James Madison chess pieces unearthed at Va. estate

WTOP ^ | February 3, 2011

[Pharmboy]

Thanks..pawn stars? [Apologies to SunkenCiv]

Seriously, nice find.

[BenLurkin]

White square always goes on the right. They have the board turned sideways.

[BenLurkin]

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

[BenLurkin]

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

[BenLurkin]

See posts 24 (and 23)

[Daffynition]

Thanks Ben...

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!

[SunkenCiv]

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