A superb reproduction of the Jaques Of London 1930 Edition 3.5" Chess Set in a solid Beech presentation box. This set is part of a limited run, so buy now to own a piece of chess history!Jaques of London, the oldest family games makers in the world, have had a large hand in the development and success of the game of chess we all know and love today. Chess pieces before the mid 19th century were of two kinds - excessively elaborate and high cost hand-carved reproductions of the Kings court, or rudely turned pieces in which rank was dictated by height alone. Then in the 1840s, this all changed. Nathaniel Cooke, proprietor of the Illustrated London News, showed to Jaques Of London, a new and elegant design for chessmen. This initial design was polished to produce a set using symbols (a crown for the king, and a mitre, for the bishop) which could be easily recognized and reproduced. This radical design received rave reviews in the press, particularly for the exquisite design of the Knight, based on sculptures from the famous Elgin Marbles. Mr Howard Staunton, the first British chess World Champion, was so taken with the design that he agreed to have his name and signature adorn every box of pieces. The Staunton chess set, as it became known, is now the de facto standard for play at all levels. Today, few companies have influenced the development of a popular game the way Jaques of London has shaped the world"s most favorite board game! The highly luxurious 1930 Edition 3.5" Chess Set is magnificently manufactured in a wonderfully finished wooden Beech box with solid brass furniture and a baize lining. A breathtaking true representation of one of the beautiful original sets, so, why not own a piece of chess history today!?Ideal sitting on the 20" beautiful Jaques Of London inlaid Chess Board!