Lot #573. Cased Antique Staunton Chessmen from Asprey of London
Cased Antique Staunton Chessmen from Asprey of London.
Offered here is a set of Antique Staunton Chessmen, originally sold through Asprey in London around the turn of the last century. These antique chessmen are natural and red-stained. The King stands 2-1/8″ tall with a 1-1/8″ diameter base. As can be seen from the attached image, each of the chess pieces are made to screw together, a praxis that was used to conserve material. The chessmen are housed in a black, gold-embossed leatherette case which securely holds the chess pieces in place for display and transportation.
The antique Staunton chess pieces are English-made. The style of the Knights and the Royal pieces indicate that the chessmen are very similar to sets produced by F. H. Ayres and the British Chess Company in the late 1890s and early 1900s. This attractive set of antique Staunton Chessmen was sold through Asprey. The Company, founded in 1781 by William Asprey, was originally based in Mitcham, Surrey, until the company moved into its current premises at 166 New Bond Street in London. Asprey is noted for its exclusive designs and high quality merchandise. They have received numerous commissions from around the world, including a chess set for Ringo Starr!
The chessmen are in excellent condition. The leatherette case has been expertly restored. The chessmen play and display best on a chessboard with 1-3/8″ or 1-1/2″ squares. A suitable chessboard can be made-to-order on request. Call or email us for additional information.
Note: Several States have either enacted or have pending legislation restricting the sale or purchase of antique Ivory artifacts. Please check with your State Government before placing an order for any antique ivory from this website. International Trade in all forms of Elephant Ivory is strictly prohibited.
