Chess Pieces Details | Height | Base |
King | 4" (101 mm) |
1.73" (44 mm) |
Queen | 3.34" (85 mm) |
1.69" (43 mm) |
Bishop | 3.07" (78 mm) |
1.57" (40 mm) |
Knight | 2.87" (73 mm) |
1.57" (40 mm) |
Rook | 2.28" (58 mm) | 1.53" (39 mm) |
Pawn | 2.00" (51 mm) |
1.33" (34 mm) |
Total Weight Of Chess Pieces | 1200 grams (42.32 oz) | |
Dark Pieces | Ebonized Wood (Gardenia latifolia) | |
Light Pieces | Antiqued Boxwood (Gardenia latifolia) | |
Recommended Board Size | (2.5") / (60 mm) square size |
This peerless 1904 Cambridge Springs International Congress Tournament Chess Set in Staunton style is made of ebonized boxwood and antiqued boxwood. The King stands at 4 inches with a 1.7-inch base. This historic design features a unique king finial, a wider base, and superb size proportioning. The dark pieces are ebonized wood, while the opposing pieces are antiqued boxwood. The set includes free extra queens, thick green felt bases for smooth movement, and well-crafted knights showcasing Indian artisans' skills. Expertly carved in India, the pieces are heavily weighted for a premium feel.
Chess Pieces Weight: 1200 grams (42.32 oz). The final weight may vary by ±10%.
History: This Staunton chess set was made for the 1904 Cambridge Springs International Chess Congress, the first major international chess tournament in 20th-century America, held at "The Hotel Rider" in Pennsylvania. Notable players included World Champion Emanuel Lasker, Mikhail Chigorin, Harry Pillsbury, and Jackson Showalter. The single-round-robin tournament featured a time control of 30 moves in 2 hours, then 15 moves per hour.
Craftsmanship: The knight's carving is spectacular, and the lathe work on each piece is exceptional, featuring unique collar rings and elegant curves. The rooks have four turret cuts, and the wide-based pawns add an extra dimension to the set. Meticulously handcrafted from premium wood, each piece is hand-polished for a rich shine, comparable to $1500+ sets sold by other retailers.
Uniformity of Pieces: Turned pieces are identical due to metal profiles, with slight variations in hand-carved knights.
New Antique Finish Process: Achieved through a four-step color and 3D rotational polishing process, ensuring a uniform finish and preventing cracks or splits.
Weights: Heavily weighted with iron studs for durability and excellent handling.
Felts: Thick green felt envelops the base of each piece.
Original Cambridge Springs chess sets are rare and expensive, but Chessbazaar has recreated this design at an affordable price while maintaining its authenticity.
Perfect for collectors or those seeking a unique chess set, the 1904 Cambridge Springs International Chess Congress Tournament Chess Set is a must-have.
All pieces have an elegant visual appeal for permanent display. A matching chessboard is available at our web store for an extra cost. Shop Here
Includes: 34 Chessmen (2 extra queens), Digital Certificate of Authenticity. NOTE: Chessboard not included.
Caution: These chess pieces are neither waterproof nor UV-resistant.
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