Jaques "In Statu Quo" Ivory Travelling Chess Set, ca. 1880
Jaques "In Statu Quo" Ivory Travelling Chess Set, ca. 1880
In Statu Quo” Travelling Chess Set by Jaques, circa 1880, 32 cm width when open.
Ivory pegged pieces stained light red and left natural, in a mahogany board, the alternate chess squares in rosewood and boxwood, with a locking mechanism operated by bone push-buttons, brass lever locks to the side and a brass plaque inscribed: J. JAQUES & SON Makers London...IN STATU QUO...PATENT...CHESS BOARD stamped on the rim.
The red colour has faded to an amber orange, which is not original, but rather exclusive especially since the fading is rather uniform. Adds to the uniqueness of the set.
The Schreger lines of the ivory are clearly identifiable on the pieces.