Classic Staunton design. Expertly crafted from boxwood. Ebonised finish. 3.25 inch (83 mm) king. Ideal for a 15.75 inch (40 cm) board. The design of this remarkable set of ornate chess pieces is inspired by the royal courts of Europe that first championed the game in the western world. Each piece is hand turned by our master craftsmen, before a long ebonising process colours one set of pieces black. Once finished, the end result is a unique collection of antique reproduction chess pieces based on the 18th century ornaments used by the European upper classes. The gentry on the continent were eager to see the finest players compete against each other, and offered huge rewards to the winners. And, with such lucrative prizes on offer, there is little surprise that such excellent chess pieces were used during the matches. Reproductions of antique chessmen The queen, knight and rook of the French Regency Period Chessmen all share distinctive features with the classic Staunton shape. However, the king, pawn and bishop all have the simple, hand-turned characteristics of the era they hail from. This set of reproduction chess pieces is best matched with a board of at least 15.75 inches (40 cm)