American chess sets appreciation, share your sets.. July 4 Elvis edition

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Another very nice posting, @piet_pasman. Happy to contribute.

Drueke

Gallant Knight

E. S. Lowe

When talking great American sets, my first thought is the Ultimate Chess Set (in wood or plastic) from American Chess Equipment / Shelby Lohrman.

A Peter Ganine design made by Pacific Games Company.

It's been two days and no one has chimed in with an original W.T. Pinney set yet, so here's my new repro.

Drueke Little Jewel Magnetic Travel Set

Drueke Master Chessmen #23 on a Drueke board.

Pacific Games Cavalier

Thanks man...Those master chessmen are actually weighted and felted if you can believe it. It's a nice playing set that I need to put back in my rotation.

I have the same Little Jewel set from post #12.

Bought in 1982....Greenwich Village N.Y.C.....Still mint and with the business card from "The Village Chess Shop"......I believe Bobby Fisher played there at times.

I love how the rooks are the tallest pieces on the board. I never really liked how rooks are smaller than knights or bishops yet are so much more precious. (at least to me)

I agree Michael....The thing that appealed to me was the overall quality of build/fit and finish and really cute pieces. High quality little sucker.

I originally bought it because I worked in the Wall Street/World Trade Center area and had a business pal who'd go to breakfast with me and we'd play chess at a local coffee shop. Btw,I liked mid town Manhattan much better!

I didn't last long at that company I'd worked for,because I opened my business in New Jersey shortly afterwards.We lost touch and I've kept the set in as new condition since....Even the cardboard box is mint.

Your photo brings back memories...Not all good.

^^^Sounds stressful...We have a much slower pace in the south. For example, on the 4th after I've had a grilled bratwurst, the wife and I will be enjoying a bowl of home made ice cream on the porch swing. Try to relax and enjoy the holiday...lower your blood pressure by staying away from the news. Happy 4th

Ha! That was "then"...Nowadays I live in a gated retirement community.Fifteen minutes from my grandkids and a lifetime away from my Manhattan years.

Only issue is my ice cream is store bought....My relaxation is going out on clear nights with my astronomy binocular collection, of varying magnifications and apertures....Totally isolated.

Last night I viewed a galaxy I hadn't seen before.

SO COOL!

AHHH...I'm glad to hear you escaped the rat race with your sanity. I remember now you spoke in another thread of your hobby. To me, life would be insupportable without at least one hobby. (and coffee) Now let's work on that ice cream.

Many hobbies....One reason my chess has suffered as of late.

Ice cream at night....30oz. of half caffeinated daily....Not something to brag about,but habits are hard to break.....Not that I want to....Ha!

magictwanger you can always ask the king for help with your addiction's  

Died at 52....Really sad.

Here's an unusual old Drueke set.   Happy 4th of July!