A design classic that has been perfectly reproduced
The original design of Staunton pieces in 1849 was without doubt a design classic. The fundamentals of the styling and form were nearly perfect from the beginning and only slight alterations have taken place since. The design ticked so many boxes and got so much right on the first go.
- Ergonomic
- Each piece distinguishable from the others
- Ideal for mass production
- Each piece clearly belongs to the same family or set
The design meant that it was impossible for a player to confuse one piece with another while the design DNA ran strongly through each piece. You knew they were all members of the same family, but you'd never muddle two of them up.
The changes in the design as the years went by
Due to the immense popularity of the set is remained in production for decades. Throughout that time, the original pattern did undergo subtle changes and editions in smaller sizes were also released. There have also been editions released in notable years that have become highly collectible and sought after.
Reproducing the original sets
The Staunton design became the mainstay of luxury and collectible chess sets and as the values of the original Victorian sets started to inflate chess set producers began to release exact replicas of the original pieces in the year specific pattern.
Our collection of replica and reproduction Staunton chess sets
We sell reproductions of the most important years in the Staunton history including the following years:
- 1849
- 1850
- 1851
- 1853
- 1869
- 1890
- 1972
In this category, we have combined the pieces with appropriately matched chess boards to create complete sets.
How our replica pieces are made
We are affiliated with the same artisans and chess piece producers who have worked with Jacques of London in the past. The process for creating reproduction sets involves one of each piece from a genuine antique set being sent over to the workshop so that tools can be made to accurately reproduce it. They go through a painstaking process of measuring to create the tools needed to make identical pieces.
Antique reproduction Staunton sets frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Are the sets produced using the same tooling as the originals?
No they are not. The original tooling was from the 1800s and by the nature of how the tools are used, they would have worn out by now. Tools for chessmen have a lifespan and can only make a certain number of sets before they become blunt. They can only be re sharpened a certain number of times, so they have a shelf life. We are not aware of any sets being made today that use the original tooling sets.
Why buy a replica reproduction set instead of the genuine Victorian version?
The reproduction sets we sell, while still expensive, are considerably cheaper than an original Staunton set from the 1800s. Today a complete set from the era will command a huge collector's price tag. A reproduction set is the best way you can experience the original designs for a reasonable cost.
Why are all your reproduction Staunton sets made from Ebony and Boxwood?
The original pieces that Jacques made in the 1800s were all ebony and boxwood. For the reproductions to remain authentic they must be made from the same wood as the originals. At the time ebony was commonly used and was relatively inexpensive. It would be seen in the production of black piano keys, violins and a range of ornaments and carvings.
Further Reading and information
In his lengthy thread on the chess.com forums, the user 'Jaques Lover' posts a host of superb images of his extensive collection of original Victorian Staunton chessmen.