Author: Frank Camaratta

Small Antique Wooden Chessboard. A Small Antique Wooden Chessboard with a raised rolled frame.  This antique Walnut and Maple Chessboard measures 16″ with 1-7/8″ squares. The age of this chessboard is uncertain, but it is in excellent condition. This chessboard will work extremely well with antique Jaques and other Library-size chessmen.

Antique Folding Chess Board. An Antique Folding Chess Board. The construction is mottled gold paper back and gold-trimmed squares over cardboard. The Antique Folding chessboard measures 16-0″ square. The individual squares are 1-5/8″, Red and off-White, outlined in gold. This antique  chessboard is in quite good condition for its age and the seam is still in tact.  The covering is sound and the chessboard lies flat.  Based on the back design and the gold-outlined red and white squares, the chessboard was produced in The United Kingdom around 1850. The chessboard…

Antique Jaques Folding Cardboard Chessboard. An Antique Jaques Folding Cardboard Chessboard. The construction is mottled gold paper back and gold-trimmed squares over cardboard. The chessboard measures 15-5/8″ square. The individual squares are 1-5/8″, black and off-White, outlined in gold. The maker’s stamp, J. Jaques & Son, Ltd., Games Manufacturers, London, is embossed in gold print along the border. This antique  chessboard is in good, serviceable condition with a small tear on the playing surface as shown in  the attached images. The folding seam is still in tact.  The covering is…

Antique Vizagapatam Chessmen. A large, elaborately carved, set of Antique Vizagapatam Chessmen, Natural and green-stained, made by the East Indian John Company. The King stands and impressive 5-3/8” tall with a 1-3/4″ diameter base. The chessmen are in excellent condition. Circa 1790 – 1800. 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…

Antique Burmese Type IV Macao Chessmen. Offered here is a set of elaborately carved Macao Chessmen, natural and red-stained. The King stands a full 3-1/2” tall with a 1-1/2″ diameter base. These sets were produced in Canton, China, around 1820 and were most likely sold in Macao. The Type IV Burmese Chessmen are often referred to as Macao Chessmen. They are characterized by a fully carved head mounted atop elaborately carved pedestals with splayed leaf bases. The Macao Chessmen are housed in a newer, elaborately carved sandalwood replacement box. The chess…

Library BCC Royal Chessmen. An early set of Library BCC Royal Chessmen, weighted,  with green baize base pads. The chess pieces are crafted from Boxwood and Ebony. The King stands 3-1/4″ tall with a 1-5/8″ diameter base. The Kingside Knight and Rook from each army are stamped with the red King’s crown. The Library BCC Royal Chessmen are housed in their original Mahogany hinge-top box with a remnant of the original British Chess Company label. Also included are two original laminated game scores and an original laminated British Chess Company score…

British Chess Company Royal Staunton Chessmen, Club Size. An early full Club-size British Chess Company Royal Chess Set, heavily weighted,  with green baize base pads. The chess pieces are crafted from Boxwood and Ebony. The King stands 4-1/4″ tall with a 2-0″ diameter base. The Kingside Knight and Rook from each army are stamped with the red King’s crown. The chessmen are housed in a period stained Mahogany hinge-top box with a reproduction British Chess Company label. Also included is an original Sales Receipt from A. E. J. Mackett-Beeson showing the…

Large Bone Rajasthan Chess Set. Offered here is a very large, Magnificent, Rajasthan Chess Set 6-0″ tall with a 4-7/8″ Base. The image attached shows a height comparison with a Full Club-size 4-3/8″ Jaques Staunton King. Incredible in both composition and presence, this Indian carved figural chess set is composed of 32 pieces, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, in the finest Camel Bone. The two armies are differentiated by a red band around their base. These chess sets are often confused with the much older and more elaborately carved…

Mother of Pearl and Buffalo Horn Miniature Chess Set. Offered here is an unusual Buffalo Horn Miniature Chess set.  This portable game consists of a complete set of 32 French Regénce style Buffalo and Elk Horn chess pieces. The chessmen are stored in a folding Black lacquered chessboard having Mother-of-Pearl squares adorned with floral pen work. The chessboard measures 6-5/8″ square when opened. The King stands 7/8″ tall. The chess pieces and folding Mother-of-Pearl chessboard are in excellent condition. This item dates to around 1950. The manufacturer is unknown, but…