1. Joined
    12 Nov '11
    Moves
    755
    09 Dec '11 23:55
    I have decided to gift my self a new chess set(excluding the board) for new year's.I would appreciate any suggestion on the same.Based on the sets that you might have come across or own.

    These are my conditions.

    1)Has to be Wood
    2)No over the top exotic designs which would give me a hard time recognizing the pieces when I play.
    3)Not more than $1500
    4)The design should have unique features and very high level of craftsmanship.
    5)I would like the knights to have very realistic features .
    6)The king should be 4 inch or more.

    I am leaning towards two sets set the moment(http://www.regencychess.co.uk ) .But before I make my purchase I would want to be sure that I have considered all possible options and not missed out any specific seller who might be a lil to niche for me to notice .

    Thanks in advance for any suggestions you might have .

    Happy holidays
  2. Joined
    21 Feb '07
    Moves
    58085
    10 Dec '11 00:09
    http://antiquechessshop.com/627.htm
  3. SubscriberPaul Leggett
    Chess Librarian
    The Stacks
    Joined
    21 Aug '09
    Moves
    113497
    10 Dec '11 00:15
    I would recommend looking at the House of Staunton. They have very nice sets.
  4. bedlam
    Joined
    20 Feb '11
    Moves
    6387
    10 Dec '11 10:16
    I like this one.Them knights!
    http://www.houseofstaunton.com/product_p/menwvar44.htm
  5. Wat?
    Joined
    16 Aug '05
    Moves
    76863
    10 Dec '11 10:59
    1/3 of your projected budget.

    http://www.chesshouse.com/4_Capablanca_Series_Luxury_Chess_Set_p/e177.htm
  6. Joined
    12 Nov '11
    Moves
    755
    10 Dec '11 11:33
    Thanks a lot for your suggestions.

    Now I was hoping I could get your opinion on one more thing.

    I have never really had a red sandalwood set nor seen one in person.So I am wondering what would be a better choice.

    Ebony and Antiqued boxwood chess set or a Red sandal wood and regular boxwood chess set.
  7. Wat?
    Joined
    16 Aug '05
    Moves
    76863
    10 Dec '11 11:50
    Originally posted by ajsaxin
    Thanks a lot for your suggestions.

    Now I was hoping I could get your opinion on one more thing.

    I have never really had a red sandalwood set nor seen one in person.So I am wondering what would be a better choice.

    Ebony and Antiqued boxwood chess set or a Red sandal wood and regular boxwood chess set.
    Ebony and antique keeps its value, and rises if it has the serial number, original box and proof of authenticity and purchase. Sandalwood just doesn't hold the same marque of distinction, IMHO.

    Would you prefer to use a Rolex everyday, knowing you have the proof of purchase, certificate and box to present it in, or use a Casio everyday, with the same proofs. I'd rather use an antique ebony chess set, be it in my range of expense, and not a plastic replica. 😉

    Using quality improves matters to no end, in many areas.

    Think of your music, and the pleasure of listening. If you can layout a little gift for yourself, would you buy a pair of Wharfdale or Mission speakers if affordable, or settle for some Sanyo knock down speakers. Where would the pleasure be in your music?

    Pleasure from chess at home is an investment, to be passed down too!

    -m. 🙂
  8. Joined
    12 Nov '11
    Moves
    755
    10 Dec '11 19:01
    i thought red sandalwood was the more exclusive option.In any case serial numbers,certs ect are not the priority.I want a well crafted set.the sort of craftsmanship that takes skill and time.the sort of set that would bring a smile to my face every time when i sit and play through some great games in privacy.. pleasant music in the back ground and a drink in my hand.

    at the moment I have shortlisted these following three.

    http://www.regencychess.co.uk/eminence-series-red-sandalwood-luxury-chess-pieces-45-inches-p-236.html

    http://www.houseofstaunton.com/product_p/menwvar44.htm

    http://www.regencychess.co.uk/corinthian-series-luxury-red-sandalwood-chess-pieces-425-inches-p-476.html
  9. Joined
    22 Oct '10
    Moves
    1975
    10 Dec '11 19:50
    Originally posted by ajsaxin
    i thought red sandalwood was the more exclusive option.In any case serial numbers,certs ect are not the priority.I want a well crafted set.the sort of craftsmanship that takes skill and time.the sort of set that would bring a smile to my face every time when i sit and play through some great games in privacy.. pleasant music in the back ground and a drink in ...[text shortened]... ww.regencychess.co.uk/corinthian-series-luxury-red-sandalwood-chess-pieces-425-inches-p-476.html
    hi,
    I have a House of Staunton Collector Series set, 4.4 inch, in Boxwood and Ebony. It is a very elegant timeless set. Just looked- currently $949. I use it on the superior traditional rosewood and sycamore board which I would strongly recommend. The carving/design is slightly lighter than an antique Jacques that I also have (am collector) which is more similar to their Anderssen range. So just choose what you prefer.
    IMPORTANT. House of Staunton sometimes sells new sets on Ebay so well worth a look. (I got my set for little more than half price for example. If you need any other info would be most willing to help if I can.
    ENJOY
  10. Joined
    29 Dec '08
    Moves
    6788
    11 Dec '11 05:41
    Originally posted by ajsaxin
    i thought red sandalwood was the more exclusive option.In any case serial numbers,certs ect are not the priority.I want a well crafted set.the sort of craftsmanship that takes skill and time.the sort of set that would bring a smile to my face every time when i sit and play through some great games in privacy.. pleasant music in the back ground and a drink in ...[text shortened]... ww.regencychess.co.uk/corinthian-series-luxury-red-sandalwood-chess-pieces-425-inches-p-476.html
    For that money, something would always bother me having a Knight that looks to be made from two differently shaded pieces of wood, like the dark Eminence Knight looks. But they're all great and beyond my collecting interest.
  11. Joined
    12 Nov '11
    Moves
    755
    11 Dec '11 13:44
    Originally posted by JS357
    For that money, something would always bother me having a Knight that looks to be made from two differently shaded pieces of wood, like the dark Eminence Knight looks. But they're all great and beyond my collecting interest.
    You noticed...When I am spending this kind of money I would definitely want all the uniformity I cant get right down to the teeth on the knight 🙂.

    So what do you fellow members think about sets where the knight is a little more creative from the standard Statuton .Example Like the ones that I mentioned previously.

    I noticed a lot of the HOS and jaques sets there is not much detailed work on the knights .They are well made for sure yes. But would I be paying a premium for the brand ?
  12. Standard memberdzirilli
    Duchampion
    Joined
    18 Feb '09
    Moves
    35281
    11 Dec '11 14:57
    I'm still waiting for someone to make this chess set:

    http://kildall.com/blog/?p=1142
  13. The Ghost Bishop
    Joined
    11 Oct '11
    Moves
    877
    11 Dec '11 16:064 edits
    Originally posted by ajsaxin
    You noticed...When I am spending this kind of money I would definitely want all the uniformity I cant get right down to the teeth on the knight 🙂.

    So what do you fellow members think about sets where the knight is a little more creative from the standard Statuton .Example Like the ones that I mentioned previously.

    I noticed a lot of the HOS and jaques ...[text shortened]... on the knights .They are well made for sure yes. But would I be paying a premium for the brand ?
    My personal opinion is that the Morphy sets have always been the prettiest and most playable. Just my $.02 but you can see them here from the House of Staunton:

    http://www.houseofstaunton.com/product_p/menwmor44.htm

    In relation to the woods you asked about I'm afraid you have been led astray. Sandalwood is a very fine wood that is considered to be of the highest order. Ebony of course is also very premiere. Rosewood being the most commonly demanded of the three.

    http://www.chesscentral.com/Chess_Setd_Pieces_Wood_a/267.htm

    If you enjoy these highest order woods and want a very detailed Knight - my heart must recommend the Sultan series from Staunton. You can spy it here:

    http://www.houseofstaunton.com/product_p/menwsul44-prestige.htm

    Q
  14. Subscriberjoesheppe
    Lesser Poobah
    Northern California
    Joined
    15 Aug '07
    Moves
    20617
    15 Dec '11 21:51
    ajsaxin,

    I purchased a 3.75" boxwood and rosewood set from the House of Staunton, which I like a lot, and it was close to $400 U.S.

    A couple things to keep in mind: 1) the taller the set, the larger the board squares (and larger the board) has to be. And really tall sets almost hide the board squares.
    2) Ebony, although beautiful, is brittle (that's why I went with Rosewood).

    For $1500., you could probably pick up an antique Ivory and Ebony set, but then you might have to worry about it!
    But you were smart to ask.
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