THE ISLE OF LEWIS CHESSMEN
  SPECIAL COLLECTORS' EDITION
FINISHED IN ROSEWOOD AND IVORY
KING = 3.5 INCHES
  

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. 59 pieces (and about 20 pawns) 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 -- Each one is different! Not castles in this set, but armed warriors -- Included are the rarely reproduced bowl-shaped helmet on one of the red rooks, and the shield biting Berzerker on the white side.    
KNIGHTS -- four different figures -- each knight different.   
BISHOPS -- four different figures -- 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 elaboarted scroll-work pawns are in this set.                                                               

DECORATION -- Observe the intricate scrollwork 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 piecture below), early reports indicate that one side was originally stained red. Both the rosewood 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 3.5 inches tall. 

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

WELL PACKED, IN CORRUGATED CARDBOARD BOX

Please note that no chessboard is included in this set. It is recommended that these pieces be played on a board of 2 to 2.5 inch squares. 

The set comes well packed in its labeled box, as shown below.

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.