Very, very nice set. No idea who made the set but I'm sure some connoisseurs will. It would surprise me if such a set was the product of a first attempt. I really like the proportions of the set. The patina and wears of the black (and white) pieces are just fine. Congrats with this nice set!
Vintage English Made Set, Does Anyone Know the Maker?
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bananamoon wrote:
Very, very nice set. No idea who made the set but I'm sure some connoisseurs will. It would surprise me if such a set was the product of a first attempt. I really like the proportions of the set. The patina and wears of the black (and white) pieces are just fine. Congrats with this nice set!
Thanks bananamoon,I'm glad you enjoyed the set
Aug 20, 2016
0
#4
I don't know who made these. What is your basis for saying they're English? I think I'd hold off on refinishing them until I knew what exactly they are.
Aug 20, 2016
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#5
There are a number of possible {'vintage chess-set'}, 'candidates' that might fit your requirements, under - "Vintage English Chess Sets"/ 'Google'- images. -- Incidentally, I found the following, semi-pertinent "YouTube" video, {see 'link'} - On that aforementioned, 'image' Web page. .. Cheers ..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsZjyXaAGpw
cgrau wrote:
I don't know who made these. What is your basis for saying they're English? I think I'd hold off on refinishing them until I knew what exactly they are.
The pieces are finely turned like other vintage English made sets. Besides, who else is there? I ruled out the French sets as they don't measure up to the English sets in quality or turnings.
Stolen_Authenticity wrote:
There are a number of possible {'vintage chess-set'}, 'candidates' that might fit your requirements, under - "Vintage English Chess Sets"/ 'Google'- images. -- Incidentally, I found the following, semi-pertinent "YouTube" video, {see 'link'} - On that aforementioned, 'image' Web page. .. Cheers ..
Thanks for your input
Nice set Mike, I think Chuck gave good advice, about not refinishing. Even if you find out who made it and when, imo. I can't help with Mgf either, especially since we don't know the age. The felt is a clue however, unless all the bases were rebased with it and it was at a later time. The bases may have been leather at one time. If so it would be old more than likely. Where did you get the set Mike, and did they know anything or offer any insights ?
Also Mike show the 2 black knights together because I can't see well, if its not too much trouble. I can't tell any differences, from the above photos, so if you showed both knights, I can't tell any difference between the 2.
Also there was a co that used to copy Jaques, damn I can't remember who they were though.
CrimsonKnight7 wrote:
Nice set Mike, I think Chuck gave good advice, about not refinishing. Even if you find out who made it and when, imo. I can't help with Mgf either, especially since we don't know the age. The felt is a clue however, unless all the bases were rebased with it and it was at a later time. The bases may have been leather at one time. If so it would be old more than likely. Where did you get the set Mike, and did they know anything or offer any insights ?
Thanks Crimson, It aapears not refinishing the pieces is the way to go. I've never seen any vintage English sets with leather base pads, but who knows for sure. I got this set on Ebay around 16 years ago.
CrimsonKnight7 wrote:
Also Mike show the 2 black knights together because I can't see well, if its not too much trouble. I can't tell any differences, from the above photos, so if you showed both knights, I can't tell any difference between the 2.
knight pics
CrimsonKnight7 wrote:
Also there was a co that used to copy Jaques, damn I can't remember who they were though.
Other English makers as BCC, Crays, B & C Company & Ayres come to mind, but I don't think they copied the Jaque's Staunton pattern pieces alhough there are similarities.
I believe your correct on the same mfg on the black knights, perhaps added later. I have seen leather bases on old sets, in the old days of ebay. Usually sold by auction houses. Going thru ebay, sometimes they are private also. Most of the times the leather was barely hanging on, and really worn.
The starting bids on sets like that were out of my league though. Not to mention the added auction house commision added on to the final price, which in some cases, were mostly around 20+ to 40 percent. Not counting packaging, shipping, nor insurance either.
Yeah I forgot the company name that liked to copy Jaques, they were lower priced, lol. Patten and copywrite laws may have stopped them. I remember reading about it somewhere, it may have been Batgirls blog, maybe someone elses. Sorry I can't give you any more info on your set Mike, she's a beaut.
Aug 20, 2016
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#15
Probably the 'numero uno' lead.. 'Googled' under - "Company that copied 'Jaques' chess sets."
http://markofwestminster.com/chess/main.html
No it was a different Company ST. MOWM sets look different to me as well.
They have nice sets though. I almost bought one a long time ago.
CrimsonKnight7 wrote:
I believe your correct on the same mfg on the black knights, perhaps added later. I have seen leather bases on old sets, in the old days of ebay. Usually sold by auction houses. Going thru ebay, sometimes they are private also. Most of the times the leather was barely hanging on, and really worn.
The starting bids on sets like that were out of my league though. Not to mention the added auction house commision added on to the final price, which in some cases, were mostly around 20+ to 40 percent. Not counting packaging, shipping, nor insurance either.
Yeah I forgot the company name that liked to copy Jaques, they were lower priced, lol. Patten and copywrite laws may have stopped them. I remember reading about it somewhere, it may have been Batgirls blog, maybe someone elses. Sorry I can't give you any more info on your set Mike, she's a beaut.
Thanks Crimson for the information on the leather pads. Agreed, auction houses can really jack the prices up. When you find out the company that copied the Jaques sets please let us know.
I will Mike. Because its bugging me now that I can't remember who they were.
CrimsonKnight7 wrote:
I will Mike. Because its bugging me now that I can't remember who they were.
Thanks Ed
Aug 21, 2016
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#20
It will probably lead to more 'fruitless'.. 'chess-set' manufacturer, speculations - But, if having further opportunities, to see what 'GM' chessplayers, decide to use.. in the way of chosen or provided, chess 'equipment' - Then, 'image'- searching, under the 'name' of a 'grandmaster'/ 'chess set'.. Does seem to provide, the desired result - If, Only in-the-form, of a 'picture'! -- Ps. Not All images, provide the desired detail! ..lol
Here's some pics of a vintage English made set with Kings measuring 4.25" in height and a 1.875" base. Pawns measure 2.25" in height. The pieces are finely turned and heavily weighted. The boxwood pieces exhibit a gorgeous patina. The black finish boxwood pieces show lots of wear and I was considering having them refinished by Alan Dewey. So members, do you think I should refinish the black pieces? One black Knight looks somewhat different than the other Knights. I think its a factory replacement as its felt bottom is exactly like the other piece felts. Also, appreciate any help as to the set's age and its maker.
