1849 Jacques Cook Staunton Collectors Chess Set- Chess Pieces Only - Ebony Wood - 3.75"

I started a small chess collection from Royal Chess Mall. My favorites are the Lessing set, this set, and the Improved Lardy set. For coffee house chess, you can’t beat the Improved Lardy. That said, the 1849 Jacques Cook set is definitely a more top tier set with higher quality and execution. It is very popular at RCM, and it took a while to acquire. It’s a distinctive and attractive Staunton design you would be happy to display or play with. Highly recommended and deserving of its popularity.

A gorgeously carved and weighty set. It is the perfect size. I love this chess set.

In my opinion, this chess set design is the greatest of all time and a must-have for the serious collector. The stockiness of the rooks, the design of the knights, and the king-side stamps make it a classic. If I could only have one chess set, this would be it.

It is stunning and feels great to play with.

Having recently been informed about the existence of Royal Chess Mall (RCM) (reading an article in Chess.com and then watching relevant videos on YouTube), I started exploring the company's webpage. After admiring a few chess sets of their collection, I immediately realised that the page was so well structured and updated in such a professional way that it was impossible for the visitor not to find all the necessary info about their products. Not only do they mention King’s height, but also the accurate dimensions of all the pieces -even the base diameters- in inches and centimetres, and many other info, accompanied by many close up photos revealing all the details of the crafted pieces. It was impossible to have any questions unanswered.
So, being positively surprised, I decided to order directly from RCM’s webpage the ‘1849 Jacques Cook Staunton Collectors Chess Set – Ebony Wood and antiqued boxwood – 3.75’’ an all time favourite of mine. After that surprises kept coming one after the other…
The set was picked up by DHL from Armitsar India (RCM’s location) on Thursday 15 February 2024 and was delivered to me in Greece on Wednesday 20 Feb 24, way faster than was initially estimated! I didn’t opt for the shipment via Indiapost since the delivery time would be at least 20 days, the tracking difficult and the custom’s procedures time consuming. Although I had to pay an additional shipping cost, since the town I live is characterised by DHL as remote (RCM mentions this on the shipping info), it was worth it, because they did all things required for customs’ clearance and without having to pay any import taxes or extra fees.
The chess set recieved was professionally packed in a sturdy waterproof box and all the pieces were individually ‘‘nested’’ in a thick foamy material successfully preventing any kind of damage. A chess pouch was also included in the box as a thank you gift from the company.
Taking each piece out of its packaging and meticulously examining it, I was left speechless time after time, admiring the high level of RCM artisans’ craftsmanship and their attention to details. All the pieces were spotless, a totally flawless chess set with fantastic finishing! The details on the Knights are stunning with dynamic lines. I believe that there is no other better chess pieces’ colour combination than that of ebony and antiqued boxwood. The set looks way better compared to the photos on RCM’s webpage and the feel of the weight on the hands is just remarkable! One cannot go wrong with this classic chess set. IMO 3.75’’ is the sweet spot for a chess set.
RCM’s professionalism was such that the same day of the delivery I was sent an email, informing me about the arrival of the product and asking me if I had any kind of complaints.
First time to have such an excellent buying experience from abroad!
A huge ‘thank you’ and congratulations to all the personnel of RCM, who made a dream of mine come true in the most positive way!

PS. The chessboard’s squares on the photos I've posted are 5cm (RCM correctly proposes at least 5.5 cm)

Though not as towering and majestic as the 4.5-inch, 1849-50 Leuchars Cook Staunton lacquered in ivory & crimson previously reviewed, the 3.75-inch, 1849 Jacques Cook Staunton in antiqued boxwood and ebony is no less a masterpiece. I don’t think any two woods go together better on the chessboard than antiqued boxwood emulating an aged patina and deep, black ebony.

Regarding individual pieces, of all of the sets I own it sports the most aesthetically pleasing knight with a traditional, lightly serrated mane and remarkably expressive muzzle. It is expertly carved by the artisans at Royal Chess Mall; I have seen none finer. Lathe turning from the king to the last pawn is first rate as well. The uniquely concave, curvilinear rook from base to turret I find particularly attractive compared to straight-stemmed versions.

In my opinion, this set is more practical for tournament play than a 4.5-inch set. Due to the wide bases, some players may opt for a 2.375-inch square board. However, my photo reveals the set fits nicely and looks great on this 2.25-inch square curly maple and walnut board. Unfortunately, this particular board with its wide frame cannot be purchased; it was made in 1981 by my best friend as a Christmas present.

Lastly, I must mention that this set was ordered through Amazon and arrived with seven (7) of the seventeen (17) boxwood pieces a dark yellow bordering on orange. In other words, it was an “imperfect” set not advertised as such by Amazon. However, Royal Chess Mall made replacement pieces after I returned the darker ones with a lighter control pawn, and they did so on their dime. As you can see from the photo, the antiqued boxwood pieces are beautifully matched. Excellent service by a business who makes things right for the customer.

Please note my next review will be on the same 1849 set but in boxwood and bud rosewood.

Five stars for this 1849 Jacques reproduction! Five stars for customer service!

This guy's collection of beautiful chess pieces just GOT SERIOUS! After 14 days, the Jacque arrived safely packaged. They're to be positioned on a Wenge wood. Now, let me improve my play.

Very nice item! Really great antique color and the black pieces are also stunning! Shipment was fast and secured. Recommend this seller!

Great set. Speedy delivery and good after sales service. Five star experience!

I liked this set so much I ended buying the Bud Rosewood version too. It's amazing to see that from the very beginning of the Staunton style of pieces, the Jacques set is just fantastic.
All the pieces are great. When you see them on the board, you just know you are looking at a top quality set.
Historical set, so therefore it a must have for chess set collectors!!

I’ve always been intrigued with how the chess sets we play with got their start. My chances of getting one being slight, I ordered this set from RCM and I couldn’t be happier.

To play with (nearly) the very set the great European chess players of the 19th century played with (plus our own Paul Morphy!) has been delightful. Please, RCM, more classic sets like these!

Beautiful set, couldn’t be happier!