What is the ‘European Pattern Chessmen’?

I recently saw some discussion about Chavet and a set referred to as ‘European’, which are apparently very similar. But I can’t find much information about the European set. Does anyone have more information? When was it released? Who was the designer?

I’ve also seen the set referred to by the name ‘Timeless’. Why is this?

@wandelkoningin

Perhaps a non ChatGPT perspective...

I would consider "European" or "timeless" to be adjectives to describe a set and not the name of a particular design. Perhaps resellers used these terms for marketing purposes. Nathaniel Cooke's Staunton design certainly set the "standard" for chess design but I haven't heard it referred to as European or timeless (but this may be apt).

As a designer, you might be more familiar with contemporary vs modern styles. Perhaps these adjectives are meant to refer to a contemporary styled set?

DGT is a company well known for producing chess boards and pieces. You will see DGT boards (standard and electronic) at almost every tournament. They sell a set they named DGT Timeless. I wonder if others are using the term because it is the name of a popular DGT set. DGT Timeless does look very similar to Henri Chavet as you mentioned... but it was DGT that named their design Timeless.

You might find this thread interesting: https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-equipment/german-knight-origin

The design of the German knight always struck me as one of the worst, but hey, to each his own.