This is a quick guide for those new collectors who may be unsure what makes a Staunton pattern set collectible, and which should be left alone as uncollectable.
The poorest type, simply carved unweighted and not even of interest for skittles play.
Better carved but no makers marks or indication of age, but weighted and good for skittles play. The value of such sets as collectables depends on the collection and how our knowlege develops with regards to these unknown (for now) makers. I would direct anyone who wants to collect these sets to look at Guy Lyons picassa site.
Read as previous picture
A Zylonite knight from A British Chess Co. set. Maker known. period known, hevily weighted. Good for serious home play and collecting. Will hold it's value.
Supremely collectable, one of the early examples of Jaques Staunton pattern. Not a modern copy. Signed on the king(s) . Weighted and dateable to 2or3 years from Alan Fershts Book. Very desirable due to demand from colectors and players. Will increse in value. This looks to be an 1860-65 Drop Jaw type knight. See the links below, kindly posted by Prof. Sir Alan Fersht.
