Staunton Chess Set in Boxwood & Ebonised Finish
A timeless embodiment of strategy and craftsmanship, this vintage Staunton chess set captures the quiet romance of traditional play — balanced, beautiful, and made to endure generations of thoughtful use.
Key Features
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Classic Staunton pattern, the international standard for tournament play
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Hand-turned boxwood chessmen with contrasting ebonised finish
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Well-weighted, clearly defined pieces for practical and fast-paced games
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Complete original set with all chess pieces present
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Original wooden storage box with sliding lid included
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British-made craftsmanship reflecting mid-20th-century quality
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Minimal wear, preserving both aesthetic and collectible value
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Ideal for collectors, players, and refined interior display
Full Description
This vintage Staunton pattern boxwood and ebonised chess set is a refined expression of form meeting function — a design legacy that has defined serious chess play for over a century.
Originally introduced in 1849 by Jaques of London and championed by English chess master Howard Staunton, the Staunton pattern quickly became the global benchmark for tournament chess. Its clarity, balance, and visual hierarchy were created not for ornament alone, but to enhance focus, speed, and fairness during play.
Handcrafted in warm boxwood and finished with richly ebonised opposing pieces, this set offers strong visual contrast and excellent tactile balance. Each chessman is thoughtfully proportioned, allowing effortless recognition across the board — a hallmark of authentic Staunton design.
The full set is housed in its original wooden storage box with a sliding lid, adding a layer of historical charm while ensuring practical storage. With only minimal signs of age, this chess set remains both a functional gaming companion and a collectible object of enduring appeal.
Whether used for thoughtful evening games, displayed in a study or library, or added to a serious chess collection, this antique chess set with box carries with it the quiet gravitas of tradition, intellect, and British craftsmanship.
Only one Staunton pattern boxwood and ebonised chess set is available.
Dimensions
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King Height: 6.5 cm
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Queen Height: 5 cm
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Storage Box: 18.8 × 10 × 7.3 cm
Materials
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Hand-turned boxwood chessmen
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Ebonised wooden opposing pieces
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Original wooden storage box with sliding lid
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Traditional turning and finishing techniques
Condition
As with all our vintage pieces, this chess set has lived a life before arriving with us. Expect gentle signs of age including minor wear, light surface marks, and natural patina consistent with careful historic use. Overall condition is very good and commensurate with age. All pieces are present. Ornaments or props shown are not included unless stated.
Origin / Period
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Origin: British
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Period: Mid 20th Century
Styling Suggestions
Perfectly suited to a writing desk, library shelf, or coffee table, this chess set pairs beautifully with leather-bound books, antique desks, and traditional study interiors. It also works as a refined accent in modern spaces, where its contrast and symmetry add depth and intellectual charm.
FAQ
Is this chess set suitable for regular play?
Yes — the Staunton pattern is designed for practical, tournament-style play and remains the global standard.
Are all original pieces included?
Yes, this is a complete set with all chessmen present.
Is the box original to the set?
Yes, we believe it is the original wooden sliding-lid storage box is included.
Does the set show heavy wear?
No, wear is minimal and consistent with age, preserving both function and collectible appeal.
Unique Points
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Authentic vintage Staunton pattern chess set
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Original storage box included
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British craftsmanship with historical lineage
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Collectible yet fully usable
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Single example available
All your questions answered below...
- Fully insured delivery
- Returns accepted
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Delivery & Shipping Information
We’re dedicated to delivering every order with care, reliability, and your satisfaction at the heart of what we do.
Fully insured UK mainland delivery is calculated at checkout (typically £12–£45). Larger furniture items may be £60+ depending on item size, access, and delivery postcode.
Please note: the listed price is for the item only. Delivery costs are calculated separately at checkout.
UK Delivery (Mainland)
We are based in Southsea, Portsmouth (PO5) and deliver nationwide across the UK.
Delivery charges are calculated based on the item’s size, weight, and destination to ensure the most accurate and fair pricing.
Free local delivery may be available depending on your location — please get in touch to check availability.
Delivery Areas & Coverage
We deliver to most UK regions and aim to provide the most efficient and cost-effective delivery options available.
For delivery addresses north of Newcastle, or within Wales, Scotland, the Highlands, Ireland, and offshore islands, please contact us before purchasing so we can confirm delivery availability and provide an accurate quote.
International Shipping
We can arrange international shipping worldwide.
Please contact us for a tailored shipping quote.
Delivery Times & Method
Delivery typically takes 5–10 working days, depending on location and order timing.
We use trusted specialist furniture couriers experienced in transporting antiques, vintage furniture, and fragile items, ensuring safe handling throughout transit.
Standard delivery is one-man delivery to ground floor only.
Assistance may be required unless a two-man delivery service is arranged at an additional cost.
Need a Delivery Quote?
For an accurate delivery quote or to confirm any additional charges, please contact us via:
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We can ship to most places. We have the ability to to send consignments Internationally and they are all professionally wrapped, packed and or crated for a safe and successful journey.
There is going to be additional costs and lead times depending on various factors.
The best advice is to get a quote before you decide to purchase any item/s.
Listed in every product description are the dimensions for each product.
This information is provided so you can check if the piece you wish to buy will fit in your home.
Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
Any questions please get in touch, here to help.
If you would like to speak to someone before placing an order, check dimensions or have a general question, please call Mark on 07973 154860.
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Office Address: 71 Campbell Road, Southsea, PO5 1RJ. By appointment only to this address. Need to be booked in advance.
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One last thing! Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
Here to help.
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