Patina of Time

Hello!

I'm a long-time player hoping to purchase my first respectable / collectable chess set. I really love worn wooden pieces with the "Patina of Time" visible. It just looks so cool!

I'm looking for advice on styles / brands to purchase. So far I have these on my list:
- Chavet
- FIDE World Chess Pieces (these are new, but perhaps one day might develop the worn look?)
- Noj Dobrovnik (again, new)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

There is a waiting list several years long for the NOJ, so bear that in mind.

I've read that :/

I've basically ruled them out due to that fact - unless someone strongly contradicts and steers me in that direction. Also, I they'd lack the Patina of Time which I so strongly appreciate!

StauntonCastle do a distressed version for some of their sets. I have the Morphy Cooke set and it looks great.

I’ll upload some pics…

I agree, the Staunton Castle Dubrovnik is something to behold. I still have a preference for Noj's take on that style, but SC put a lot of care into that chess set.

https://stauntoncastle.com/products/reproduction-1950-dubronvink-series-vintage-antiqued-chess-set

I have both a Noj 1950 and 2 Chavet sets. Noj sets and Chavets are worth it but really hard to get. Lardy is a good alternative to a Chavet, widely available, and less expensive. Getting one in great condition is possible but it takes a little patience. Here is my 3.75" 70s Lardy. It looks great but it doesn't really have that patina like old Jaques sets do.

I know you didn't mention Soviet sets but I will throw that out there. I just bought one in rough condition. It has lots of patina which I love but is not for everyone. If you like the worn look there are certainly many worn Soviet sets out there in reasonable condition. Here is an example of a nice one on Etsy. I love the patina of the white army. 

Here is a Botvinnik-Flohr 1 for $470. I love how the red starts to show on the dark army.

Good luck with your selection process. Let us know what you decide.