Lot #346. Type II English Barleycorn Chessmen
Type II English Barleycorn Chessmen.
This offering is a fine example of a set of very early Type II English Barleycorn Chessmen, with broad, simple turned ringed features on the Royal Pieces. The chessmen are all mounted atop smooth baluster stems with simple circular bases.The chessmen are fabricated from natural and red-stained bone. True Barleycorn style chessmen have broad barrel-bodied Kings and Queens, and are normally fabricated from bone, rarely ivory. The King stands an impressive 4-3/4″ tall with a 1-3/8″ diameter base. The Rooks are massive, reticulated towers with simple turned adornments and a tapered staff surmounted with a ball finial. The characteristic flags stand prominently atop the Rooks. The Bishops, Knights and Pawns are baluster mounted headpieces with simple turned bases and collars. The chessmen are in excellent condition. Very few Barleycorn chess sets would surpass this set in terms of sheer size and condition. The set was probably produced between 1820 and 1840. The antique Chessboard and chess timer shown in the accompanying images are not included, but can be purchased elsewhere on this site.
The term Type II English Barleycorn chessmen is used to describe a range of Barleycorn designs which feature simple turned, ringed bodies and ornate finials. These chessmen were primarily fabricated from bone and were made in England throughout the 19th century. The chess pieces, with the exception of the Rooks, will be pedestal mounted. The Rooks are normally stout towers, often sporting tapered staffs or secondary towers and flags. The English Barleycorn chessmen first appeared at the beginning of the 19th century, which coincided with the advent of the ornamental lathe.
