German Bone Chess Set, ca. 1820-1850

German Bone Chess Set, ca. 1820-1850

Chess sets of the Selenus type did not only occur in their pure form, but also mixed with design features better known from other sets. In the case of this chess set, which was presumably made in Germany in the first half of the 19th century, some typical Selenus features, such as the tiered form with galleries on the kings and queens, are visible but are supplemented, for example, by laterally tilted hats on the bishops (slightly reminding of acorns), which are more typical for chess sets from the Biedermeier period. The set has a king size of 10 cm, one side natural, the other side stained black.

The set is shown on an antique board box, the origin of which is probably France or South Germany. It is beautifully inlaid with a number of different wood types including burl wood. The type of metal lock is indicating an 18th or early 19th century make. The exterior dimension is 43.5 x 43.5 cm, the square size is 4 cm. Considering the massive frame, the board has a significant weight. There are boards for nine men's morris on the back and for backgammon when unfolded.
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