 |  |  | 3.5" RARE BOKOTE and BOXWOOD STAUNTON CHESS SET - by UNIQUE STAUNTON CHESS SETS
FOR THIS RARE GROUPING OF ONLY FIVE SETS - ONE OF THE ORIGINAL FROM MY "1890-STYLE BRITISH CHESS COMPANY KNIGHT" GROUPING FROM 2003, THIS SET IS ONE OF THE RAREST CHESS SETS EVER PRODUCED - and probably one of the lovliest as well!.
WITH THE MEN COMES SIGNED CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY stating the wood types, the serial number, and other important information specific to this set of men.
Every set I offer is produced in numbers so small that I can say they are the rarest sets you will find anywhere. Here, now, is a SPECIAL treat for those of you looking for one of the rarest chess sets I have ever produced.This one is made of BOKOTE (see wood DETAILS below). King size 3.5" Please note that prior to my introduction of exotic wood species chess sets in 2002/3, there were no known chess sets fabricated from Bokote (or from ANY of my other exotic woods...see my other auctions ongoing currently and keep an eye out for future auctions...as well as in my EBAY store!); these rare sets remain unique to Unique Staunton Chess Sets and set them apart from all others.
My idea early in 2001 was to produce just a handful of truly outstanding chess sets, but they absolutely had to be different than anything ever seen before, and they HAD to be truly rare.
DID YOU KNOW THAT ONLY 5 WOODS ARE TYPICALLY USED IN 99.99% OF ALL CHESS SETS EVER MADE?
It's true! My experience with the 5 common woods usually used for chess sets (SEE BELOW), and my later research, led me to the following conclusions: Indian or African Black Ebony - this has been used for 150 years, but it is extremely brittle and prone to chips and cracks. Every collector of chess sets has experienced their Ebony men with cracks and chips. (it seems almost every Ebony John Jaques set has cracks or chips mostly in the Ebony men.) Ebony is not as rare as the price would indicate; actually the high prices for Ebony sets come from the fact that being so brittle, there is much waste in the production of each chess set. Ebony is used because it is a very hard wood, takes a fine polish, and is very dark so that it contrasts well with light side men; Rosewood - this perhaps the best wood to use: hard, dense, finely grained, it is not brittle, is often quite beautiful having lovely grain, color, and figure, but it is quite common and the usual Rosewood you see is a rather common Indian Rosewood...it can often be boring with muted colors or figure; Red Sandalwood/Red Rosewood - often miss-named "Budrosewood" (to allow for illegal exportation from its country of origin, India), this is a lovely and dense wood, however it, like Ebony, is extremely brittle and prone to extreme cracking and chipping. It also darkens over time - the red color muting into the black swirls; Sheesham - there are actually two types, light Sheesham and Dark Sheesham - both are forms of Rosewood. Dark Sheesham is a finer quality wood and is often used for nice boxes. The light Sheesham is often advertised as "Golden Rosewood" and can also be used for nice chess boxes. However, often you will see lower end chess men made of "Golden Rosewood"; Boxwood - this has been the standard wood for the light men since the 1840's and remains the perfect, if not the only, choice. It is hard, dense, finely grained, and has a perfect "yellow hue". Boxwood exhibits a unique darkening over 50-100 years of use, into a lovely, yellowish patina unique to that wood. If properly dried and cured before use, Boxwood is not prone to cracking or chipping.
I believed and hoped that there had to be a market for chess sets made to the finest exacting standards, but fabricated from truly rare woods, exotic hardwoods...chess sets that would actually APPRECIATE over time. As a chess player, collector of chess sets and a lover of exotic and rare woods, I saw the value in such a chess set and hoped others would also (chess players, chess collectors, chess aficionados, wood workers, someone looking for a rare gift for a friend or loved-one, art collectors, those who enjoy sculptured woods). Therein I began a three-year quest to find amazing woods - rare exotics never before used to produce chess sets in the history of chess.
I HAND-SANDED EVERY SPECIES OF WOOD
To find truly amazing woods, I researched exotic hardwoods from around the world - South/Central America, Africa, Asia, Australia and the United States. I determined that there were about 50 species I would consider, and so I purchased and took possession of samples of every one.
Then I did my own investigative woodworking and experimenting, sanding by hand a sample wood block of each species through as many as 9 sandpaper grades (from 120 through 2000 grit). I observed their qualities such as hardness, density, color, figure, even their aromas, and finally decided on about 25 species of woods to use. Those that "passed" my criteria were sent in very small batches to the finest craftsmen in the world (a typical "batch" of wood consisted of a box with about 25 - 2"x2"x12" turning squares of wood from which approx. two or three chess sets could be fabricated; each box weighed 50-60 lbs. depending on the density of the wood.) The results are chess sets no one has ever seen (these exotic woods are truly rare, very expensive, and particularly sourced from only already-downed trees so as not to infringe on the deforestation and denudation around the world, or from existing, non-endangered forests).
DETAILS OF A THIS TRUE COLLECTOR'S SET
THE WOOD - Bokote
The dark wood of your chess pieces are carved from one of the most astounding hardwoods in the world: BOKOTE. Botanical name: Cordia Alliodora, Family: Boraginaceae; other common names include: Anacahuite, Baria (Cuba), Siricote, Bocote, Cupane, Amapa asta (Mexico), Canalete (Colombia, Venezuela), Louro pardo (Brazil), Loro negro (Argentina). This wood is rare and expensive and can be found in Mexico but also grows in Central America and southward to Brazil and Argentina, Belize, Guatamela, Honduras, Nicaragua, Columbia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica. No chess sets have ever been made from this wood....until mine.
The BOKOTE tree grows to 100 ft. tall. In Mexico the trees are found in topical dry zones with yearly precipitation of about 1 meter and at elevation up to 500 m. The wood often has tobacco to reddish colored irregular dark brown or blackish streaks combined with yellow or tan streaks and variegations, with more or less of an oily or waxy appearance. Generally, this wood will contain wonderfully curvy lines and swirls. It has fine texture and grain and has a mild fragrance when freshly cut.
BOKOTE is an unusually dense, heavy wood with a specific gravity from .75-.85 and weighing up to 65 lbs. per cubic foot. The wood is one of the few that sinks in water. The wood takes a marvelous polish and, due to its extreme figure, is considered to be one of the most beautiful woods in the world. The wood is also highly resistant to insects and decay. Its uses include cabinetmaking, decorative veneer, fine furniture, boat decking, turnery, inlay work, interior trim, balasters, excelsior, floor lamps, moldings, parquet flooring, and wainscoting. It’s very popular for knife handles and pens because of the extreme figure available. Until 2003 when I first introduced my Unique, exotic wood chess sets, there were no known chess sets ever made from BOKOTE...MINE ARE THE FIRST AND ONLY ONES. ..
TIPS TO APPRECIATING THE UNIQUENESS AND BEAUTY OF MY WOODS
If you purchase this set, be sure that after you receive it that you look at it with flashlight or other strong light source (or look at it in direct sunlight!) Hold a chessman, turning it as you shine the light on it (or hold the man steady as you move the light source up and down and around the man)...and watch the marvelous properties of the wood come alive! This wood, BOKOTE, has phenomenal figure patterns that you must take special joy in. If you purchase other exotic wood sets from me you will find different properties inherent in those woods - they will show other their own unique and beautiful qualities within! One simply cannot find such qualities in common woods typically used such as Ebony or the ordinary Rosewoods that comprise 99.99% of all other chess sets ever made and currently made by other vendors...)
THE CHESSMEN
I think the original Staunton styles of the 1800's and early 1900's are the most lovely ever created, and these include the 19th century beauties by John Jaques of London. This heavily-weighted set (approx 4 lbs. with custom box) is a finely detailed replica of a classic John Jaques of London set of 1890-1900. However, I took the liberty of making the Knight specifically after a style from the BRITISH CHESS COMPANY of around 1890 - a Knight of unique beauty I think.
This set is one of only a small handful made in this configuration. YOU WILL ALSO RECEIVE AN INDIVIDUALLY NUMBERED, HEAVILY LAMINATED "CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY" WITH YOUR PURCHASE I know the owner of this wonderful set will be overjoyed, and I am convinced you will have made a smart investment in a set that will APPRECIATE significantly over the coming years.
To date (and until my introduction of exotic wood chess sets in 2002/3), no known chess sets made of BOKOTE wood (or any one of my other exotic woods - see my numerous choices currently on auction or future auctions and in my EBAY store!) have ever been known to exist. This is the first and only one in existence.
DETAILS
- BE SURE TO scroll down to see ALL THE PICS BELOW!!
- 3.5" King
- Two Queens of each color
- PERFECT FOR BOARD SIZES OF 1.7" to 2" squares
- Brand New, pristine, unused
- I accept PAYPAL (PayPal and Credit Cards used through PayPal)
- Successful bidder agrees to pay shipping cost which is approximately $20 (+ $5 ins.) in the continental US but this will be higher outside of the US. If outside US, shipping costs will be determined at completion of auction. This item is rare, valuable and will be packed with great care to cushion all pieces individually and with great attention to detail. THIS UNIQUE CHESS SET WILL ONLY BE SENT FULLY INSURED.
- Winning bidder:payment is due withing 3 days of end of auction
HERE ARE JUST SOME OF THE MANY TESTIMONIALS FROM SATISFIED AUCTION WINNERS OF MY CHESS ITEMS
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(3/7/2009) - Got the set in! It`s a masterwork......beautiful Knight carving, better than House of Staunton top end set. The wood has a lot of highlights and tones that the pictures didn't quite capture. So I would say I am well pleased! You are a boon to the game of chess!
- (11/11/08) I received the Cocobolo set today. To say it is fantastic is to understate how I feel about it. I've been playing since 1956 and I've got about a dozen chess sets in my small collection. Two are original Jacques. A Fischer-Spassky purchased around 1979 and a used set found by a dealer in London. (I have no idea which model it is.) Also I've got a House of Staunton Marshall (ebonized) and a proto-type HOS 4" Professional (ebony) and an old Craftsman purchased from "Chess Review" in the early 1960s. Your set is easily the equal or better than the other five.
- (3/12/06) The Cocobolo set that I purchased from Unique Staunton is simply one of the best available today. It defeats any of it's competitors hands down. The styling of the Knight is most pleasing to the eye as well as the hand. The rest of the dark pieces truly must be seen to be believed. The colors of the Cocobolo wood are outstanding. Wonderful striping. The custom made leather lined storage box is also of outstanding quality and beauty. Thank you for allowing me to own one of your small production run of these outstanding sets. – Lee
- (1/18/06) Hi Elliot, I received the box. They are beautiful. We love them. As for the shipping. You did a great job packing them. The box was soaking wet all the way through, even the newspapers. In fact, they delivered it in a plastic bag. The chess set was saved because you wrapped each piece individually. So thank you for your excellent care of the set. Sincerely...Julia
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- (1/16/06) Elliot: The Black Drueke set arrived today in excellent condition. Many thanks for putting this fine old set up for auction, and for packing it so securely. Always a pleasure to do business with you. Gary
- (1/11/06) Dear Elliot, Just a quick note to say that I got the chess pieces today and they are simply beautiful! Thank you very much for the care and workmanship you put into these. We'll enjoy them for a very long time. Best wishes, Bob
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- (12/30/05)Received the set today. Everything was fine and I am extremely pleased with the care that you give to each piece. This really is a beautiful set and one that I will cherish for years. Thank you.
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- (12/29/05) GOOD NEWS! The chess set was delivered late this afternoon. I really enjoyed unwrapping the pieces, especially the knights! I thought every piece was well done. I feel I got a very good value, and a pristine set to enjoy for a long time.
- (12/23/05) I must say that I am more than just satisfied with our transaction. These pieces are wonderful. Thanks again. Happy holiday to you and your family….Jim
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- (12/23/05) Good morning Elliot, your chess set was waiting for me when I returned home from work yesterday; shipped like lightening, thanks a lot! The set was well padded and protected; even though one corner of the package showed slight signs of rough handling, the chess set and its box were in perfect shape. The set is magnificent, better than you described, and even my young son stopped in the middle of our first game to exclaim "Just look at these knights!" (He went on to win anyway). Thanks for a great set, the very finest, will leave positive feedback.
- (12/20/05) Elliot: The package just arrived in fine shape. Thanks for delivering a quality product. The pictures do not do it justice. We are totally satisfied with this purchase, and accordingly will be leaving eBay positive feedback on your account. Thanks again and happy holiday…Jim
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- (12/9/05) Hi Elliot: I've had your 4" Cocobolo set for over a week now and its given me some time to reflect on your innovative staunton style chess set. Bravo!! I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity of owning one of your very limited creative chess set masterpieces. As you might have expected, I collect staunton style chess sets and I have to tell you that your 4" Cocobolo and Boxwood set is a welcome addition to my collection. I have a lot of wonderful sets, including some great ones from HOS, and your set definetely ranks as one of my favorites.
Your utilization of Cocobolo wood for the dark pieces is magnificient. Cocobolo's multi-colored vibrant colors and unique grain patterns are a collectors delight.
The design and style of this set are extremely pleasing. The pieces are heavily weighted coupled with wide bases. I love the thick stemmed Kings, Queens, and Bishops along with the bulky Rooks and hefty Pawns. All of the pieces blend nicely on the chess board and the pieces are expertly proportioned. The mitered Bishops are simply georgeous. And those exquisite hand carved knights presenting an aggressive, almost life-like appearance!
Thanks again and I look forward with great anticipation to your future UNIQUE STAUNTON CHESS SETS. Sincerely, Mike --- (12/9/05)
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- (12/7/05) "Hi! Wonderful!! The Men have crossed the Ocean without any fear! And....They are a real Masterpiece. The colour of the Purpleheart is Stunning...and It makes a perfect contrast with the Boxwood. The Knights are magnificentally carved and I like so much the Design ( Is it Yours? ). Thank you for all - the packaging is of course perfect. The Chessmen are all in perfect condition. So... Best Regards e Grazie Mille - Luca" (12/7/05).
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- Magnificent set! The sandalwood has real character, and the knights are truly fine. Thanks for the second chance offer. --- (4/07/05)
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- You were correct about this Sandalwood/Boxwood 4" set. It is very nice and they feel great to the touch. I think the Sandalwood is more attractive than the finest Rosewood pieces I have seen. While not having quite as much grain as many Rosewood sets, the richness of the color far out classes the Rosewood sets I have. It rivals the finest Ebony in luster and reflectivness, while presenting a more striking and visually appealing color. Once again, you have gone the extra mile in packing these pieces. Leaving the kings crosses off for shipping is an excellent idea, and I appreciate this attention to detail. Thank you once again - my chess friends will be quite envious. --- (4/06/05)
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- Your two packages arrived yesterday. I just got everything unpacked and set up to play. I am delighted with the chess men, as well as, the board! The men are much nicer than I anticipated. Their great crafting and style are lovely. And the grain and color of the chosen woods used in the chess board are gorgeous. Together they make a truly handsome invitation to play chess! Many thanks for your clear communication, master packing and love of these sets! ---(4/23/05)
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- The chess set is doing well. I love I! --- (4/18/05).
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- The stuff came and it was fine. They are truly sculptures. Your chess products and service are remarkable.---(4/16/05)
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- Love the set, I used it last night and, although it wasn't quite as lucky for me as the Cavalier, it plays well, I like the feel and look of them tremendously. It's amazing, I've purchased three sets from you, each one is my favorite...is that possible? Hehe. --- (4/14/05)
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- Hello! The chess set arrived yesterday. It is a beauty set. I greatly appreciate your care in packing for shipment. I am going to enjoy this set. --- (4/12/05)
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- Greetings! I hope you are doing well. I received all the stuff you sent and I am quite pleased with everything. I especially love the 1920 set I got. You described the board perfectly but I was still amazed how nice it is. Thanks. My son and I played with the other set several times now and the clock is a big hit. --- (4/11/05)
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- Just a short note to say that I collected the chess set from my local post office this morning. Everything is in order and all the pieces are lovely - very delicate (which I like, being a Frenchman). Thank you again for taking great care in packing them. I just have to find a partner to play my first game with them - which I will greatly enjoy. Kind regards, ---(4/4/05)
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- The olivewood/rosewood Lardy set arrived today. You certainly do pack these things well. I love the olivewood pieces. I have never seen a wood like this, and it is very beautiful. --- (4/01/05)
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- By the way, the French set arrived -- LOVE it. Beautiful pieces, nice packaging. The knights are nicely different from what's made today, and the patina on the white pieces is lovely. No damage in shipping.I'll keep an eye on your listings. It's a pleasure to do business with you --- (3/10/05)
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- Hi Just thought I’d let you know that the set arrived today – it is a very beautiful set - particularly the Rooks and Knights. Thank you. --- (3/23/05)
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- I received the chess set today and it is outstanding, exactly as you described. Thanks for the careful, fast shipping. (Please feel free to use this as another testimonial). I will leave you very positive feedback tonight. Best wishes --- (3/15/05)
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- Got the chess pieces...beautiful! Will post positive feedback on Ebay ASAP---(3/17/05)
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- Received the set this afternoon. To say I'm pleased would be the understatement of the year. The set is absolutely beautiful...I had high hopes for it when I bid, but it's so much more than I had expected. It glows, as only those things do that have lovingly
performed their function for a century now. Thecareful work you've put into the set really shows, the pieces have heft, yet remain perfectly balanced...a true pleasure in a "mini" set such as this one. The finish is silken to the touch...well deserved kudos on all fronts, I greatly appreciate the high level of craftsmanship you've put into it. Please know that it's found a loving home where the set will be treasured and used for decades to come. One other note: In 7 years of active eBaying, I've never received a package as well protected as yours...lol, it took me almost half an hour to penetrate its defenses to liberate the chessmen...thanks again, I'll be watching your other auctions! Best regards ---(12-03-04)
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- “Thank you so much for the chess set! Because I have weighted sets myself, I can tell just how much time and love you put into this set. It must have taken you a very long time to do this set. Everything is exquisitely done. The felt is meticulously trimmed and rounded. The finish is beautiful, and is my favorite shade of red. And the pieces are so heavy. You must have used a Dremel MotoTool to shape the interior cavity. Even the packing was perfect. I noticed that you even placed some paper between the heads of 2 pawns so that they would not touch during shipping. I am so happy with this set. Thank you for everything”---(11/02/04)
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- “Received your Jaques in great condition with no shipping damage. Your packing job was excellent and I want to thank you for the time you took to pack my set. It took me about a 1/2 hour to unwrap this beautiful set. I felt like a little boy opening presents on x-mas morning... each unwrapping gave me such a thrill You know its good to feel like a kid sometimes! The set looks much better in person than the pics on ebay. I also want to thank you again for giving me the opportunity to own a piece of Jaques history...such a good feEling. Boy, isn't collecting chess sets so much fun? I'll be in touch and who knows, maybe I'll win another of your fantastic sets on Ebay. Also keep me posted on the custom chess sets you are having made Sincerely, ---- “ (10/30/04)
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- “Hello, the set arrived today and it looks even better 'in person' than in the photos. A beauty. I left positive feedback for you as well, thanks again. Regards, ---” (11/03/04)
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- “Received the chess set today and really quite enjoy it. Wonderful set! I'll leave favorable feedback on e-Bay. Thanks again…” --- (11/14/04)
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- Oh My!!! I'm Breathless. They are absolutely Marvelous! WOW.....WOW!! The Chessmen arrived just now in perfect condition. In fact ...Your packaging was so accurate that you could even send them with a catapult without any problems. I have to thank you very much for everything you have done and I hope to deal with you again. All the Best---(11/17/04)
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- Hi! The set arrived and it looks great. Terrific packaging job. That set could have been shot out of a rocket and it would still have arrived intact. Thank you so much! ---(11/18/04)
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- Just wanted to drop you a note saying that I received the chess men. They arrived in fine condition. Thank you for your recommendations, and kind correspondence. It has been a pleasure buying from you, and I can only hope to keep this set in as good a condition for the next 80+ years. It is quite lovely and I am very pleased. Kind regards ----(12/15/04)
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- I just received and opened the very well packaged pieces. I have already left feedback on e-bay.The set is just what I had hoped for...a near duplicate of the first set that I bought in Boston 30 years ago and surely made by the same manufacturer. Only the crack in the one white pawn and one missing coping atop one of the castles keeps the set from being pristine with that beautiful honey colored patina that comes with age---(12/15/04)
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