F.H.Ayres Staunton set 3" Kings

Another nice quality little Staunton from F.H.Ayres, in its original mahogany box, circa 1900, give or take 10 years. These are charming little sets - this is my second (or possibly third) in this size. Why do collectors collect duplicates?  Well, partly because we're collectors...but also because there can be subtle differences between sets, which I think may be due to sets being made over a period of years and either the specifications changing or, more likely, the craftsmen changed.  The other good reason to buy a duplicate is if the newer set is an improvement somehow - which this one is.  My previous set did not have its original felts, but this set is all original and lovely...it also comes in a hook fastening box, rather than the key and lock box for my previous set.