Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Western Europe, France, ca. late 18th to 19th century CE. A wonderful, rare wooden chess set of the Directoire style, meaning that the knight is of abstract design rather than in the form of a horse's head which distinguishes from Regence sets. Boasting natural woodgrain surfaces in hues of deep espresso and warm butterscotch, the set is hand-turned from boxwood and ebony. The lovely set features tulip-crowned kings, queens with spiral finials, knights that are taller than bishops with domed caps, bishops with cut, notched collars, rooks as turrets, and pawns with slim shafts and rounded bases. "Directoire" sets have been made from beginning of the 18th century. They gained popularity as a more economic alternative for the "Regence" sets as the knights did not need to be carved. Now, however, they boast a higher value than Regence sets due to their rarity. Size of largest (king): 1" Diameter x 3.4" H (2.5 cm x 8.6 cm)

The name for the sets is a bit odd, because Directoire is the name for the final four-year period (1795-1799) of the French Revolution, when there was a five-member government called the Directory. However, Directoire chess sets have been made in a much longer period.

Please note that the chess board is not included with this set.

Provenance: private Alpine, Utah, USA collection, acquired from an antique shop in Paris, France

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#185156

  • Condition: Please note that the chess board is not included with this set. Some light surface wear and a few stable hairline fissures that are barely noticeable, but otherwise intact and excellent. Complete set with smooth surfaces and nice finish.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

April 19, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000