The Future Of Chess Set Collecting And Investing

I think the restrictions on ivory and over harvested woods like ebony and red sandalwood make it harder to build a collection based on intrinsic value. If you're collecting new sets, it's hard to say which vendors'/mfg's sets will retain their value, let alone appreciate. I just started collecting recently, and I don't have the room for any 'show dogs.' So all my sets are playable. I prefer Staunton style sets, with some variations. I'm glad I got my HOS ebony Nottingham and TCP red sandalwood sets when I did, as I might not be able to afford them in a few years. I currently have about a dozen sets from 3" to 4.5", in a number of different finishes that fit on four different size boards (2", 2.125", 2.25", and 2.5"). Every time I play I try and use a different set.

On those matters I think the market is going the oposite direction.

For example a set made with eco-friendly materials like bamboo, on a board made of reclaim wood can actually be a bigger hit than ivory.

The problem with ivory, is that when you show it out it is more often that someone will complain about you supporting the kill of elephants, or something like that.

Alternatives like tagua that have being collected after the nut fall on the ground, so not harm is done to the tree, will be a better option, more interesting and don't have to worry about the disaproval of the pairs.

Unless you're talking about sets made out of precious metals, I don't think intrinsic value really comes into chess set collecting. When you look at antique collectible sets, their collectability is mainly based on such things as their rarity, beauty and historical associations. For wood sets, the type of wood used I would suggest is way down the line, and I don't see that changing.

I agree with Frank that, in terms of investment potential, modern sets are not a good bet. Some sets that are produced in relatively small quantities, like the BEC sets, may go up in value once production ceases, but I don't see HoS or modern Jaques sets appreciating, especially when you consider that their high-end sets already cost more than many genuine antique sets.

One hundred years ago, sets were bought to be played with, and they were, which is why undamaged sets cost what they do. The modern high-end sets are probably not going to see a lot of use, so there will be more good-condition sets floating around in the future, keeping prices down. I also think that fewer people will collect chess sets in future as more people will primarily play on line and as a result will not develop that connection with real sets. Added to that, current collections will return to the market as collectors die off or downsize their collections, and developments in 3D printing and computer assisted wood carving will enable those people who want them to produce perfect copies of historical sets.

In short, if you want to put your money into something that will make a return for you or your descendants, I wouldn't recommend modern chess sets. If you want to buy them, by all means do so, but buy them for the enjoyment they give you today, not out of some hope that they will be a nest egg for the future.

What would the dark pieces be?

There are said to be up to 150 million mammoths buried in the tundra and Russia is exporting 60 tons of mammoth ivory a year to China, so I think there's plenty to make chess sets for a long time yet.

I've often wondered why China hasn't been a driving force in the chess set manufacturing game...or are they... 

China have their own version of chess, and their version have more number of players than the "mad queen" version.

Now that would be a one of a kind!