Chess Set

Also known as Edinburgh Upright, this style of the piece was one of the immediate precursors to the Staunton design, and was popular in the early to mid-19th century, especially among the European aristocracy. The pieces resemble tall, thin columns, topped with simple motifs. The orb-headed queen almost resembles a very tall pawn, and the bishop’s split miter is typical of the pre-Staunton era. Like many sets of the era, the tall, thin pieces were prone to tipping during play, a problem that was not shared by the sturdy Staunton pieces which would supersede them. However, the Upright style remains a striking and elegant design, worthy of a place within any chess enthusiast’s collection.