fine-english-ivory-chess-set-circa-1860

A fine and rare 19th century English chess set with unusual stepped rooks. A very similar set is depicted in Harry Elliot’s humourous chess illustration, “Mated”.

Harry Elliot, born Charles Edmond Hermet, was a French born painter and illustrator. He is best known for his stenciled prints and hunting scenes in the style of Randolph Caldecott and Cecil Aldin.

The chess set is sold with two Elliot lithographs, including “Mated”, which shows two characters playing chess with a set of the same pattern. Note especially the stepped rooks with the distinctive swiveled flags or banners.

Recommended.