My Chess Sets

This is an overview of my collection of chess sets. All sets are reproductions unless otherwise indicated.

1849 Original Staunton Set

Source: Royal Chess Mall, India. Woods: Antiqued boxwood (Gardenia latifolia), ebony (Diospyros ebenum). King's Height: 4.4" (11.15 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.95 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 55-60 mm.

1849 Original Staunton Set

Source: Chesssbazaar, India. Woods: Glossy lacquered boxwood (Gardenia latifolia). King's Height: 4.5" (11.4 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.7 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 55-60 mm.

1850 "Morphy" Staunton

Source: Staunton Castle, India. Woods: Antiqued boxwood, ebony (Diospyros ebenum). King's Height: 3.5" (8.9 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.5 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 50 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.

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.

Pre-Staunton Edinburgh Northern Upright

Source: ?, India. Woods: Boxwood, ebonized boxwood. King's Height: 3.75" (9.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 0.8 kg, weighted. Board Size: 40-45 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.

1920s Soviet Tournament Set

Source: The Chess Empire, India. Woods: boxwood (Gardenia latifolia); acacia (Vachellia nilotica). King's Height: 4.75" (12 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.4 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 Dubrovnik-Fischer Set (Glossy Crimson Boxwood)

Source: Chessbazaar, India. Woods: Glossy lacquered boxwood, glossy crimson-dyed boxwood. King's Height: 3.7" (9.4 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.2 kg, double-weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.

1950 Dubrovnik Plastic Set (Matte)

Source: Chessgamesshop, Slovenia. Material: hard plastic, matte finish. King's Height: 3.58" (9.1 cm); Weight (approx.): 0.9 kg, weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.

1950 Dubrovnik Plastic Set (Glossy)

Source: Chessgamesshop, Slovenia. Material: hard plastic, glossy finish. King's Height: 3.35" (8.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 0.8 kg, weighted. Board Size: 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.

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.

1960s Soviet Championship [Mikhail Tal] Set

Source: Royal Chess Mall, India. Woods: Boxwood, Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo). King's Height: 4.0" (10.1 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.5 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 50-55 mm.

1960s Varna Olympiad Set (Wood)

Source: Official Staunton, UK. Woods: Antiqued boxwood, ebonized boxwood. King's Height: 3.3" (8.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 1 kg, 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.

1974 Vintage French Lardy "Chess Olympiad" Set

Source: Lardy, France. Woods: boxwood, ebonized hardwood. King's Height: 3.5" (8,9 cm); Weight (approx.): 0.8 kg, weighted. Board Size: 50 mm.

1970s Vintage East German (Ore Mountains) Set

Source: Germany. Woods: Boxwood, walnut. King's Height: 6.7" (17 cm); Weight (approx.): 0.8 kg, weighted. Board Size: 55-60 mm.

1970s Vintage Philippine Set

Source: Made in the Philippines, private import. Woods: Narra wood (Pterocarpus indicus), kamagong (Diospyros blancoi). King's Height: 4.5" (11.4 cm); Weight (approx.): 0.8kg, unweighted. Board Size: 55 mm.

1970s Vintage Philippine Set

Source: APF Rolland, Germany [Made in the Philippines]. Woods: Narra wood (Pterocarpus indicus), kamagong (Diospyros blancoi). King's Height: 4.1" (10.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 0.6 kg, unweighted. Board Size: 50 mm.

1970s Vintage French Lardy "Glass Eye" Set

Source: Lardy, France. Woods: Olive wood (Olea europaea), rosewood. King's Height: 3.3" (8.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 0.6 kg, weighted. Board Size: 45-50 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.

1980s Vintage Česká klubovka" Set

Source: Czech Republic. Material: hard plastic. King's Height: 4.4" (11.2 cm); Weight (approx.): 0.8 kg, weighted. Board Size: 50 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.

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.

Legend Alegria Staunton Set

Source: Legend Products, Oregon/USA. Material: hard plastic (ivory & natural white). King's Height: 4.125" (10.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.8 kg, quadruple-weighted. Board Size: 55-58 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.

Düsseldorf II Set

Source:India (sold by Schachhaus Maedler, Germany). Woods: Boxwood, ebony (Diospyros ebenum). King's Height: 3.75" (9.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.1 kg, double-weighted. Board Size: 50-55 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.

The Dragon Knight Staunton

Source: Chopra Chess, India. Woods: Boxwood, ebony (Diospyros ebenum). King's Height: 4.15" (10.6 cm); Weight (approx.): 2 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 55-60 mm.

The Fierce Knight Staunton

Source: Tajartandhandcraft, India. Woods: Boxwood, sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo). King's Height: 4" (10.2 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.6 kg, double-weighted. Board Size: 55 mm.

Grande Staunton

Source: The Chess Empire, India. Woods: Boxwood, rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia). King's Height: 4" (10,2 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.8 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 60mm.

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.

Legend King's Indian Staunton Set

Source: Legend Products, Oregon/USA. Material: hard plastic (ivory or natural white). King's Height: 3.75" (9.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.5 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 50-55 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 Mayfield Staunton

Source: Chess by India, India. Woods: Red- and black-dyed boxwood (Gardenia latifolia). King's Height: 4.25" (10.8 cm); Weight (approx.): 1,7 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 55-60 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.

Official FIDE World Championship Set

Source: Chess by India, India. Woods: Boxwood, sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo). King's Height: 3.75" (9.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.1 kg, weighted. Board Size: 50-55 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 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, triple-weighted. Board Size: 60 mm.

Raindroptime Staunton Plastic Set

Source: Raindroptime, Netherlands. Material: hard plastic (ivory white & black); King's Height: 4.1" (10.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.7 kg, triple-weighted. Board Size: 60 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 (Original)

Source: ?, probably Romania. Woods: plain and burgundy-dyed maple (Acer pseudoplatanus). King's Height: 3.75" (9.5 cm); Weight (approx.): 1 kg, 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.

Spanish Staunton Set

Source: Mora Toys, Spain. Woods: honey & burgundy-stained boxwood, glossy. King's Height: 3.8" (9,7 cm); Weight (approx.): 1.1 kg,, weighted. Board Size: 50-55 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.

Vintage Vienna Coffe House Style Set

Source: probably Erzgebirge, 1940s. Material: unspecified woods; King's Height: 3.5" (8.9 cm); Weight (approx.): 0.3 kg, unweighted. Board Size: 40-45 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.

Ferrer Blue 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 Green Ash Burlwood Deluxe (50 mm)

Source: Rechapados Ferrer, Spain. Woods: bird's-eye maple (Acer saccharum), ash burlwood (Fraxinus excelsior). Finish: Glossy. Board size: 50 cm. Field size: 50 mm. Height: 14 mm. Type: Inlaid (MDF). Weight: 3 kg.

Ferrer Brown 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.

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 Prag (50 mm)

Source: Philos, Germany. Woods: maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), walnut (Juglans regia). Finish: Matte. Board size: 53 cm. Field size: 50 mm. Height: 20 mm. Type: Inlaid (MDF). Weight: 3 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

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.

Saitek Mephisto Explorer Pro

Company: Saitek, Hong Kong. Type: Pressure-senstive board chess computer. Programmer: Frans Morsch; CPU: H8/3214, 8 bit, 16 MHz; Programme size: 32 kB; Opening Book: 6,000 half-moves; ELO: 2050; Finish: Plastic. Board size: 20 x 20 cm. Field size: 25 mm. Year of Production: 2007.