The set is cast in solid pewter and to get the black side black I soaked those pieces in ferric chloride for 40 minutes. After drying all of the pieces were clear coated in enamel.
I am still looking for object(s) that will be used for the knights.
Below is the progress on it.
The Castle - made from jumbo garlic stems.
The Bishop - Made from lobster claws.
The King - Made from a turkey bone.
The Queen - Made from a milk weed pod and the life casting of a female.
Not shown here is the Pawn which is made from a life casting of my daughters finger.