Isle of Lewis chess pieces set
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Please note the chess board is not included with these hand painted chess pieces.
This exquisite chess set is a reproduction of the Isle of Lewis chessmen, one of the most ancient chess sets in existence.
In 1831 the sea carried away a sandbank on the Isle of Lewis uncovering a mysterious building that had been buried under the sand. A farmer working nearby found what he concluded to be a collection of Elves and Gnomes. The superstitious highlander flung down his spade and fled home in horror. Superstition in Lewis had survived in a powerful form. Thus, when the farmer first looked at the group of singular little ivory figures, it was natural that they should appear as the pygmy sprites of Celtic folklore. However, he was induced by his wife to return to the spot and take the figures home. He sold them to a local collector who realised they were chessmen.
There were 78 pieces in all, belonging to eight or more sets; 67 are now in the British Museum and the rest in the National Museum, Edinburgh. Experts are unanimous in regarding them as 'the most astonishing collection of ancient chessmen in existence'. These historical figurines have become legendary and are undoubtedly the most unique and original looking chessmen available today. Hand-sculpted in the UK, this Isle of Lewis chess set comes complete with a beautiful presentation box.
- Handmade in the UK
- King size 8.89cm (3.5in)
- Luxury wooden chess boards also available
- Recommended board size 50cm for uncluttered ease of play
Promotional codes do not work on this product, there will be no discount applied.
This product is classified as bulky and heavy, the higher postage fee applies. Please see the Delivery Terms for details.
Delivery
All orders are processed immediately and are despatched on clearance of payment - within 3-5 days, depending on the time of receipt and if the products are in stock. If a product is no longer available or out of stock, you will be contacted by phone or email as soon as possible and provided with a new delivery date, if applicable.
Standard shipping charges
Postage and packing is based on geographical areas:
UK: £5.99
EU: £20.00
US & Canada: £25.00
Rest of the World: From £35.00 *
Some countries charge import duties and taxes. You are considered the importer of goods and must comply with all laws and regulations of the destination country of your order.
Official palace guidebooks, up to a maximum of 3 in a basket, are delivered to a UK address free of charge. If any other products, or additional guidebooks, are added to the basket, the delivery charges will apply as shown above.
* Exceptional delivery charges - We reserve the right to vary our standard shipping charges on items which are unusually high in weight, volume or value. We will contact customers to advise on any additional charges prior to shipping.
For more information, please check our delivery information page.
