french-pique-sable-set-circa-1900

This was once though- in romantic vein- to be an 18th century 'Pique-Sable' chess set, played either on sandy beaches, or on cushions whilst travelling in carriages. They are more likely to be French 'jonchet' sets, dating from the very late 19th century, although the style of carving is very similar to the work of Napoleonic Prisoners of War.