Very nice, Mike. 1957? It was a very good year! It never ceases to amaze me that these Russian sets, which were cheaply made and finished, survived so long in such great shape.
It makes me wonder about the playing habits of the Soviets. Many of the players I know are quite rough with the pieces. Perhaps a bit more respect for the pieces over there?
Very nice, Mike. 1957? It was a very good year! It never ceases to amaze me that these Russian sets, which were cheaply made and finished, survived so long in such great shape.
Thanks Robert, yeah I couldn't make out the year on the label, so it might be 1957. Agreed, its surprising how many of these vintage sets have survived in such excellent condition.
Excellent photos and a great set, Mike!
When I first read the label, I thought it said 1967. But it could be 57.
I love the pawn design most of all.
The knights also fascinate me. All wood. That suggests the earlier date to me. Are all the bases on them the same diameter? One of the white knights looks to me to have a slightly narrower base, and a decidedly different mane design.
Most of my vintage Soviet sets exhibit great wear. They're heavily battle-scarred from what must have been thousands and thousands of conflicts. It makes me wonder just who were the men and women and children who played on them.
Very Nice! I always like seeing all wood Knights on a vintage Soviet Set.
Thanks Chuck, the black knight's diameter bases are a tad wider than the boxwood knights. Here's a pics showing the knight manes. 
Very Nice! I always like seeing all wood Knights on a vintage Soviet Set.
Thanks Ron, glad you liked them
Hey, goodknightmike. I've been away for a couple of weeks and just returned to find your Soviet set posted here. Very, very nice and in great condition. Congrats!
I recently acquired a set myself and wonder why someone would pick up a repro when originals can still be found for half the price in some instances.
Hey, goodknightmike. I've been away for a couple of weeks and just returned to find your Soviet set posted here. Very, very nice and in great condition. Congrats!
I recently acquired a set myself and wonder why someone would pick up a repro when originals can still be found for half the price in some instances.
Thanks UpcountryRain, glad your back! I have a few Soviet repros in my collection, they are nicely done and since the originals are hard to find, the repros filled a void in my collection.
Here's some pics of a vintage 1967 Soviet Chess Set. Kings measure 4 1/8" with Pawns at 2 1/4". Compared to other vintage sets, the piece bases are rather small.