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An imposing 4.4-inch reproduction of the early Jaques Morphy Cooke chessmen from circa 1849–1850, crafted from natural boxwood and genuine ebony and presented in a deluxe mahogany storage box.
Set Features
The Origins of the Staunton Chessmen
The original Staunton chessmen were introduced by Jaques of London in 1849. Their revolutionary design is generally attributed to Nathaniel Cooke, who registered a pattern that combined elegant proportions with clear piece recognition and greater stability during play.
The design was promoted and endorsed by Howard Staunton, the celebrated English chess master whose name it continues to bear. Its broad bases, balanced profiles and easily recognisable crowns, mitres and castellated rooks made it particularly suitable for serious competitive chess.
These early Jaques sets established the essential appearance of the modern tournament chess piece. Their successful combination of practicality and restrained Victorian elegance allowed the Staunton pattern to become the accepted international standard.
The Morphy Cooke Character
The term “Morphy” was not an original Jaques model name. It is now commonly used by chess collectors to identify a particularly admired early knight style associated with antique Jaques chessmen from the period of the great American chess master Paul Morphy.
The distinctive knight is the centrepiece of this reproduction. Its expressive head, carefully defined features and flowing mane give the set an unmistakable historic character. These sculptural knights are complemented by elegant kings and queens, traditional split-mitre bishops, substantial rooks and beautifully proportioned pawns.
At 4.4 inches, the king possesses the commanding scale associated with full club-size chessmen. The broad weighted bases provide stability and a satisfying presence on the board, while the felted undersides help protect the playing surface.
Natural Boxwood, Ebony and Mahogany
Natural boxwood gives the light chessmen their warm and traditional colouring, while genuine ebony provides the dark army with exceptional depth and distinction. The natural grain and tonal variations found within these timbers ensure that each set possesses its own individual character.
A deluxe mahogany storage box completes the presentation, providing an appropriately refined home for the chessmen and practical protection when they are not in use.
Combining historic character, imposing proportions and luxurious natural materials, this Jaques-style Morphy Cooke reproduction is an exceptional choice for the serious player, collector or admirer of early Staunton chessmen.
Rated Excellent by Verified Customers
“Very well made.”
“Good quality product.”
“Very good quality and well made.”
“Beautiful finish and quality.”
