Staunton chess set

The Staunton chess figures are figures of a certain form, which are named after the British chess champion Howard Staunton. They were introduced in 1849 and later developed into the standard type, the use of which is recommended by the World Chess Federation ( FIDE ) in tournament fighting.

Formation

The character set was designed by the Englishman Nathaniel Cook, an acquaintance Staunton. According to another theory comes the original design of Cook's brother in law, the artisan John Jaques. Cook was in any case register the pattern on 1 March 1849. The design was praised by Staunton in The Illustrated London News.

Three years later, the figure set was named after the famous chess master. This served as a platform for advertising purposes, on the other hand should, imitators be deterred by a signed Staunton certificate of authenticity, for which he has been involved in the sales. Because of its elegant, neo-classical form of the Staunton figurines were popular rapidly. The design of the Springer - heads apparently attacks after models of ancient Greek Elgin Marbles.

Development of the standard form

In the following years it developed to the present world prevailing standard character set. Other historical figure sets have been largely replaced. This fate also befell the developed in the 1930s and then for decades spread in the German Chess Federation form characters. Staunton pieces are specially recommended for use in competitions, which are conducted under the aegis of the World Chess Federation.

During the Second World War, the work of Jaques of London was bombed by the Luftwaffe. In thus caused fire, the original drawings and patterns of Staunton figurines were destroyed.