A superior late 19th-century Staunton pattern weighted chess set, most likely by the renowned maker F.H. Ayres. This set is a high-spec "Library" size (3.25" King), designed for serious play and elegant display.
 
The craftsmanship is evident in the dual-process finish of the black pieces; the boxwood has been both ebonised and lacquered—a period-correct technique used to mimic the density and depth of natural African Ebony. This creates a rich, multi-layered patina where a century of play has softened the lustre without exposing the raw wood beneath, the lacquer coat is worn in many places revealing the ebonised wood beneath, a sign of late-Victorian "Deluxe" manufacturing; makers such as F.H. Ayres or British Chess Company (BCC) often applied a "Japan" black lacquer or shellac over an ebonised base to achieve a "piano black" high-gloss finish that rivalled the polished Ebony of Jaques’ premium sets.
 
Specifications:
Design: Professional Staunton pattern with "alert" hand-carved Knights.
 
Weighting: Heavily lead-weighted for stability.
 
Bases: Retains original thick green felt (baize) bases.
 
Condition: Authentic antique patina; the boxwood side has mellowed to a deep golden honey hue. The black side shows honourable wear consistent with its 120-year history.
 
Box: Includes original cedar wood box, missing the latch.
 
Summary: An excellent investment piece for the collector who values the refined turning and carving of the great Victorian workshops.
 
The glue securing the Knight bases has dried out over time allowing us to see that the securing tabs have been fashioned from a single piece of wood as an integral part of the base, a clear indicator of quality; the bases can easily be re glued if required.