Luke Honey | Decorative Antiques, Chess, Backgammon & Games

A rare British Chess Company “Ivorine” or Xylonite/Celluloid Staunton pattern chess set, circa 1895, one side red, the other side white, the king 9.6cm high, the pawn 4.4cm high, in a mahogany box with brass escutcheon, green baize lining and key, 22cm wide.

Stock Reference: MC 1363

Celluloid was useful for creating jewellery, jewellery boxes, hair accessories and many items that would earlier have been manufactured from ivory, horn or other expensive animal products. It was often referred to as "Ivorine" or "French Ivory". It was also used for dressing table sets, dolls, picture frames, charms, hat pins, buttons, buckles, stringed instrument parts, accordions, fountain pens, cutlery handles and kitchen items. The Items made in celluloid are collectable today and increasingly rare in good condition. It was soon overtaken by Bakelite and Catalin. 

Reference: Guy Lyons and Mike Deasey: The British Chess Company, Stroud & London, CD Rom.