Chess Set

Easily the most recognizable of all chess sets, the Staunton pieces are named after the 19th-century English master, Howard Staunton, who is considered to have been the world’s strongest player in the 1840s. Staunton himself did not design the pieces – they were designed by Nathaniel Cook and first produced by Jaques of London in 1849 – but lent his name to promote them in one of the earliest examples of sports sponsorship. Staunton pieces resemble smooth columns, tapering upwards from a wide base, and topped with a stylized motif representing each piece. The most recognizable Staunton piece is the king, whose crown is invariably topped with a cross.

At the time they were introduced, a number of piece styles were in use around the world. Chess had been growing more popular over the preceding decades, and there was increased enthusiasm for international play and competition, but there was no standard set at the time. Players familiar with different styles of pieces could find themselves at a disadvantage when playing with an opponent’s set. The Staunton pieces quickly became wildly popular and have been the standard design ever since.