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Crusaders and Ottomans Chessmen (32)

1845–60
Not on view
The Crusaders are the pewtered side. Their king has a cross on his tunic and is in medieval armor; the bishops and pawns are in helmets of early seventeenth-century style. The Muslims are the gilded side; their pedestals are slightly different from those of the other side.

The E. G. Zimmerman Company of Hanau, who probably made the set, was one of the firms specializing in small cast-iron productions such as chess sets. On the underside of each piece is scratched the word "Germany," in accordance with the McKinley Tariff Act of 1897, which would indicate that the set was imported to America after that date.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Crusaders and Ottomans Chessmen (32)
  • Maker: Probably by E. G. Zimmerman Company, Hanau
  • Date: 1845–60
  • Culture: German
  • Medium: Gilt bronze, pewtered
  • Dimensions: Height (each king): 2 3/4 in. (7 cm);
    Height (each pawn): 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm)
  • Classification: Chess Sets
  • Credit Line: Gift of Gustavus A. Pfeiffer, 1948
  • Object Number: 48.174.172a–p, aa–pp
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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