Philip J Haythornthwaite - Chess set - Franklin Mint La bataille de Waterloo - wood, tin, brass

A magnificent rare collectible chess set in good condition with some rubbing traces on the chessboard playing surface.
The set was produced by Franklin Mint in 1984 on the theme of the Battle of Waterloo. The pieces are tin, with solid brass round bases enhanced by an enamelled circular band.
They were designed by artist Philip J. Haythornthwaite, before being individually handcrafted by the Franklin Mint medal-makers.
This chess set is a highly sought-after piece with great attention to historical accuracy in its representations. All the pieces, including the pawns, depict distinct historical figures, the only exception being the rooks. The fine tin, an excellent material for refined finishes, allowed for very sophisticated and realistic details.
The case is wooden, and its board, blending white and blue in its design, is accented with tin. Decorative motifs are present along the edges of the squares. The case allows the pieces to be stored inside in individual compartments.
It measures 34.5 x 34.5 x 6.7 cm.
The king stands 5.6 cm high and the pawns about 4 cm.
The set has been beautifully preserved and is still in good condition. The pieces are in excellent condition, with no broken or damaged parts. The board is also in good condition, with only minor rubbing traces, and includes explanatory sheets about the pawns.
The set is particularly rare because it could only be obtained via the Waterloo Museum in 1984, and only in the form of a subscription that granted the right to receive one piece of the set each month.
This is a rare collectible object, crafted with great refinement and meticulous attention to detail.
A must-have for any collector worthy of the name.