Sold 22 July 2025 · Luke Honey Ltd

This “Chinese Canton Export Bone Staunton Chess Set, Circa 1860” 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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Antique Chess Pieces Antique Game Set Staunton Chess Set Ask the dealer for something similar

Description

A Chinese Canton Export Staunton Pattern Bone Chess Set, circa 1860

one side stained red (with a cochineal dye), the other side left natural, in a 19th century rosewood and mother o' pearl inlaid box (no key)

King: 7.8cm high

Pawn: 3.8cm high

Box: 20.1cm wide, 12.4cm deep, 8cm high (when closed)

Stock Reference: VS 1462

Date of Manufacture

Luke Honey Ltd has dated this Antique Bone Chess Set to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions

Height

8cm (3.15")

Width

20.1cm (7.91")

Depth

12.4cm (4.88")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA821270

Dealers Internal Reference

VS 1462

Description

A Chinese Canton Export Staunton Pattern Bone Chess Set, circa 1860

“

one side stained red (with a cochineal dye), the other side left natural, in a 19th century rosewood and mother o' pearl inlaid box (no key).

Luke Honey Ltd

King: 7.8cm high

Pawn: 3.8cm high

Box: 20.1cm wide, 12.4cm deep, 8cm high (when closed)

Stock Reference: VS 1462

Date of Manufacture

Luke Honey Ltd has dated this Antique Bone Chess Set to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions

Height

8cm (3.15")

Width

20.1cm (7.91")

Depth

12.4cm (4.88")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA821270

Dealers Internal Ref

VS 1462

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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SAVE

An assortment of carved bone chess pieces in natural white and red, arranged on top of a dark wooden storage box with brass and mother-of-pearl inlay.

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Archive I

Chinese Canton Export Bone Staunton Chess Set, Circa 1860

Archive II

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

Chinese Canton Export Bone Staunton Chess Set, circa 1860

Ref: SA821270

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Cataloguer’s Note

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectDecorative Objects
Period19th century
StyleVictorian & Gothic
MaterialBone, Wood
ColourWarm Brown
MotifsHand-carved detailing, Staunton pattern, Inlaid wooden box, Stained bone finish
SizeH 8 cm (3 in) x W 20.1 cm (8 in) x D 12.4 cm (5 in)

FAQs

Canton export chess sets from the 19th century were typically crafted in China for Western markets, often featuring intricately carved bone or ivory pieces influenced by the Staunton pattern.

Traditional materials included bovine bone or ivory, frequently stained in contrasting natural and red hues, paired with fitted wooden storage boxes made from hardwoods like rosewood or mahogany.

Authentication involves examining the material under magnification for Schreger lines or cellular patterns unique to bone or ivory, alongside assessing the hand-carved detailing, patina, and period-appropriate wear.

Displaying the set on a side table, desk, or within a glass cabinet allows it to function as a focal point, combining historical charm with sophisticated decor.

Preservation requires maintaining stable temperature and humidity levels, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent colour fading, and occasionally cleaning with a soft, dry cloth without harsh chemicals.