Posted 10 years ago
Praski
(1 item)
I bought this chess board at a flea market a few years ago. I believe it is sterling silver (getting it checked by a jewler) and also possibly handmade due to the irregularity in the stamping of the patterns. It is just a really interesting piece and quite beautiful. The demensions are 13 x 13 and no pieces came with it. There is not stamp or makers mark. Just wondering if anyone has ever seen anything like this or have an opinion on it. Any input would be appreciated.
I added the only picture I have of the bottom for you!
Beautiful!
Jeweler told me it is not Sterling Silver. I guess I am really just trying to determine the value of it. The value is hard to determine because it seems to be homemade with no real way of determing the age.
I was going to guess tin or copper, just by sight (and because those are both common for punched metal designs). http://www.piercedtin.com/doityour.html Based on the color transitions, I'm guessing (like CindB) that it's plated copper, that was rubbed off to provide the dual-tone effect. Does a magnet stick to it? Is it heavy for its size? The board itself is crafty, but something I could do. I'm more intrigued by the embossed(?) border. I'm not sure how you're going to date it, since it's a craft that's been around for centuries. Hopefully, someone will recognize the design. I can't find that exact design online. I think the value will be in the decorative/nostalgic value rather than the monetary value. I may be wrong, but it's a hunch. [On a side note, I find the placement of the different king versions odd (ex. in the top of the first pic where 2 versions are used). Why use only 3 versions of kings?).]