Featured Ivory Chess Set

Hi,
I have this ivory chess set - you can see the cross hatch marks on the bottom of the pieces which makes me believe they are ivory.
It missing one piece and several of the other pieces are broken. They range in size, the tallest is 3 3/4"H.
To me they seem to be very well done, I can't imagine how long it would take to carve some of these pieces. Since I don't play chess they have to go - not sure if I should list all together or list pieces separate? Maybe folks would use these for jewellery?
Any ideas welcome!

 

It looks a bit new to be ivory.

Most Ivory or bone chess sets I have sold are toned a bit creamy with age.

You can't list it on ebay, of course, and I think some states have their own laws about ivory sales.

 

Sorry, I lightened the other photos. Here is a better example although they are still a bit more yellowish than show below.

 

Oh that's too bad....those are splendid !!
I would suggest your best way to move them is locally......CL....Kijiji...or a local auction house like maynards.

Big asian community in the lower mainland...& they drive the ivory market !!

 

Thanks for the ideas komokwa! I agree, they are splendid, my favourite ones are the elephants

 

Is the cross hatch pattern visible only on the bottoms?

 

I left them in the store so I'll have a better look tomorrow and post here

 

Personally , I would list them seperately . They are lovely little things on their own merit .

 

There are quite a few bone sets, some are selling. The ones I looked at don't show closeups, so don't know if they are actually bone, or just using that term as a get around for ivory sets.

Maybe someone will take a look and give an opinion.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...omplete=1&_nkw=chinese+bone+chess+set&_sop=13


Too bad yours is missing pieces.

 

Thanks Johnny!
Thanks cluttered. Yes, I see some as bone and a couple of others that don't say what they are made of. I might give them a go and see what happens - seeing other sets maybe someone will be looking for pieces they are missing.
I found some that are similar to mine
carved figural chess pieces chinese

 

You might want to do a little more research first.
Christies says 19th century.

http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/...-ivory-figural-chess-set-5313960-details.aspx

http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/...-ivory-figural-chess-set-5831439-details.aspx

 

Never mind. Good score, you should have children and call it an heirloom. I play chess... and win.

 

Yes, other lines are visible on some of the pieces,
Thanks cluttered, quite amazing if they are that old.
Thanks scare.

 

For real? That set was cool. My dad had an antique one made in Mexico from the bones of executed. No lie. Green and white.

 

He swears he doesn't have it anymore. He's lying cuz I found it in a box.
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en-US&ie=UTF-8&source=android-browser&q=green+and+white+bone+chess+set+mexico&gws_rd=ssl#gws_rd=ssl&imgrc=3RA3tI6PMbVUnM:
This was not it. But it kinda resembles it.
Its apparently one or four of a kind. But not claimed in the web. Daaaaaaang I thought he was lying

 

Fabulous find, Cxgirl!!! Congratulations!

 

Hi,
Unfortunately there are resin copies out there and cross hatching is quite easy to do in the mould.
I suggest trying the hot pin test.
Heat the tip of a pin and push it into a place where it will not be seen (under the base is a good place) if the pin goes in then you have a resin piece as bone and ivory will not yield.
If they are indeed ivory chess pieces then you may need to get them valued as i have seen complete sets sell for $1800 - $2500.
I hope i have been of some help.

 

While the hot pin test can yield results...on this site it is one , if not the most frowned upon actions that can be foisted on an antique ...whatever.

 

Unless you are an expert on ivory it is a test that you can do to eliminate resin as the material and if it is ivory then no harm will come to it, so i am unsure as to why you frown upon it?

 

DO NOT do this.