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Philidor set

Extremely rare 18th Century boxwood and ebony English set, in exceptional condition, 3.65 inch (93 mm) king, ~1750-70.
Note, knight larger than bishop, and K and Q similar, as often found in this period.
The set has the quirks and characteristics expected of an authentic early set. Philidor toured England in the 1770s with a set like this.







Knights, slightly different sizes, mane on left as usually found with 18th Century sets. 
Boxwood oxidised to darkish brown. An authentic set should have this deep patination.



18th century carving simpler and less consistent than 19th C.



Bases of knights show the characteristic spirally turning of an 18th century pole lathe.



The bases of the pawns also show the turning.






Pawns have uniform patination, but vary in turning as found in early sets. The patination is the best clue
to pieces being original. More uniform turning would be suspicious.



Rooks vary in size. The turner worked just by eye.

 

Note the judder on turning the top of the black rook and the turning marks on the white.