In my dreams, I am a master chess player, but, alas, I don't have a strategic bone in my body! This set of of chess pieces might inspire me to practice, though--c. 1850s I believe--carved of bone, complete and housed in their original dovetailed box, and with a Chinese mark on the bottom of the box telling us these were made in China for export to the Western market, and then someone beautifully carved/burned "CHESS" next to it. Based on some research, the style of the rooks particularly, one shorter one taller and both bearing flags, makes me think this more toward the earlier rather than later 19th c, though I am not an expert. I do know that sets like this are fairly precious.
Box measures 3 3/8" l x 3 3/8" d x 2 3/4" t. Horse piece measures 1 7/8" t. The set is complete and overall in very good condition. Two of the rooks show a little structural damage and there are a few small repairs, as pictured. The lovely box is also in very good condition, with the slide tip lid shutting tight. Lovely.
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