What chess sets did José Raúl Capablanca like or was seen using?

My wife’s favorite chess player is Capablanca, so I would like to gift her a vintage chess set at some point that is associated with him.

Is there any information on which chess sets he favored? Any vintage chess sets associated with him? Any sets he was prominently seen with in old photos?

Does no one know? I know there is a Capablanca chess variant, and several modern sets with those extra Capablanca pieces; but I’m looking for a historic design associated with him.

The archbishop and chancellor aren't "Capablanca pieces" per se. There were a number of 10x8 variants proposed before Capablanca's, each with pieces that moved as the archbishop and chancellor. There's probably not a specific "Capablanca set"...he'd beat pretty much anyone with any set handy.

An admirer of Capablanca might be satisfied with his books. It's hard to know what his favourite set was.

Found this set at The Met, listed as Cuban, early 20th century interesting pawns

Here is the link to the above:

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/210646

Cheers!

is that a cuban lardy?

I just clicked on provenance and it was owned by Capablanca so doesn't get better than that! Not sure about lardy, but says it is boxwood oak and brass, so maybe it came with a board?

i think it might be his favorite set if it was gift good research

That’s curious, because his wife stated that he never owned a chess set. He would apparently just show up at events and use whatever chess set was being offered. I haven’t found any information on what chess set he favored.

Quite an interesting set though!

What about a reproduction of the set from the 1916 San Francisco Mechanics' Institute simultaneous (HoS et al)? I don't find it very exciting, but at least it has the connection with Capablanca.

Yeah, Chuck told me about it. It’s a pretty bizarre set. I showed my wife and she didn’t seem persuaded by its beauty strangely enough. 😆

I really like the 1935 Warsaw simul set. Chess Bazaar's reproduction just seems too expensive for what it is though, and I’ve heard complaints about the paint job. Besides, the original set has far cooler knights. I just have no idea where I could possibly get a hold of an original.

Capa has also been seen playing both an Austrian and a Yugoslavic or Serbian coffee house set, so I’m looking to get a nice coffee house set—either an original or possibly the Staunton Castle reproduction. I don’t believe he played with the set during any chess tournament, but alas.

You may find this interesting. The meaning and origin of the inscription is a mystery, but Capablanca was touring and playing in the U.S. in 1909. https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-equipment/cambridge-springs-1904-chess-set?page=15#comment-71779971

Wow, very cool! And such a beautiful set!