Knubbel Chess Sets
Sort:
I recently acquired a vintage knubbel chess set from Denmark. I understand the knubbel sets were made in Germany between the wars, and principally used as analysis sets.
The knubbel chess men handle well and are the perfect size for use in analysis and study.
These were the pics I finally worked out how to post of the knubbel chess men.
No interest? I love the patina of age and use on these chessmen.
I think the set is cool. Personally, I would prefer to restore the finish but I still think the set is really cool.
I have had several Knubbel sets in my collection, pictures attached. But I only kept the last one (with glass eyes) for the time being. It has been suggested that these sets originated from the Ore Mountain region in Eastern Germany from around 1930's, but I have not seen any proof so far. The carving surely bears some resemblance with chess sets from this region. But they have been most popular in Denmark and legend goes that they were the favorite analysis set of Bent Larsen.
Btw, there is a Knubbel appreciation page on Facebook.
A little set I picked up with an imposing King height of 5.9cm with a 31mm base. Shown on a HOS 1.75" Linen chess board.
I really like the plum color the dark pieces have. And the little glass eyed knights; although I have to figure out how to unglue then re-glue one of them.
What defines a knubbel set? It it a particular style of pieces like that split mitre for the bishop or is it just the height of the pieces?
@chessroboto I think it is both, the specific design and the small height. Here is a screenshot from the German chess-museum website which is showing some examples.
@Wes350 - Very nice!
I figured as much. Now I know the inspiration for this travel set from chesshouse
Thanks for sharing all the pics and comments so far. I got my set from Denmark so the Bent Larsen connection makes sense. The German page of Chess Museum is great, I couldn't find an English equivalent. Chess Museum is a great source of info on chess set designs and history.
I still really like that my set is scuffed and a bit faded, patina of age, and, in my opinion most importantly, of use!
EfimLG47 it looks like you have a serious collection there! I envy your display cases.
fixbayonets hat geschrieben:
EfimLG47 it looks like you have a serious collection there! I envy your display cases.
Yes, a significant part of my collection is on display.
OMG! Efim.....That photo deserves a word "new to the English language"!
PHANTASMAGORICAL......FABULONIOUS......INCREDULARIOUS
Take your pick-
magictwanger hat geschrieben:
OMG! Efim.....That photo deserves a word "new to the English language"!
PHANTASMAGORICAL......FABULONIOUS......INCREDULARIOUS
Take your pick-
@magictwanger
Amazing! EfimLG47 that's an impressive collection you have, worthy of a museum. I was pleased with two St. George's Old English style sets, a couple of Soviet era Russian sets and a rather battered Austrian Coffee house set, plus several unremarkable Staunton pattern sets acquired over the years. And my Knubbel set, which I love. But you have a stunning collection, congratulations!
What's the origin of the set on the splendid board on the table?
fixbayonets hat geschrieben:
What's the origin of the set on the splendid board on the table?
That is getting a bit off topic now in a Knubbel thread, but the set is a reproduction of the 1885 Leipzig Augustea Klub-Schach, which I had recently produced in a limited edition of 20 sets. The set on the pictures is No. 1 of 20. The design is shown as an etching in the 1885 catalogue of Adolf Roegner, a former chess supplier based in Leipzig. The reproduction was entirely based upon the etching. Pieces made of boxwood & ebony, weighted, king height 10 cm.
