St George set, likely by Thomas Foster, circa 1860

A high quality St George set, with knights which are very similar in form to a rare mid 19th century English Upright chess set in the Rochford's collection. The Rochford's set came in an original box with a rather lovely label "T Foster, Manufactuer of Chess and Backgammon Men, And Chess and Backgammon Boards, No. 20, Brownlow Street, Holborn. Gentlemen instructed in the art of Turning".

My set came in a retailer's box with two labels - both for "Bowles, Stationer, 224 High Holborn & 73 Mark Lane, E.C.". This led to some research, both on Thomas Foster and Bowles, the Stationer. Thomas Foster of 20 Brownlow, Holborn, was already active in 1850, as evidenced by his application for a Registered Design for metal chess men on November 12 , 1850 (as held in the National Archives at Kew). He is then listed in both the 1860 and 1865 Post Office London Directories as an "Ivory Turner"- but next door at 21 Brownlow Street. Foster had left number 20, which was then occupied by a sauce manufacturer in 1860 and a grocer in 1865 (by the unusual name of Daniel Emus).

Turning to Bowles - we find a James Bowles "Stationer and Account book manufacturer to the trade, and Printer" in 1852 at 188 High Holborn & 73 Mark Lane in 1852 (as per the Post Office London Directory (small edition) of 1852). By 1860, Bowles had moved to 224 High Holborn, whilst retaining premises at 73 Mark Lane (as per the Post Office London Street Directory, 1860 - with the same entry in 1865 and 1870).

It is interesting to note that Brownlow Street and High Holborn are about 0.3 miles from each other, or a 7 minute gentle walk - which lends further credence to the hypothesis that this St George set was indeed made by Thomas Foster, to be retailed by Bowles the Stationer just down the road. Kings just over 3.2".