An illustrated collector’s reference
The history and variety of British chess sets
An independent, freely accessible guide to British chessmen, their makers, development and identification, illustrated with examples from historical collections.
Alan Fersht
Explore the collection →Explore British chess sets
Browse the principal styles and makers. Select a photograph to open the original illustrated reference page.
Jaques Staunton sets1849–1939
British playing setsRegional
and traditional forms
Philidor setsEarly
English chessmen
George Washington setsHistorical
designs
Spikehead setsDistinctive
early forms
Jaques ivory setsEarly
Staunton examples
Upright setsNorthern
and other designs
St George setsTraditional
English patterns
For collectors
Dating and identifying Jaques Staunton sets
Examine the evidence of pieces, labels, boxes and patination when assessing the date and originality of an antique Jaques chess set.
Read the collectors’ checklist →
New book · October 2026
Jaques Staunton and Early British Chess Sets
An illustrated reference to Jaques Staunton chessmen and the development of early British chess sets, by Alan Fersht.
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Also by Alan Fersht: Jaques and British Chess Company Chess Sets.