For all those hard to shop for Chavet chess set collectors out there.

For all those hard to shop for Chavet chess set collectors out there. Although this signed photo of Kasparov is dark and grainy, you can still make out the lovely silhouettes of vintage Chavet pieces on the board. The pie pan crown on the queen. The bulbous bishop miter. The subtly flared battlements on the rook. Flat protruding collars. Vertical sides of the bases with a groove. It's a beauty. The chess set. Not Kasparov.

I am not a Chavet enthusiast but I can see how the subject matter would be very cool to someone who is.

I've been reading threads about Chavet here and there and it's kinda confusing all the various versions out there.

I've come across the B200 series, obviously the originals. I believe the 121/x is the current version but what is 'Staunton Europe' and Chavet from Dal Negro? Are these 2 repro's from India?

I am aware of 4 retailers who definitely sold genuine Chavet pieces under their own labels some years ago. Studio Anne Carlton, David Westnedge, Dal Negro and Weible (Germany). I also think The Pacific Game Company and Cavalier sold Chavet pieces. Chavet (like Lardy) seem to have made pieces for many resellers back in the day.

The only 3 reproductions I am aware of are from Indian manufacturers, The Chess Empire, Staunton Castle and Chessbazaar.

The vintage originals are difficult, but not impossible, to come by but are no longer made, so getting them in as new condition requires a bit of luck, particularly size 5 and 6. They do show up at good prices, however, if you are alert.

With regard to "Staunton Europe" this is a current production set made by Mora and available from Spanish retailers. Some pieces have a striking resemblance to Chavet sets, some don't (knights & rooks). Made from Buxus Sempervirens, just like the original Chavet, as opposed to the Gardinia Latifolia used by Indian manufacturers.

Yeah I've been looking at that Staunton Europe. It says it's 94mm for the king. It looks good to me, it says it's made from boxwood and stained walnut.

What's your opinion on this? Does it look okay to you?

I like the Europa set but I think the Rook is far too narrow. The rook's base is only marginally wider than the pawn's. Other than that I think it's a great set.

Cost wise the Europa is good value at €60-€70 (?) compared to €300+ (?) for a clean vintage Chavet. 

55 euro yes, about that narrow rook's base is good point. I hadn't seen that.  It will annoy me to no end, I'd rather pay double/tripple for a set that I'm truly happy about.

Much appreciated for your feedback.

I'm curious about Chess Bazaar's reproduced 90s Chavet V2.0. Completely out of stock at the moment (not even available for backorder) but it looks awfully nice to me.

The various reproductions, with photos, are discussed in this thread. https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-equipment/chavet-b210-reproduction 

Thank you Audioq! I will read it.

Actually, the searching itself is half of the fun. I already have one chess set, so don't really need a second set. But in sake of searching, and feeling the pain of this guy that has been searching for 20 years, I'll join the treasure hunt . I'll go for the size 6, any version as long it's original one.

Hi there a rare green one up for sale on ebay with box !

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-CHESS-SET-LOADED-CHAVET-TOURNAMENT-STAUNTON-PATTERN-K-3-5-inch-AND-BOX/154403236427?hash=item23f3266a4b:g:OSAAAOSwd49gaxyE

Yeah. I posted about it yesterday on the Green Chess Piece thread. Not much love for the green color. Or maybe, not much love for the $550 USD (shipped) price. Yikes! I like the green. Just not the price. A chess collector in Ireland will buy it.  

That would be a good price for a vintage B210 but not for an old size 5. This is also an older style, hand turned Chavet and it has been well used with a few chips and missing, torn felts etc. $100 would be pushing it IMHO. Seriously, that box looks like it was rescued from a compost bin.

@Audioq you are the expert on Chavet and Chavet reproductions available today on the market as far as I’m concerned.

Thanks to you, I bought the Chess Empire Chavet.  And I love it.

Were the original sets well weighted like the CE version is?

I like and use my sets for play.  I want the best of any set for play.  The characteristics include looking good, nice weighting and balance when handling, and a good finish.

Always good to know  @Audioq  / This seller is asking alot or is this the Market now for a B210 ?

  https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Henri-Chavet-Chess-Set-Wooden-Pieces-Boxed-B210-153-6-Size-6-Vintage/264992363471?hash=item3db2c693cf:gZEAAOSwVgdfv9oa#shpCntId

Personally, I prefer the Chavet size No5 (3.5" King) over the B210. I like the size No5 rook form with slightly angled battlements and the size No5 cut of the Knight better.