This CCI publication by Jon Crumiller throws a huge spanner in the works for descriptions of Calvert chessmen. For example, a prominent website shows an image and description of ‘a wooden Calvert style (!?) St. George set’, but having viewed this excellent looking publication, huge doubts then surface when one examines the pieces offered. However when one simply studies each piece, the viewer will struggle to give any credibility to the claim. Then, even worse are the so-called ‘Calvert pattern chessmen‘, where the highly dubious claims are made to look optimistic to say the least. This publication is best examined before deciding before opening one’s wallet – even Google images are best viewed with a sceptical eye! These CCI publications are well worth having, and perhaps Lloyds of London could do worse than have a copy to deal with insurance claims!
COLLECTOR COMMENT
The below ” bit of stick’ email was recently sent by me in frustration to a Saleroom auction house as their 3rd rate photographs seriously question the value people who place items up for auction are getting:-
‘Hello,
Your photo is dreadful..!!!!
Could you please send images of king queen
Bishop rook & pawn. Knights side view to see the carving
quality. Also a condition report on both set and
Board, would be handy .
As a serious collector of chess items,
I cannot understand why on earth ,
Such a wretched feeble effort is made
for the unfortunate souls who are hoping to make a few pennies from
your feeble efforts. Which begs the question?? – just what are you doing to earn your
commission????’
One hopes the auction house appreciates that this is constructive criticism that one hopes is not taken personally, as when a truck load of questions arrive – all because of a very poor description combined with garbage quality images – the feeble excuse of “we don’t have time” stinks.
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