Description
Challenger Series Staunton Chessmen.
The Challenger Series Staunton Chessmen are the newest member of the Camaratta Signature Line of chessmen. A robust new playing set designed for the rigors of tournament and rapid play while retaining the grace and elegance you have come to expect from a set of House of Staunton chessmen. Each Challenger Series Staunton Chessmen are available in several wood choices, which can be mixed and matched to suit your taste. The army has a full Club-size King, 4-1/2” tall with a 1-7/8” diameter base, designed for play on chessboard with 2-3/8” or 2-1/2” squares. The set of 32 chessmen weigh an impressive 77 ounces. Specifically designed by Frank Camaratta, the chessmen feature properly balanced weighting and a stately Rook that projects the proper force for a major piece on the chessboard. The Knight is particularly well carved for a set of chessmen in this price range, with a finely balanced design that is aggressive, but not visually overwhelming. The masterful carving of the tightly-cropped mane is very reminiscent of the Greek war-horses gracing the East pediment of the Greek Parthenon. Another unique feature pioneered by Frank and used in all his latest creations is the use of brass threaded studs and inserts to secure the Knight head to the base. Should the base ever become damaged, the Knight head, which is the most unique and expensive ferature of a chess set, can be preserved. The set comes standard with the traditional Formeé cross King’s finial. Each set consists of 34 Chessmen, including four Queens to facilitate Pawn Promotion, now a standard that was introduced by Mr. Camaratta over 25 years ago.
Some Background.
The House of Staunton was founded in 1993 and incorporated in 1999. When building the House of Staunton, Frank’s vision was to create chessmen that captured the feel and exquisite old-World craftsmanship found in those early Jaques Staunton pattern chess sets. In line with that pursuit, he needed to recreate the masterful workmanship of the Knights which were derived from the noble steeds whose visages are captured in the Parthenon frieze (expropriated in 1806 by Thomas Bruce, 7th Lord of Elgin and since referred to as the Elgin Marbles).
House of Staunton chessmen are so well respected that they even made the comics!
