The Blackburne Padauk And Briarwood Luxury Chess Set

The Blackburne Padauk Chess Men are a welcome new addition to the comprehensive range here at The Regency Chess Company.

Expertly turned and carved by highly experienced craftsmen, the carving on these pieces is quite simply exquisite. The imperious King stands at a massive 4.5 inches, with each of the pieces being perfectly weighted and finished with billiard cloth bases.

As well as the impressive ornateness of all the pieces, especially the knights, is the use of the stunning wood called Padauk (Pterocarpus). All padauks are of African or Asian origin and are valued for their toughness, stability in use, and decorativeness, most having a reddish wood. Most Pterocarpus woods contain either water- or alcohol-soluble substances and can be used as dyes. The most commonly found padauk is African which, when freshly cut, is a very bright red/orange but when exposed to sunlight fades over time to a warm brown. Its colour makes it a favourite among woodworkers. We here at Regency Chess think Padauk creates some really beautiful looking chess men.

These beautiful chess pieces are named after the famous Joseph Henry Blackburne, born in Manchester December 1841. Despite learning at the late age of 17 or 18, Joseph joined the Chess scene at the age of 20 losing to Manchester’s strongest player, Eduard Pindar in July 1861. Blackburne then went on to defeat Pindar the following month.

Later that year, Blackburne was introduced to blindfold chess and although Louis Paulsen beat him and others, Blackburne didn’t give up and continued to not only play chess blindfolded but also with three players simultaneously. At the time, chess timekeeping was measured by hourglasses and it was Blackburne who suggested chess clocks.

He faired better in international tournaments where he was a regular high prize-winner. His best results were gained in Vienna in 1873 against Steinitz and he earned the nickname ‘The Black Death’. He died in September 1924 just before his 83rd birthday.

This set includes an outstanding quality Italian made briarwood and elm veneer chess board. Finished with a quality gloss lacquered finish, the wood grain and knotting of the briarwood is seductive on the eye and has a rich depth of tone and patterning. The inlaid veneer squares are bordered with a thin veneer of ebony that sections off the playing area from the edge. The underside of the board features a lacquered wooden veneer and has felting pads to protect surfaces underneath. The colour tone of this board is perfectly suited for the Blackburne Padauk chessmen.