Post-medieval Bronze Chess Pieces 15th-17th Century

Description

Material: Copper alloy (bronze)

Period: ‘Age of Enlightenment’

Date: Pre-1800

Origin: Europe

Condition: Fine. some encrustations from the ground at the find location. Placed on perpex plinths later for display purposes

Description: Three chess pieces modelled in the round. a king. queen and bishop. good detailing to faces. hair robes and accoutrements of office. each on its own small integral plinth.

Size and Weight: 10-11.4cm (including stand). 810g total

Features and Provenance: A London based collector and London antiquities dealer

Chess has a recorded history going back to 7th century India. but the rules were not standardised until the game emerged from Europe in the 15th century. but not universally accepted until as late as the 19th century. The famous Lewis chess set found in Scotland were from the 15th century. Early European sets were red and black. not the black and white/cream of today. They have been produced in many materials from bone to gold and even today are 3D printed. There have been favourite styles based on King Arthur. Crusaders and general medieval fantasy. who can forget the depiction of Wizard Chess at Hogwarts! Our pieces are probably from around the end of the 1700’s with a medieval theme.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of the artefact and there are grades between

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of pattern etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of pattern etc present. but may be worn

Fine (F). Wear on the artefact and parts of item and pattern etc may be missing or not visible