The cracks probably developed as a result of putting the set near a window. You can see the original color of the squares by looking at e2 and f2. The faded board and pieces definitely look like it was caused by sun damage or perhaps the board was just very dusty impacting the color. I would say don’t put the board and pieces near a window to start. I am sure others will chime in on the restoration part.
On a side note, I do like the faded look though. It looks kind of cool.
Hi,
here is a Chavet set I bought cheap, with faded away colors: check both bishops on squares C4 & C5.
I applied several layers of walnut stain on black pieces; then sealed the color using one final layer of clear wood sealer. This product is commonly used as a primer on wood, before applying a finish (paint or varnish), but as well suitable to seal a color without getting a glossy finish. I also applied the sealer on the white pieces, to get a consistent finish and protect the wood. And here is the result:
Hope this helps!
I agree with @MCH818: Placing a set near a window and have it exposed to the sun for long periods is the worst thing you can do (Well, the second worst after putting it up for display near a heating element). No surprise the black pieces have been discolored to an extent where you can barely tell white from black. And it seems like a nice set, shame on your friend. 
Anyway, I think the suggestion @kiwimotard made is clearly the way to go to restore those black pieces to their former glory.
Hi All, I’m trying to help my friend with his Dubrovnik set which was gifted to him a few years ago and has since developed many cracked pieces and looks to have faded. Does anyone have recommendations to restore the set?
Although leaving a chess set in intense sun for deveral years can cause some sort of cracking, the main reason can also be because of poor wood seasoning and processing. Where did you buy this chess set?
That is right! If the wood is not seasoned and processed properly it can crack after a while especially around the base where the metal weight contracts and expands with temperature fluctuations. I had an ebony Sultan chess set which I had left for many years in the window in direct sunlight but it never cracked. However, leaving any chess set in direct sun for a long time is not such a good idea. The cracks in the photos above seem to be more because of bad wood processing than sunlight though.
Thanks for the feedback so far. I was not the one that gifted the set so we do not know where it was purchased from, if anyone has insight please share? Perhaps it might have a crack replacement warranty.
The wood looks dry, does anyone have a recommendation on oil or wax ?
There's no guarantee that the set was incorrectly seasoned. Odds are the window and possible low humidity environment was the culprit.
Nice looking set.
Thanks for the feedback so far. I was not the one that gifted the set so we do not know where it was purchased from, if anyone has insight please share? Perhaps it might have a crack replacement warranty.
The wood looks dry, does anyone have a recommendation on oil or wax ?
Your chess set is Chessbazaar Version2 Dubrovnik set. CB no longer produces this set as they have introduced Version3 but if you contact them they may provide you with replacements but they will charge you dearly. Although direct intense sunlight above 30 degrees may cause some cracking after many years, this sort of wide gaping crack is more related to poor wood seasoning technique.
Thanks for the feedback so far. I was not the one that gifted the set so we do not know where it was purchased from, if anyone has insight please share? Perhaps it might have a crack replacement warranty.
The wood looks dry, does anyone have a recommendation on oil or wax ?
Your chess set is Chessbazaar Version2 Dubrovnik set. CB no longer produces this set as they have introduced Version3 but if you contact them they may provide you with replacements but they will charge you dearly. Although direct intense sunlight above 30 degrees may cause some cracking after many years, this sort of wide gaping crack is more related to poor wood seasoning technique.
Thank you for the info!
Hi All, I’m trying to help my friend with his Dubrovnik set which was gifted to him a few years ago and has since developed many cracked pieces and looks to have faded. Does anyone have recommendations to restore the set?