Chess Set (French)

Pieces from Jefferson''s French Chess Set

Artist/Maker: Unknown

Created: c. 1770-90

Origin/Purchase: Dieppe, France

Materials: ivory

Dimensions: H: range: 5.7 to 9.8 (2 1/4 to 3 7/8 in.)

Location: not currently on display

Owner: Thomas Jefferson Foundation

Accession Number:

Historical Notes: According to family tradition, this chess set was a gift from the French court to Jefferson, an avid chess player. In later life he taught the game to his granddaughter Ellen, and they played under the trees at Monticello in the summertime.

- Text from Stein, Worlds, 77