Description

Slide top boxed, turned wood chess set, as seen in many references and well documented to soldier’s personal effects. (we have handled multiple identified and/or attributed sets as well) Box is light wood construction, typical of commercially manufactured sets sold in the day by merchants, sutler’s, mail order, etc. Excellent age patina and character. Pieces are deeply and somewhat ornately turned in dark and natural wood, one of the telltale signs of it’s vintage construction as opposed to modern sets which lack the depth. Knights have hand carved horse heads. The kings are 2-1/2″ and the pawns are 1-1/2″. This set is complete with no replacements which is actually a bit more rare when compared against the literally dozens of sets we have handled over the years.  Slide top is a little loose with wear as commonly seen with these vintage sets but still slides fine. There is just very small loss from the end of the top of the side sliding groove on one side, visible in photos. This is a commonly seen piece of wear on many boxes. The lid likewise has a crack from age noticeable only when it is flexed, but is still completely intact and functional. (another consequence of common wear and use seen on many boxes) The box measures 6-1/2″ long, 4-3/4″ wide and 2-1/2″ tall. This just the type and size of set used by many soldiers in winter camp and garrison and even in the extended field camp when baggage came up with their gum blankets checkerboards and painted box top tables. Also a staple at HQs whether in tentage or “borrowed” residences. Folding “travelling” game boards were available but unless they were one of the type that folded to the extent they fit inside a smaller box they did not survive any common or extended travel. Most soldier’s boards were improvised and most homes where the inhabitants engaged in such recreation had a “game table” of some sort – whether it was the fancy covered or inlaid type which doubled as side table, or a homemade painted affair.  A nice complete antique example.