Posted on 02/03/2011 8:28:43 AM PST by Daffynition
Edited on 02/03/2011 9:19:36 AM PST by Admin Moderator. [history]
ORANGE, Va. (AP) - Archaeologists have unearthed a few pieces of history at former president James Madison's country estate: portions of two pawns from his chess set.
Montpelier officials think the pieces are likely from the same set Madison and Thomas Jefferson used in their frequent matches during Jefferson's visits.
(Excerpt) Read more at wtop.com ...
Seriously, nice find.
White square always goes on the right. They have the board turned sideways.
From the parlor in Monticello: “This set has abstract, rather than figural pieces made of turned and carved ivory. it is of a popular type usually called “barley corn.” The dark figures are stained red with cochineal, a dye commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries which is derived from the dried bodies of females of the scale insect Dactylopius coccus. It is not known exactly when and where Thomas Jefferson acquired this set. It is one of two owned by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation”
http://wiki.monticello.org/mediawiki/index.php/Chess_Set_%28English%29
05641: Victorian Barleycorn - Olde English - Chess Set Item condition: Used [Soem prices range over $1,200] Time left: 23 days 18 hours (Feb 27, 2011 06:41:59 AM PST)
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbs=shop:1&&sa=X&ei=AQpLTdHcK4mosQPCo_27Cg&ved=0CEEQBSgA&q=barleycorn+chess+set&spell=1
See posts 24 (and 23)
How many of these bugs gave up their lives to color the chess set? Seems as if they are used to color yogurt..yum!
Dactylopius coccus costa is a bug that feeds on red berries which accumulates in its belly. The red berries give the Carmine the reddish color. So, a food manufacturer will have to simply grind these dried Dactylopius coccus costa, turn it into a fine, red powder, and sprinkle it over your supposed to be red, pink, or purple food products! Oh, I love processed foods!
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