Rare Chess Computer

I'm a House of Staunton employee ( will be upfront about it) and we found a stash of old Chess Computers that was sent to our former owner, Frank Camaratta, back in the 90's.  He was running some kind of event with the purpose of determining approximate elo ratings of Chess Computers at that time.  As a result, the computers have only been used twice ( once at the event I just mentioned and once by myself as to test it and make sure it works ). We will be listing one of these every week on ebay and this week is our first.  Here is a link to the ebay auction if anybody is interested. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fidelity-Elite-Avant-Garde-2100-Chess-Computer-/261640457669?pt=Games_US&hash=item3ceafc8dc5 .  We also have Sphinx computers, all kinds of Saitek/Kasparov Branded Computers, other Fidelity comps. Just wanted to spread the word since these things are incredibly rare.  Most have instruction manuals, adapters and have only been used twice.  Thanks!

I wasn't aware that House of Staunton had changed ownership. Can you provide more info on that? When it happened, etc.?

It was before my time, want to say 2005-2006 ish.  Frank still works here though. Good guy, easy to work with and extraordinarily knowledgeable.  As chess guy,  I love working here lol. Total Chess nerd-gasm.

Some old chess computers are just that, old electronics and not worth as much as when they were new.  Everything in chess doesn't go up in value. Look at the thousands of Chess Digest books (just one example not picking on Ken Smith's old company, RIP my freind) that roam the internet that sellers can't give away for the price of shipping.

I agree.  There seems to be some allure with the computers though. I read some discussion threads and there are some people out there that are very hard core about the old chess comps.  The auction I linked to in my OP just broke 1k last night.  Probably a fraction of what it was worth when it was new but not bad for something that was just sitting there. 

Mike.. don't forget nostalgic value of chess computers. Many people had them in the day & they went ka-pow & now people are wanting replacements for the computer they grew up with. I loved my Chess Challanger 9 & also my Boris chess computer. They both went south on me though after many years of use.!

It looks like it went for 1,000 euros in 1986.

http://www.schach-computer.info/wiki/index.php/Fidelity_Elite_Avantgarde_2100

Wow never thought it would go for that high. I have a CC#9 in really nice condition. I guess it will find its way to eBay. If I get just $50 + shipping for it I will be happy, who knows what it will go for.

I am not saying you haked anything, I just want to point out that from few weeks now the direct link from HOS website to their e-bay page is broked. Maybe you can fix this or tell the webmaster to fix the link?

Two of the Fidelity Elite Avant Garde 2100 computers with the exact same description.  One in Alabama and the other in California

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121472222512?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fidelity-Elite-Avant-Garde-2100-Chess-Computer-/261640457669?pt=Games_US&hash=item3ceafc8dc5

Seems fishy to me

Now thta is interesting... how many fidelity boards Frank got?

Going back to my point... HOS really need to consolidate their pressence online.... For example the houseofstaunton.com website have a link to their facebook "The House of Staunton", The first link I find is something relate to the halloween hollydays... the link going back to a different domain thehouseofstaunton.com in this case this diferent domain with a "the" before the HOS name goes to a broked link. Apparently an expired domain... so I wonder are they giving up this domain name? why they post links to a domain name that is just not working?

In this confusion between houseofstaunton.com and thehouseofstaunton.com now you have the whole seasonal campaing going to the abbys.

I think the problems with e-bay is the same, a rebranding from theHOS to HOS.

If you guys need a webmaster with savvy experience in no posting broked links send me a message.

The listing from Alabama is ours.  The one in CA, the guy is using different pics but copied our verbal description ver batim.  Even the part about the computer duking it out with me in the office.  My boss is reporting him to ebay right now.  Regarding the web development issues, htdavidht, thank you so much for the feedback. We repaired the broken link to our ebay page last night (that you kindly let us know about ) and I'm forwarding the rest of your comments now. 

Ah that is great the website is geting fixed.

I am actually happy to be able to find your e-bay page from the link on your oficial page. I have not find an easy way to search for vendors from e-bay website, this was my easy way and i'm glad it is working again.

if anyone is interested i have an elite avangarde 2100 in great condition.   I am looking for an adaptor to make it work.  if anyone knows where i can find an adaptor for it, i would appreciate it.serial no. 73317988.   model 6088

raychie wrote:

if anyone is interested i have an elite avangarde 2100 in great condition.   I am looking for an adaptor to make it work.  if anyone knows where i can find an adaptor for it, i would appreciate it.serial no. 73317988.   model 6088

Try Hiarcs Chess.com. It is a forum for dedicated chess computer enthusiasts.