Replacing antique chess pieces

[James@Canberra]

I have a chess set that was owned by my great grandfather, a ship's captain. Over the years some chess pieces have been lost, and I'd like to get back to a full set again.

Am I better off getting the pieces carved, or trying to find someone with a machine that can copy them? Where can I find a good carver or machinist?

The black pieces look as though they're a black wood, not stained. How can I find out what sort of wood the black and white pieces are made from?

Any tips gratefully accepted.

Thanks

James

[Grommett]

Could you post a few pics of what you have. What pieces do you need?

[sjm]

If it's a good quality set, the black pieces are likely to be ebony and the white ivory. Lesser quality ones might use boxwood (buxus) for the white, and ebonized boxwood as an imitation ebony. I suggest you get in touch with your local chess club. They'll be able to give advice on the materials, and reproducing them.