too.....The "thing" you'd have to ask is....How many of these come up in this type of condition and at that price.

Either way,best of luck.

Oh I see it's not available now did you buy it?

Good luck.