German Ivory Chess Set by J.G.Gärtner, Selenus style, late 19th century
German Ivory Chess Set by J. G. Gärtner, Selenus style, late 19th century
This is another set from the Gärtner workshop, albeit being different in style. The pieces are in pristine condition and turned from ivory, one side natural, the other side stained in black. The king size is 7 cm. All pieces are on baluster shaped pedestals with broad circular bases. The style of the figures is reminiscent of the Selenus style in that the queens and kings have one and two galleries respectively, which in this case resemble flowers with spreading petals. Typical of Gärtner are again the knight heads, which in this case are smaller and thus less detailed, but still show the previously described characteristics, such as the manes and the overall somewhat angular mouth. The set came in the original compartmented carton box with the inscription “Echt Elfenbein” (real ivory) and the Gärtner stamp on the inside of the lid.