Re: Tony Robinson's Top 10 Scottish 'Treasures' | Forum

goffik Jul 15, 2010 12:13:09

Replying to faerygirl

Mrs G and I popped along to an antique toy and game exhibition a while ago and saw some of the original chess pieces. I took photos, being the sad get that I am.

Did you get to Uig when you were in Lewis? There's a massive carved replica on the way to the beach:
http://www.ceuig.com/uig-chessmen

The following will be of no use whatsoever, but still:

I was gutted a few years back. On my way into work I passed a charity shop with a full, replica (obviously) Lewis chess set for about £15. As it was closed, I thought I'd try later. It had, as you'd guess, gone. BAH!

Alternatively:
http://www.britishmuseumshoponline.org/invt/cmcp74270?l_sm=0210&gclid=CKK2i9a-7aICFUcA4woddz3ofg

£275????????!??!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!? Keep it. ;)

G x

juamei Jul 15, 2010 12:52:21

Replying to goffik

I bought some individual pieces for mates last time I was in Lewis. I think they were 7-8 pound a pop which would total £250ish for the set without a board.

Littlestone Jul 15, 2010 14:39:32

Replying to goffik

Yeah, I know Goff, they're really expensive (and it looks like the full-size pieces are now sold out). Thing is, the British Museum pieces are cast from the originals and then hand finished (that used to be done by the in-house BM Replica Department that also did (do?) other reproductions (both for sale in the BM shop and for other purposes). The less expensive sets that you sometimes see on sale elsewhere are probably copies of the BM replicas.

Like you, I could kick myself for not buying a (BM) set when I had the chance :-(