Two carved ivory chess pawns attributed to a design by Edward Bird R. A. (1772-1819), unstained natural ivory, in Roman dress with oval shields, swords, plumed helmets and tunics over stepped circular bases, one pawn signed Robert Hill in pencil on the underside of the base, 7cm high, 3.1cm wide (2).
Stock Reference Number: MM 1506
Provenance: Major British Chess Collection, Gilbert Woolmark, Sotheby’s Belgravia, Lot 39, 15th April 1980 (“the property of J. C. Hill Esq.”).
Literature: “Edward Bird R. A., Chess Set Designer”, article by Michael Mark for “The Chess Collector”, volume 2, April 11th 1992, pp. 9-10.
Important Notice on the export of antique elephant ivory (CITES)
Please note that as the chess set contains antique elephant ivory it will require a CITES export licence to export to destinations outside the European Union. Due to recent US legislation, it is with regret that we are unable to export this item to the United States of America. Please contact me if you need further information.
