Ivory Chess Sets
We have seen a lot of chess here at Your Move Chess and Games. We learn about new chess sets from our customers just as much as we do from a trade show or company catalog. In our conversations with customers, we have talked about and learned about all manner of unique chess items out there. It is one of the best ways for us to find new and exciting chess sets to offer as well as discuss some of the unique and interesting chessboards we’ve seen over the years. One thing that often arises is conversation are ivory chess pieces. Some customers are looking for them, and another has an ivory chess set passed down in their family and just wants to show us the amazing item they have. It’s great for us to see these sorts of items, but it often brings up the question of whether or not ivory can be legally sold, and if so, how much they are worth.
(The short answer is that ivory is illegal today, but if you have an old antique set, it is something you can sell and can potentially be quite valuable as an antique).
Ivory chess sets are, to some, the ultimate romanticized idea for a set of chess pieces. For many of us, when we picture a traditional chess set in our mind, it is either classic ebonywood chess pieces or ivory chessmen. The ivory chess pieces stands apart because instead of the natural wood tones of boxwood (the wood most often used for the ‘white’ side of chess pieces), the white is, well, actually white – or very close to it anyway.
The truth is, ivory has a very dark past in our history and has led to the endangerment of several species for needless poaching. In many ways, ivory is the ‘fur coat’ of chess. That is always something to keep in mind before even investigating an antique set.
Availability of an Ivory Chess Set
The problem is that ivory chess pieces, like all ivory products, have not been available since the late eighties here in the US. This means if you’re getting true ivory, it needs to be an antique. Because of our experience (hey, we’ve been around over 35 years now!) a lot of individuals have come to us over the years in an attempt to appraise their chess set, sell it, or even just have us look at something unique. This includes a number of ivory chessmen. While we did have an antique ivory chess set for sale back in the nineties, these sets are now hard to come by and best purchased through a reputable antique dealer. You need to be sure that the ivory used in the set of chess pieces is completely legal for sale (although banned, they are still sometimes manufactured – stay clear! These can be confiscated and you can be fined by the government!)
But how do you know it is true ivory? It’s a bit tricky, and honestly, we don’t like trying to do it. There are a number of methods out there that help differentiate true ivory from fake ivory, plastics, and other bones. If you have a chess set you expect might be ivory it is best to have it checked by a professional. This is another reason why it to have assurances before purchasing from any online seller, and especially auction sites such as eBay.
Value of an Ivory Chess Set
If you already have an ivory chess set, you may be wondering how much it is worth. this is pretty tricky, and again I would highly recommend a professional antique dealer to have a look. The older, the more value – but it is not that simple. The type of ivory also matters – we often think of ivory as being made from mammoth tusks, but actually the tusks and horns of various other animals also qualify – even whale teeth! The classic elephant ivory is often much more expensive.
The detailing also matters. Some chessmen are quite simple, and some are very elaborate. Many of the ivory sets you will find will have been hand carved. If they are painted, they were probably hand painted. They are now heirlooms, and can range upwards into the thousands of dollars.
Alternatives to an Ivory Chess Set
So, ivory chess piece sets are to hard to come by, and if you find one – it’s probably too expensive. What do you do?
The reality is, ivory is a fragile and expensive commodity that has some unsavory ties with poaching and the near extinction of several species. While some may romanticize the idea of ivory staunton chessmen, a high quality exotic wood might be a much better choice. Ebonywood has long been considered for some of the top chess pieces in the world, and other options like Crimson Rosewood (Blood Rosewood, Bud Rosewood, Red Chidar, etc), have grown in popularity as well to take the place of the premier elegant expensive Staunton chess figures. These items have taken the place of ivory in most luxury sellers and are often more thought of as the pinnacle of chess pieces.
That being said, while many prefer the before mentioned wooden chess piece sets like ebony for a truly classic look, some people insist on trying to find ivory, or ivory-like chessmen. There certainly are imitation ivory chess pieces out there as well. While plastic is always an option, you will also see a lot of bone chess pieces. These are usually camel bone, but other bones have also been used. Honestly, we find it a bit morbid and tend to avoid them ourselves, but it is definitely an option and for a consumer who is desperate for the style of ivory/bone, this is a legal option currently available. These chess pieces are delicate, so these are best used for display only even if they do not cost as much!
Finally, there is one really cool option that exists if price is not a concern. Mammoth tusk. Hear me out. I found out that this specific and unusual set of chessmen existed some years ago. I believe the rules go as follows: While elephant tusks are off the table, because mammoths are already extinct, the use of mammoth ivory is technically legal.
It universally comes out of Russia, and costs more than a pretty penny (we’re talking upwards of 15,000 dollars or so!) but if you’re looking for a ‘new’ set of ivory chessmen, this is the one way to do it.
I hope you found this post informative.
Quentin
Yes, as explained in the article!
Is there this store available in McAllen?
Sorry – our only retail store is in New York!
I have an antique old elephants tusk made chess nearly 100 years old which was earlier played by maharajas. Any one interested to buy can contact at [email protected] .
My family has an ivory with ebony board inlaid with ivory from Indian, c. 1962. This appears to be very similar to the “John’s Company” chess sets, but has maharaja versus maharaja as the “kings”. The set is in very fine condition, and very intricately carved, with the larger pieces about 3 inches tall and lesser ones about 2 inches, all in the round. I am trying to find out their possible worth, and/or if there are any museums that would be interested in the set. Please contact me at [email protected].
I have a family heirloom of a elephant Any please send me something to trkdrvone looking for a excellent set please send me a note to [email protected]
I don’t know what happened to the above message so i’ll leave another. I have a heirloom antique elephant tusk Asian chess set. If interested please send a note to [email protected] we’ll discuss price
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I have an ivory chess set that my uncle brought back in the 1940’s or 1950’s when he was stationed in India. Since they came from India, I assume that they are of elephant ivory, but I am not sure. I would like to sell them. If interested, please email me at [email protected].
I have a full set of oriental,ivory chess pieces. they have been well preserved as they have been mounted in shadow boxes on black velvet. I aqquired this set from an antique store in florida. If you are interested in looking at the set contact me at [email protected] for further information and pictures
Thank You,
I have an ivory chess set my father broght back from korie in 1954.this is an origenal set with papers.in very nice shape.I have pics.would like apprazel and mabby sell.
contack me at—[email protected]
keith
Hi,
We really can’t appraise Ivory for the reasons listed above in the article. I’d recommend going to an antique dealer specializing in ivory, or maybe even an auction house. Good Luck!
I was given an Asian pressed ivory chess set in the 70s. It is very beautiful and has survived several hurricanes with little damage. Would it now be considered an antique.
It certainly could be! Basically there are tons of sets that are made at one point and then are discontinued, or the company (or artisan) that made them are now gone. A lot of these would be considered antiques…
whether or not the chess set is a valuable antique is another question. You probably should take it down to an antique shop and see what they have to say!
Thanks. Good idea.
Tengo un ajedrez de marfil,a quién podría valuarlo ? Y si Uds ,pueden encargarse de la venta?
I have an antique ivory chess set with silver stamp was wondering what is it worth.
I have for sale an antique ivory chess set from Hang On Ivory Factory
purchased some time in the mid-1960s by a US Navy sailor.
Photos on request to William at wr2772 at gee male dot com.
Thank You.
Hi,
I can tell you antique sets are often quite expensive, but not how much it is worth. I would recommend trying an antique dealer that specializes in ivory or perhaps even an auction house.
Good Luck!
I have the same set. Did you receive any repies?
William, my parents were stationed in Taiwan in the late 50’s, just before I was born in 58. My parents went to Hong Kong for R &R and while their my Dad purchased a chess set that I beleive is ivory from Hang On Ivory Factory. I have kept it all these years. Did you have your set appraised and if so can I ask who you used?
In 1968, while on R&R in Hong Kong taking a break from my duties as a Seal Team platoon commander, I stopped at a shop selling ivory carvings. Among them was a 13 inch high carving of a female mandarin and a chess set. Both were very intricately carved. WhenI returned home to San Diego I sold the Mandarin to an antique dealer for nearly ten times what I paid for it. The kings an queens of the chess set were five inches high. The whites were carved as though forces of the aristocracy and the browns (in my thinking) as representing the peasant revolutionaries. I haven’t played in years and am now interested in selling the set. I’d like advice at how to go about it.
I’d recommend trying an antique dealer or auction house. Ivory is illegal now so i’m not sure if it needs to be officially dated, but most of the time a regular store won’t want to take the risk. We had an ivory set in the shop once, but that was before I was in charge so I don’t know how they evaluated it. Truthfully, they’re usually so expensive they’re more in the category of art or antique as opposed to chess set.
Solid hand carved Ivory Chest Set – includes board and case. .This treasure is almost 100 years old and has extremely intricate carving on all the pieces. Each piece screws together in multiple sections and the base of each, has 5 balls within balls, painstakingly carved with age old craftsmanship.
The appraisal on this set, more than 35 years ago, was well over $1000, probably triple that now. Has always been in our family – was originally brought back from China with State Department personnel.
You have to see it and feel the weight and complexity of each piece to really understand its uniqueness. A gift you would expect to find in New York – not in Idaho.
Contact me at [email protected] for pictures and copy of appraisal.
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Hey,
Anybody looking to sell their ivory chess sets can contact me at [email protected]. Please send some photos as well as how much you are looking for.
Thanks,
Steve Griffin
I have two ivory/ebony chess sets from Africa. Where in New York can I take them to sell? Nancy
I have an antique chess set I inherited from my father that I am trying to sell but don’t know where to go. Purchased in Japan just after WWII. Heiwa Shoji K.K. (google that). If you want to know more, please email me at [email protected].
I have an Ivory Chess Set that my father-in-law imported from Japan in 1968. It comes in a felt covered box for each piece and the box opens up to a wooden board. I am interested in selling the set and would like to know how to go about it and the approximate value.
I have an antique ivory chess set from Iwo Jima broight back by my grandfather from the war. We hacve had them appraised but want to sell them to a chess fan or collector. If you want to contact me for pictures and info please email me at [email protected]
I would like to sell my hand carved ivory chess set. My late husband (died while we were stationed in Korea), purchased the ivory chess set in Japan in 1970.
I have what was a beautiful Chinese carved chess set of Ivory commemorating the Boxer Rebellion. The Chinese side is dyed red and the British are white. We acquired it along with an inlaid Syrian table, about 1953 while living in Athens, Greece, where my father was stationed with the US Army.
Unfortunately, my father married a lady with 4 children who decided to play war with the pieces. Heartbroken, Dad passed them all to me before his death. Many pieces are broken but many still stand with their carved screw bases on top of carved balls within balls. The kings and Queens have 5 or 7 balls carved within themselves.
I have pictures of what they looked like in the 1950s and what they now look like. Please contact me with any inquiries or offers at [email protected]. Thank you.
I have an antique ivory chess set I beleive was c
Handcar Ed in Austria. My father brought it back to states in 1945. Very fine condition appears unplaced. White pieces and red pieces have taken pics. The pieces are Ina custom velvet lined case. No board with the pieces. I would like to sell.
Looking for a hand carved ivory chess set.
I have a hand carved ivory chess set with provenance which was commissioned by the Chinese Dowager Cixi in the late 1880’s. If you are serious, please get in touch via my email address below and I will be happy to forward details.
Bob
I have an Ivory chessmen set dated circa 1875-1890 by a reputable company “Staunton” in England. I shared many email conversations and close photos of the pieces to get this information from them. They come with a small compartmented wooden box lined with velvet and half of the pieces are stained red. The king is 3.5″ tall and the pieces can be unscrewed. The pìece de résistance is the Tiffany and Co. Union Square mark on the wooden box.
I’d love to show mine off. Hoping to find other enthusiast. 1950’s hand carved Indian elephant ivory chess set.
I have a ivory chess set that has been in the family for years. It has been in the family since the 40s unsure where it was originated. Please email if you are interested. I’ll send photos. [email protected]
I believe that I have an Ivory piece chess set. One side of the board appears to be wood the other side is what I believe to be ivory at least that is what I was told it was. We purchased an entire auction and this was sealed in a box along with the other items. After purchasing the option the elderly lady whose belongings these were warned me that it was very valuable and not to try and sell it to just anyone because one side of the pieces were here ivory. I know nothing about the chess game and would like to see if anyone knows if there is anyone in the Panama City Beach Florida area that could appraise this item and possibly put it up for sale?
I inherited an apparent Ivory Chess set, purportedly owned by my grandfather,so likely over a hundred years old. The kings are about 3 1/2 inches tall. The style is very simple compared to most sets I see advertised. How do I know thwey are in fact ivory. Who appraises, buys sells these sets?
I have a Jacques Staunton? Ivory chess set (red and white) in excellent condition with a leather board (a little damaged).My understanding is that it would date back to 1870-1900. Any interested buyers contact me at [email protected].
I have a ivory chess set with a red horse I purchased it at auction years ago with a letter from a former world champion would this make it worth more I have it in storage if there is any interest I will find it get it out and take pics
Am interested in an antique ivory chess set. Please send a few photos along with asking price for the set. Not interested in incomplete or damaged sets. Please be sure they are ivory and not bone. Thank you. [email protected]
WHERE CAN I GET A APPRASIEL OF IVORY CHESS SETS NEAR MOBILE ALABAMA? I HAVE THREE MADE BEFORE BAN.
Did you have the set appraised yet? I have one also and need an appraisal. Thank you
I like that you said that we need to make sure that we are getting the real thing. If I was going to get an ivory chess set I would want to know that I would be able to maintain it. Maybe I should remember this for the next time I am getting a chess set.
I inherited an pre-ban ivory chest set made at the Hang On Ivory Factory in Hong Kong. This set was purchased by a military relative who was on RR. He has since passed on. I believe this set was purchased in the 60’s. The set is in an original box and looks like it never was used. It still has the hang on factory padding. I would like to sell it, if your interested, I can send pictures, please send me an email to [email protected] Location North Carolina
I was in the Marines from July 1962 until September 1966. For part of 1963 and 1964 I was stationed on Okinawa and while there I purchased a Chinese ivory chess set in an Army PX.
So I’ve owned the set for 53 or 54 years.
I doubt the PX sold fake ivory to service men and so I’m pretty sure it is legit. I’m 73 now and no longer play chess.
I’m not sure what I should do with it.
Do you still have the carved ivory chess set for sale
I was reading the messages regarding ivory chess sets. I have an antique set of red stained and white, George III Puzzleball style. It was purchased at an antique dealer in England in the 50’s. If interested please advise. [email protected]
I have a hand carved ivory set that is very unique. My father purchased for me 60 years ago. I would like to get it examined by a professional as the article suggests.
Yes. Still in storage
What are your needs”
Bob
I have a hand-carved african ivory chessmen set sent to me from the Belgian Congo/Zaire back in the 60’s. I can send pictures and dimensions to anyone who’s interested.
As so many above, I too have a hand carved ivory chess set with Asian figures on a base and stem having little balls half way up and second and third balls carved inside of the outer one. I inherited from my dad and he from his dad so at least 50’s or older. I’m not a collecter so would love to just sell it. Interested buyers please contact me at [email protected] Thanks.
My ivory set is intricately carved. The pieces (complete) are of ancient Asian, probably japanese or chinese warriors. Pieces range from 2 1/2 inches to 1 1/2 inches. It’s truly beautiful. I’ll pay shipping. I’m asking $7500. The set is pre 19th century I purchased it at en estate sale 25 years ago.
I am selling a vintage ivory chess set commissioned by my father during his tenure as a cryptographer in India during WW2. It is the “classic design” and absolutly stunning and Interested parties can reach out to [email protected]