ISLE OF LEWIS CHESS SET, SPECIAL COLLECTORS' EDITION

THE ISLE OF LEWIS CHESSMEN
SPECIAL COLLECTORS' EDITION

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Here is a special collectors' edition of the most celebrated chess find of all time: the Lewis Chessmen. The original pieces were found in 1831 on the island of Lewis, Scotland. 78 pieces were found, comprising almost 8 complete sets -- each piece slightly different from the others. The pieces have been dated among the earliest European chessmen, from the mid 12th century.

SPECIAL COLLECTORS' EDITION

This set has been designed to show the diversity of the many pieces, including some pieces not often reproduced in Lewis replica sets. Notice the following characteristics:

ROOKS -- not castles here but armed warriors -- shown in four different forms, including the rarely reproduced bowl-shaped helmet on one of the red rooks, and one white rook with the rarely reproduced bite over his shield. (see pictures, below)
KNIGHTS -- productions of slightly different figures on the two sides.
BISHOPS -- both the seated and standing bishops are presented in this set.
KINGS AND QUEENS -- notice the interesting difference in the opposing sides.
PAWNS -- both the simple helmet-shaped pawns and the elaborate scroll-work pawns are in this set.

DECORATION -- Observe the intricate scroll work reproduced on the backs of the seated kings, queens and bishops.

COLORATION -- Although the original coloration is no longer present in the original Lewis pieces (see final picture below), early reports indicate that one side was originally stained red. Both the red stain and the simulated ivory color here give an image of what the Lewis Chessmen would have looked like when they were first created.

DURABLE AND HEAVY FELTED PIECES

Simulating the original pieces carved of walrus ivory, these chessmen are cast in durable stone. They have a heavy and solid feel, handsome and made to last.

The entire set weighs 3 pounds, 12 ounces (1.7 kg).

The king stands just about 3 3/4 inches tall.

The bottoms of the pieces are covered with a durable felt, to improve the feel during play and to protect the chessboard.

NO BOARD WITH THIS SET

Shipping, etc...

Shipping is by Priority Mail: 2-3 "business days" within the U.S., 6-10 "business days" to other countries.
Please see the shipping rate listed below.

  
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