This incredible chess set captures my image of chess in the middle ages. It is the result of several years' work to embody that vision. Unlike most sets, the pawns are the lifeblood of the design, and unlike virtually all other sets, the 16 pawns are unique works of art, elaborately detailed. They carry swords, maces, crossbows, lashes, and spears. One is throwing a rock. Two have dogs. The pawn above is an executioner. The four knights are magnificent works, with the one shown on the home page being my favorite. The set was showcased in a juried show of games and crafts at the Philadelphia Art Alliance. Below is a sampling of some of the pieces. Click any of the images to see an enlarged view of that piece.

The pieces are a little oversize by conventional chess set standards. Although pawns are about 2" tall and the queen 3", the knights need nearly 2" squares on the board. My vision for the board has always been silk fabric of gold and black, though to date only a prototype exists.

The pieces in the original set are gold-plated brass and bronze, with real crown jewels... solid 18 karat gold scepters for the kings and crowns for the queens, with red rubies and blue sapphires. One team is bright gold, the other antiqued. The set can be custom-sculpted with you as the royal family.

To produce a set with the full crown jewels and 30 different castings described here, please contact me.

To purchase this special work of art, email me jackbellis@hotmail.com or phone 267 575 6934.

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This one of 16 different pawns. That's what makes this set so extraordinary. In my mind, the pawns are the life and character of the game. This one is an executioner, reviewing some of his grim work.
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This is a knight from the white team. Each pair of knights have similar helmets and masks. The four knights are the most exciting pieces. Originally modeled with full legs, they were too large so the horse now appears to emerge from the ground. Two of the knights have masks, two have their helmets opened.
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This is one of the black rooks. The rooks on each team are the only pieces that don't have any significant individual differences.
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This is one of the white bishops, praying for someone, perhaps.
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This is the black queen. Her crown is out for cleaning.
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This is the black king. Notice the scepter of solid 18-karat gold with a ruby.
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This one of the white pawns, with his faithful mutt, Homer.
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A pawn throwing a rock.