Chessmen (32) 1845 - 1860

This set of 32 chess pieces, made in the mid-19th century by the E.G. Zimmerman Company in Hanau, Germany, is a fine example of decorative chess sets. The pieces, made of pewter, feature detailed figures representing each chess piece type. The kings and queens are particularly elaborate, with detailed costumes and crowns, while the knights are depicted as mounted horses. The set is now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This set exemplifies the popular use of pewter for chess sets during the 19th century.