Which Chess Set?

I'm trying to decide between two chess sets (board already picked out).  Looking for responses as to which OF THESE TWO you would choose:

OR

I'm not really interested in any other designs from HOS.  I've decided to go with Boxwood and Blood Rosewood (expensive, but they go perfectly with the board).

The board can be seen here:

Any responses are welcomed (price doesn't matter, I'm not a millionaire, but this is my price range for such an art piece).

Thanks!

Both are beautiful, but I prefer the second, the Marshall.

2nd one

I like the second one better because the King and Queen appear taller (even if they actually aren't?- it could just be that they're more slender, or that the queen's head in the first is too small, but the effect is the same). I also think the definition on the knight is nicer in the second one. Those are the aesthetic differences that jump out to me.

i agree with PepeSilvia... #2 is the way i would go

Why not just get both ?!

#2 is better for me (and I own #1 Collector II).

#3 is the best though. The Collector (not pictured).

I also think the second set is better, but as for me, any set where I can differentiate between the Knight and the Rook , I would not complain!

If only I could afford to

It's good to hear that everyone here agrees with the one I was leaning toward the most.  The marshall pieces it is :D

I like the second one.  The bishop in the first one looks hideous to me.

I'm a fan of the collector set myself, so I choose #1, but they're both wonderful

Well, that "hideous" Bishop is the original Staunton design.

Here's an absolutely authentic version, from Anatoly Karpov's chess store:

http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=ru&tl=en&u=http://www.karpovchess.ru/classics_1.html&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&usg=ALkJrhicZl_Ub85NOSsRr2cCWhHecLiMvQ

Well, the bishop is closer to the original design than the more modern Marshall set. The bishop from the Collector is quite close though.

I feel that seeing the appeal of that bishop with it's very open mitre is like appreciating fine food. Take a kid to a great restaurant and he may hate everything. He just needs a little education and time.

The original design, as represented by the Collector here (excepting the knight, which is somewhat different) is just so well done. The lines, sizes, and graduated heights are aesthetically quite pleasing.

You can also see the flatter bases of the Collector, especially as compared to the Collector II. I much prefer the Collector in this regard.

I think I will visit the HOS next year and just tell em : " I'll take one of each ! "    Their place of business is near Huntsville Alabama isnt it ?

I also dislike the Bishop in the first set.  But the eyes of the Knight in the second set make it look surprised.  My Grandfather used to tell me there weren't many things worse than a surprised horse.

--Cystem 

I like the knight in the second set more but the bishop in the first set. It's a tough choice... Because of the cool bishop I would go for the first one.

I'd lean towards the first option for the details of the knight as well as the open hat of the bishop. I would prefer a bit taller king and queen though.

Good knights are carving-intensive and constitute a big part of the cost of a set.

The Ivory Collector knight above is real good for me. The lidded eyes appear to be little orbs inside the knight's head.

The Marshall knights are supposed to be forward looking balls with drilled out pupils. Not bad.

What I don't care for in a spendy set are the side facing eyes with drilled out pupils. I call them zombie knights.

Hmm... Are you sure you wouldn't care to go for the mammoth set made from 40.000 year old wooly mammoth ivory for the measly price of 13,000 bucks? We'd be jealous, I can tell you.

Goldendog: I agree with you completely, the knight is supposed to look classy and slim, not like a cartoon character. My favourite so far is the Napoleon's set with a waving mane and bit.