Late Victorian / Edwardian Staunton Chess Set & Clever "English Games" Book-Style Folding Board (c. 1880–1910). Whether you are a dedicated collector of historical gaming pieces or looking for a commanding statement piece for your home library or study, this pairing offers a rare combination of fine craftsmanship and whimsical Victorian design.
 
The Chess Set
Carved in the definitive Staunton style with a robust 93mm (3.66-inch) king, this set is rendered in richly figured hardwoods with a deep, glossy lacquered finish that highlights an extraordinary natural woodgrain. Every piece retains its original green felt base for smooth movement across the board.
 
Condition Report: The set is in magnificent, collector-grade condition overall, showing only minor, honest signs of age. Condition is exceptionally well-preserved, with the sole exception of a small, minor chip to the collar of the white Queen. Included is a fitted wooden storage box to safely house the full complement of pieces.
 
The "English Games" Book-Style Board
Doubling as a piece of decorative art, the folding board is ingeniously bound and decorated to resemble a two-volume set of antique leather-bound books titled "English Games Vol. 1 & 2". When opened, it reveals a classic red-and-buff leather chess and checker playing surface on the exterior, and a beautifully appointed backgammon board complete with contrasting points on the interior.
Condition Report: The faux-book spine and outer borders display authentic antique character, including scuffing, edge rubbing, and minor surface losses to the paper/leather covering that only decades of history can bestow, adding a wonderful rustic warmth to the piece.
 
An extraordinary heirloom set that looks just as striking displayed on a coffee table as it does mid-match.
 
The box measures 20 x 15.5cm (7.87" x 6.1").
 
The board measures 45.7 x 52 x 7.5cm (18" x 20.47" x 2.95") and the squares 4.5cm (1.77") square.