The John Jaques Company is the world’s oldest games and sporting goods manufacturer, with a legacy stretching back to the 18th century. This page explores the rich history of the Jaques family, the revolutionary design of the Staunton Chessmen, and the roles played by Nathaniel Cooke and Howard Staunton in creating and popularizing the most iconic chess set ever made. 

Originally based in London, the John Jaques Company has been crafting chess sets for nearly 200 years. Its most influential contribution came in 1849 with their role the creation of the Staunton pattern chessmen—a design so practical and elegant that it remains the standard for every modern chess set sanctioned for tournament play. In addition to the Staunton design, the company also produced popular chess set patterns like Northern Upright, St. George, Dublin, and Barleycorn. 

Beyond chess, the Jaques Company has introduced many beloved games to the world, including Croquet, Ping Pong, Snakes and Ladders, Ludo, Tiddledywinks, Happy Families, and Snap. 

The Origins of the Jaques Family Business

Thomas Jaques, the founder of the John Jaques Company, was born in 1765 to a family of French Huguenot descent. He began his career under the guidance of Mr. Ivy, marrying his niece and later inheriting the business. In 1795, Thomas established himself as Thomas Jaques, Manufacturer of Ivory, Hardwoods, Bone, and Tunbridge Ware, marking the official founding date of the company. 

Thomas’s son, John Jaques, joined the family business as an apprentice at fifteen and eventually became his father’s business partner. Together, they operated as T. and J. Jaques, Wholesale Ivory Turners, later expanding their use of hardwoods like Lignum Vitae and Turkey boxwood. These materials would later define their renowned croquet and chess equipment. 

By 1838, the business had grown significantly, with new premises in Hatton Garden and listings in publications like Tallis’ London Street Views. Their 1816 business card reflected their wide array of materials, even advertising dental supplies like hippopotamus ivory. 

A Bit of the Birth of the Staunton Chessmen

In the fall of 1849, the Staunton Chessmen were first offered to the public by the John Jaques Company. Although the design was registered to Nathaniel Cooke in March of 1849, speculation surrounds the true origin of the design. It is likely that John Jaques himself, a skilled ivory turner, played a major role in creating the set, as did Howard Staunton.  

At the time, most chess sets—like the ubiquitous Barleycorn designs, were ornate and fragile, often making it difficult to distinguish Kings from Queens, making them impractical for serious play. The purpose of the Staunton design was to simplify and standardize the design. Drawing from the Northern Upright pattern, the designer removed delicate ornamentation, widened the bases, and introduced the praxis of adding lead weights for stability. The result was a set of chessmen that was both affordable and suited for competitive play. 

With the new design complete, Cooke registered the chessmen under the Ornamental Designs Act of 1842. In order to promote the set, Cooke used his connection with Howard Staunton, then recognized as the World’s strongest chess player, to lend his name to the design. Though Staunton was not the designer, his endorsement in the Illustrated London News and other publications helped establish the set’s reputation. This is the first kown celebrity endorsement of a product. 

Early Reception and Endorsements 

The Staunton Chessmen received glowing reviews upon release. On September 29, 1849—the same day Jaques began retail distribution—an advertisement in the Illustrated London News praised the design’s elegance and practicality. The Morning Herald and Morning Chronicle echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how the form of each piece conveyed its role more clearly than any prior design. 

Howard Staunton himself commented on the chessmen’s superiority in his writings, noting their elegance, balance, and functional design. To protect the authenticity of the product, Jaques stamped the white King base ”Jaques London” and attached Staunton’s signature (and after 1852 a facsimile signature) to every label. They even issued warnings about counterfeit sets claiming the Staunton name but lacking Howard Staunton’s signature. 

A Lasting Legacy

The Staunton Chessmen, manufactured exclusively by the John Jaques Company, quickly became the gold standard in the world of chess. Their simple lines allowed for mass production, making quality chess sets accessible to a broader audience and fueling the game’s global popularity. 

Today, over 175 years later, the Staunton pattern remains the only design officially recognized for tournament play. Its clean lines, durable form, and timeless style have never been surpassed. The legacy of the John Jaques Company and its iconic Staunton Chessmen continues to shape the history and future of the game.