A splendid English boxwood and ebony chess set, very similar in style- and quite possibly influenced by- the sets of John Calvert. Calvert’s chess sets are distinguished by the urn shaped tops on the Kings. This set has a similar ‘urn’ top, but sports an elongated finial and slightly different turning to the knots and base. Lovely and attractive figuring to the ebony.
Calvert operated from a shop at 189 Fleet Street, London from 1791-1826, which would suggest a possible manufacturing date during the first quarter of the 19th century, although it’s quite possible that the pattern continued to have been made during the remaining years of the 19th century.
The set is illustrated with a suitable 19th century rosewood and mahogany bordered English chess board, which is being sold separately. Please click this link for further details.