This set is completely hand carved and hand turned by Jim Arnold. It is made in Argentinian Lignum Vitae. This very special wood feels like marble or bone to the touch, it has beautiful grain patterns and is very heavy. Pieces are weighted and have leather pad bottoms. The set pictured here has a King standing at just under 4" tall with a base of 1.75"
The price of $300 includes all 16 pieces weighted, with leather pads, and shipping anywhere within the continental US. I will ship overseas, cost depends on your location.
These Lignum Vitae pieces look great with a set of Midwest Pear pieces (a very light and cream colored wood). Pear wood was a favorite chess piece material in Europe in the 1700 and 1800 hundreds. It's rare to find, and very rare to see in Staunton chess pieces.
You won't find a chess set using these wood species anywhere else in the world!
Price to purchase Lignum Vitae and Pear wood pieces complete set of 32 pieces (including extra queens and free shipping within the continental US) is $550.
As far as a chessboard, I wouldn't put these pieces on anything but a chess board made by American Artist Andy Summerville. Check out his work at www.summerville-newengland.com