The Five Knights of Lockdown

Aaaaalrighhhttt I win the book! Pay up you heathen! Daddy gonna buy a new set from that money!

Ha! @TheOneCalledMichael. Well played sir! You know me better than I know myself.🥴😊

That is an awesome find there @Powderdigit! The One wins the pot. The great thing is you didn’t have to haggle about a piece being injured or damaged in transit, no waiting for international shipping, and ExFred isn’t holding it at a hub due to “higher than normal volume”. Every now and then, it’s the simplest of surprises that bring the most joy and satisfaction. Well done!

True true, daddy needs a brand new set.

Thanks! It seems that the bets are settled. The One is well... "the one".

I feel I need to make a comment about value because I think a lot of people out there are like me - new to the game and potentially spending their cash after reading threads on this forum.

Please note: I am a new collector - and even with that description - I am uncomfortable because it infers I have some knowledge. 

In truth, my story is simple - I am a consumer who enjoys chess and have become enamoured with woods sets - I enjoy playing the game and displaying the sets around my home. So please take anything that I say on this forum in that context - I am not an expert in any sense of the word. 

It is important to note that I am not collecting for value or as an investment. The magnetic set above is lovely but can probably bought new for between $50-$100 (or less on special) from numerous retailers. It will never be a 'piece'. 

With the exception of Holger's  Philippines pieces which are simply lovely for the price offered - all other sets have been purchased on deep discounts because I like them ....not because I am investing in them. I draw that distinction because I think some people might read forums like these and be influenced to spend their hard-earned - which is absolutely fine - but just be clear on why you are buying a set. 

There's a question rattling around my head: "Would I have been better off buying one historically significant set for say $1200+ or all of the above." The rational investor and pure collector would say (I think)- buy the one quality, historically verified set. Or perhaps save even more and purchase a Raikis perhaps these are a better financial 'investment'. True, I think.

But... that is not my game (at least at present) ... I am enjoying the variations of sets, not because of their value but because of the difference and the pleasure of walking past pieces at home - setting up different games, grabbing different knights as I wander past a set _ I'll often now have a knight or queen in my hand (in place of worry beads) simply feeling the carved wood  .... for me it's not about the ROI - well not in a financial sense. "The return" again for me, is in the joy of appreciating the craftsmenship and design of the wooden sets - even if they are not valuable per se.

So - when you are buying a set - think hard on why you are buying it - to display, to play outside, to play blitz, to study in bed (where magnets are helpful), a pure investment to display behind a case, and investment to that can also be used,  ... whatever ... but think through such questions and you're sure to end up with a better option for you and your needs - not because some rank amateur like me has a similar set. 

I hope that helps. 

Nope! I did not laugh....but...I did smile.-

Truthfully,I'd have jumped on that adorable set,at that price.

I only buy sets that float my boat aesthetically. No other reason and I don't consider myself a serious collector,even though I have 19 tourney sets and 3 travel sets....Like Mr. Digit,I like what I like.

I have heard this a few times when buying antique ivory sets. "Are you sure this is a good investment with the ever tightening trade restrictions on ivory? You might not be able to sell it for a profit anymore." Anyone who thinks about profit or ROI when collecting is not a collector, but an investor. In the case of my antique sets, I have taken on the role of curator, which means I have taken on the task of looking after the sets, preserving them, finding out and documenting their history, etc. Collecting is about passion, not money. Anyone who says otherwise is not a collector.

Perfectly stated!

@EfimLG47 - well said Holger / perhaps I am collector after all.  I am passionate … and phones make it easier to convey that passion. I was relaxing on the couch earlier today and I took this photo of the set on the table in front on me (simply because it was there and the side-light was catching the knight) … it’s my first very set - the 2016 Bridle Knight. It’s a strong looking set to be sure. Also, I’m not sure if it clear on this photo but the castle has a slightly curved turret- it a small but lovely touch.

 

I have decided to use this thread to capture the progress of my collection. This is a recently purchased antique table - the top of which I have renovated. This was to celebrate being able to drive more than 5km soon after lockdowns eased! There is a more detailed, stand-alone thread about this project. 

 

There is another thread on this set but I am adding here for completeness. These are the French Regency pieces from Chess Bazaar.

To add a memory-stamp…this is the first set purchased after Melbourne’s  lockdowns eased!

 

@Powerdigit Thanks for sharing the photos and your thoughts behind them. Your writings are always pleasant to read. I know you mentioned you’re new to collecting and that lockdowns are partially responsible but I have to ask this… Are there any chess pieces unique to Australia?  

Thanks for the feedback and kind words @zagryan! Much appreciated.

I’ve got to go out now …. so I cannot look for the link but an Australia guy @kohpablanca is designing some pieces which I think are lovely, modern and functional. I’ll try and add a link to this thread later. There may have been another new design by another Australian too but I might be imagining that!

In terms of historical sets - I am not aware of any and happy to be corrected - but I am sure there have been an array of niche board builders and carvers over time.

Europe or Euro-Asia inc Russia spanning both, seems to be the pleasure-dome  of historical chess! 😊

I'll say one thing...With the amazing amount of work you put into that board and how surprisingly nice it came out.....You have the hands of a vascular surgeon.

Wow, what an interesting topic! Great sets!

Tell me, where did you order this board? it is beautiful

@galandets86 - thanks for your feedback.

This is the first board I purchased. It was purchased in 2020 in combination with the 2016 Bridle Knight pieces from Chess Bazaar.

I remember it fondly - the board arrived separately from the pieces - so initially I thought “OH No! The pieces have been lost in transit.” As it happened - all fine … the pieces arrived soon after and it was just my anxiety talking!!

The board is beautiful and always receives positive comments when friends and family visit. That said - it has flaws - there’s some very slight bleeding of dark squares into light and some mis-alignments of the boarder veneer. The finish is also very soft and dents easily - so it would not stand up to blitz play… mainly for display and polite slow games.😊

On the flaws - I’d never noticed them until I started to read this forum and noted some issue being noticed on boards from various suppliers.

Would I send it back - knowing what I know now? No. I really love the figured wood on the border of this board and I’d be afraid any new one was not as beautiful. Further, the flaws are small and unnoticeable to most eyes and I still think the combo that I purchased on special was good value.

For no other reason than I like the early morning light streaming through the curtains and onto a game I am playing … happy new year folks. 👍

Looks like the dog likes the early morning light streaming through the curtains too!

Is that our game? I'm in deep trouble and am not having a Happy New Year if so.-

@wids88 - 👍- indeed, the dog loves a morning nap (well any nap really!)
@Magictwanger - yes … and our game proves we are two amateurs learning and blundering everywhere but hey, we’re having fun doing it!😉