Sold 7 December 2025 · Jane Short Antiques

This “Antique Walnut and Rosewood Chess Set” found a buyer.

It was listed by Jane Short Antiques. 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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Antique Chess Pieces Carved Wood Chess Vintage Chess Board Ask the dealer for something similar

Description

A late 19th century/ early 20th century chess set made from walnut and rosewood. The chess board itself is the inlaid top of the box which houses the pieces. It is in very good condition with a lovely patina with all the pieces present.

The king measures 9cm, the bishop 6cm and the pawns measure 4cm.

We can deliver free of charge in UK mainland.

Payment by bank transfer,PayPal or card via phone.

Physical Dimensions

Height

7cm (2.76")

Width

28cm (11.02")

Depth

28cm (11.02")

Declaration

Jane Short Antiques has dated this Antique Wooden Chess Set to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1183638

Dealers Internal Reference

A4819

Description

The king measures 9cm, the bishop 6cm and the pawns measure 4cm.

We can deliver free of charge in UK mainland.

Payment by bank transfer,PayPal or card via phone.

Physical Dimensions

Height

7cm (2.76")

Width

28cm (11.02")

Depth

28cm (11.02")

Date of Manufacture

Jane Short Antiques has dated this Antique Wooden Chess Set to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1183638

Dealers Internal Ref

A4819

About the Dealer

Jane Short Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2020

30 years of expertise in 17th- to early 20th-century furniture and fine art

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Jane Short Antiques Profile Page

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An antique wooden chess set featuring turned pieces set up on a contrasting inlaid wooden board.

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Antique Walnut and Rosewood Chess Set.

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An antique wooden chess set featuring turned pieces set up on a contrasting inlaid wooden board. View II

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An antique wooden chess set featuring turned pieces set up on a contrasting inlaid wooden board. View III

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An antique wooden chess set featuring turned pieces set up on a contrasting inlaid wooden board. View IV

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An antique wooden chess set featuring turned pieces set up on a contrasting inlaid wooden board. View V

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An antique wooden chess set featuring turned pieces set up on a contrasting inlaid wooden board. View VI

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An antique wooden chess set featuring turned pieces set up on a contrasting inlaid wooden board. View VII

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An antique wooden chess set featuring turned pieces set up on a contrasting inlaid wooden board. View VIII

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An antique wooden chess set featuring turned pieces set up on a contrasting inlaid wooden board. View IX

Archive X

An antique wooden chess set featuring turned pieces set up on a contrasting inlaid wooden board. View X

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An antique wooden chess set featuring turned pieces set up on a contrasting inlaid wooden board. View XI

Archive XII

An antique wooden chess set featuring turned pieces set up on a contrasting inlaid wooden board. View XII

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Jane Short Antiques

Telephone 07850 937057 or 07540 126714

Location

Sudbury
Suffolk
United Kingdom

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/janeshort

Verified Since Mar 2020

Items For Sale 187

Items Sold 954

Email Jane Short Antiques

Antique Walnut and Rosewood Chess Set.

Ref: SA1183638

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Cataloguer’s Note

Sustainable Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectChess Set
Period1900 - 1920
StyleTraditional
MaterialWalnut, Rosewood, Boxwood
ColourBrown
MotifsTurned wooden pieces, Inlaid board, Storage compartment
SizeH 7 cm (3 in) x W 28 cm (11 in) x D 28 cm (11 in)

FAQs

Antique wooden chess sets have been crafted for centuries, evolving from bespoke artisanal sets commissioned by nobility to mass-produced yet finely turned pieces during the Victorian era. The standardization of pieces, most notably the Staunton design in the mid-19th century, revolutionised competitive play and collector interest alike.

Traditional chess sets are typically crafted from dense hardwoods such as boxwood, ebony, walnut, and rosewood to provide durability and a pleasing weight. Construction often involves hand-turning on a lathe for individual pieces and marquetry or inlaid veneers for the accompanying folding board or storage box.

Authentification involves examining the patina, tool marks, and wood grain consistency under magnification. Older sets often feature hand-carved details, subtle irregularities indicating manual craftsmanship, and traditional weighting materials such as lead inserts covered with green baize on the bases.

An antique chess set can serve as a focal point when displayed open on a coffee table, side table, or within a gentlemans library bookcase. It bridges functional entertainment and decorative art, adding texture, historical character, and intellectual charm to contemporary living spaces.

Preservation requires maintaining stable room temperatures and avoiding direct sunlight to prevent wood warping and fading. Regular dusting with a soft, dry cloth and occasional treatment with specialist microcrystalline wax helps protect the polished wooden surface without harming the antique finish.