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Library Size Chess Sets
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I don't have a fine library set yet, but I love this one for analysis at the desk and online play (at reasonable time controls):
I cut the border off the board myself so that I could maximize the desk space, while it's a little rough around the edges, it works out OK. Set is HoS Marshall Library size plastic and weighted. The board started out being 17", now it is about 14.75". Both are from Chesshouse, which I highly recommend for their customer service.
kponds, I have that same set and board. I didn't cut the border off, and I replaced the pieces with the 2.875" Zagreb set. But I'll keep the Marshall set for carrying around when I meet friends at the coffee shop to go over games. It's a great study set.
just ordered this 1 this morning:
https://www.officialstaunton.com/collections/staunton-chessmen/products/paul-morphy-ebonised-chessmen. I think it's a real bargain wit the jan30 coupon.
Jan 22, 2017
0
#26
@bananamoon - That set is fantastic. I just played a game with it this past week, love the feel of the Knights. The whole set looks great, I think you will be very pleased.
Rsava wrote:
@bananamoon - That set is fantastic. I just played a game with it this past week, love the feel of the Knights. The whole set looks great, I think you will be very pleased.
Thx! I really looking forward to play/study with it. I'll post some pictures when I'll have it.
Jan 22, 2017
0
#28
I agree heartily with Rsava regarding that Morphy Series set from OS. I actually own both wood versions of the set, Ebonized and Sheesham.
The sets are done very well and play very nicely.
Here's a wonderful 3" set from House of Chess on eBay for only $50, including extra queens and free shipping. The set is shown in rosewood, a sheesham version is also available. I use it with a trimmed 1.75" vinyl board, which gives me a 14.5" square footprint. It works great on those small 24" round tables you find in many coffee shops. An added plus -- the knights are well carved, especially in this price range. Also makes for a nice analysis set.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fierce-Knight-Weighted-Chess-Set-Pieces-3-Rosewood-2-Extra-Queens-/120699387480?hash=item1c1a3e7e58:g
eIAAOxyBjBTSoD1
Jan 22, 2017
0
#30
That is a nice looking set, Lou.
The only significance I see compared with the CB version pictured earlier in this thread is these bases look smaller and more chamfered or under cut. Look at the bases of the two sets' Rooks, for example.
I think the Knights are better carved on The House of Chess version, and I like the Rosewood.
Of course, I did get the CB version for $58 which puts it in the same price range as this one.
My latest acquisition: a Paul Morphy Chess set from the Official Staunton Chess company
I really like the looks of this set. I'm not too much into the big chunky looking bases. These are really nice.
This beauty arrived (wel packed 
) this morning by mail. It's a fantastic set and the most beautiful I own. Bought at The Official Staunton Chess Company. https://www.officialstaunton.com/collections/chess-pieces/products/library-3-5-antiqued-and-ebony-chessmen
a
bananamoon wrote:
This beauty arrived (wel packed ) this morning by mail. It's a fantastic set and the most beautiful I own. Bought at The Official Staunton Chess Company. https://www.officialstaunton.com/collections/chess-pieces/products/library-3-5-antiqued-and-ebony-chessmen
a
Yes, it's a gorgeous set. Some of us experienced problems with boxwood pieces splitting in the first batch of this set. I believe those problems have been resolved, but it would be great if you could confirm that.
FrankHelwig wrote:
bananamoon wrote:
This beauty arrived (wel packed ) this morning by mail. It's a fantastic set and the most beautiful I own. Bought at The Official Staunton Chess Company. https://www.officialstaunton.com/collections/chess-pieces/products/library-3-5-antiqued-and-ebony-chessmen
a
Yes, it's a gorgeous set. Some of us experienced problems with boxwood pieces splitting in the first batch of this set. I believe those problems have been resolved, but it would be great if you could confirm that.
Everything's ok but I'll keep you updated the coming weeks.
WE (Wood Expressions) had a classic Staunton set that was weighted and the King was at 3.25" and cost $50. Not too diminutive, but not exactly 3.5" library height.
chessroboto wrote:
WE (Wood Expressions) had a classic Staunton set that was weighted and the King was at 3.25" and cost $50. Not too diminutive, but not exactly 3.5" library height.
Although most of the discussion in this thread appears to relate to King size of 3.5 inches, in fact the traditional "library" size set is apparently with Kings of 3.0 inches. See the discussion between ipcress12 and rcmacmillan on Jan 18, 2017 (posts #13 & 14).
and...
https://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/chess-set-sizes-amp-classifications-explainedwith-pictures
Oct 4, 2019
0
#38
The House of Staunton has a good number of sets in this library category.
I own the Circa 1925 set and for a few dollars, not much, more than the above offerings, the design and quality is much better.
@ Eyechess: The set looks quite nice, congrats! I do apologise for being a bad influence here though.
@ chessspy: I suppose picking a favourite set is quite difficult. I feel that my tastes in sets have changed over the past few years as well. From modern reproductions, for instance, I used to really like the collector's series from HoS. Now I feel that that design looks a little bit too bold and clumsy and I find myself preferring e.g. their Cooke series, Leuchars and Harrwitz. Official Staunton's 3,5 inch king set was more within my budget range though, and despite the cracks it's definitely become one of my favourite sets to use.
The idea of a Selene horse, 3,5 inch king set is certainly an attractive one, but how to go about the practical matters to set design and production in motion? Alas, if GM4U is not interested..