Antique Chess Tables

During the Victorian period Antique Chess tables were high in fashion as chess was a great way of entertainment. The Game of chess dates back over 1000 years, but was popular in Europe and especially in Britain in the 19th century. New chess tournaments were introduced along with chess clocks in 1883 and the first world chess championship in 1886. This lead to a rise in demand for new chess boards and this is why inlaid chess tables became so popular in the Victorian home. These antique tables were used by the wealthy, so no expense was spared in their construction with beautifully figured Walnut or fine inlaid Rosewoods used, often with boxwood and ebony inlaid squares. Chess became so popular, they even made small travelling chess sets for use whilst on the train. The chess pieces would be made from wood, Ivory and bone and would usually be in a separate hinged box. Have a look below at our lovely examples of antique Chess tables along with other games tables, available for sale below and if we do not currently have what you are looking for, let us know and we can add you onto our wanted file. You can also join our mailing list and this will update you with newly added stock.

Antique Chess Tables For Sale

Styles of Antique Chess Tables

Some previous examples we have sold include this antique Victorian Rosewood Chess Table Dating from around 1860.  This rosewood antique occasional table has a secret to hide? It has a beautifully figured moulded top which swivels and unfolds to reveal an unusual inlaid chess board below which sits a frieze drawer, ideal for storing playing pieces. The top is supported by beautifully scrolled sides with elegantly carved barley twist detail. It stands on four scrolled feet with small castors.

This Victorian Mahogany Circular Antique Chess Top Table is of superb quality. The circular moulded top has a very striking ebonised and birds eye maple playing surface, ideal for a game of chess. This is supported by a beautifully turned pedestal with three splayed legs and moulded pad feet. It also benefits from the added decoration of a central turned finial at the base.

This fine Quality Late 19^th Century Antique Victorian Chess & Backgammon Board Set comes complete with the hinged box, backgammon and chess pieces. The folding chessboard squares are inlaid in boxwood and Rosewood veneer with a solid Mahogany frame and Backgammon playing field interior.