Description
Fisher-Lund Reproduction Chessmen.
Offered here is a set of Fisher-Lund Reproduction Chessmen hand-crafted from Boxwood and African Padauk. This set was probably produced around 2000. The King stands 4-1/2″ tall with a 1-1/8″ diameter base. The chessmen feature open crownwork on the Kings and Queens, a Maltese Cross and a feather finial atop the King and Queen. The Rooks are pedestal mounted reeded towers. The minor pieces and Pawns have headpieces mounted atop reeded baluster stems. The weighting is achieved through a Russian Ruble coin inserted into the base of each of the chessmen, then covered over with felt. These chessmen play and display best on a chessboard with 2-0″ squares. The chessmen are in as-new condition. The antique reproduction Leuchars chessboard shown is not included, but a suitable chessboard can be found elsewhere on this site.
Fisher-Lund Pattern chessmen are a subset of the English Playing sets produced in England during the 19th century. The term English Playing Set is used to describe a range of chess sets in common use at that time that were designed specifically for serious play. English Playing sets also included the Saint George and Calvert patterns, among others. Aside from Thomas and William Lund, English Playing Sets were produced by John Calvert, John Jaques, George Merrifield, Hezekiah Dixon and Charles Hastilow. The popularity of these designs gradually waned after the introduction of the Staunton Pattern chessmen in September of 1849. English Playing sets were ultimately supplanted by the Staunton chessmen which were introduced to the public in September of 1849.
