• Regal 11.2cm tall king.
• Broad 5cm bases.
• Beautifully crafted from ebony.
• Superb detail and high-quality finish.
• Perfectly weighted and felted.
• Two additional queens.
• Suitable for chessboards with larger squares from 53cm.

A striking reproduction of the classic J.J. Cooke design, these ebony chess pieces are ideal for serious players and collectors alike.

The Staunton design of chessmen made their way into official existence when Nathaniel Cooke of 198 Strand, London, registered design number 58,607, “an ornamental design for a set of chessmen” under the British Ornamental Designs Act of 1842 on 1st March 1849. Cooke licensed the right to manufacture these chessmen to the firm of John Jacques of London, a highly noted wood and ivory turner founded in 1795 (who is still in business to this day). The original production of Staunton chessmen is referred to as the “Cooke” design.

You will notice that the kings in this set are branded at the base with the date “1849”; these ebony reproduction pieces also bear the distinguishable markings of the king’s crown on one white knight and one white rook, and one black knight, one black rook. As you know, these particular pieces will sit on the king's flank and are such a practical innovation to identify their position on the King’s side of the board.

With the use of high-quality grades of ebony and boxwood, this set makes it not only an enviable acquisition but also a worthy investment and phenomenal heirloom for future generations.

Due to the king’s height and broad base, these stunning chessmen are best matched with boards from 53cm with larger squares. We also have a wide range of chess piece cases, if you can bear to put these lovely ornaments away.