The Staunton Chessmen History

The history of the Staunton chessmen dates back to the Spring of 1849 when Nathaniel Cooke registered the Staunton design to his name. The Staunton Pattern was later solely manufactured and made available for sale to the public in the Fall of 1849 by John  The John Jaques of London company. The chess pieces were named after Howard Staunton, an English Shakespearean scholar and self-proclaimed world champion. 

To this day, there is speculation about whether the design was the creation of Cooke, Jaques, or Staunton himself. However, it seems unlikely that the egotistical Staunton was the designer, as he never claimed credit for it. However, there is strong evidence that Staunton influenced certain aspects of the design. 

Through the Years

In May of 1849, Nathaniel Cooke of 198 Strand, London, registered the Ornamental Design for a set of Chess-Men under the Ornamental Designs Act of 1842. Initially, the registration was limited to Class 2 articles made mostly of wood, with no provision for articles made of ivory. John Jaques acquired the sole right to manufacture these sets and began supplying the retail trade on September 29, 1849, as advertised in the Illustrated London News: 

“AA set of Chessmen, of a pattern combining elegance and solidity to a degree hitherto unknown, has recently appeared under the auspices of the celebrated player Mr. STAUNTON. A guiding principle has been to give by their form a signification to the various pieces – thus the king is represented by a crown, the Queen by a coronet, &c. The pieces generally are fashioned with convenience to the hand; and it is to be remarked, that while there is so great an accession to elegance of form, it is not attained at the expense of practical utility. Mr. STAUNTON’S pattern adopts but elevates the conventional form; and the base of the Pieces being of a large diameter, they are more steady than ordinary sets.” 

– Illustrated London News, September 8, 1849. 

Various Designs of Staunton Chess Pieces 

The John Jaques Company produced various designs of Staunton chess pieces. The most valuable sets were made between 1849 and 1851, offered in Boxwood, Ebony, Ivory, and Wedgwood Carrara. The Carrara Staunton chessmen are exceptionally rare and valuable, with only a few known to exist. 

Jaques Staunton Chess Piece Configurations

When considering the acquisition of a Jaques Staunton Chess set, it is essential to be aware of certain factors. Jaques produced a variety of Staunton designs, with the most valuable ones created between 1849 and 1851. These sought-after sets were originally available in Boxwood and Ebony, as well as Ivory (highly prized) and Wedgwood Carrara. 

The Wedgwood Carrara Staunton chessmen stand out as the rarest and most valuable among them. Only two Carton-Pierre caskets bearing the white Carrara Labels and four Wedgwood Carrara chess pieces (including one Queen, Two Rooks, and Two Knights) are currently known to exist. 

For further information on the Wedgwood Carrara chessmen, please click here and download the related article. For a comprehensive guide on collecting Jaques Staunton chessmen, click here. 

Quick Facts

• Figural chess sets are intended for display rather than actual gameplay. Many collectors of figural chess sets may lack proficiency in playing the game or play at a low skill level. 

• Staunton pattern chess sets, whether antique or modern, are designed for players of all levels, from casual to expert. 

• Abstract, brutalist, minimalist, and other modern designs can serve as both playable sets and display pieces but are not suitable for competitive play due to their non-standard design. 

• True antique pre-Staunton playing sets were utilized for competitive matches before the introduction of the Staunton pattern by Jaques of London in 1849. While they are no longer ideal for use in sanctioned tournaments due to their fragility and non-regulation status, these pre-Staunton chess pieces are valued for their historical significance and are often employed for studying games played by masters of the Romantic era. 

• Chessboards, whether antique or new, can be used for gameplay or as decorative items. However, very old antique chessboards are typically reserved for display purposes due to their age and fragility. Boards made of materials like glass, marble, and agate are typically chosen for their aesthetic appeal rather than practical gameplay. 

• Antique timers are delicate and are not suitable for actual gameplay, serving more as historical artifacts marking the evolution of game timers. Modern timers are predominantly electronic or battery-powered, offering advanced features such as programmability.