Crusades Chess Set

A 54mm scale Metal Chess Set themed on the Crusades, including wooden Chess Case with drawers.

Richard the Lionheart (1157-1199) and Saladin (1138-1193). The crusades began in 1095 with an appeal by Pope Urban II to free the Holy City of Jerusalem from Muslim hands, This effectively ended in 1204. During that period the Papacy called as many as four Crusades, The first of which recovered Jerusalem in 1099. However in 1187 the Turkish ruler Saladin once again put the Holy City under Muslim control. This event led to the so called Third Crusade and the coming of Richard I of England to the East. Though accompanied by the King of France until 1191 Richard the Lionheart is the best remembered commander of the Third Crusade.

In leadership the Turks and the Western forces were evenly matched, Richard was a brave fighter and perhaps an abler soldier than Saladin, who was by far the better Statesman. The most notable military encounter of the struggle was the siege of Acre (1189-1191). The besieged garrison, assisted from outside by Saladin, heroically held out for two years against a combined land and sea force. After Acre fell, Richard made further gains but was stubbornly resisted by Saladin. The conflict ended in stalemate: The two leaders agreeing to armistice in 1192. Richard failed to recapture Jerusalem, but secured the right for pilgrims to visit the Holy Sepulchre.

Hand Painted Finish means that the chess theme is carefully researched to be as historically accurate as possible and painted with Vallejo acrylic paints by our experienced Irish artists. Each layer has to be dried before the next layer can be applied. Many specialist techniques are deployed including 'drybrushing' and 'washes' to create glowing colours that catch the eye and make our painted sets stand out head and shoulders over our competition. All pieces are designed by our internationally famous designer Chris Tubb.

The wooden chess case has a built-in board and two drawers with foam protection for all the chess pieces to be safely stored away when being carried.

Scale is 54mm.