- Metal Lewis Castings -
These Lewis style pieces are some of my first casting attempts. I made a presentation set, only one copy of each piece, from two sets of latex molds bought on eBay. Bronze pieces are made from the Leipzig or 'Medieval German' molds. Nickel-silver pieces come from the 'Medieval Gothic' molds. The German design probably comes from the 19th century. Cast metal Lewis inspired sets from that period have become collector's items in their own right. I believe the other design is 20th century. All of these pieces are 'cold-cast' metal, of course, which is composite material of metal and resin (see the chess sets I made page.) I may make a complete set from one of these designs next time I buy resin, but for now I'm happy with the presentation examples and my chess making energy is focussed on original designs. These commercial latex molds cast with ease. I recommend them highly to anyone with the desire to get into chess casting.
Bronze royalty.
Silver king and queen. This design is classically inspired and farther removed from the original Lewis pieces than the other, but I still see a strong resemblance.
Bronze bishop and knight.
Silver knight and bishop.
Black rook and pawn. These rooks are a transition. The actual Lewis rooks were warders and berserkers. Most modern rooks are towers. Here we have a warder atop a tower.
White rooks are towers with a different figure in each window. Pawns are simple shapes with Celtic inspired knot work.
The sombre dark royals again.