Sold 27 October 2025 · Luke Honey Ltd

This “English Leather 'Library' Chess Board, Circa 1900” found a buyer.

It was listed by Luke Honey Ltd. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Folding Chess Board Victorian Chess Board Ask the dealer for something similar

Description

the alternate chess squares in red and black, with a blind-stamped decorative border in the Greek Key pattern and further gilt decoration.

Chess Squares: 5cm.

Size: 44.6cm x 44.6cm x 0.4cm (when open flat).

Stock Reference No: 2073

Shipping: Shipping in the Mainland UK is free. International Buyers: please contact me for a competitive shipping quote. Thank you.

Physical Dimensions

Height

0.4cm (0.16")

Width

44.6cm (17.56")

Depth

44.6cm (17.56")

Declaration

Luke Honey Ltd has dated this Antique Leather Chessboard to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1101078

Dealers Internal Reference

2073

Description

The alternate chess squares in red and black, with a blind-stamped decorative border in the Greek Key pattern and further gilt decoration.

Chess Squares: 5cm.

Size: 44.6cm x 44.6cm x 0.4cm (when open flat).

Stock Reference No: 2073

Shipping: Shipping in the Mainland UK is free. International Buyers: please contact me for a competitive shipping quote. Thank you.

Physical Dimensions

Height

0.4cm (0.16")

Width

44.6cm (17.56")

Depth

44.6cm (17.56")

Date of Manufacture

Luke Honey Ltd has dated this Antique Leather Chessboard to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1101078

Dealers Internal Ref

2073

About the Dealer

Luke Honey Ltd

Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2018

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Luke Honey Ltd Profile Page

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An antique folding chessboard featuring alternating red and black leather squares with gilt-tooled borders.

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Archive I

English Leather 'Library' Chess Board, Circa 1900

Archive II

An antique folding chessboard featuring alternating red and black leather squares with gilt-tooled borders. View II

Archive III

An antique folding chessboard featuring alternating red and black leather squares with gilt-tooled borders. View III

Luke Honey Ltd

Telephone 020 7450 0914

Location

London
SW8
United Kingdom

By appointment only

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/lukehoney

Verified Since Jul 2018

Items For Sale 22

Items Sold 148

Email Luke Honey Ltd

English Leather 'LIbrary' Chess Board, circa 1900

Ref: SA1101078

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Cataloguer’s Note

Sustainable Choice

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectBoard Games
Period1900 - 1920
StyleEdwardian
MaterialLeather, Wood, Gold Leaf
ColourRed and Black
MotifsGilt-tooled borders, Alternating coloured squares, Folding centre spine
SizeH 0.4 cm (0 in) x W 44.6 cm (18 in) x D 44.6 cm (18 in)

FAQs

Library chessboards are folding boards typically crafted to resemble bound books or for easy storage on shelves, gaining significant popularity during the Victorian and Edwardian periods for domestic recreation.

These boards traditionally feature a wooden base or heavy card core covered in panelled leather, frequently adorned with hand-tooled gold leaf gilding and embossed decorative borders.

Authentic pieces typically exhibit genuine wear to the leather, hand-applied gilt tooling, period-appropriate stitching along the spine or edges, and natural patination consistent with age.

This piece can be displayed unfolded on a coffee table or sideboard as a focal point, or stored upright amongst books on a shelf to introduce texture and historic character to a room.

Preservation requires keeping the item away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity, occasionally treating the leather with conservation-grade microcrystalline wax while avoiding harsh chemical cleaners.