"Note that all likely copy-cat sets seen have rooks with vertical battlements; on true/quasi-Halett's, the rooks are outward-sloping - with the exception of JC's set. Can this be said to be a firm indicator of Hallett? - Well, I haven't seen enough sets to be sure, but it is something to look out for."

"I've left the wording of the Jaques advert visible in view of the words: 'many Chessmen are offered as the Staunton Chessmen' - seeming to imply a number of competitor ranges at that time."

"A Staunton comparison has now also been added following receipt of a suitable BCM advert from Mick."

"No, you didn't refer to the bone sets, Mick, but I thought I might as well show them here for completeness, as they clearly were different. I'm sure viewers will be able to note the StG/EP variations - slight 'though they may be, they are enough to make me feel these are from different drawings (eg the upper part of the king's head/crown)."

"I'm sure that anyone looking at the two "St.George" illustrations above can make their own minds up about the similarities, or otherwise, of them. I never mentioned any similarities in the bone set illustrations.They are clearly different. For your information Mr. Fersht obtained his information on the 1881 CPC ad several years ago, as did I, from a collector in Glasgow."

"See the next image for a comparison of the Ayres/Jaques CPC illustrations. I don't have a suitable 1880's Jaques Staunton advert to compare these: Mick - or anyone else - could you supply (or provide a link to) one, please?"

"* see comments on this aspect re the illustrations of chesspieces."

"Thanks, Mick; if these are generic illustrations it may well explain the lack of the FHAyres name beneath them as noted elsewhere re others

When you refer to the Staunton illustration, do you mean the earlier, later or both?"

"The illustration of the English Pattern (St. George) chessmen appears identical, except for rook brickwork, to that used in Jaques' advertising in the CPC (1881). The Staunton illustration appears to be identical to that used in Jaques' "Staunton Chessmen" advertising in 1880's BCM's."

"A number of the games shown on the booklet have been crossed out; this may well have been done by Ayres, as the box is cleatrly too small to house games such as Pope Joan (see: http://www.davidparlett.co.uk/histocs/popejoan.html for a discussion of this game and its rquirements). It may therefore be a standard booklet for all Ayres compendia at the time."

"Once again, this doesn't directly help in attributing any specific Staunton chess pieces to Ayres - but it does add to the 'chipping away' of bricks in the wall, and the fact that Ayres supplied goods across its range of sports/games to many firms that have been considered as their 'maker' hitherto: how far does this go? Gradually, the truth will emerge. The evidence is surely out there."

"* at least by me: Frank Camaratta told me that he once owned an ivory Staunton set 'almost exactly like' the 1892-onwards illustration (bottom-right, above). Unfortunately, there is no available photo of this set."

"Very little has changed as regards the structures. The main differences are: the interfering, but no doubt welcome, telegraph pole(!) and a tendency everwhere to clear away vegetation (especially ivy) and brighten houses (eg through rendering/painting). Compare also, the thatching and windows (especially the size of individual window panes)."

"Fred Dibnah (a former steeplejack and unlikely, but very popular, TV presenter) visited the foundry, and it is featured in his DVD 'Fred Dibnah's Industrial Collection' Program 3. Fred's enthusiam for industrial archaelogy is incredibly infectious; even if you are not a devotee, watch Fred whenever you can! The man knew what he was talking about."

"* if you zoom in on the plaque beneath the top window of Primrose Cottage (on the left) it says: 'Rebuilt 1940'. Although I've seen the sign, I did not suspect such a major change in the buildings had occurred."