Uncommon loaded Ayres Staunton set, c1900

I have quite a few Ayres sets in my collection, but I have not come across a weighted one in this size until now.  The kings are 3.1" tall, and the set came in it's original box. Dating for these sets is tricky - I would estimate anytime between very late 19th century to first quarter of the 20th.

Unusually for Ayres (or at least the sets I have had), it looks like the box was once felt lined, which I will restore using the correct wool baize.  I wonder if this was because it is a loaded set, and the pieces would need some extra protection compared to the unweighted versions. I find loaded sets in this size just feel slightly more "upmarket" and special, compared to the unweighted sets (though I love both), so this one is a joy to play with.