Lot #799. Reproduction Leuchars Carton Pierre Casket

Description Reproduction Leuchars Carton-Pierre Casket Historically Accurate 1849 Jaques Chess Box — Durable Modern Carton-Pierre Formulation This reproduction Leuchars Carton-Pierre Casket is a faithful recreation of the historic 1849 box supplied by Leuchars for the first Jaques of London Staunton Chessmen. The resulting casket — decorated with gothic arches, foliate scrollwork, and architectural panels — is one of the most iconic containers in chess history. Very few originals survive intact due to the material’s extreme fragility. Each box is produced using a proprietary composite designed to emulate the look, weight, and surface character of original Carton-Pierre — but with modern additives that dramatically improve durability, making it far more resilient than the fragile 19th-century originals. Ideal for collectors seeking an accurate period presentation for their Jaques-style Staunton pieces, this casket captures the neo-Gothic aesthetic and architectural detailing of the originals while offering a longer service life and greater handling safety. The accompanying reproduction of the Leuchars CArtonpierre chessboard can be found here. A reproduction of the original 1849 Staunton Chessmen can be obtained here. Avoid exposure to excessive moisture or direct prolonged sunlight. Though significantly more durable than antique originals, this casket should still be handled with care appropriate to a finely detailed reproduction. Note: This listing is for the casket only. Chessmen and Carton-Pierre chessboard shown in photos are not included. Key Features of the Carton-pierre Casket Historically accurate reproduction of the 1849 Leuchars Carton-Pierre casket. Preserves the historical form and aesthetic of the original Leuchars cartonpierre box, allowing collectors to enjoy a museum-accurate piece without the cost and preservation risks associated with antique examples. Made from a proprietary Carton-Pierre composite formulated to mimic the originals while improving longevity More durable than genuine 19th-century caskets, which were prone to chipping, cracking, and surface loss. Faithfully replicates the neo-Gothic architecture, relief work, and decorative motifs of the original molds/ Includes a facsimile of the original Leuchars label with a unique “Entered No.” for authenticity. Sized to accommodate Library Size, Tournament, Small-Club, and Full-Club Jaquess Staunton chessmen Cartonpierre Box Capacity. This casket will comfortably accommodate a set of 32 Jaques of London Staunton chessmen: The following reflects the approximate sizes of the original 1849–1940 Jaques of London sets and their period equivalents. Library size Staunton chessmen: 3″ King (Optional raised floor required, available on request) Tournament size Staunton sets” 3.5″ King Small-Club size Staunton 32-oiece sets: 4″ King Full-Club size Staunton 32-piece chess sets – 4.4″ King (Requires the larger Cartonpierre Box: Jaques Large Carton Pierre Casket Repro – ChessAntiques.com) Professionally packed and Ships fully insured. We offer a full money-back guarantee if returned in the same condition within two weeks of receipt if not fully satisfied. Historical Significance of the Cartonpierre Casket. In 1849, Nathaniel Cooke registered the first Staunton Chessmen design — a pattern that would become the world standard. To accompany these revolutionary pieces, the renowned London stationer Leuchars commissioned Joseph L. Williams to design an ornate box constructed from Carton-Pierre, a sculptural composite produced by George Jackson & Sons. These Neo-Gothic Sarcophagi were produced solely to house the revolutionary new Staunton Chessmen, registered by Nathaniel Cooke and introduced by Jaques of London in September of 1849. An image of an original carton-pierre casket and chessboard is shown here. The original caskets were made in three basic sizes, all using the same four sides and lid, but with three different base configurations to accommodate the four different sizes of chessmen produced by Jaques at that time. The caskets designed for the library-size sets (7.3 cm) had a raised bottom. The standard size casket housed the Tournament (8.9 cm) and Small-Club sizes (10 cm). A larger Carton-Pierre casket was offered to house the full Club-Size sets (11 cm) buy adding a false bottom. Leuchars was established at 47 Piccadilly, London in 1794 by James Leuchars. In 1820, the business moved to 38 Piccadilly, shortly before James Leuchars died in 1822. Lucy Leuchars, James’ widow, continued the business under the name of L. Leuchars. In 1837. The following article introducing the new Staunton Chessmen and the Carton-Pierre casket first appeared in the Illustrated London News in October of 1849: “The most Elegant Christmas Present for New Year’s Gift is a set of THE STAUNTON CHESSMEN, in the unique box of Carton Pierre, resembling Richly Carved Ebony. In the finest African Ivory, 5 guineas; Wedgwood’s Carrara, £3; Ebony, etc., £1 15s; Club size, loaded, £2 5s, in mahogany box. Each box containing an admirable Treatise on chess by Mr. Staunton, May be obtained of all dealers of Chess-men. Wholesale, Jaques, Hatton-Garden. Any bookseller can procure them.