1849 STAUNTON
4.4″ Chessmen

The 1849 Staunton chess pieces are a faithful reproduction of the pattern first introduced by Jaques of London in 1849. Associated with Nathaniel Cooke’s original design registration and promoted under Howard Staunton’s name, this is the model that established the visual language still recognised as the standard form of chess pieces today.

Handcrafted in India, the pieces are available in two material combinations: ebony with antiqued boxwood, and padauk with natural boxwood. The ebony and antiqued boxwood version gives the set a more historical character, with the light pieces deliberately toned to suggest the softened appearance of older sets. In the padauk and boxwood version, the contrast is cleaner and slightly brighter, while the padauk shows its natural grain and red-brown character.

With a king height of 4.4 in, the pieces are weighted for steady handling during play. The king base diameter is 4.7 cm (1.85 in), and the pawn base diameter is 3.7 cm (1.46 in). These proportions suit 6.0 cm (2.36 in) squares well, keeping the layout clear and comfortably spaced. Additional queens are included, and the pieces come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

This reproduction is also available as a complete set with a Spanish-made chess board. See the 1849 Andalucia chess set.