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

A magnificent rare collectible chess set in good condition with a few traces of wear on the chessboard. The set was produced by the Franklin Mint in 1984 on the theme of the Battle of Waterloo. The pieces are pewter with solid brass round bases enhanced by an enameled circular band. They were designed by artist Philip J. Haythornthwaite, before being individually handcrafted by the medallists of the Franklin Mint. This chess set is a highly sought-after piece, with a strong emphasis on historical accuracy in its depictions. All the pieces, including the pawns, represent distinct historical figures, the sole exception being the rooks. The fine pewter, which is an excellent material for achieving refined finishes, allowed for very sophisticated and realistic details. The box is wooden and its board, which blends white and blue, is accented with pewter. Decorative motifs are present along the edge of the squares. The box allows storing the pieces inside in individual compartments. It measures 34.5 x 34.5 x 6.7 cm. The king stands 5.6 cm tall and the pawns about 4 cm. The set has been magnificently preserved and is still in good condition. The pieces are in excellent condition, with no broken or damaged pieces. The board is in good condition as well, with only minor wear marks, and explanatory sheets about the pawns. The set is particularly rare because it could only be obtained via the Waterloo Museum in 1984 and only as a subscription of 27€ per month, which gave the right to one piece of the set each month. This is a rare collectible item, crafted with great refinement and meticulous attention to detail. A must-have for any collector worthy of the name.