| Home |
Jaques Staunton |
British Playing
Sets |
St
George Sets |
St George Sets and Old English
1800-1930
These wonderful sets were standard playing sets from about 1820-1930, when they were finally
displaced by the Staunton. As with most sets, the most expensive are made from African ivory,
and cheaper ones from bone, usually cow bone, or wood. 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.
![]() |
![]() |
| Jaques 4.8" weighted St George | Calvert Style |
| Jaques St George, 20th C | Later St George |


