Lot 28 , A rare 18th century white and brown walrus ivory Russian chess set, featuring Russians against Persians, in mahogany box,

A rare 18th century white and brown walrus ivory Russian chess set, featuring Russians against Persians, in mahogany box, Kings on thrones, queens as dignitaries, elephants as rooks, ships as bishops, horse mounted knights. King 7.3 cm tall.
See central page illustration in Mackett-Beesons "Chessmen" and illustration no.74 in same.

Estimate £2,800-3,200

The white natural walrus ivory pieces in the form of Persians - the 'King' has an age crack to the base going through his left foot and one of the sailing ship pieces is missing a flag on top, the other has its piece but has a slight crack next to the hole in which the flag is placed. Otherwise the other white pieces are in good condition.
The stained walrus ivory Russian figure pieces: one of the horse and riders is missing his sword blade in his right hand and one ship piece is missing a flag from the top. The king is possibly missing a spike from the front of his crown and it has been reshaped otherwise original to the design, very difficult to say
One of the pawns is missing most of his head and the white walrus ivory is exposed. A second pawn has had his head broken at the neck and reglued with some old glue around the area, two further pawns are missing the front peak in their hats, although this might have been done in manufacture as the staining matches the rest of the pieces, otherwise the set is in reasonable condition, in a later box.


Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.

Sold for £4,800