Description
This beautiful maple and ebony compendium box has a hinged lid and a pair of front doors that swing open to reveal the boxwood and ebony hand-carved chess pieces. Each chess piece sits on a brass peg in the door to keep them in place. There is also an original chess guide, titled ” The ABC of Chess by a Lady” 2nd Edition published by Jaques and Sons, Hatton Garden, London. January 1860. Inside, the lid has been covered in elegant leather and there is a four-fold leather game board, which incorporates chess, steeplechase, and backgammon. Three ebony dice shakers, lead-painted horses and their accompanying fences, and draught counters are stored in the bottom compartment of the box. In the second lift-out tray, there are four sets of antique hand-painted linen card sets. Two of these sets are boxed and have lovely gold foil edges. Finally, the top tray contains a set of bone dominoes, a cribbage board, pegs, and a set of ebony and boxwood checkers. The disk scorers and other game pieces are made of white and stained bone.
It bears the Victoria Regina and crown markings of the British Victorian registration lozenge which dates to November 29th, 1869. Items marked with a royal seal were akin to a stamp of approval from the monarch, letting buyers know the high value of such well-constructed items. It is in wonderful working condition and would make a charming gift to a chess aficionado, collector of game boxes, or lover of British history.
Opened: H= 7 in. W= 25 in. D= 11 in.
Closed: H= 7 in. W= 13 in. D= 9 in.
