One of the most iconic chess sets and instantly recognised around the world, This set is based on some of the 93 individual pieces which were found on the island of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland in 1831.

 

Originally carved from Walrus Ivory and Whale Tooth they are believed to date back to the 12th century and to have been made in either Norway or Iceland.   

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The collection was split up soon after its discovery with most pieces being sent to the British Museum in London and a smaller quantity now housed in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. 

 

Additionally, a newly identified piece, a "warder", the equivalent of a castle or rook, was sold for £735,000 in July 2019. Four other major pieces, and many pawns, remain missing from the chess sets.