Description
Brass John Calvert Chessmen.
A superb set of John Calvert Chessmen machined from Brass and Stainless Steel. This style of chessmen was common in the late Georgian Period and probably dates to the 1820s. The King stands an impressive 3-3/4″ tall with a 1-3/8″ diameter base. The chessmen are heavy and rest atop black suede base pads. The chessmen are new and are housed in a large, black-lacquered and divided hinge-top box, lined in green baize. The antique chessboard shown in the image is not included in this offering but can be purchased separately elsewhere on this website.
Some Background on the Calvert Design.
The original Calvert chessmen were produced in the workshop of John Calvert, located at 189 Fleet Street where he operated his business between 1790 until his death in 1825. He was awarded the title Master of the Worshipful Company of Turners in 1819. After his death, the business was continued by his widow, Dorothy, until around 1840. This Old English Playing set design is typical of the work of John Calvert. Similar sets of chessmen were made by Thomas and William Lund as well as George Merrifield and John Jaques, among others. These John Calvert Tournament chessmen fall into the ubiquitous category often referred to as English Playing sets, which also included the Saint George pattern. English Playing sets were ultimately supplanted by the Staunton chessmen which were introduced to the public in September of 1849.
