Lot #768. Jaques Broadbent Chessmen, Tournament Size

Description Antique Jaques Tournament Broadbent Chessmen. Offered here is an original set of Antique Jaques Tournament Broadbent Chessmen. This style of Jaques Chessmen is named after a Jaques Club-size set that was awarded to South African born Reginald Joseph Broadbent, former British Isles Champion. The pieces are crafted from English Boxwood and Ebony. Each of the chessmen is heavily weighted, Kingside Rooks and Knights stamped with the King’s Crown symbol, and “Jaques London” inscribed on the base of the ebony King. The chess pieces rest atop green English baize base pads.  The King stands 3.5″ tall with a 1.5″ diameter base. These are commonly referred to as Jaques Tournament Size chessmen and is the size sanctioned by the International Chess federation (FIDE) for National and International rated tournaments. This is a very attractive set with the beautifully carved Broadbent Knights. These Jaques Broadbent chessmen are housed in a replacement House of Staunton Mahogany hinge-top box with a facsimile of the original green Jaques’ manufacturer’s label. The chessmen are in excellent condition and have developed a very pleasing patina over time. These sets were produced around 1935. The antique folding chess and Backgammon board shown is not included. These Jaques Tournament Broadbent Chessmen play and display best on a chessboard with standard 2-1/8″ to 2-1/4″ squares.  For a complete selection of our finest new and antique chessboards and game timers, click here.  For more on the background of the John Jaques company, click here. For a history of the Staunton Chessmen, click here. Who is Reginald Joseph Broadbent? Reginald Broadbent was the Northern Counties Champion 1933-46, the Surrey champion 1947, and the British Isles champion in 1948 and 1950. He played for England in international matches against Holland, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and Australia, and has taken part in two international tournaments: London 1946, and the Staunton Memorial Tournament 1951.