RARE Crystal Chess Set,by Saint Louis Cristallerie 1586

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's a chance to own a magnificent Chess Board, that may be one of a kind. Use it to play chess or for decoration, or resell it. Selling as part of a fine Estate. Previous owner collected expensive and unusual glassware and Crystal, prices were no object. He bought this beautiful Chess Set at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills several years ago and paid $ $ 12,000 for it. The bottom board is thick with etching and bubbles and an uneven surface on the bottom. The pieces are clear and frosted. Two pieces, see pictures, have some chips. Original Box for the board is included. Box says: Saint - Louis, France 1586, Verreries Royales De St. Louis The whole chess set weighs about 25 pounds. This is a Crystal / Glass Chess Set by the Saint Louis Cristallerie of France: From online research I gatd that Saint Louis is comparable to Baccarat. I searched online and found this: Other important glass companies made chess sets during the 20th century. The famous Waterford Crystal of Ireland made glass sets incorporating their elaborate cutting to differentiate between opposing sides. The Cristalleries de Saint Louis of France created clean angular chess pieces with sharp cut points on the crowns of the king and queen, distinguishing the opposing sides by frosting. Glass companies in Czechoslovakia and Austria also manufactured chess sets. About Saint Louis: Saint Louis For as long as can be remembered, the province of Lorraine, on the eastern border of France, has been a region graced with rich sand and expansive forests. Supported by the abundance of these natural resources, the art of making glass flourished in this area.The glassworks of Saint Louis was originally known as MÃ¼nzthal when it was founded in 1586. Almost two centuries later, in 1767, Louis XV granted the glassworks of MÃ¼nzthal the honorable title of "Verreries Royales" and placed it under the protection of his patron saint, "Saint Louis."On the eve of the French Revolution, the House of Saint Louis was the first on the Continent to perfect the manufacture of lead crystal. In 1781,The Royal Academy of Sciences acknowledged the high quality of this crystal when they recognized Saint Louis as a Cristallerie.Saint Louis played a central role in crystal's golden age of the 19th century. The House's art revealed major technical and ornamental innovations: the master of color, the discovery of crystal opaline, the application of fine 24 karat gold, the development of new engraving and cutting techniques, and the production of the first millefiori paperweights and filigreed pieces. Each of these artistic dimensions remains present in the current collection.In the House's rich history, the 20th century has proven to be as illustrious as the previous three. Today, the master craftsmen of Saint Louis, as they have for over four hundred years, continue to blow crystal by mouth. Cutters and gilders shape and decorate each piece with their hands and thus each Saint Louis creation is unique. These exceptional artisans, who have perfected their talents under the tutelage of their grandparents, and who will in turn train their own grandchildren, are considered to be among the finest craftsmen in the world.Over the centuries, Saint Louis has been coveted by kings, emperors, heads of state and connoisseurs. Saint Louis is an integral part of French cultural heritage as it continues to blend a sense of tradition with contemporary relevance. read more

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