On the Collecting of Chess Sets

Chess has a deep history. A contest of strategy that has attracted wonderful characters to the board for generations. A game played across many cultures and vast regions – it has transcended a mere board game to become interwoven with culture and politics. This rich historical tapestry makes the chess world a collector’s paradise. The interesting players and the classic games are well documented. What of the pieces? How have they evolved and how do we enter the collector’s mind? Today, the (chess) world is characterised by highly standardised chess pieces of the Staunton-style – practical and beautiful pieces to be sure. Yet, an exciting diversity of chess pieces opens up to those who collect antique and vintage chess sets beyond the standard. As an enthusiastic collector, I am interested in the stories behind the pieces. Always wanting to learn more about their background. Finding reliable information is not always easy. The understanding of the craft and artisans behind the chess pieces is a learning journey. It is my intent that this book takes the reader on that journey. It is aimed at chess enthusiasts who want to venture a look beyond. Experienced collectors and beginners will find interest and value. A book cannot replace the experiences that each collector must make themself, but it can provide orientation. It covers topics such as piece types and patterns, materials and well-known manufacturers. It is also intended to give suggestions on how to find a focus for collecting. The explanations are supported and illustrated with examples from the author‘s collection. It is therefore equally suitable as a reference and as casual reading.