G'day Shawn, Frank and all HOS staff,
 
My Hastings and St Petersburg chessmen arrived today. Two more masterpieces from the HOS. Expertly packed and swiftly delivered, your service is becoming as much of a hallmark as your magnificent sets.  It might be my mind playing tricks on me, but I could swear the St Petersburg Knights are smiling at me.  As my collection grows so does your legend.
 
I look forward to the release of the Lasker chessmen. I now only have a couple of more sets to go until i own your entire premium range in Ebony.
 
Hoping all is well in your part of the world,
 
Kind Regards From Australia
 
J T

I just wanted to let you guys know that I got my chess set today, and I am very very impressed with it! It is even better than I thought it would be. It's bigger than I thought it would be! I would also like to thank you for promptness of getting another one out to me after the first was lost in the mail, you guys have made a bunch of soldiers very happy here in Iraq (well maybe not cause I have already shown some that they are not as good in chess as they thought). You make a great product, it's easy for soldiers like me to carry around in our rucksack and pop out anywhere for a game. From the "where did you get that's" I have gotten I think you may have more orders from over here coming soon. And once again thank you for getting another one over to me. 

M R

Shawn,

The board arrived and it’s even more beautiful than I expected. I’m a novelist and screenwriter but I also co-write a chess column in a national newspaper here in the UK, The Guardian. Generally, we explore positions, openings, endgames etc., but I’m going to try to find a way to discuss quality boards and sets (I will not play with plastic!), perhaps just before Christmas. In which case, I will definitely be talking about your boards and sets. 

R B 

Shawn: 

The chess set is beautiful, and my husband loved it. He immediately appreciated the quality and loved the different color in the board. Thank you so much for your patience in helping me select the set, and also for understanding my meltdown regarding the deadline for his birthday. It arrived on time in mint condition just like you said it would!! 

Again, the set is gorgeous, and we are enjoying it thoroughly. 

Sincerely, 
A S

The chess set and board are beautiful, all the details were well cared, how to prepare for that as a client receives in perfect condition, the certificate of authenticity that I have a legend, the pieces in general and especially the horse is beautiful, and especially having premiered with a victory in a typical end of Capablanca ago that the experience is wonderful, the wooden box is also perfect to give a touch of luxury and protection to pieces, the whole makes an incredible combination, spent many years to achieve realize that dream, that I wanted to give me pleasure, I love open tastes that I but none go as much as I have enjoyed this whole opening set and stay surprised that purchased a legend. 

Shawn, thank you for your recommendation and all your attentions to complete the purchase process, and with all the difficulties involved in the shipment in another country, thank you and good day. 

C C

Hi Shawn, 

I have them! Wow! I must say, I’m impressed. Thank you very much! This for sure will be family relict. As these peaces feel so heavy. Thank you one more time! 

H P 

Hello. I ended up buying the House of Staunton Rosewood Professional Chess Set. I just want to tell you that I love the chess set and think it's a beautiful set for a very reasonable price. I know where I will buy my next more expensive set when I get the chance:) Thank you for good service and communication.

Best regards,

S A

Dear Shawn,

The Congress 4.4" and Signature Traditional board arrived on Friday!

The board and pieces are magnificent. They both look about 150 years old (in the best way!) even though they are c2007. I was curious as to how my HOS original Collector set and my 4" Jaques would look on this board - hand and glove is the best description.

D C

Just received my new board and pieces and am writing to thank you for the outstanding quality, on top of the care you take with shipping. Everything was perfect, and I'm grateful!

Z R

Shawn, 

The magnificent Amboyna Burl and Bird's Eye Maple Signature Contemporary board arrived safely, thank you. It would be remiss to describe it merely as gorgeous. Each purchase from HOS brings with it unanticipated pleasure. HOS has nearly exhausted my ample store of superlatives, even as my admiration continues to grow. 

Regards to all, 
GCM

Shawn, 

It's all your fault, you and your HOS cohorts. You have quite spoiled me rotten. At first reading, the HOS "Nothing else compares!" claim was presumed hyperbole. Now I know better. 

Now, having Collector and Northern Upright sets, and a Signature Contemporary board, the validity of your declaration is at hand. It is all so extraordinarily beautiful, so satisfying and lovely to see and touch. But please don't let that stop you from getting even better (and spoiling me even more). 

By the way, my Northern Upright arrived already felted, for which much thanks as my vision is severely impaired and any simple glue job becomes an absolute mess. 

Regards, 
GCM 

Dear Shawn: 

It is a pleasure for me to let you know that finally i have mi Zagreb 1959 chess set. I want to thank you because it is beautiful, much better than it appears en the photo in the House of Staunton site. I like that they are not too heavy and you can study very easy with them. The knight is wonderful too.

Thank you very much.
L R

Dear House of Staunton, 

I would just like to thank you for my chess set! It arrived today and I'm very pleased with it. I've played numerous games with the set already! Thanks

D B

Just took delivery of the 4” St Petersburg chessmen and a tournament board, really well packed and delivered in perfect condition, thanks. 

The set is beautifully made and finished, and feels great to play with, this side of a Jaques 1850 set (which I will add to the collection when my numbers come up in the lotto), I can’t imagine wanting anything else. Buying mail order and internationally I was worried that I might be disappointed with the set when it arrived, I shouldn’t have, the pieces are beyond my expectations and I will trust to your expertise next time I am looking for equipment. 

Love the board too, it is the white birch tournament, looks great, great price, and with the rank and file markers it is perfect for learning new techniques 

Thanks again, and best regards 

DD

Once again I've had the pleasure of dealing with you. I received my board the other day [2 days after I ordered] in great shape with your usual bulletproof packaging. I can't tell you how delighted I am. This was indeed a very special edition. I was most impressed when I realized that all of the squares both light and dark were rendered in matching veneers on each rank. I had previously received a beautiful ebony chess set that seemed too large for most boards. I'm happy to say that it's homeless no more as this 2.5" board makes for a beautiful combination. 

Thanks again for your superior products and customer service.

G A

Dear Mr. Camaratta,

The ebony Library Collector set arrived last week and I wanted to let you know how happy I am with it. There's something very appealing about a smaller-than-tournament-size chess set, especially one crafted to such a high aesthetic standard. It's just beautiful. Thanks. And special thanks to Denise for putting up with me!

M M

I received the board and the chessmen today (08/20/07) everything arrived in good condition. I knew that these would be very nice but I must say that I was stunned when opening the package. Wonderful in every way, superb workmanship and now I can certainly say that nobody at the local chess club has a product similar to mine regarding quality, finish, and reputation! Well done!

M M

Hi Denise – I received the chess set I’d ordered yesterday in perfect condition. I am very happy with the quality of the set – unbelievable that such quality can be had for $24.95 in this day and age. Thanks so much for your help on my phone order – I’m telling all of my chess playing (and present-buying!) friends about your beautiful lines of products. Thanks again – sincerely……..

M B 

Hi Denise, 

I’ve received the chessboard and am seriously delighted, I’d just like to thank you for all you efforts and my behalf especially turning this around before I went on holiday. You’re a gem (tell the lads to take good care of you).

Warmest regards
E P

Dear Mr. Camaratta,

Thank you very much, and I'm writing to complement the superb help that I received in choosing a chess set as a gift for my father from Shawn. His product knowledge, patience and helpful attitude -- combined with your user-friendly website -- made the sale. I know nearly nothing about chess, so I really needed a fair amount of guidance to choose the right set. Since my family has longstanding ties to Russia, I am confident that your St. Petersburg replica set will be a hit!

D R

Hi Shawn, 

WOW! What a magnificently crafted chess set and what a wonderful 65th birthday present. This chess set, in Boxwood and Rosewood, is uncommonly beautiful. Each piece, including the pawns, is elegantly tapered...they look like Royal Families and their respective courts. The standouts of each group are the Knights!! The craftsmanship here is absolutely stunning. 

I initially displayed the set on a green and buff roll up board.... WOW!!! The contrast was absolutely spectacular. All of the Rosewood pieces stood out marvelously. This set looks so professional, like a set that only GM's would have for use in tournament play, in its appearance and grander. Secondarily, I have an old Boxwood and Rosewood board that I set them up on.... Just pure magnificence .... Pure magnificence!!! 

OH, I should mention that when I opened the box, each piece was enclosed in its own little ziplok bag, with the exception of the Queens, and Knights, which were also wrapped in a protective styrene like wrapper. All pieces were carefully, snugly, and alternatingly placed in the shipping box and that box and the regular chessmen box were placed in a larger shipping box with lots of shipping popcorn packed in with them. I have never seen such quality in shipping before. 

Overall, I am overwhelmed and extremely satisfied with all aspects of this product ... especially the quality of craftsmanship. Your slogan," Why settle for less when you can own a legend," is definitely an absolute truism, especially in this day and time. I now own a Legend! 

Thank you, House of Staunton, for doing such a marvelously wonderful job! And take note: "I will be back for another set of your outstandingly crafted chessmen." 

Yours truly, J K

Hi Shawn,

Yesterday was my son’s birthday. He was speechless when we presented the chess set to him. He was almost in a state of shock. He couldn’t believe we purchased such an ornamental set for him. Many thanks to Staunton’s for bring a very, very big smile to my sons face.

Regards 

J R

Thanks again. I got the set today - BEAUTIFUL pieces. Very impressed with the quality, the packaging, the design and the weight. 

I C

Good Morning Denise,

My wife and I ordered the Parthenon Chess Set with the four inch tall kings. After receiving an email that said the set would be on its way, your inspection revealed that some items were broken. You replaced the broken set with a better one.

You said that the Ebony set would arrive in five days. Because we were on vacation you instead arranged for it to arrive on the day we returned home. It did.

It's the most beautiful Chess Set we've ever owned. Like everyone who has seen it, the only thing I can say is WOW!

THANK YOU
D S

Good morning Shawn,

Just a quick note to let you know that I received my Capablanca set with the complimentary coffer yesterday, and it is beautiful. Thank you for your assistance in selecting this beautiful chess set. I am now anxiously awaiting my new chess board!!

Again, my thanks, 
D B 

Hi Shawn, 
Just received the chess set. All in one piece; well packed.

Mate, it looks fantastic. My son is going to be over the moon when he receives this set for his birthday.

Many thanks

J R

Dear House of Staunton and Shawn, 

The package arrived today, Thank you for quick correspondence. It was a splendid thing more than expected! 

Kind Regards from Japan 
K U 

Mr. Camaratta,

It was a pleasure to see that House Of Staunton Rosewood Professional chess sets were chosen for use on the top boards at last weeks Canadian Open Tournament in Ottawa. Congratulations to you on the growing awareness and appreciation among tournament organizers for the elevated atmosphere of quality and seriousness that your beautiful sets lend to their events. May the trend continue!

S S
p.s. Your 'Timeless Collection' project looks exciting! 

Dear House of Staunton, 

The package arrived today...My wife would not let me look at all of it because my birthday isn't until August the 7th. She let me examine 3 pieces, the White King, the White Knight and the Black Queen. WOW !! What a marvelously beautiful Chess set. I can't wait until my birthday to see it all ... that Knight is carved very beautifully and the King and Queen have an elegant beauty about them, with their tapered waistlines to their bases. 

At this point, I am extremely well pleased with the Susan Polgar Signature Chess set. 
J K

Shawn, 

The Andalucia chess table is everything we expected, just like the website promised. We particularly like the distinctive woods on the playing board. In fact, it was chosen over a table twice the cost simply because of the clarity between squares. We wanted a table that is really designed for play, yet high quality. This table delivers on all points. Our new chess pieces look and feel great as well! 

It was very quick and easy to put together in under 5 minutes with no damage in freight.  UPS Freight called and arranged a time and were here within that time frame. That was a great blessing. It is just so nice to have it in front of our fireplace and as the focal point of our room guaranteed to draw players. Not to worry, we will keep it distant from the heat. 

Thank you again! We are happy! 
C D 

Dear Mr. Sullivan, 

One hour ago the shipment arrived. All was well and the products are beautiful and as expected. Please accept my thanks for a correct deal. 

Best regards, 
W J 

Seldom does a product meet or exceed my hope and expectation. Happily, the exceptional subject set (4.4'" Red and Natural Lacquered Collector) does, and is most pleasing in every respect. Thank you for your high standards and dedication to excellence.

G M

Hi Shawn, 

I received the Collector II Chessmen today! WOW!!! Great stuff! :-) They definitively lived up to my expectations, even better. Thank you for quick delivery etc. This is Great!

Yours sincerely,
T I

Frank, 

Thanks for getting the set out so quickly. The board and pieces look excellent (the pictures on your website don’t do them justice). I was very impressed with the overall quality and workmanship. When it comes to chess I will only be shopping at your business in the future. 

Thanks! 
T E

G'day Frank and all HOS staff,

My Nottingham chess set arrived today, and as usual i could not be happier. Another work of art from HOS. I now have 7 HOS sets, 5 from your premium range. If i don't have the best Ebony and boxwood Staunton collection in Australia, then whoever does must have one hell of collection. I think my HOS sets and my Jaques set must put me at the head of the list, A few more HOS sets should cement my spot. 

Will be adding a few more HOS before the year is out, especially with the AUD doing so well against the green back.

Thanks again for all your help and advice.

Hoping all is well in your part of the world,

Kind Regards from Australia
JT

"These are the most beautiful Sets and Boards I have EVER played on."

Grandmaster Walter Browne, 6 time United States Chess Champion commenting on the House of Staunton Nottingham 1924 Series Chessmen that are being used at the 2007 US Chess Championship.

Frank, 

The Nottingham Chess set is BEAUTIFUL. This is an outstanding classic timeless design. Bravo. I was blown away when I saw the pictures.

K C

G'day Frank and all HOS staff,

My two sets arrived earlier this week, less than a 5 days from Purchase to delivery from America to Australia, someone is obviously on top of their game!! Very impressed again, not that i expected anything different!! The Morphy definitely stands out as the pick of the two, although the Parthenon is also a set of high quality. I am well on my way to having a complete set of HOS premium sets, and look forward to adding a couple more when the Nottingham is released.

The fitted coffers are all class, the workmanship is amazing, and they are a showpiece in themselves. Will have to purchase an additional one with my next transaction as i am possibly doing my sultan set an injustice by not having it housed in one of these. At the moment all my sets are in boxes under the stairs and look forward to the day when i can put them all on display.

I look forward to hearing from you in regards to the Nottingham ( $100 deposit paid) and i will ultimately add at least one more set plus the coffer for my Sultan to the purchase. After several years of discussing it with you with each purchase a few boards for my sets are on my radar, but the pieces come first.

Hoping all is well in your part of the world. 

Kind Regards from Australia
J T

Hi. The Chessmen are arrived Just now in perfect condition. They are absolutely Fantastic. Thank You very much for the perfect. Packaging and the super fast delivery.

Best Regards
L Z

Dear HOS:

I would like to take a moment to comment on the top-notch chessmen that were part of my last order. That would be the Library Collector set in Rosewood. At first, I had some feeling that the fine lines and proportions of your larger collector series would not translate well into the smaller version. But my concerns were allayed when I had time to inspect the set. It also occurred to me that it would actually be harder to produce the smaller version. At any rate, I fully appreciate the time and effort you took to individualize this set. Also, the board compliments the pieces and pawns well, and fits nicely on my rather narrow farmhouse table, with plenty of elbow-room left over. Thank you for the really top-notch chessmen. Best regards.

M S

Dear Shawn et all,

The order arrived yesterday in perfect condition based on your very careful packing. It's a wonderful set - everything I was expecting from House of Staunton. The board and clock look great as well. Thank you for working so hard with me to get this completed as a single transaction to save on shipping.

J S

Dear HOS,

So often in the past, when I’ve ordered things by mail or over the internet, my expectation for the item far exceeded the reality of the item itself. Not so with the Collector II blood rosewood set and elm burl board that I recently received from you folks. The quality of these items was truly extraordinary. They far exceeded my expectations. Beautiful to look at, great feel. I just could not have been happier. Only one problem: now I know that the sets I’ve had for years are of such poor quality. Your pieces are all uniform in size and proportioned appropriately to each other, not to mention beautifully designed. My old sets have pawns of different heights, knights towering over rooks, etc. I can’t get satisfaction from using them any more. You’ve spoiled me. I’m just going to have to buy more sets from you guys. I’ve got my eye on the Morphy 4.0” set next. Keep up the good work!

W P

Dear Shawn,

As for the lacquered set...WOW! It is drop-dead gorgeous! Just sitting behind the board with those stunning pieces arrayed in front of me makes me feel like *I* am playing in the Zagreb 1959 Interzonal tournament. I might even be able to draw Fischer!

Please feel free to quote me in your advertising. The lacquered B/N Zagreb'59 is the most beautiful set of pieces I have ever owned. The detail is stunning, the heft is just right, and the finish is flawless. Thank you again for making this gorgeous set available at a price us club players can afford. You guys are the greatest!

T S

Frank,

I just received your deluxe chess bag and it really is well thought out and well made. I like being able to take my Professional lacquered chessmen to club night without fear of chipping them in a plain pouch. For what it's worth, my wife was impressed by the bag as well. Add marital bliss services to your list of products.

Cheers,
B L

Mr. Camaratta,

I just received my Rosewood Centurion set last night, and I'd have to say, that's its fabulous. For the price range, it is of superior quality. Actually, between this and my Ebony Library collectors set, I don't know which one to display.

T K

Frank,

Thank you, we received them today! They are stunning. I purchased them as a gift and have always wanted one for myself, so I will be planning to purchase some for me in the near future. The set arrived promptly and with extreme care. The quality is outstanding and even nicer than I expected.

R C

Frank,

My wife and I have been playing chess for a long while. We both share a Celtic connection and an interest in world history. Considering our appreciation for chess, we resolved that the Isle of Lewis Chess set would be perfect for us. 

I searched on the Internet to find a quality Isle of Lewis set. I was amazed to find that the premier vendor of quality chessmen, including the Isle of Lewis set, had their offices located within a few miles of my home. I visited the shop and witnessed the most exquisite selection of antique and current selection of chess pieces, boards, and chess tables available anywhere. I was amazed that this literal chess archive and museum was within a few miles of my home.

I have the greatest appreciation for the quality and selection available from the House of Staunton. The staff is experienced and well educated in the character and artistry of a fine set of chessmen. Their knowledge of the history of chess and the march of chessmen through history is both informative and authoritative. These people know chess.

It has been a delightful surprise to have discovered the House of Staunton within close proximity to my home. There is no doubt that I will find myself making the pleasant journey, only a county over, to select another relic for my collection. I would urge all true lovers of the classic game of chess to consider the House of Staunton for quality in every aspect of the game and its furnishings.

Sincerely,
E B

Frank,

Among the pop-corn packaging, boxes and pop-wrap galore strewn throughout the kitchen... with a glass of fine wine accompanied by a bit of string cheese I, while seated at the island counter, perpetuated a continual symphony of 'ewe's, 'ooooo's', 'aaaaah's' and 'wow's' to the repeated rolled eyed expressions from my wife as I unwrapped the Professional Boxwood & Ebony Prototype set just received from your firm. Thank you very, very much and ... keep smiling! 

R V

Dear Shawn

You personally have taken customer service to a new level. My deepest appreciation for everything you have done. I don’t know how often I will be buying chess equipment or referring friends in need, but it will always be to the House of Staunton. If I can be helpful to you in any way please don’t hesitate to ask.

Best regards
V C

Hi Shawn,

I received the Sheffield Set yesterday. Very beautiful and and quite hefty! The knights are simply gorgeous. Also, I love the massive pawns. Perfect for breaking through for Kingside attacks!

C H

Dear Frank,

Thank you very much, I got the shipment.

I have never seen such a beautiful pieces and quality of product and packaging is higher than expected. I would like to buy few more items from your store in near future.

Regards
J K

Dear Mr. Camaratta,

Yesterday I have received the Players chessmen. The unpacking of the chessmen was a real joy, I was like a small child that gets a present. I am very impressed with the set and hope that I may enjoy it in a lot of nice games.

Thank you.
P S

Dear Mr. Camaratta,

Yesterday I have received the players chessmen. The unpacking op the chessmen was a real joy, I was like a small child that gets a present. I am very impressed with the set and hope that I may enjoy it in a lot of nice games.

Thank you.
P S