Julian Deverell is the owner and founder of the Regency Chess Company. He set the business up in 2005 and established the Regency Chess brand in 2008. He's still heavily involved in the day to day running of the business and also has involvement with some other e commerce projects that are not chess related.
For years our sets have been available all over the world but we are now pleased to announce that many of our lovely chess sets are available to French buyers through a dedicated website Le Palais Des Echecs. This superb website features a great number of lovely quality chess sets with great customer service and fast delivery. We are delighted to be partners of this great company and to see our sets presented magnificently on their website.
The website boasts
Fast Shipping to all of France
Competitive pricing
Great customer service
Top quality presentation and images
All products hand selected for their style, quality and value
Back in 2006, before The Regency Chess Company had been born, I sold a fairly cheap nasty Chinese made chess set on ebay. It was a classic Staunton pattern set of pieces with a board. A few days later I received a call from the buyer. A fairly stern middle-aged man who was furious that he’d been diddled. He thought I’d sold him a dud, a fake, a cheap knock off; that he’d become one of the thousands of people who’d been ripped off on ebay. His complaint was that I’d not sold him a ‘Staunton’ chess set. He wanted to see ‘Staunton’ branding on the box and believed that there was a company somewhere that made chess sets and above the door was a sign that read ‘Staunton’.
Things have certainly moved on a lot since those days of Chinese imports and ebay, but the misconception is still there among many, and you’d be easily forgiven for assuming the same as the angry middle-aged man did back in 2006. The reality however is that there isn’t any company called Staunton who make chess sets, there never was and probably never will be.
The Staunton Olive Oil Company
The Story of Staunton
The story of the Staunton Chess Set is a fascinating one. This website goes into more detail about how the pieces originated and the amazing story behind it. The key points are as follows
The set is alleged to have been designed by Nathaniel Cook in the mid 1800s
It was manufactured by Jaques Games in London
It was endorsed by the champion chess player Howard Staunton
Its amazing design lead it to become universally accepted very quickly
The copyright for the design ran out in the first half of the 20th century
The name ‘Staunton’ came about due to the endorsement that set received from the chess champion Howard Staunton. He loved the set, put his name to it, but never manufactured a single one.
Howard StauntonAn orginal Jaques Staunton chess set
Staunton Today
The Staunton chess set is now produced by a huge number of independent companies. There have been literally thousands of variations created, some that are very true to the original, others that have added huge detail and flamboyance to the design. There are taller ones, thinner ones, fatter ones, shorter ones, different colours, wider bases, narrower bases. It seems there is no end to the myriad of variations when it comes to this design.
The Jaques games company do actually still exist and more remarkably are still owned by descendants of the original founders. They still bring many Staunton sets to the market and even sell precise replicas of the early sets from the 1800s. It is worth noting however that they no longer manufacture any sets themselves – like most other chess retailers and wholesalers they are using factories in Asia to produce the sets. There is little doubt that the vintage re issue sets they sell are of excellent quality, easily comparable to the old British made ones. But they all come from a handful of skilled manufacturers abroad who also sell to the other reputable online chess retailers.
Want to buy a Staunton Chess Set?
My advice would be to choose the design you like the most, buy the best materials you can afford (ebony is best) and buy from which ever retailer you feel most comfortable using. There is no right place or wrong place to get the real deal when it comes to ‘genuine’ Staunton sets today.
Manopoulos are a supplier that will go to any lengths to ensure that the quality of their products is nothing short of excellent. The Greek game manufacturer is renowned for producing spectacular backgammon and chess sets which is why they have enjoyed so much success.
What we like most about Manopoulos games is that they are hand crafted. The fact that they don’t mass produce products is one of the main reasons we selected them as a supplier. Choosing Manopoulos was one of the best decisions we’ve made and this is regularly reenforced through our customers’ feedback.
Manopoulos – A History
Manopoulos has come a long way since it was formed in 1970. Originally known as C.Manopoulos S.A, the company started off by exclusively making chess sets. It later expanded to produce backgammon sets in a variety of wood combinations and unique designs – and this has become one of their specialisms. One of the things that impresses us about Manopoulos is the sharp and elegant design of their products. We were bombarded with positive reviews and feedback from the moment we started selling their backgammon range,
Luxury Chess Sets
The company has taken the simple game of chess and produced products that are a work of art. In fact some of their chess pieces look like collector’s items – and for good reason. For example, one of the company’s product ranges are chess pieces shaped like historical Greek figures or fashioned after popular legends from Greek mythology.
The strategic nature of chess compliments the unique design of the pieces which seems to pit mythological and historical figures against each other. It is no wonder why the company’s products leave chess and history enthusiasts so excited.
Luxury Backgammon Sets
The company’s Greek influences aren’t limited to their chess sets either. Manopoulos are one of our biggest suppliers of backgammon sets and add real value to our product range. Their backgammon sets are beautifully handcrafted, and represent excellent value. The chips themselves are made from Greek olive wood and stained with colour. If that wasn’t enough, the sets also come with an attractive black bag with the impressive Manopoulos logo emblazoned on the front.
The company offers a range of specialized backgammon sets. These come in closed cases making them easier to carry and the pegged design makes it easy to play in the back of a car. Other items include the 19-inch Mahogany Backgammon Set, Compact Walnut and Maple Backgammon set as well as the “Deluxe” version.
Whether you want to treat yourself to an early Birthday present or are looking for a present that will make someone’s day, Manopoulos backgammon sets are bound to please with their superb craftsmanship and aesthetic quality.
Our customers rely on us to sell only the best backgammon sets, sourced from the worlds finest manufacturers. This is why we spend a great deal of time carefully selecting suppliers, and examining their products to ensure we only select the best. Providing our customers with the best backgammon sets that the board game industry has to offer – and this is why Hector Saxe is one of our most valued suppliers of quality backgammon sets.
We sell a variety of Hector Saxe standard competition sets and we are continually impressed by their quality, durability and sophistication.
About
The Paris based manufacturer has been producing and supplying luxury backgammon sets since 1978. Their factory is located on the outskirts of Paris, with outlets situated in the heart of the city.
What makes Hector Saxe Special?
If you ever come across a backgammon set that is made from the finest cowhide, croc or snake skin chances are that it will have a Hector Saxe logo embossed inside the casing. Hector Saxe is well known for creating handmade backgammon sets that are as exciting to look at as they are to play on.
Hector Saxe’s classic designs are superb. Especially their faux leather sets that are particularly popular with professional backgammon players. The quality and finish of these sets is extremely high – they are hand sealed and jointed whilst the interiors are made from the softest padded felt.
Most sets include 30 playing pieces and they are all carefully made – some with a Mother of Pearl effect which adds an additional air of sophistication. Even the dice holders are expertly made. Each holder comes covered in the same material as the set, to create a perfect match.
For example, if a Hector Saxe backgammon set has an inlay of brown or tan faux leather the dice cups will be covered and colour matched accordingly. All Hector Saxe backgammon sets are available in a variety of colours and materials – with faux leather sets being some of our most popular sellers. It is obvious why Hector Saxe has products which are so popular; with backgammon enthusiasts as well as consumers.
We stock a wide variety of Hector Saxe products and we regularly receive positive feedback from customers who have bought these backgammon sets from us.
Considered to be the masters of the sleek and the elegant, Italfama is an Italian based board game manufacturer who produce chess boards and chess pieces.
We knew we were going to be supplying something special when we received our first samples from Italfama. Their handcrafted chess boards and pieces were so impressive that we knew we had to bring their products to our customers.
Chess Designs at their Best
When we want the best chest boards that are available these are the manufacturers that we turn to. And when we say that they make best chess boards, we mean it. Italfama has taken the art of luxury chess design to the next (and let’s not hope ultimate) level. They are based in Florence and make a huge variety of chess sets for chess enthusiasts and consumers. Needless to say, their products are more than just board games. They are works of art that you can not only play with, but also make superb display pieces.
Their boards are often combined with some of our luxury chess pieces to create beautiful chess sets – product combinations that are unique. Our customers also agree, as is apparent from the amazing reviews we’ve had. Of course, because each set is intricately designed from the smallest pawn to the most finely finished board, Italfama chess products are also some of the most exclusive. Their unique and elegant inlays are enough to impress even the most critical chess connoisseurs, and alongside their beautiful boards Italfama also make beautiful metal chess pieces.
What makes Italfama Special
Italfama has been in business for over 30 years. All of the chess pieces and boards are designed and fabricated by professional craftsmen with years of experience. The Pièce de résistance amongst their range of impressive products are their high gloss chess boards that have to be seen to be believed.
Pretty Pieces all in a Row
All of the Italfama chess pieces are handcrafted in Italy and are made from metals like brass, nickel, gold and silver. Each piece is hand finished and polished, with felt pads added to protect the playing surface. They are simply stunning.
Closing Thoughts
We’ve always been able to depend on this supplier, they produce some of the most stunning products, hand crafted in Italy. As suppliers they are extremely reliable, their products are high quality, and are nicely presented and well packaged. Each product is beautifully finished and they are one of our favourite suppliers, we highly recommend them!
If you don’t already play chess with a chess clock and you a want to become serious about chess, it’s time to consider investing in one. DGT have been our primary chess clock supplier since 2008 and have proven to be extremely reliable.
DGT – a History
The Netherland based company was initially created in 1992 by Albert Vasse and Ben Bulsink as DGT Projects. The company’s main products are electronic timers, digital clocks and electronic boards for draughts and chess. The introduction of DGT’s digital chess clock range started in 1994 and since then the company have continued to expand by manufacturing electronic chess boards. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Why Chess Clocks?
Most professional chess players claim that a chess clock is just as important as the type of board and pieces that they use. For one, if it wasn’t for chess clocks, you would never see the end of a chess game. The presence of a clock means that players have to be both decisive and focused, as well as time conscious.
Electronic chess clocks are great training tools, and if you are trying to improve your game, perhaps moving from absolute amateur to accomplished professional, are a must when working on your chess skills.
Of course they also ensure that players have a fair game especially in Lightening or Blitz chess – a player loses if they use up all of the time that is allotted to them.
What Makes DGT Special?
The fact that the company supplies chess timers to some of the most famous chess players and tournaments is one of the many reasons why DGT products are so popular. Some of their chess clocks are so advanced that they allow four to six players to play simultaneously. In fact, it is this feature that has made them one of the most sought after suppliers of high end digital chess clocks.
Many of DGT’s chess clocks are calibrated according to the latest FIDE regulations – allowing even casual players the chance to play like pros. These DGT clocks are extremely reliable and ensure accurate readings throughout play. They are ideal for clubs and schools, and are sold alongside a variety of value DGT clocks, which are also good. Don’t be surprised if you see a DGT timer on every playing table when you visit your next high profile chess tournament!
Our customers rely on us to sell only the best backgammon sets, sourced from the worlds finest manufacturers. This is why we spend a great deal of time carefully selecting suppliers, and examining their products to ensure we only select the best. Providing our customers with the best backgammon sets that the board game industry has to offer – and this is why Hector Saxe is one of our most valued suppliers of 
snake skin chances are that it will have a Hector Saxe logo embossed inside the casing. Hector Saxe is well known for creating handmade backgammon sets that are as exciting to look at as they are to play on.
