32;*0|  | | The
BCC - Staunton Popular Chess Set is available in the following woods: | | | WOOD SWATCH | WOOD DESCRIPTION | | 
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In its continuing effort to document the illustrious history of
the Staunton Chessmen, The House of Staunton is proud to introduce
the first Chess set of our new British Chess Company Collection - The
Staunton Popular. A full tournament-sized Chess set, it features a 4.0"
King with a 1.625"diameter base. The Chess pieces are
hand carved by our master artisans and crafted out of the highest grade woods.
The Chess pieces are heavily weighted with luxurious billiard cloth base pads
and a beautiful finish.
Unlike other Staunton Pattern sets of the period, in particular those offered
by the rival firm Jaques of London, the Staunton Popular was
designed for durability. When reviewing the images below, please note the tight
Queen crenulations, the closed Bishop mitre and the compact design of the
Knight. This is a set designed for serious play and able to withstand the most
demanding usage. Which is exactly what the sets were subjected to at the Coffee
houses that dominated London's Chess scene in the early 1900s. This set was
designed to last and it did!
The most striking aspect of the BCC - Staunton Popular Series Chess
Set is the beautiful patina on the Boxwood (White) Chessmen. Our artisans have
accurately captured the rich, golden color commonly found on well preserved
antique Chess sets. As with all of our Chess sets, the Popular Staunton Series
exemplifies a perfect combination of distinct beauty and functionality. It has
been designed to withstand the rigors of practical play while maintaining an
elegance which has become the hallmark of a House of Staunton chess
set. The design, quality and craftsmanship of this set is UNMATCHED by any set
of Chessmen in its price range. Nothing even comes close!
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The British Chess Company Logo
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The Chessmen are new and each set consists of 34 Chessmen, including four Queens,
a standard that was introduced by The House of Staunton over
10 years ago. The
Chess Set comes with a personalized Certificate of Authenticity and a
reproduction of the original British Chess Company production label
indicating the production number, with an adhesive backing that would allow it
to be affixed to the underside of a Chess box. 
Please note the Premium Red Burl Chess Box that features the BCC Logo (included
with purchase). 
| Material
Used | King Height | King Base Diameter | Total Set Weight* | Total Number of Pieces | Recommended Board Size | Wood
Hand Carved | 4.0"
10.16 cm | 1.625"
4.125 cm | 38
ounces
1.30 kg | 34
Includes 2 Additional Queens | 2.25" - 2.375"
Includes 2 Additional Queens | | * Total Set Weight is for the standard 32 pieces and does not include the 2 Additional Queens
THE CHESSBOARD
The Superior Traditional Elm Burl / Maple wooden
Chessboard with 2.25" Squares features Elm Burl (dark)
and Maple (light) squares with a Maple delimited
and an Elm
Burl frame. This veneered Chessboard is 0.5" thick,
has a satin finish and a beautiful moulded edge.
THE CHESSBOX
The Red Burl Premium Chess Box is lined
in green velour, divided and features brass quadrant hinges and a lock and key.
The British Chess Company logo is laser engraved on its lid.
SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE
If these items were purchased individually, the price would be $699.00 USD - The
combination price represents a savings of over 25% OFF MSRP
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Page
from British Chess Company Catalog
Circa 1894
| "The Royal
Chessmen are excellent. I strongly recommend them to Chess Clubs and to
all Chess Players."
British Chess Champion J. H. Blackburne commenting on the British
Chess Company Chessmen - November 19, 1891
While there is little known about the British Chess Company itself,
also known as B.C. Co., the effect that they have had on the world of
Staunton Chessmen is immeasurable. Many Contemporary Staunton Pattern
Chess sets, including those of the House of Staunton, were heavily
influenced by the designs of the British Chess Company.
The British Chess Company was founded in the late 19th century in The
Rock Mills, Stroud, Gloucester, England. At the time of its inception,
it's primary competitor was the legendary firm Jaques of London. Unlike
Jaques, BCC focused exclusively on Chess-related products. While many of
their products were typical for the period, including Wooden Chess sets
and Folding Chess boards, they also produced some very unusual items.
This includes Xylonite Chess sets, Leatherette Chess boards and even
Chess trophies. Never able to match the success of its well-established
competitor, the British Chess Company ceased shortly before World War
II.
Although their involvement is largely uncredited, Mr. Camaratta's
research has revealed that The British Chess Company was also a pioneer
in Telegraphic Chess Matches (those played between countries via
telegraph wire.) |
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The House of Staunton •