Emmanuel Chess sets
XL Lardy Staunton set
Here is a French Staunton chess set made by Lardy International. I bought this set for two reasons: first it is a very large version (The King is 12 cms and weighted) and therefore quite rare and impressive.
Second : hopefully it had never been restored (no varnish, no paint) and was delivered with its original box. it was the perfect set to restore.
If I had to have only one vintage French Staunton, this would be the one !
The box before restoration.
Straight out of the attic!
Genuine tag still on the box.
Size 8/10 means 12-cm Kings. Options are felt, antiqued and weighted.
During the black wax process. The restoration took me 6 hours in a 15-step process (including refilling the cracks, refelting, various cleaning steps, waxing, polishing, etc).
The black wax is applied waiting to be polished in a few hours.
The white army is now ready. I love the dark yellow / gold of the old pieces in boxwood.
I love the patina of the black pieces now as it reminds me of the texture of the chestnut.
The combination of the dark orange/gold color added to some trace of black dirt make a great patina to me. Clearly visible here on the white king crown.
The box has been restored with the same process. No sanding, no varnish and no paint of course in order to regain the original patina.
Yes the King is 12 cms high which is bigger than a Club Size Jacques.
Beautiful patina, reflection and shades.
This set has now regained its former glory! The suitable chessboard in the background has squares of 7 cms.
New felt. Same colour as the original.