Chess set ~ C-4

C-4 has been inspired and made to house these beautiful early 1900 French Regency style chess pieces. This style was named after the Café de la Régence of Paris which was a famous hub for chess players in the late 17th century. Along with the chess stars of the time, it was a café visited by Voltaire, Benjamin Franklin and Napoleon.

With bog oak and cedar of Lebanon squares on the play field, the set is framed in bog oak. A small brass knob allows for a gentle lift of the field revealing the chess pieces below. Each housed within their individual compartments made from purpleheart (the red wood) and English sycamore (the cream wood). The base is walnut.

The set is accompanied by a next player to play counter with one side bog oak the other cedar of Lebanon. Each face with a round of walnut in the centre. This counter is used for those long games, where maybe a break is needed, or has been interrupted. Leave the counter with the colour of the next player to play face up on the board as a gentle reminder.

Measuring 40 x 40 x 7 cm. Made in 2022.

The glass eyed knights are the jewel in the crown to this set. Replacements have been made by glass artist Samantha Sweet. These are the only repairs that have been made to the set. There are some historic repairs, most notably to the black king piece. Over all the set is in good condition for its age. The pieces have been expertly carved and turned. With over 100 years in existence the set is becoming extremely rare. There are some chips to the black knight’s noses.

“The Café de la Régence was the center of chess in ancient Paris. The café was founded in 1681 as one of the first coffee houses in Paris under the name Café de la Place du Palais-Royal. It was located between the Rue Saint-Honoré and the Place du Palais-Royal. It was renamed Café de la Régence in 1715 at the earliest, as the new name referred to the era of the regency (La Régence), which lasted from 1715 to 1723, when the Duke of Orléans ruled over the young king Louis XV, who was still a minor.” - Dr. Holger Langer

All sets are complete with certificate and Oakes & Oakes branded bag.