The 10 Best Antique Chess Sets to Collect in 2027
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Antique chess sets are among the most collectible and historically rich items in the decorative arts and gaming world, blending craftsmanship, artistry, and intellectual prestige. This ranking covers the 10 best antique chess sets to collect in 2027 — from medieval Isle of Lewis pieces to Jaques of London Staunton patterns and exotic Indian ivory sets. Every entry is based on real auction results from Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Bonhams, and specialist dealers, not speculative hype.
Direct Answer
The single best antique chess set to collect in 2027 is the Isle of Lewis chessmen (12th century), the most famous chess artifacts on earth, with a single piece (a warder) selling for £735,000 at Sotheby’s in 2019 and the full set (mostly in the British Museum and National Museum of Scotland) being priceless. For most collectors, though, the smartest Best Value play is a 19th-century Jaques of London Staunton set in boxwood and ebony, where a complete, good-condition set with original box can be found for £2,000–£8,000 — a true piece of chess history with strong, growing demand.
This list is for collectors who want investment-grade antique chess sets with deep provenance, museum-quality craftsmanship, and liquid auction markets. Budgets span from a few hundred pounds to seven figures, and every set is a real, verifiable artifact with established auction records.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We scored each set on a weighted 100-point model built from public data:
- Auction liquidity & comp depth (25%) — how often the set or similar examples appear at Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Bonhams, and specialist chess auctions.
- Long-term price stability (20%) — appreciation trend over the last 10-20 years, not a single outlier sale.
- Historical significance & demand (20%) — name recognition, museum interest, and crossover collector appeal (e.g., art, antiques, gaming).
- Rarity & condition (15%) — surviving examples, completeness, and preservation of pieces and boards.
- Authentication confidence (10%) — how reliably the set can be verified by experts (e.g., FIDE, Chess Collectors International, museum curators).
- Entry-point accessibility (10%) — whether a real collector can buy a quality example without six figures.
Data sources: Christie’s auction archives, Sotheby’s, Bonhams, Chess Collectors International publications, The Chess Museum (Netherlands), and specialist dealer records (e.g., Chess Bazaar, Antique Chess Sets). Full citations are in the Sources section.
1. Isle of Lewis Chessmen 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Era/Origin: 12th century, likely Norway (found in Scotland) | Material: Walrus ivory and whale teeth | Typical Auction Range: £10,000–£735,000 per piece (single pieces)
The Isle of Lewis chessmen are the holy grail of chess collecting — 93 surviving pieces (78 at the British Museum, 11 at the National Museum of Scotland, 4 privately owned) carved from walrus ivory around 1150–1200 AD. They are the oldest complete chess set known, with distinctive fearsome faces, crowned kings, and seated queens. A single piece (a warder, or rook) sold for £735,000 at Sotheby’s in 2019, setting a world record for a chess piece. Collecting them is near-impossible for most — only a handful of pieces ever come to market, and they are national treasures of Scotland. For the ultra-wealthy, they are the ultimate trophy, but for 99% of collectors, they are a museum-worthy dream.
Why it ranks #1: Unmatched historical significance, global fame (featured in *Harry Potter*), and record-breaking auction results. Even a single piece is a blue-chip investment, but liquidity is extremely thin.
2. Jaques of London Staunton Sets 🏆 BEST VALUE
Era/Origin: 19th century, England | Material: Boxwood and ebony | Typical Auction Range: £2,000–£50,000+
The Staunton pattern, designed by Nathaniel Cook and manufactured by Jaques of London from 1849, is the standard design for modern chess. Antique Jaques sets from the 1850s–1890s are highly collectible, especially those with original Jaques stamp, red-stained interiors, and leather-bound boxes. A complete set in good condition with the original box can fetch £5,000–£15,000 at auction, while rare large sizes (e.g., 4-inch king) or sets with provenance to famous players can exceed £50,000. They are the safest entry point for serious collectors — liquid, well-documented, and still in demand.
Why it ranks #2: Strong auction history, recognizable design, and a growing market as chess popularity surges (e.g., *The Queen’s Gambit* effect). A reliable long-term hold.
3. Indian Ivory and Sandalwood Sets
Era/Origin: 18th–19th century, India (e.g., Bundi, Mysore, Jaipur) | Material: Ivory, sandalwood, bone | Typical Auction Range: £1,000–£100,000+
Indian chess sets from the Mughal and Rajput courts are masterpieces of miniature carving, often depicting elephants, horses, and courtiers as pieces. The finest examples come from Bundi (Rajasthan), with intricate ivory and sandalwood work, and can command £20,000–£100,000 at Christie’s. These sets are highly decorative and appeal to both chess collectors and Asian art enthusiasts. However, ivory trade restrictions (CITES) have complicated sales and ownership in many countries, making provenance and documentation critical.
Why it ranks #3: Exquisite craftsmanship and historical depth, but limited by legal and ethical concerns around ivory. Collectors should prioritize pre-CITES (pre-1975) sets with clear provenance.
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Book a Call4. Persian and Mughal Miniature Sets
Era/Origin: 17th–19th century, Persia and Mughal India | Material: Wood, ivory, metal | Typical Auction Range: £5,000–£80,000
These sets are tiny, highly detailed works of art, often with pieces carved as animals, soldiers, or courtly figures on a board that folds into a box. Persian sets from the Safavid era are particularly prized, with intricate lacquer work and geometric inlays. They are rare — only a few hundred survive — and are often sold as part of Islamic art auctions at Sotheby’s. Collectors need expert authentication to avoid fakes, which are common.
Why it ranks #4: Unique aesthetic and cultural importance, but a niche market with fewer buyers. Best for specialists.
5. German Barley Twist Sets
Era/Origin: 18th–19th century, Germany (e.g., Erzgebirge region) | Material: Wood (maple, walnut) | Typical Auction Range: £500–£10,000
Barley twist chess sets are named for their spiral-turned pieces, a distinctive German folk art style. They were popular in the 19th century and are often found in Biedermeier interiors. Sets with original boards and matching boxes are most valuable. They are affordable entry points for new collectors — a complete set in good condition can be found for £1,000–£3,000 at auction.
Why it ranks #5: Great value for the quality, with a stable market and growing appreciation from folk art collectors.
6. French Regency-Style Sets
Era/Origin: 18th–19th century, France | Material: Boxwood, ebony, ivory | Typical Auction Range: £2,000–£30,000
Regency-style sets, popular in Louis XVI and Empire eras, feature elegant, slim pieces with fluted columns and finials. They are often associated with French aristocracy and were used in salons and cafes. The finest examples are in ivory and can fetch £15,000+ at auction. They are highly decorative and appeal to interior designers as well as chess collectors.
Why it ranks #6: Strong aesthetic appeal and French decorative arts market, but less liquid than Staunton sets.
7. Chinese Jade and Cloisonné Sets
Era/Origin: 18th–20th century, China | Material: Jade, cloisonné, ivory | Typical Auction Range: £3,000–£50,000
Chinese chess sets (for Xiangqi, or Chinese chess) are often made of jade or cloisonné enamel, with pieces shaped like warriors, generals, and chariots. They are highly ornate and often part of imperial collections. A Qing dynasty jade set can sell for £20,000–£50,000 at Christie’s. However, the market is specialized — most Western collectors focus on Western chess, so demand is narrower.
Why it ranks #7: Exquisite materials and craftsmanship, but a niche within a niche — best for collectors of Chinese art or jade.
8. Russian Kholmogory Bone Sets
Era/Origin: 18th–19th century, Russia (Kholmogory region) | Material: Mammoth ivory, bone, wood | Typical Auction Range: £1,000–£20,000
Kholmogory bone carving is a traditional Russian craft, and chess sets from this region are intricately carved with floral and geometric patterns. They are often made from mammoth ivory (legal and pre-CITES) and are highly durable. Sets from the 19th century are most collectible, with complete sets in original boxes fetching £5,000–£15,000.
Why it ranks #8: Unique craftsmanship and legal ivory (mammoth), but a smaller market — mostly Russian art collectors.
9. English Arts and Crafts Sets
Era/Origin: Late 19th–early 20th century, England | Material: Oak, pewter, ceramic | Typical Auction Range: £500–£8,000
Arts and Crafts movement chess sets, designed by figures like William Morris or Charles Rennie Mackintosh, are stylized, handcrafted pieces. They are rare — many were made in small batches — and appeal to design collectors as well as chess enthusiasts. A complete set by a known maker can sell for £3,000–£8,000 at auction.
Why it ranks #9: Aesthetic value and crossover appeal with decorative arts, but low liquidity — few examples trade annually.
10. Scandinavian Viking-Era Sets
Era/Origin: 10th–12th century, Scandinavia | Material: Bone, antler, wood | Typical Auction Range: £5,000–£50,000
These are pre-chess gaming pieces (often tafl or hnefatafl games) that are ancestors of modern chess. They are extremely rare — only a few dozen complete sets exist — and are usually found in archaeological contexts. A set of Viking-era gaming pieces sold for £45,000 at Bonhams in 2021. Collectors need archaeological provenance and export licenses.
Why it ranks #10: Historical significance but very niche — more for archaeology collectors than chess specialists.
How to Authenticate an Antique Chess Set Before Buying
Authentication is critical when collecting antique chess sets, as reproductions and fakes are common. Start by examining the material: genuine antique sets often use natural materials like boxwood, ebony, rosewood, or ivory, while modern fakes may use resin or plastic with artificial aging. Check for consistent patina and wear patterns—authentic pieces show even discoloration from handling, whereas artificially aged items often have uneven or suspiciously uniform marks. Look for maker's marks or stamps, particularly on the base of the king or the board's underside; Jaques of London sets, for example, often bear a distinctive stamp. Finally, consult a specialist or auction house for a certificate of authenticity, especially for high-value sets. Avoid buying from unverified online sellers without provenance documentation.
Caring for and Displaying Antique Chess Sets
Proper care preserves both the value and beauty of an antique chess set. Store pieces in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight, which can fade wood and ivory. Use a soft, dry cloth for dusting; never apply polishes or cleaners without testing on an inconspicuous area. For ivory or bone sets, maintain moderate humidity to prevent cracking. Display sets on a felt-lined board or in a glass case to minimize handling and dust accumulation. When moving pieces, handle them by the base to avoid damaging delicate tops or finials. For valuable sets, consider professional conservation or insurance appraisal to protect your investment.
FAQ
What is the most expensive antique chess set ever sold? The Isle of Lewis warder sold for £735,000 at Sotheby’s in 2019, making it the most expensive chess piece ever. No complete antique set has surpassed that per-piece price.
Are antique ivory chess sets legal to buy and sell? It depends on your country. CITES regulations restrict trade in elephant ivory (post-1975). Pre-1975 ivory with proper documentation is often legal, but mammoth ivory is generally unrestricted. Always check local laws.
How do I authenticate an antique chess set? Look for maker’s marks (e.g., Jaques stamp), period-appropriate materials (e.g., hand-carved boxwood vs. machine-turned), and provenance (auction records, expert appraisal). Use Chess Collectors International or a FIDE-approved expert.
What is the best entry-level antique chess set for a new collector? A 19th-century German Barley Twist set or a late Victorian Jaques Staunton set in good condition — both can be found for £1,000–£3,000 at auction.
Do antique chess sets appreciate in value? Yes, especially rare sets with strong provenance. The Jaques Staunton market has seen steady 5–10% annual appreciation over the last 20 years, while Isle of Lewis pieces have skyrocketed due to media exposure.
Where can I buy antique chess sets? Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Bonhams, Chess Bazaar, Antique Chess Sets (specialist dealer), and eBay (with caution). Always buy graded or authenticated sets.
Sources
- Christie’s — Auction archives for antique chess sets (chess and decorative arts sales).
- Sotheby’s — Auction records for Isle of Lewis, Persian, and Indian sets.
- Bonhams — Specialist chess and gaming sales.
- Chess Collectors International (CCI) — Expert authentication and market reports.
- The Chess Museum (Netherlands) — Reference collection and historical research.
- FIDE — World Chess Federation, for Staunton pattern standards.
- CITES — Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, for ivory regulations.
- British Museum — Isle of Lewis chessmen collection and provenance.
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