These wonderful sets were made not as decorative objects, but with which to play games of chess. They are called playing sets. The most expensive are made from African ivory, and cheaper ones from bone, usually cow bone, or wood. Ivory has a fine smooth surface, which is translucent and can show cross-hatched lines. The pieces are generally white or stained red with cochineal. In the 18th century, black was more common than red. Bone sets have speckles and lines from the small veins and capillaries for blood flow, and are also usually white and red. The wood sets are usually black ebony and shellacked boxwood, often patinated to beautiful toffee-coloured shades. Rosewood is rarer and more desirable for the black pieces. Important features for value are size - the larger the better - and fine patination. The quality of carving of the knights a very important marker of quality.

Calvert