March 8, 2021. Drueke chessboards are back in production.

Bill Drueke III, yes THAT Drueke, is releasing a limited batch of handmade, solid Walnut and Maple Drueke chessboards on social media. According to his Facebook page, the boards are in production now and will be ready to ship March 22. One size only. The Drueke 23 inch square chessboard: Walnut and maple with 2.25" playing squares. 

$325 + $35 flat rate shipping within the US.

https://www.facebook.com/DruekeIIIGames/

Good luck.

Nice! However I already have a reproduction of the same size with Walnut and Ash. I am actually more pleased with Walnut and Ash than Walnut and Maple. I think Ash is a more complementary light color wood for Walnut than Maple is. Nothing wrong with Walnut and Maple. It's just that it is extremely common and bland for chessboards.

Goddammit there goes my wallet - TYVM

I do see multiple sizes on the FB page, as I accidentally hit the smaller 1 7/8 in square version first.
Seriously though, I have to ask... I am in need of a solid wooden chessboard, would you guys agree this is worth the price vs going with one of the etsy guys that are also touted on these boards? Colorado woodworker, etc?

I own two of the magnetic tower boards from Colorado Woodworker.  They are great.

I don't ...which is why I'm asking.  I just have rollup boards but have recently splurged on a few more chess sets, now it's time for a decent wooden board.  I'm not opposed to spending $300 on a board but I'm usually more of a "best bang for the buck" kind of guy vs "absolute best" 

If I didn't already have a 2.25"sq Drueke I'd be all over this.

Bill Drueke III is custom making you a Drueke board to your exact specs for roughly the same price of a vintage Drueke board on eBay. No stamps or stickers for authenticity but I'm sure if you ask nicely, he'll sign the back of the board in the border for authenticity for future resale value. Brand new. Unused. Directly from his hands to yours.

Bill Drueke III was perfecting the manufacture of chess boards when Colorado Woodworker was still in diapers. Come on now.

That's actually cheaper than what they've been selling for used on Ebay.

Good question. Can't vouch for the new boards but Drueke was unmatched in quality back in the day and the reason they are so sought after today. I have a 40+ year old Drueke board and it's as beautiful today as when I bought it. Maybe more, showing a few 'battle scars' and the maple having aged to a mellow amber

Having said that, there are small quantity, handmade artisan boards today by woodworkers like JKCreative & Colorado Woodworker that clearly approach if not meet the quality of Drueke boards for less $. While I'd love another Drueke board I just can't justify the cost. Unless one just has deep pockets and/or is looking for 'bragging rights' IMO the best bang for the buck is with the smaller shops.

I jumped on this the second I was aware of it. Thanks for the heads up @Pawnerai. 

Its also posted on ebay for $325 +$15 shipping however ebay will charge you tax upon checkout. 

Ebay listing

You pay tax but you save on shipping. So if your state's sales tax is 6% or less, it is cheaper to buy through eBay.

Drueke chessboards now has its own website

https://www.druekechessboard.com

After finding out about this limited I jumped at the opportunity.  Here is the board I received from Bill Drueke III.  

Still the best chess board & made in the US still !

@KinticPawn The 57' Chevy Bel Air of chessboards. Classic American made that never goes out of style. Ages like a fine wine. Congrats and may it give you many years of memories and enjoyment. 

@KineticPawn  Wow. It looks like Bill's still got the touch! Beautiful wood grain selection. How's the finish? Silky smooth? Keep the box, the packing materials, the invoice, print out any digital correspondence, everything. Don't throw anything out. That's a beaut. 

@KnightsForkCafe "The 57' Chevy Bel Air of chessboards" is spot on. No plain straight edge bevels here. Those curved edge bevels just ooze Drueke class.