Eight hundred years ago, someone sat down in Sandomierz and moved a bone chess piece across a board. The pieces were found. The game was not forgotten. Only 10 of these sets exist — and as far as I can tell, they are the only replicas of this set anywhere in the world.
This is a replica of the medieval Sandomierz chess set, carved to the original specifications. White bone pieces face black horn pieces on a board of the same materials. The contrast is natural, not painted. The weight in your hand is real. This is what chess looked like before it became decorative.
The Sandomierz Pieces
The original pieces date to the 12th–13th century, found in Sandomierz — one of the oldest cities in Poland, a royal seat and trading hub at the crossroads of medieval European and Eastern culture. Chess had arrived in Europe from Persia via the Arab world, and these pieces represent the game at the height of its spread. Solid, direct, carved from bone — made by craftsmen who understood that a game piece should feel like something worth picking up.
From the same era as the Lewis Chessmen — but far rarer. Most people have never heard of the Sandomierz set. The people who have will know exactly what they are looking at.
Set Details
Full 32-piece chess set — carved to original Sandomierz specifications
White pieces: bone
Black pieces: horn
Each piece: approx 4cm x 2.5cm, 40g
Total set weight: 2.6kg
Board: horn and bone construction
Limited to 10 sets — no further production
Made in the UK
For the Collector, Not the Casual Buyer
Serious chess and history collectors
Medieval and living history enthusiasts
Display pieces and heirlooms
Extraordinary gifts for people who have everything — and mean it
Designed by Paul at Bushman Survival and crafted to his specification. As a natural product, each piece varies slightly in colour and character.
I love the attention to detail on this sea chest, especially as I'll be using it aboard a longship. It's superbly made , the hinges and lock are authentic and Paul's correspondence was second to none. It's of solid and quality construction and well worth the cash!
I bought several sets of the hinges and locks for some Norse style chests I was making. All I can say is this craftsman is excellent, the hinges work really well and are in keeping with my project. The lock and key is to the same superb standard, work well and really finish a sea chest off perfectly. I'm very happy with my purchases, fast delivery and well packaged. Excellent value for money considering the work that must go into these items.