A Faithful Revival of a Rare Early Victorian Treasure

The House of Staunton is pleased to present an exceptional historical recreation - The Dublin Luxury Chess Pieces. Meticulously researched and executed by Frank Camaratta, this superb set has been crafted from the finest Boxwood and Ebony to authentically recapture the elegance and character of the original early-Victorian design. The King stands at an impressive 4-1/8" in height with a 1-1/2" diameter base, offering a dignified silhouette that reflects the distinguished craftsmanship of the late 1830s.

Each Chess piece is heavily weighted and rests upon luxurious green billiard cloth base pads, ensuring remarkable board stability and a refined tactile presence during play. The Kings are further elevated by Black English leather pads, richly embossed in gold - a signature hallmark reserved for our most prestigious recreations. As part of the esteemed Frank Camaratta Signature Collection and Pre-Staunton Series, these Reproduction Dublin Chessmen embody an extraordinary blend of historical fidelity, artistry, and superior workmanship that has become synonymous with The House of Staunton.

These Chessmen are new, exactingly produced, and perfectly suited for collectors, historians, and players who desire an authentic connection to one of the chess world's most distinctive and seldom-seen early designs.

A Bit of History

The Dublin Chessmen occupy a prominent place within the broader category known as English Playing sets - a distinguished family of designs that includes the Saint George, Northern Upright, Lund, and Calvert patterns. These elegant and practical forms were widely used throughout the early and mid-Victorian Period and remained dominant until the introduction of the revolutionary Staunton Chessmen in September of 1849.

The Dublin pattern is believed to have been created for the Dublin Chess Club in the late 1830s, reflecting both regional character and the evolving aesthetic preferences of the era. Many of the finest craftsmen of the period - including Dixon, Thomas and William Lund, John Calvert, George Merrifield, and even John Jaques - produced variations of this compelling design.

This particular reproduction is based on the Northern Upright sets manufactured by the Firm of John Jaques, whose clean lines, balanced proportions, and unmistakable Victorian elegance defined some of the era’s most iconic Chessmen. Today, the Dublin pattern stands as a remarkably rare and historically significant link between the earliest English Playing sets and the later standardized Staunton design.

Chessmas Day 10

The Dublin Luxury Chess Pieces - 4.1" King - From the Camaratta Collection