English Fisher-Lund Ivory Chess Set, mid-19th century

English Fisher-Lund Ivory Chess Set, mid-19th century

A 19th century English ivory chess set most likely by Samuel Fisher. The king has an impressive height of 5". The quality of both, the material as well as the turning and carving is stunning. The kings with large pierced crowns and a cross pattée. The queens with a spherical pierced crown and a fleur de lys finial. The knights in the carving style typical for Lund chess sets.

The latter can be explained as there was apparently a business cooperation between William Lund and Samuel Fisher, at least this was repeatedly assumed. Fisher sold chess sets, especially in the second half of the 19th century, which were identical in design - in particular the knights - to those made by William Lund. It is therefore reasonable to assume that Lund made some or all of these sets for Fisher and that the latter merely sold them under his name. However, there is no evidence for this that I am aware of.

Samuel Fisher came from Hampstead and married Mary Smith on 23 February 1837, with whom he had a total of seven children. He worked as a cutler and also made needles and dressing boxes. Around 1838 he opened a shop in London at 188 Strand, where he also lived with his family. He first appears in the London Directories in 1839 with the entry "Fisher Saml. Dressing-case & Needle-ma.& Cutler, 188 Strand".  The building was located at the junction of Arundel Street / Strand next to the entrance to the Crown & Anchor Tavern.  In 1852 he purchased the neighbouring building and henceforth traded at 188 & 189 Strand. Samuel Fisher died on 9 March 1890 and the business was subsequently continued by his sons Robert Edward and Charles Alfred.

The chess set is shown on a large 19th century French marquetry board with foliate ornaments, square size 5.2 cm.
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