A Distinguished Reproduction of the Historic Saint George Tournament Chess Set

The House of Staunton is proud to offer The St. George Luxury Chess Pieces, a masterful reproduction of the classic Saint George Tournament Chess Set. Crafted from the finest Ebony and Boxwood, these stately Chessmen are heavily weighted for superior balance and stability during practical play. Each piece rests upon plush green billiard cloth base pads, while the Kings - standing at a commanding 4-3/8" tall with a 1-5/8" diameter base - are further elevated by luxurious gold-embossed Black English leather discs.

Faithfully recreated to reflect the enduring aesthetic of the original Saint George pattern, this set exemplifies the refined elegance that defined chess culture in the early Victorian era. The Saint George design was first introduced around 1840 for the prestigious Saint George Chess Club and quickly gained popularity throughout the period. Although eventually supplanted by the revolutionary Staunton Chessmen in 1849, the Saint George form remains one of the most beloved and enduring variations of the English Playing tradition.

Some History

The Saint George (or St. George) pattern belongs to the venerable family of English Playing sets - the same design lineage that includes the Calvert, Lund, Northern Upright, and other important pre-Staunton patterns. Intended for practical, everyday use, the Saint George Chessmen were distinguished by subtle but meaningful modifications, including the replacement of the traditional cross finial with a simpler, elegant ball or plume. This created a visually cohesive and durable set perfectly suited to the rigors of active play.

Designed for the Saint George Chess Club, these Chessmen first emerged around 1840, and remained in widespread use through the early 20th century. They were produced by many of the era’s most respected turners and manufacturers, including John Calvert, William and Thomas Lund, F. A. Ayres, the British Chess Company, George Merrifield, and John Jaques - whose iconic 1860 pattern book includes a representation of this very style.

About the Saint George Chess Club

The Saint George Chess Club traces its origins to the dissolution of the Westminster Chess Club - for which Howard Staunton had served as Secretary - on 22 December 1839. The formation of the new club was first reported by George Walker in Bell’s Life in London and Sporting News, with notices appearing on 22 December and again on 29 December 1839.

Evidence suggests that the membership of the Westminster Club was encouraged to transition directly into the newly-formed Saint George Club, which Walker had already begun organizing. As a result, contrary to earlier misreporting, it is now clear that the Saint George Chess Club was active by late 1839, not 1842. The club quickly became an influential hub for English chess culture and played a significant role in popularizing the Saint George style.

Chessmas Day 11

The St. George Luxury Chess Pieces - 4.4" King - From the Camaratta Collection