Ayres vegetable ivory chess set

Thanks to CCI member Keith Middleton who sourced the Ayres price lists from the late 19th/early 20th century. We know that F.H. Ayres manufactured vegetable ivory chessmen in the late 19th century.

This tiny little set with a 4 cms king just might be the smallest size Ayres as you don’t see these little fellows too often.

Vegetable ivory sets are often confused with bakelite as the material so so tactile and have over decades matured into wonderful colours. A purchase from Victor Stefan ( ebay username ‘old games of chess’), I was delighted to get this very cute little set. With the impending ivory selling ban coming, collecting these sets just might be a good idea for us chess addicts!