Vizagapatam set, rare knights c1820

A set which has been in my collection for a while, but which a collector friend pointed out was missing from this virtual cabinet - I've no idea how I overlooked this one, perhaps because it is only a damaged part set (27 pieces).

However, as part sets with damage go, this one is a doozy.  The highly ornate carving is instantly recognisable as coming from Vizagapatam, on the east coast of India (now known as Visakhapatnam (or Vizag), in Andhra Pradesh. I have seen dating for similar sets ranging from 1800 to 1840.

This is a substantial set with the kings standing at at least 4.8" - I say at least, because that is the measurement of what is currently there; I suspect there may have been a final flourish on the top of the pieces, which would likely have take this set closer to 5" tall.

The detailing is beautiful, especially on the knights - which I believe are of quite a rare form with raised forelegs), and also the small sepoys atop the rooks (I believe they may have originally held flags).