Earlier in this thread, use of the crown symbol on the tops of the King's
knight and rook was discussed. I have since learned that Staunton advocated
this convention as early as 1841, i.e. eight years before the Cook
registration, which incorporated that design feature.

See C.P.C. p.139. " ... We throw out this suggestion at random, but have
very little doubt that the makers of Chess-men would find it to their
account to manufacture some pieces after the fashion here recommended."

In the next issue (p. 155) he replies to a correspondent: "Sets of
Chess-men, made in the fashion recommended in our last number, if in ivory,
should be obtained from D. Stewart, of Oxford-street; if of wood, from
Sherwin, Great Queen Street, Lincoln's Inn."

Best wishes,

John Townsend
Howard Staunton research project:
http://www.johntownsend.demon.co.uk/page7.html