Step 1 - Select Wood
Ebonized Boxwood and Natural Boxwood
Step 2 - Would you like to Add a Board?
Do not add a board
Tournament
Our Tournament Wood Chess Boards are affordable, ideal for both serious and casual play, and feature House of Staunton Logo.
Savings of $10
When Bundled with Chess Pieces
Standard
Our Standard Wood Chess Boards offer the perfect combination of affordability & luxury, and are available in a variety of woods.
Savings of $20
When Bundled with Chess Pieces
Superior
Our Superior Wood Chess Boards are designed for the discerning player, crafted in Europe from exotic woods.
Savings of $20
When Bundled with Chess Pieces
Signature
Our Signature Wood Chess Boards are handcrafted out of solid woods and are the finest chess boards available.
Savings of $50
When Bundled with Chess Pieces
eBoard
Step 3 - Would you like to Add a Box?
Do not add a box
Tournament
Our Slide-top Chess Boxes are affordable, with two large storage compartments, a slide top lid, and HOS logo silk-screened.
Savings of $10
When Bundled with Chess Pieces
Standard
Our Standard Wood Chess Boxes offer the perfect combination of affordability & luxury, and are available in a variety of woods.
Savings of $50
When Bundled with Chess Pieces
Signature
Our Signature Wood Boxes are the ultimate way to protect your luxury Chess Pieces, with individual storage compartments.
Savings of $100
When Bundled with Chess Pieces
Superior
Our Superior Wood Boxes are a terrific way to protect your luxury Chess Pieces, with die-cut foam storage compartments.
Savings of $100
When Bundled with Chess Pieces
The British Chess Company - Staunton Popular Series Chess Pieces - 4.0" King
THIS ITEM IS IN STOCK!!
PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE
Found this item at a lower price elsewhere? We'll match it!* Certain restrictions apply.
In its continuing effort to document the illustrious history of the Staunton Chessmen, The House of Staunton is proud to introduce the first Chess set of our new British Chess Company Collection - The Staunton Popular. A full tournament-sized Chess set, it features a 4.0" King with a 1.65" diameter base. The Chess pieces are hand carved by our master artisans and crafted out of the highest grade woods. The Chess pieces are heavily weighted with luxurious billiard cloth base pads and a beautiful finish.
Unlike other Staunton Pattern sets of the period, in particular those offered by the rival firm Jaques of London, the Staunton Popular was designed for durability. When reviewing the images below, please note the tight Queen crenulations, the closed Bishop mitre and the compact design of the Knight. This is a set designed for serious play and able to withstand the most demanding usage. Which is exactly what the sets were subjected to at the Coffee houses that dominated London's Chess scene in the early 1900s. This set was designed to last and it did!
As with all of our Chess sets, the Popular Staunton Series exemplifies a perfect combination of distinct beauty and functionality. It has been designed to withstand the rigors of practical play while maintaining an elegance which has become the hallmark of a House of Staunton chess set. The design, quality and craftsmanship of this set is UNMATCHED by any set of Chessmen in its price range. Nothing even comes close!
The Chessmen are new and each set consists of 34 Chessmen, including four Queens, a standard that was introduced by The House of Staunton in 1993.
The Chess Set comes with a reproduction of the original British Chess Company production label indicating the production number, with an adhesive backing that would allow it to be affixed to the underside of a Chess box.
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ISBN
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Does not apply
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King Height
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4.0'' inch / 10.16 cm
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King Base Diameter
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1.65'' inch / 4.19 cm
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Basepad Material
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Billiard Cloth
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Median Set Weight
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38.8 ounces
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Total Number of Pieces
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34 Chess Pieces, including 2 Additional Queens (for Pawn Promotion)
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Fitted Coffer Compatible?
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Fits in Fitted Coffer
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Chess Board Included?
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The Chess Board featured is for photographic purposes only and must be purchased separately
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Wood Selection(s)
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Ebonized Boxwood and Natural Boxwood
History of the Chess Pieces
Page from British Chess Company Catalog Circa 1894
"The Royal Chessmen are excellent. I strongly recommend them to Chess Clubs and to all Chess Players." — British Chess Champion J. H. Blackburne commenting on the British Chess Company Chessmen - November 19, 1891
While there is little known about the British Chess Company itself, also known as B.C. Co., the effect that they have had on the world of Staunton Chessmen is immeasurable. Many Contemporary Staunton Pattern Chess sets, including those of the House of Staunton, were heavily influenced by the designs of the British Chess Company.
The British Chess Company was founded in the late 19th century in The Rock Mills, Stroud, Gloucester, England. At the time of its inception, it's primary competitor was the legendary firm Jaques of London. Unlike Jaques, BCC focused exclusively on Chess-related products. While many of their products were typical for the period, including Wooden Chess sets and Folding Chess boards, they also produced some very unusual items. This includes Xylonite Chess sets, Leatherette Chess boards and even Chess trophies. Never able to match the success of its well-established competitor, the British Chess Company ceased shortly before World War II.
Although their involvement is largely uncredited, Mr. Camaratta's research has revealed that The British Chess Company was also a pioneer in Telegraphic Chess Matches (those played between countries via telegraph wire).