With the holiday season almost upon us, with long dark evenings drawing in and with the weather turning wild, I can think of nothing more enjoyable than sitting in front of the open fire with Finnigan, our Parson’s terrier, curled up at my feet while challenging my son to a game of chess. An antique weighted English Staunton boxwood and ebony set improves the game. A warming tumbler of King’s Ginger (available exclusively from Berry Brothers and Rudd) poured from a cut glass locking decanter (hallmarked on the silver collar Birmingham 1910) works wonders. The miniature padlock on the decanter was originally designed to prevent illicit access by the staff but works well for teenagers too!

I’ve never taken up smoking but I have every antique accessory available and if I did smoke I’d strike a match on an Edwardian silver topped match striker and puff away on a thought provoking Robusto, keeping it alight using a silver gimbal mounted table lighter with a century old Black Buck antelope horn handle made in London in 1911. I’d really enjoy the flickering light the flame spills over the Chess board and I’m likely to drift into a restful snooze before my King is captured. A good excuse when you struggle to beat your teenager at his favourite game.

I’d like to wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Antique Staunton chess set and board £4850
Antique silver mounted locking decanter £3900
Antique silver mounted Black Buck cigar lighter £4200
Antique silver topped large match striker £2400

All available from Bentleys at Gieves & Hawkes