I confess, it was I. I haven't received it yet, but will give it a photo review when it arrives. Here are the seller's photos...
Hey, cgrau, then we all win! Some sets are bought and never seen again. Looking forward to your pics.
Cgrau, no problem... thank you for the understanding. Unfortunately (or not) the Russians often live according to the proverb "что на уме, то и на языке" (what the heart thinks the tongue speaks).
As to my first set - yes, I think you are right, it's from pre-1917.
But the second one, from movie, It looks like from the early sixties or late fifties. Very rare set, I met it only once, and now it's in Brazil, with new owner, a chess collector...
Here's my favorite Sov. set--very rare. I wish I could entice someone to reproduce it.
Well now Mr Grau, there is a Santa Claus!
4,2,1,3...most to least.
I dont' know if this counts (being a reproduction), but the Russian set I crave the most is the new 1961 Soviet set by Noj. Love those pawns!
Here's my favorite Sov. set--very rare. I wish I could entice someone to reproduce it.
Well now Mr Grau, there is a Santa Claus!
Ho, ho, ho...
I dont' know if this counts (being a reproduction), but the Russian set I crave the most is the new 1961 Soviet set by Noj. Love those pawns!
The reproduction of a vintage set has to count, especially where the originals are nowhere to be found!
I'm a big fan of the old Russian/Soviet sets. What I don't like about some of the reproductions is that they're not always entirely faithful to the originals. For instance, the kings in the old sets rarely, if ever, feature a cross. Yet, modern manufacturers feel the need to make this modification. The bishops are sometimes tampered with as well. In the original sets, the bishop does not normally have a slit on the top. I don't see the need for these changes. I don't think they improve the appearance of the set. If anything, in my opinion, they cause them to diminish in authenticity and beauty.
I'm a big fan of the old Russian/Soviet sets. What I don't like about some of the reproductions is that they're not always entirely faithful to the originals. For instance, the kings in the old sets rarely, if ever, feature a cross. Yet, modern manufacturers feel the need to make this modification. The bishops are sometimes tampered with as well. In the original sets, the bishop does not normally have a slit on the top. I don't see the need for these changes. I don't think they improve the appearance of the set. If anything, in my opinion, they cause them to diminish in authenticity and beauty.
Indeed. The absence of western religious iconography is part of the appeal of Soviet sets.
1 and 2 for me
I think I prefer my 19Th Century Soviet Alekhine set I got from Oldset,before the war in Ukraine.
I hope he is doing well these days.I also got a lovely Tal set from EraRetro(Ukranian seller) which is almost on par with my Noj Tal pieces.
Makes me sad every time I look at these sets....Both gems.
For uniqueness the Soviet Alekhine pieces are number one though.....I wonder if they can still be purchased with the war going on.....So sad!
I like number #3 the best
does anyone know why u cant find plastic set with the ball on the king and queen?
seems like this wouldnt be hard to do.
later dudes
goommba88
So many superb Soviet designs over the years....I'm currently having the hots for the H.O.S. Soviet Tsarist pieces. I'll lie down for a while until the buy feeling subsides.
Wow! I'm really happy he's still around.I got his 19th Century Soviet Alekhine pieces before the invasion and was worried he and Kate(of EraRetro) would not be around.....Figuratively and literally.....Glad to hear the news.
Golden words, as they say in Russia.
From the very theme of the Gulag I want to go to chess ... here is one of the most interesting, in my opinion, the Soviet sets
Penwarrior,
Apologies if I misconstrued your earlier comment.
The first set you posted is an extraordinary set. I have one much like it purportedly from pre-Revolutionary St. Petersburg, and recently acquired the set Up posted below. I like the second set you posted very much.