Description
Reproduction Cooke Style Staunton Chessmen.
The Staunton Registration DrawingOffered here is a set of Reproduction Cooke Style Staunton Chessmen, created by noted Staunton authority, Frank Camaratta. It is an exact rendition of the original Nathaniel Cooke Staunton Chessmen as they appeared in 1849. This is a weighted tournament-size set featuring a 3-3/8″ King with a 1.7″ diameter base. Each of the chess pieces rests atop green English baize base pads. These Reproduction Cooke Style chessmen are accurate – right down to the impression of a red king’s crown on the summits of one Knight and Rook from each army to designate the Kingside piece and the facsimile green registration lozenge under the base of each of the chess pieces. Also included with your new set of Cooke Staunton chessmen is an accurate reproduction of the white facsimile label and small green Staunton sticker to be affixed to any suitable storage box. The images provided each show a comparison of the Piece from the reproduction set in Boxwood with the corresponding antique Jaques 1849 Nathaniel Cooke piece. Also shown is a comparison of the Original and Reproduction Ebony pieces.
The set being offered is crafted from antiqued Boxwood and pure Gabon Ebony. The Chessmen are new. Each set consists of 34 Chessmen, including an extra pair of Queens to facilitate Pawn Promotion, now a standard that was introduced by us over 25 years ago. Note the masterful workmanship of the Knights, which originally drew their inspiration from the noble steeds whose visages are captured in the Parthenon frieze (expropriated between 1801 and 1812 by Thomas Bruce, 7th Lord of Elgin and since referred to as the Elgin Marbles). This distinctive, finely detailed Knight head is the hallmark of a true Staunton design.
The design of these 1849 Cooke Chessmen exemplified a perfect combination of distinct beauty and functionality. They have been designed to withstand the rigors of practical play while maintaining an elegance which has become the hallmark of all Frank Camaratta creations. The chessmen are accompanied by a correct Facsimile white Manufacturer’s label. A premium Mahogany storage box and suitable chessboard are available at extra cost.
Own a set of tournament-sized Reproduction Nathanial Cooke Style Staunton chessmen exactly as they looked when they first appeared in retail outlets in September of1849. These magnificent Chessmen are made available on a very limited basis. The Reproduction Cooke Style Staunton chessmen play and display best on a chessboard with 2-1/8″ or 2-1/4″ squares. The chessboard shown is not included. A wide selection of new and antique chessboards can be found here. A brief history of the John Jaques company and the Staunton chessmen can be found here and here. An image comparing the Reproduction with an original is provided for your comparison.
