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Ivory chess set, 1820-1880.
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| Ivory chess set. |
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| © National Maritime Museum, London |
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| Repro ID: B3577_2 |
| Description: Most of the ivory that arrived in London came from Africa. Demand continued to grow throughout the 19th century and by 1900 between 250 and 300 tons of ivory, valued at over £300,000, was shipped to the St Katharine Docks each year. The ivory was weighed, examined, classified and laid out for the inspection of the buyers who in due time would arrange for it to be transformed into piano keys, billiard balls and items such as this chess set which belonged to the family of Captain James Cook. |
| Creator: Unknown |
| Date: 1820-1880 |
| Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London | |
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