I've been looking very closely at that CB Chavet set as well. What I really like about the CB set is their sculpting on the Rook piece. The top battlements has a very subtle delicate flair to it. It curves ever so slightly outwards at the top. So very "French" IMO. I don't see that in other repros.
Are the CB Chivet Repro’s any good?
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Dec 3, 2020
0
#3
Why not compare each repro to the original as I did here:
https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-equipment/chavet-b210-reproduction
Audioq wrote:
Why not compare each repro to the original as I did here:
Audioq, can you please confirm for me that the Chess Empire repro Rook battlements are straight vertical. Whereas the original Chavet B210 Rook has battlements that are ever so slightly angled outwards? I admit it's a very small subtle detail.
The Staunton Castle repro set Knight has eyes that are in the wrong spot. It's strange that they would do that. Maybe it was delibrate?
That leaves the Chess Bazaar repro set that (IMO) is the closest to the original B210 Chavet set from your photos. And.... of course the CB Sheesham and Boxwood set that I want to order is out of stock at the moment. Just my luck! Hah.
Dec 3, 2020
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#5
The Chess Empire rook battlements are slightly straighter than the original. The Chess Bazaar set is nice in it's own way but the knight looks nothing like the original, whereas the Chess Empire version is very close.
Thanks @audioq what size squares does that chessboard have?
Dec 3, 2020
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#7
passedpawn22 wrote:
Thanks @audioq what size squares does that chessboard have?
55mm squares. It's also fine on 2.25" (57mm) but looks a little too crowded on 2" (50mm)
You may have converted me to the Chess Empire version. Those look really nice!
Dec 3, 2020
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#9
I own both the CB Chavet and the Chess Empire version. I bought the Chess Empire version because of Audioq and his comparisons.
While I was happy with my CB set, it was not my favorite as I thought a Chavet design set should be. It just did not present and handle well in real life.
The Chess Empire Chavet is really nice. It looks and handles very well. This is a set to be used for play, in my opinion.
None of these is a perfect reproduction of the original. They each have their slight differences. For me, I want a set that looks as good as the original and plays and handles well. While the CB version is nice, I prefer the Chess Empire one.
Audioq wrote:
The Chess Empire rook battlements are slightly straighter than the original. The Chess Bazaar set is nice in it's own way but the knight looks nothing like the original, whereas the Chess Empire version is very close.
Yeah. The Chess Bazaar knight's neck and chest profile is more robust and "horse-like" compared to the original Chavet B210 knight's profile that to me looks a bit like a duck. Both charming in it's own way. The Chess Bazaar queen's finial is also a bit larger than the original Chavet B210 and Chess Empire's. If only Chess Empire's rook battlements were slightly angled outward.
Eyechess wrote:
I own both the CB Chavet and the Chess Empire version. I bought the Chess Empire version because of Audioq and his comparisons.
While I was happy with my CB set, it was not my favorite as I thought a Chavet design set should be. It just did not present and handle well in real life.
The Chess Empire Chavet is really nice. It looks and handles very well. This is a set to be used for play, in my opinion.
None of these is a perfect reproduction of the original. They each have their slight differences. For me, I want a set that looks as good as the original and plays and handles well. While the CB version is nice, I prefer the Chess Empire one.
Did you purchase the Chess Bazaar V1 or V2? I haven't seen any photos directly comparing Chess Bazaar's V1 vs V2 but the company says, "We've made some changes in King, bishop, knight & rook..." I wonder if the changes affected the handling issues you mention. Can you describe and compare the handling in a little more detail? I have only online photos to go by. Descriptions of real life experience of the pieces in a game are invaluable.
Dec 3, 2020
0
#12
Pawnerai wrote:
Audioq wrote:
The Chess Empire rook battlements are slightly straighter than the original. The Chess Bazaar set is nice in it's own way but the knight looks nothing like the original, whereas the Chess Empire version is very close.
Yeah. The Chess Bazaar knight's neck and chest profile is more robust and "horse-like" compared to the original Chavet B210 knight's profile that to me looks a bit like a duck. Both charming in it's own way. The Chess Bazaar queen's finial is also a bit larger than the original Chavet B210 and Chess Empire's. If only Chess Empire's rook battlements were slightly angled outward.
OK so you're looking for a set you like rather than an accurate reproduction. Nothing wrong with that. If you prefer the CB version then go for it, but it isn't a great repro of the Chavet IMO.
Audioq wrote:
OK so you're looking for a set you like rather than an accurate reproduction. Nothing wrong with that. If you prefer the CB version then go for it, but it isn't a great repro of the Chavet IMO.
I'm still deciding between, CB, CE, and hunting for an original. I just contacted Chess Empire and they are willing to modify the sculpting to add the slight outward angle detail to the rook battlements. The custom order ain't cheap though. But I guess when comparing the Chess Empire custom order price to the current after-market price of an original B210 Chavet set it's still a relative bargain. And with the a modern repro you'll get a set in new condition, with quality wood and finish. Just no history. Decisions, decisions..
Dec 3, 2020
0
#14
I am not sure which version of the CB set I have. I suspect I own Version 1 as I paid quite a bit less than the current price.
The Chess Empire guys are in the top level of manufacturers in India. They have the best workmanship.
Their set is also almost 1 lb heavier than the CB set. That is quite a difference. The heavier weight gives the Chess Empire set better balance and handling.
I will definitely recommend a CB Sheesham version which is on backorder. Looked on both SC and the chess empire version too, but liked the CB better. The rooks are the clear winner. The rook turrets of CB version look much better.
I guess the bottom line is whether you want to sacrifice the exchange for a better knight, or sac the knight for a better rook
https://www.chessbazaar.com/chess-pieces/reproduced-antique-chess-sets/reproduced-90s-french-chavet-championship-tournament-chess-set-v2-0-in-ebonized-box-wood-3-89-king.html