The 1850 London Chessmen Replica – A Masterpiece of Historical Accuracy and Craftsmanship
Few chess sets manage to bridge the gap between art, history, and gameplay as gracefully as The 1850 London Chessmen Replica. Faithfully modelled after the original Staunton design from the mid-19th century, this extraordinary set stands as a living tribute to the heritage that shaped modern chess.
At The Official Staunton Chess Company, we pride ourselves on accuracy, craftsmanship, and authenticity. This set exemplifies those values in their purest form. Unlike reproductions that rely solely on photographs, this collection was created using physical samples of an original 1849/50 Staunton chess set, ensuring that every contour, proportion, and detail has been replicated with absolute precision.
A Direct Line to Chess History
The Staunton pattern was first introduced in 1849, forever changing the way chess was played and perceived. It replaced a variety of inconsistent designs with one that embodied both clarity and elegance — making it instantly recognisable, functional, and enduring.
Our 1850 London Replica captures that historic moment with stunning fidelity. The artisans who crafted this set studied and handled original pieces from the early Staunton era, allowing them to recreate the subtle details that define the true 1849/50 form. Every ridge, collar, and curve is rendered with exceptional care, producing a set that feels as authentic as the original Jaques pieces themselves.
Each piece is hand-polished to a smooth sheen, echoing the grandeur of a bygone age. The result is not just a reproduction — it’s a recreation that feels alive, steeped in history yet refined for the modern collector.
Setting a New Benchmark for Historical Reproductions
This collection goes far beyond aesthetic similarity. To ensure absolute accuracy, physical specimens of an original antique Jaques set were sent directly to our master craftsmen for reference. Every measurement and profile was studied, every nuance of the carving replicated by hand.
This level of dedication ensures the 1850 London Chessmen Replica sets a new standard for historical precision. It’s a chess set that embodies the soul of the original — one that offers collectors and players alike the opportunity to experience the design as it was first intended in mid-19th-century London.
Each piece carries the mark of authenticity: the “1850 London” stamp engraved on the king’s foot rim, with green felt beneath and a matching green lozenge on every base. These finishing touches reaffirm the set’s faithful connection to the historic Staunton originals.
The Craftsmanship Behind the Replica
Handmade with traditional techniques, each chessman is turned, carved, and finished individually. The combination of precision craftsmanship and expert polishing results in pieces that are both visually captivating and beautifully balanced in hand.
The distinctive knight, with its sharp yet refined features, captures the sculptural elegance that defined the earliest Staunton models. The bishop’s mitre, the rook’s crenellations, and the queen’s coronet all follow original design cues — subtle details that mark this set as a true collector’s piece rather than a mere imitation.
The finish is applied with meticulous care, giving the wood a warm, natural tone reminiscent of well-preserved antiques. This is not a mass-produced item; it’s a handcrafted heirloom designed to endure generations of admiration and play.
A Presentation Worthy of Its Heritage
The mahogany slide-lid chess box included with the set offers elegant storage and protection. Simple, functional, and finished to a satin sheen, it complements the refined character of the chessmen while maintaining a classic 19th-century aesthetic.
Each piece rests securely inside the box, lined with a soft interior that guards against wear. Together, the set and its presentation box form a cohesive ensemble — timeless, understated, and true to the period it represents.
The Perfect Set for Collectors and Enthusiasts
For the discerning chess collector, authenticity is everything. The 1850 London Chessmen Replica offers more than accuracy — it offers a connection to history itself. It captures the moment when the Staunton pattern first established its place as the definitive form of chess design.
Whether displayed proudly or used in play, this set commands respect. It embodies the values that define The Official Staunton Chess Company: reverence for history, dedication to craftsmanship, and a passion for the game.
This is more than a chess set — it’s a piece of living history, crafted to perfection for those who recognise the value of authenticity.
Specifications
Design: Replica of the original 1849/50 Staunton pattern
Material: Premium hardwood, hand-polished finish
Pieces: 34 chessmen, including 2 extra queens
Markings: “1850 London” stamp on the king’s foot rim
Base: Green felt pads with matching green lozenge
Box: Mahogany slide-lid with satin finish
Origin: Handcrafted reproduction based on physical originals
Introduced by: The Official Staunton Chess Company
A Faithful Reproduction, A Lasting Legacy
Every generation of chess lovers owes a debt to the original Staunton design — a design that revolutionised both competition and craftsmanship. With the 1850 London Chessmen Replica, we’ve sought not only to preserve that legacy but to make it tangible once again.
Through authentic replication, masterful handwork, and historical respect, this collection stands as one of the finest reproductions available today — a perfect harmony of accuracy, artistry, and timeless elegance.
View the full set here: 1850 London Chessmen Replica