The Japanese set - selling anything made of ivory, even though it is legitimate, requires jumping through hoops, or may not even be possible at all.
As to the Spanish set, I can't be sure, based on your description, if it is particularly valuable. It could be worth $1000 or it could be worth about the same as a new wooden set, depending on whether there is a reason that it is interesting and there would be demand for it.
I have two chess sets that I am getting ready to sell. They are both hand carved beautiful sets and I am trying to determine what is the best way to sell them and how much they are worth. Can anyone out there help me with this?
One is a Japanese, hand-carved, pre-ban ivory chess set. Magnificent craftsmanship. It is is very good shape but by no means pristine. It has narrow bases and over the years the pieces have gotten knocked over in play and damaged a bit. But they are still incredible I think. This set is 50-60 years old and was purchased in Japan.. It has a folding board which serves as a case that is lined with beautiful velvet. Again, time has taken some toll with the elastic that holds the pieces in stretching out, etc.
The second set is a very cool looking set, made of wood that is painted bright colors. It is from Spain and in the original packaging. It's condition is even better though there is some chipping of the paint over the years. I am going to include another folding wooden chess board/storage case that I have from a third set that has deteriorated too badly to bother with. It is about 40-50 years old.
Again, can anyone help me figure out how to price and sell these very interesting chess sets? I would appreciate any suggestions that you have.
I am going to try to attach some photos. (Nope. Couldn't get it to work. If you'd like to see some, please email me at david.karan05@gmail.com and I'll send them to you.)
Thanks.