Chavet Set, Authentic?
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Ceithearnach
Jul 26, 2021
0
#1
I just bought this set on ebay, advestised as a Chavet 121/2. It is a perfect size for my 15" board. They're definitely weighted and felted but what I'm wondering is if the more knowledgeable community can tell me if they're legitimate, and what vintage, if so? The seller was French and he claimed it is from the 80s. While they definitely aren't new, they're in pretty amazing condition for 40 year old pieces; hence my slight scepticism.
Images in the link: Chavet Chess Set 121/2 https://imgur.com/gallery/s7jlI8c
Yes, they look legit to me. The grain on the light pieces is classic for Chavet sets and the Jura boxwood they used. And the patina on the pieces would put it vintage to my eyes, 80s makes sense. Nice looking set, congratulations!
I'm no expert by any means, but yours is definitely real. I have the same set with the same label (121/2) and mine is 'younger' then yours as the king's finial is thicker.
The seller's father has played with it at least 25 years ago, so I guess around 1990?
Jul 27, 2021
0
#5
Thanks Beachero. I'm really happy with them! That's really detailed MCH, thanks! My eyes watered for a second looking at that one on ebay as I paid more but mine are weighted and felted so I guess that makes the difference. It was the filial of the king and the smaller ball of the queen that really drew me to this set Micheal. - that and the fact it seems new sets can't be bought at the minute!
Jul 27, 2021
0
#6
theendgame3 wrote:
Cornelius_Crean wrote:
I just bought this set on ebay, advestised as a Chavet 121/2. It is a perfect size for my 15" board. They're definitely weighted and felted but what I'm wondering is if the more knowledgeable community can tell me if they're legitimate, and what vintage, if so? The seller was French and he claimed it is from the 80s. While they definitely aren't new, they're in pretty amazing condition for 40 year old pieces; hence my slight scepticism. Images in the link: Chavet Chess Set 121/2 https://imgur.com/gallery/s7jlI8c
My good pal @Ronbo710 is the 'go to expert' on Chavet sets on here. He lives and breathes these beauties, drop him a line. He's a cool guy.
Thanks for the tip Endgame! I just sent him a message now.
I echo MCH818's comment on the box vs set. But what's more important is getting the right "vintage" set than the box. So you should be good here. 
I'd bought a smaller Chavet around 3ish in that came in a Lardy box!! The seller was not sure why but he just said that's the box it came in. He was advertising it as a "Lardy set". I guess sometimes the owner just misplaced the original box.
I've seen Lardy selling sets with Chavet knights and the other way around too. Chavet and Lardy's timelines are a real mystery, nobody knows the exact deals between them.
an_ceithearnach_ciuin wrote:
I just bought this set on ebay, advestised as a Chavet 121/2. It is a perfect size for my 15" board. They're definitely weighted and felted but what I'm wondering is if the more knowledgeable community can tell me if they're legitimate, and what vintage, if so? The seller was French and he claimed it is from the 80s. While they definitely aren't new, they're in pretty amazing condition for 40 year old pieces; hence my slight scepticism. Images in the link: Chavet Chess Set 121/2 https://imgur.com/gallery/s7jlI8c
It looks good to me. I am no expert but I appreciate all the accolades here in the comments. Audioq on the forum here knows a LOT more thaan I do. And Frank up in Canada too. Good Luck 
Aug 15, 2021
0
#10
Thanks everyone for the comments above! I've really been enjoying using them! .... so much so that I'm considering hunting/acquiring a full size set. I have encountered one online that definitely looks Chavet... but one thing is giving me hesitation, as you will see below. Googly eyes. I haven't found any reference to any set having googly eyes in the forums or in a google search. Can anyone offer any ophthalmological insights? Was this done at some point? Or are they a knock-off? The box and board look legitimate I think.
Aug 15, 2021
0
#11
MCH818 wrote:
See post #112 in this thread https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-equipment/chavet-set-1?page=6.
That's fascinating! I guess I didn't find it because I wasn't using the right term for the eyes. Thanks for the link!