Jaques Bone Ribbed set, 1833, 5.6"

A simply outstanding Jaques bone set with reined knights, with kings standing at a huge (just over) 5.6" tall.

I had thought my example of "set number 24" by Jaques was the largest at 5.3", so I was pleasantly surprised by the scale of this set when it arrived.  The form of the pieces is near identical to "set 24" from the Jaques pattern book of 1849, save that it has knights with reins, and different embellishments.  Set 24 is a true "barleycorn" set, whereas this set would more properly be called a "ropetwist" or "ribbed" set. I have included a few comparison photos between the knights and the kings of each set.

The quality of the bone used is outstanding - so outstanding, in fact, that I wondered if the set had been bleached.  Close inspection reveals the usual "speckling" of black pin-prick spots that one expects to see on a bone set - which leads me to conclude it has not been (at least recently) bleached.  Some of the pawns have hardly any speckling and look as clean and pure as the best ivory sets.

The pieces are housed in what I believe to be their original mahogany slude top box - with a beautiful inscription underneath the lid, dating the set to 1833.  Reading 19th century cursive is a tricky business, especially when written on wood - but I think I can make out "Mary <something> <surname, beginning with M> the gift of her Brother <something> <surname, beginning with M>, November (?) 13, 1833". 

There is minimal damage to the set - the white king's large white cross is missing a "pip", there are some very minor chips, two pawns have reattached heads, and the rooks would have had, I believe, ball finials into which the (damaged) flags would have fitted (similar to set 24).