The Silette Chess Set made by Grays of Cambridge around 1945-1950 is an iconic design and a worthy collectible. This one came in the original box with the maker's logo. The pieces are in pristine condition. King height is 7 cm. The chess set is made of Catalin, an artificial material comparable to bakelite, in marbled yellow and black. The trademark for Catalin was registered in 1927, at the same time when the patent for bakelite expired and was acquired by the American Catalin Corporation of New York City. When produced, Catalin is in fluid form and was cast in lead moulds, in which it had to harden between five and seven days at 80 degrees Celsius. A colouring method relatively new at that time allowed for 15 additional colours. When colours were added during the manufacturing process, swirling marble effects could be reached, visible in the white pieces.

The pieces itself are made as silhouettes of Staunton pieces (hence the name "Silette"), which are mounted on circular pedestals. The upper silhouette parts are attached to the pedestal by a metal pins, which can be seen shining through on the bases of the white pieces.

Grays of Cambridge is a well known British manufacturer of sports products. It was founded more than 160 years ago and is still in business today, concentrating on popular British sports activites, such as Cricket, Rugby, Netball and Hockey.