J J Cooke Edition Ebony and Antiqued Boxwood Chessmen 4.4 inches

• Beautifully crafted from ebony.
• Unique antiqued boxwood pieces.
• Superb detail and high quality finish.
• Broad felted bases.
• Imperious 4.4 inch (11 cm) king.
• Perfectly weighted.
• Suitable for use with boards having larger squares from 21 inch (53 cm) .

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

The original run of Staunton chessmen are referred to the “Cooke” design. Highly detailed and superbly finished, these Reproduction JJ Cooke Chessmen, with their 4.4 inch king, are handcrafted in high quality ebony and boxwood by the same chess workshop that produces some of the world's finest chessmen.

These expert carvers have created these stunning pieces from initially turning solid wood then painstakingly carving the pieces with beautiful detailing. At 4.4 inches, the king is an towering character and, along with his supporting troops, is weighted for perfect balance with a billiard cloth covered base to protect your board.

The quality of the ebony and unique antiqued boxwood used in this set makes it not only an enviable acquisition but also a good investment and heirloom for future generations.

For the king’s height and broad base in this set, these lovely chess men are best matched with boards from 21 inches with larger squares.