Nuremberg "Spindle" Set, c1850

Another thrilling purchase from a local auction house - there's nothing quite like bidding in person!

Dating from the mid-19th century, this set is likely German, but could be Dutch - the set came with a small booklet from 1852, in Dutch, written by Carl Konig, describing the match between Anderssen and Staunton at the London Tournament (set up by Staunton) in  London in 1851.

The bone quality is outstanding.  When I first viewed the set, I had to look very closely, as on first inspection it appeared to be ivory.

The dark brown stain on the dark side is a delight - it has worn just sufficiently to give it a jewel like appearance.  The turning is exquisite, which makes the rather rudimentary knights look even more rudimentary - though the patina on the brown side rather redeems them.

Kings are just a very small fraction shy of 3.5" in height.  A delightful, and rare, set, in remarkable condition.