1972 GM2 Bronstein vs. GM2 analysis set

I recently got my stepson a GM2 Bronstein set (left) for his upcoming birthday; he’s a fan of Mikhail Tal, who is seen with the set quite a few times.

Today, I received a GM2 set I got myself (right). I was expecting it to be a fairly identical set, but as you can see diverges considerably! It’s noticeably smaller (with 10.5 cm kings vs. 11 cm), features narrower bases (3.2 cm vs. 4 cm), and it has either a darker stain or it developed a darker patina.

There are a few pieces that show some differences in design as well; the rooks of my set lack crenelations, as do the crowns of my queens; the crown of my queens are shorter (a feature which seems to be even more pronounced in the older GM2 design from the '50s); and the crown of the king is more rounded as opposed to the sharper ridge I'm the 1972 set.

My knights feature more pronounced manes, while the heads appear a bit less sculptured.

I’m not quite sure which knights I prefer. The more sophisticated head carvings of the 1972 set are certainly attractive, but it’s a bit of a pity that one of the white knights has a shorter muzzle than the other three.

When I first unwrapped my set, I was a bit disappointed that the pieces are not as large and imposing yet elegant as the 1972 set. But I’m actually really excited to be able to compare these two sets and note their differences; it was way more fascinating than comparing a very similar set would have been. And I find the patina of my set particularly enjoyable.

Which set do you prefer?

Also, does anyone know based on the color and design from what year my set might be? The darker color, the lack of crenelations in the rooks, and the shorter crowns of the queens may suggest my set is older. But probably not much older, as my set also features plastic finials, just like the 1972 set. But unlike my stepson's set, mine did not come with a label with a mention of the production year.

One of the nicest sets you've posted.

Thanks! Which one?

"Which set do you prefer?"

Both are great -- I love that pattern. I have a slight preference for the greater detail in the larger set. Your knights are so much more appealing than those in the HoS repro!

Yeah, I like the crenelations and wider bases. I believe the HoS repro knights are based on later ’70s sets. Below is a comparison from Chuck Grau between a c. 1960 knight and a c. 1970 knight. But it’s interesting to see that my stepson’s 1972 knights still adhere to the 1960 design; whereas I guess my knights are transitional; the manes and the simplified muzzle are like the c. 1970 knight, but they still retain that wider body and broader cheeks.

This latest set is, imo, the most appealing to me. It has a panache to it. Can't explain.

I like darker set more. It looks older.