My Chess Sets
This is an overview of my collection of chess sets. All sets are reproductions unless otherwise indicated.
1849 Original Staunton (Nathaniel Cooke)
Source: Royal Chess Mall, India. Woods: Antiqued boxwood, ebony (Diospyros ebenum). King's Height: 4.4" (11.15 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.95 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 55-60 mm.
1852-55 "Harrwitz" Staunton
Source: Royal Chess Mall, India. Woods: Antiqued boxwood, ebony (Diospyros ebenum). King's Height: 3.5" (9.0 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.5 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 55 mm.
1865-70 "Steinitz" Staunton
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Boxwood, ebony (Diospyros ebenum). King's Height: 3.75" (9.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.25 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.
1904 Cambridge Springs International Congress Tournament
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Antiqued, lacquered boxwood; lacquered, ebonized boxwood. King's Height: 4" (10.2 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.3 kg, double-weighted. Board Size: 55-60 mm.
1930s German Knubbel Set (Crimson Boxood)
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Boxwood, crimson-dyed boxwood. King's Height: 2.9" (7.4 cm); Weight (approx.): 0.7 kg, double-weighted. Board Size: 45 mm.
1950s German "Bohemia" Staunton Set (Crimson Boxood)
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Glossy boxwood, glossy crimson lacquered boxwood. King's Height: 3.9" (9.9 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.0 kg, weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.
1950s Soviet-Latvian Set
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Antiqued boxwood, ebonized boxwood. King's Height: 4.1" (10.4 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.1 kg, weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.
1950s Soviet-Latvian Set (Crimson)
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Lacquered boxwood, lacquered crimson-dyed boxwood. King's Height: 4.1" (10.4 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.1 kg, weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.
1959 Zagreb Set
Source: Royal Chess Mall, India. Woods: Boxwood, bud rosewood (Padauk, Pterocarpus soyauxii). King's Height: 3.9" (9.9 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.5 kg, triple weighted. Board Size: 55 mm.
1959 Zagreb Set
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Boxwood, sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo). King's Height: 3.9" (9.9 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.1 kg, double-weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.
1960s Soviet-Russian Tournament Set
Source: Royal Chess Mall, India. Woods: Boxwood, ebonized boxwood (Dalbergia latifolia). King's Height: 4.5" (11.4 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.6 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.
1960s Soviet Championship [Mikhail Tal] Set
Source: Royal Chess Mall, India. Woods: Antiqued boxwood, ebonized boxwood (Dalbergia latifolia). King's Height: 4.0" (10.1 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.5 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.
1970s Dubrovnik (Revised Version)
Source: Royal Chess Mall, India. Woods: Boxwood, rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia). King's Height: 3.8" (9.7 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.5 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 55-60 mm.
1972 Fischer-Spassky ("Battle of the Century")
Source: Royal Chess Mall, India. Woods: Boxwood, ebony (Diospyros ebenum). King's Height: 3.6" (9.4 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.55 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.
1972 Fischer-Spassky (Reykjavik Set)
Source: Wholesale Chess/House of Staunton, USA. Material: hard plastic (natural white & burgundy); King's Height: 3.75" (9.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.0 kg, weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.
1980s Vintage Soviet Grandmaster Set
Source: private seller, Russia. Woods: Lacquered, unidentified hardwood; plastic (knights' heads and finials). King's Height: 4.25" (10,8 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.0 kg, weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.
19th Century Antique Dublin Pattern
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Boxwood, rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia). King's Height: 4.6" (11.,8 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.75 kg, double-weighted. Board Size: 55-60 mm.
19th Century Antique Dublin Pattern
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Boxwood, rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia). King's Height: 4" (10.2 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.4 kg, double-weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.
Bellevue 1959 Zagreb Set
Source: Bestchess, United States (via Amazon.com). Material: Polymer, hard plastic (imitation wood). King's Height: 3.75" (9.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.2 kg, weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.
The Bridled Knight Staunton
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Boxwood, rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia). King's Height: 4.5" (11.4 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.7 kg, double-weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.
Česká klubovka "Old Style Deluxe" Set
Source: H.S.H. Sports, Czech Republic. Woods: Boxwood, ebonized boxwood(?) (Dalbergia latifolia). King's Height: 4.6" (11.7 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.1 kg, weighted. Board Size: 55 mm.
The Collector Series Plastic Set (1849 Staunton) - 3.75"
Source: Wholesale Chess/House of Staunton, USA. Material: hard plastic (natural white & burgundy); King's Height: 3.75" (9.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.2 kg, double weighted. Board Size: 55 mm.
The Collector Series Plastic Set (1849 Staunton) - 4"
Source: Wholesale Chess/House of Staunton, USA. Material: hard plastic (ivory white & black); King's Height: 4" (10.2 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.5 kg, triple weighted. Board Size: 60 mm.
The Contemporary Staunton (Analysis Pieces & Board)
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Boxwood, sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo). King's Height: 2.6" (6.8 cm); Weight (approx. incl. board): 1.6 kg, weighted. Board Size: 40 mm.
19th Century "Derby Staunton"
Source: Chess by India, India. Woods: Boxwood, sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo). King's Height: 4" (10.2 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.6 kg, double-weighted. Board Size: 55-60 mm.
Pre-Staunton Dublin Calvert
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Boxwood, ebonized boxwood. King's Height: 4.1" (10.4 cm); Weight (approx.): 0.8 kg, weighted. Board Size: 45-50 mm.
The Empire Series (Frank Camaratta)
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Boxwood, bud rosewood (Padauk, Pterocarpus soyauxii). King's Height: 4" (10.2 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.5 kg, triple weighted. Board Size: 55 mm.
Pre-Staunton Edinburgh Northern Upright
Source: Royal Chess Mall, India. Woods: Boxwood, bud rosewood (Padauk, Pterocarpus soyauxii). King's Height: 3.8" (9.6 cm); Weight (approx.): 0.9 kg, weighted. Board Size: 50 mm.
French Lardy Staunton (1960s-1980s)
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Boxwood, rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia). King's Height: 3.75" (9.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.3 kg, double-weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.
Hastings Plastic Chess Pieces
Source: Wholesale Chess, USA. Material: hard plastic (natural white & black/ivory & burgundy); King's Height: 3.86" (9.9 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.1 kg, weighted. Board Size: 55 mm.
19th Century "Manchester Staunton"
Source: Chess by India, India. Woods: Boxwood, bud rosewood (Padauk, Pterocarpus pedatus). King's Height: 4.5" (11.4 cm); Weight (approx.): 2 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 55-60 mm.
Marshall Series Plastic Chess Pieces
Source: Wholesale Chess, USA. Material: hard plastic (ivory white & burgundy/natural & black); King's Height: 3.75" (9.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.4 kg, double weighted. Board Size: 55 mm.
The Mid-19th Century Staunton
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Glossy boxwood, glossy ebony (Diospyros ebenum). King's Height: 4.6" (11.8 cm); Weight (approx.): 2.3 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 60-64 mm.
The Mogul Staunton
Source: Royal Chess Mall, India. Woods: Boxwood, bud rosewood (Padauk, Pterocarpus soyauxii). King's Height: 4.6" (11.8 cm); Weight (approx.): 2,3 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 60 mm.
The Old English Vintage Staunton
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Boxwood, sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo). King's Height: 3.8" (9.7 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.4 kg, double-weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.
Philos Artus (German Knight Staunton)
Source: Philos, Germany. Woods: Boxwood, sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo). King's Height: 4.33" (11 cm); Weight (approx.): 2 kg, double-weighted. Board Size: 55-60 mm.
Philos Aurelius (Staunton)
Source: Philos, Germany. Material: Polymer, hard plastic (imitation wood). King's Height: 4.3" (11 cm); Weight (approx.): 2 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 55-60 mm.
Philos Peter the Great (1959 Zagreb)
Source: Philos, Germany. Woods: Boxwood, rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia). King's Height: 3.7" (9.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.3 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 50 mm.
Philos Valerian (Staunton)
Source: Philos, Germany. Woods: Boxwood, sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo). King's Height: 3.5" (8.9 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.4 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 50 mm.
The Popular Staunton
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Boxwood, rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia). King's Height: 4.1" (10.6 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.5 kg, double-weighted. Board Size: 55 mm.
Premier Chess Pieces (Staunton/Plastic)
Source: Wholesale Chess, USA. Material: hard plastic (natural white & black); King's Height: 4.1" (10.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.7 kg, double-weighted. Board Size: 60 mm.
The Professional Staunton
Source: Royal Chess Mall, India. Woods: Boxwood, rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia). King's Height: 4.1" (10.6 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.5 kg, double-weighted. Board Size: 55-60 mm.
3.1" Professional Staunton
Source: Royal Chess Mall, India. Woods: Boxwood, bud rosewood (Padauk, Pterocarpus soyauxii). King's Height: 3.1" (7.9 cm); Weight (approx.): 0.9 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 40-45 mm.
Romanian-Hungarian Tournament Set (Crimson Boxood)
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Glossy boxwood, glossy crimson lacquered boxwood. King's Height: 3.8" (9.6 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.1 kg, double-weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.
Romanian-Hungarian Tournament Set (Rosewood)
Source: Royal Chess Mall, India. Woods: Boxwood, rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia). King's Height: 3.8" (9.6 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.2 kg, double-weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.
The Shera Staunton
Source: Chess by India, India. Woods: Boxwood, bud rosewood (Padauk, Pterocarpus soyauxii). King's Height: 4.5" (11.4 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.8 kg, double-weighted. Board Size: 55-60 mm.
The Sleek Staunton
Source: Royal Chess Mall, India. Woods: Boxwood, bud rosewood (Padauk, Pterocarpus soyauxii). King's Height: 4" (10.1 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.7 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 55-60 mm.
Traditional Staunton Chess Set (Plastic)
Source: Wholesale Chess, USA. Material: hard plastic (natural & blue); King's Height: 3.75" (9.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.3 kg, double weighted. Board Size: 57-60 mm.
The Ultimate Series Staunton
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Boxwood, ebonized boxwood. King's Height: 3.75" (9.8 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.2 kg, double weighted. Board Size: 55 mm.
Zurich Series Plastic Chess Set
Source: Wholesale Chess, USA. Material: hard plastic (natural & black); King's Height: 3.875" (9.8 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.3 kg, weighted. Board Size: 55-60 mm.
12" Magnetic Travel Set (Staunton)
Source: House of Chess, India. Woods: Boxwood, maple (board), ringy rosewood (Acacia rhodoxylon). King's Height: 2.55" (6.5 cm). Board size: 12" (30.5 x 30.5 cm). Weight (approx.): 1.3 kg, weighted. Field Size: 1.25" (32 mm).
The Boards
Chessbazaar Blood-Red Bud Rosewood (55 mm)
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), bud rosewood (Padauk, Pterocarpus soyauxii). Finish: Glossy. Board size: 53.3 cm. Field size: 55 mm. Height: 22 mm. Type: Semi-solid, inlaid (MDF). Weight: 5.6 kg.
Chessbazaar Inlaid Sheesham Board (40 mm)
Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo). Finish: Glossy. Board size: 38.5 cm. Field size: 40 mm. Height: 16 mm. Type: Inlaid (MDF). Weight: 1.1 kg.
2x Ferrer Grey Ash Burlwood Deluxe (55 mm)
Source: Rechapados Ferrer, Spain. Woods: bird's-eye maple (Acer saccharum), ash burlwood (Fraxinus excelsior). Finish: Glossy. Board size: 55 cm. Field size: 55 mm. Height: 14 mm. Type: Inlaid (MDF). Weight: 3.3 kg.
Ferrer Mahogany Deluxe Diagonal (60 mm)
Source: Rechapados Ferrer, Spain. Woods: maple (Sycamore, Acer pseudoplatanus), mahogany (Sapele, Entandrophragma cylindricum). Finish: Matte. Board size: 60 cm. Field size: 60 mm. Height: 13 mm. Type: Inlaid (MDF). Weight: 3.7 kg.
Ferrer Red Ash Burlwood Deluxe (55 mm)
Source: Rechapados Ferrer, Spain. Woods: bird's-eye maple (Acer saccharum), ash burlwood (Fraxinus excelsior). Finish: Glossy. Board size: 55 cm. Field size: 55 mm. Height: 14 mm. Type: Inlaid (MDF). Weight: 3.3 kg.
Hermann Walnut Burlwood (55 mm)
Source: Hermann Produkte, Germany. Woods: maple (Sycamore, Acer pseudoplatanus), walnut burlwood (Juglans regia). Finish: Matte. Board size: 58.5 cm. Field size: 55 mm. Height: 14 mm. Type: Inlaid (MDF). Weight: 3.8 kg.
Hermann Walnut Burlwood (55 mm)
Source: Hermann Produkte, Germany. Woods: bird's eye maple (Acer saccharum), walnut burlwood (Juglans regia), dyed European beechwood (Fagus sylvatica). Finish: Matte. Board size: 58 cm. Field size: 55 mm. Height: 33 mm. Type: Inlaid (MDF). Weight: 5 kg.
Hermann Walnut Burlwood (60 mm)
Source: Hermann Produkte, Germany. Woods: Karelian birchwood (Betula pendula), walnut burlwood (Juglans regia). Finish: Matte. Board size: 62.5 cm. Field size: 60 mm. Height: 14 mm. Type: Inlaid (MDF). Weight: 4.5 kg.
JVA Wiesbaden Chess Table (50 mm)
Source: JVA Wiesbaden (made by juvenile delinquents), Germany. Woods: unidentified hardwood, ebony (Diospyros ebenum). Finish: Matte. Board size: 60 cm. Field size: 50 mm. Height: 14 cm. Type: Inlaid (MDF). Weight: ca. 8 kg.
Philos Dublin (50 mm)
Source: Philos, Germany. Woods: walnut (Juglans regia), ebony zebrano (Microberlinia brazzavillensis). Finish: Matte. Board size: 47.5 cm. Field size: 50 mm. Height: 13 mm. Type: Inlaid (MDF). Weight: 2.6 kg.
Philos Kopenhagen Foldable (50 mm)
Source: Philos, Germany. Woods: maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum). Finish: Matte. Board size: 50 cm. Field size: 50 mm. Height: 12 mm. Type: Inlaid (MDF). Weight: 2.7 kg.
Philos London (55 mm)
Source: Philos, Germany. Woods: maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), alder wood (Alnus glutinosa). Finish: Matte. Board size: 50 cm. Field size: 55 mm. Height: 13 mm. Type: Inlaid (MDF). Weight: 3,0 kg.
Schach Niggemann Walnut (55 mm)
Source: -?-, Schach Niggemann, Germany. Woods: maple (Sycamore, Acer pseudoplatanus), European walnut (Juglans regia). Finish: Matte. Board size: 55 cm. Field size: 55 mm. Height: 13 mm. Type: Inlaid (MDF). Weight: 3.45 kg.
Texma Square No.5 Wenge Foldable (50 mm)
Source: Texma, Poland. Woods: maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), wenge (Millettia laurentii). Finish: Matte. Board size: 48 cm. Field size: 50 mm. Height: 13 mm. Type: Inlaid (MDF). Weight: 2.5 kg.
Roll-Up Boards: Silicone & Mousepad
Source: Wholesale Chess, USA. Material: Silicone, Vinyl & textile fiber. Finish: Matte (green & orange, dark green). Board sizes: 19" (48,2 cm - silicone), 20" (50,8 cm - mousepad). Field size: 57 mm. Height: 3-4 mm.
Chess Computers
CXG Chess 3008
Company: CXG, Hongkong. Type: Auto-sensory chess computer. Programmer: Kaare Danielsen; CPU: 6301Y, 8 bit, 2 MHz; Programme size: 16 kB; Opening Book: 6,000 half-moves (+256 user-programmable); ELO: 1650; Finish: Wood veneer. Board size: 33.5 x 33.5 cm. Field size: 36 mm. Year of Production: 1987.
Excalibur Grandmaster "Platinum"
Company: Excalibur Electronics, USA. Type: Auto-sensory chess computer. Programmer: Ron Nelson; CPU: H8/3214, 8 bit, 12 MHz; Programme size: 32 kB; Opening Book: 3,000 half-moves; ELO: 1850; Finish: Plastic. Board size: 51.5 x 51.5 cm. Field size: 50 mm. Year of Production: 1997.
Fidelity Elite A/S Challenger "Budapest"
Company: Fidelity Electronics, USA. Type: Auto-sensory chess computer with electronic voice. Programmer: Dan & Käthe Spracklen; CPU: 6502, 8 bit, 3.2 MHz; Programme size: 24 kB; Opening Book: 6,100 half-moves (with CB16 module: 16,100); ELO: 1750; Finish: Wood veneer. Board size: 45.5 x 48.5 cm. Field size: 45 mm. Year of Production: 1983.
Electronic voice of the Fidelity Elite A/S Challenger [German]:
Millennium "The King Performance"
Company: Millennium, Germany. Type: dedicated chess computer with pressure-sensitive board. Programmer: Johan de Koning; CPU: ARM Cortex M7, 300 mHz; Programme size: 348 kB; Opening Book: 300,000 positions (+ additional, custom opening books); ELO: >2400; Finish: Wood veneer & plastic. Board size: 40.0 x 40.0 cm. Field size: 40 mm. Year of Production: 2019.
Saitek Kasparov "Virtuoso"
Company: Saitek, Schweiz. Type: pressure-sensitive board. Programmer: Frans Morsch; CPU: H8/323, 8 bit, 10 MHz; Programme size: 16 kB; Opening Book: 2,000 half-moves ELO: 1970; Finish: Wood veneer frame & plastic. Board size: 31 x 31.3 cm. Field size: 25 mm. Year of Production: 1992.
