I have a larger set almost identical to that one. I have heard these red stained versions were givne out as gifts (Red for USSR no doubt). But can't confirm that ... 
Can You Help Identify This Set?
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It has a lot of Old World charm to it. I really like how the Cathaholic Bishops Miters were omitted.
Hello Celticduck,
I'm afraid that I cannot offer much information about this particular type of set. I do know that it was produced as early as the 1950s (as your set proves) and production continued at least until the mid-80s. Antikvar, your shop at Etsy, was just offering an excellent copy from 1986 but it recently sold. Between the 50s and 80s the set kept its specific style but went through several small (or not-so-small) variations. Like Ronbo710, I heard that the Red and Black sets were associated with the party. My understanding is that they were reserved for party members. I cannot confirm this.
The set seems to have been pretty popular. Many copies can be found today and if you look around you'll see vintage pics of it here and there. I think the set was not used in tournaments because of its short stature and so it never gained prominence as did other sets.
Anyway, I'm posting comparison pics from my two versions of this set. Both are "White". The brown version is from 1955 (it was a 2nd place prize at a chess tournament for workers) and the yellow version is from the 60s. The pics themselves should point out differences.
Congrats on your recent acquisition and enjoy it when it comes in!
Hello,
While I have tried to educate myself of Soviet sets, it seems to be a case of 'the more I learn, the less I realize I know. I purchased this set from a St. Petersburg seller. I was drawn to it because of the colours mainly. It is said to be from the 50s. Could anyone she'd any more light on it?
