Antique Swiss or Tyrolean ebony and limewood full figural chess set
Beautifully carved set dating from the second half of 19th century, the set represents European rulers (possibly Renaissance versus Medieval).
Their courts including carved jesters, musicians and mounted knights. The pawns as soldiers from various historical periods and geographic spread.
The figural pawns seem to span the two millennia from the time of the Romans/Babarians right up to the time the set was carved.
Among the portrayd pawns are figures of :
- The winged helmeted Arminius (1st.Century bc.)
- Saxon/Norse axemen, (6th Century)
- Medieval archers
- Spanish conquistitors
- Dutch musketeers
- Italian/Austrian fighters, (15thC/16th Century)
- German Landsknecht soldier (16th Century)
- Greek soldiers, (18th Century )
- Napoleonic infantrymen
- Ottoman, Indian, Oriental militia men
- Prussian riflemen (19th Century)
The kings measure 9.5 cms and pawns 7cms. and the set is housed in a fine quality boxboard with original key, which has two velvet lined compartmentalized drawers.
The boxboard measures 43cmsx 43cms with 5 cms squares
