100 unusual antique chess sets
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These pieces were made on an ornamental lathe. A very good argument that just because it is possible to do something one really shouldn't
As I sometimes go off message in this forum. Here is a picture of some of the finest lathe work I have seen.
While I am straying off message, here is a page from a book called 'The wooden bowl' which is well worth a read for anyone interested in history, turning or the history of wood-turning.
Jan 31, 2018
0
#211
chessspy1 wrote:
...
But I decided to devote my life to fixing chess sets.
And we are so grateful you did! You've come a long way as they say. Cheers.
Merci beaucoup Alan
It got me on the cover of CHESS magazine. A place my chess skills never would
A placeholder pic, until I find my picture of the magazine
Hello,
this is a beutiful thread no need to say thanks to chessspy and to all those who have contributed twas a great 'ride' to get here... Now I have a question for the tea party.
Ever come across a chess-set that looked like this one? Acorn shaped rooks and erm... 'elfish' pawns? As for time and setting this set should not be 'too far' from the Ruy Lopez set on #3.
SEPHONISBA ANGVSSOLA VIRGO AMILCARIS FILIA EX VERA/EFIGIE TRES SVAS SORORES ET ANCILAM PINXIT. MDLV.
(Ingl.: Miss Sophonisba Anguissola, daughter of Amilcare, based on their real/ appearance, her three sisters and maid painted . 1555)
This is from a Renaissance painting, Chessopera. The style of the painting is sometimes refered to as 'Mannerist'.
The set looks perfectly playable to me, by the way.
Obviously, quite a lot depends on what kind of game and erm.. 'venue' you have in mind.
Anyway, I'm researching on this painting and I am hoping that someone may have information to share about chess sets of the period, later reproductions, in a word anything that may concern the chess content of the painting (the position for instances... wikipedia features what looks to me like a partially dubious reconstrucion: here)
I recently read an introductory article that does say something about how noble families from Northern Italy got their chess sets at the time (it's in Italian and it is available HERE) and @greghunt and others have been very helpful.
In fact, I opened a topic: https://tinyurl.com/yaex6rv3
---and I'm out on a Quest... for the Acorn Shaped Rook LOL
Chessopera wrote:
The chess set in the painting looks like standard staunton to me which of course is best for playing with and also decoration. The chessboard in the picture is wrong though as the right hand square is black.
Chess boards were not always oriented the way that they are today.
The "St. George" set in #81 has what I presume is a King that looks much like a Staunton Queen. In fact, the set as a whole looks a lot like a Staunton set, even though there are differences in the direction of the St. George. Was it made after 1849, trying to be as much like a Staunton as it could while still claiming to be non-infringing?
In fact, but for a different reason - the presence of a Maltese Cross on the King - I could say something similar about the set in image #135.
Oct 28, 2018
0
#218
#203.. Wow Wow and Wow! Any reproductions of that? Made in modern materials? It's wonderful!
Hi Chess fans! I found this set in a collection on Pinterest, but the captions are all in Greek, and the posting member can only speak Greek! I think this is a Greek museum set, and it's absolutely beautiful; powerful but without detracting from the game's purpose; sexy, but very tasteful, and the theme is contemplative; Greek Gods vs. Goddesses! It vibrates on several lines of moral, physical, and spiritual thought, and looks like it would still be playable despite the clear aesthetic joy for which it was originally designed. If anyone has any information on this particular set, specifically what it is (it's proper name), where it's from, what it's made of, who made it, when they made it, and whether or not any replicas exist. I am very interested in either acquiring a replica set or commissioning one from someone skilled in the materials.
Hey @plastiquesound - here is a link to a page with some info about the set:
http://iosif.com.ua/Page2/Documents/2013-mystery-01.htm
And here is the translation of the description. I'm guessing there are not "many similar ones on ebay" as the usual suspect tried to assert above.
The idea and project of chess set - I. Epstein
Materials of the figures: mammoth tusk, ebony, amber, gold, silver, leather.
Stand materials: black Cuban and white Gazgan marble, gold, leather.
The manufacture of the base stands: the company "Belichansky crafts."
Consultations in the technology of inscriptions: specialist in non-standard solutions - S. Doroshenko.
Jewelry work, including inscriptions on stands - S. Tsekhanovsky.
The table is made of precious wood using the technique of marquetry Ruslan Yarema.
The height of the figures with stands 130 - 180 mm. Cage - 74 mm.
Table dimensions without add-on 800x960x1300 mm.
2011-2013
Tese also are not chess pieces but are figures from a French game similar to lotto