Europe

Austria. This set, actually, has been made in Mittenwald, a small town in southern Germany, next to the border with Austria. I listed the set at Austria because of the theme of Austrians against the Turks.

Austria. This set is a bit of mystery to me. Considering the style and presentation, I suspect it from Austria, Northern Italy or South Germany and of recent date. The pieces are marked with a three-pointed star as you can see at the base of the white rook, but I don't know what that means.

On the other hand: I bought this set from someone in USA who was unable to tell more about the set. The pieces were weighted in a strange way: there was some weight material in the bottom of the pieces covered with thick white felt. However, at most of the pieces the material had swollen and was disintegrated in some kind of powder pushing the felt away. Some pieces could barely stand, so I removed all.

Belgium. Very amusing chess set made by the Belgium artist Marilys Missotten. The set was used to open the Swift tournament at Brussels in 1987.

Czechia. These Ore Mountains sets are sold in a kind of letterbox/shelf, of which the back holds the chess board. Normally there are checker counters too. I do have only the chess pieces. See Hungary page for a set with similar rooks. On internet, at similar sets, some say these sets are Hungarian.

Czechia. I have bought this tin set in Prague, but the pieces are made in moulds of the Irish company Prince August: PA713: Field of the Cloth of Gold: Henry VIII's side and PA714: Field of the Cloth of Gold: Francis 1st's side. The painting, which has been done very nicely, could have been done in Czechia or elsewhere.

Denmark. Who has not grown up with the Danish building blocks? Lego did issue several figural chess sets, but I do have only these two. I do have a more or less playing set and a Bricklink Steampunk Mini Chess set: see Denmark  (Other European).

England. SAC (Studio Anne Carlton, now in Folkestone, Kent, UK) made and makes a whole lot of themed chess sets. Sets, in similar way as these metal sets, were made around 1980, but are out of production now. I know the following of this expensive series, of which the last is not in the collection:

• SAC-F601 Battle of the Alamo
• SAC-F602 The American Civil War
• SAC-F603 Waterloo
• SAC-F604 American War of Independence

England. Unfortunately I do not know anything about Fram Cook, nor I could find here at the internet.

France. This is a so called "Dieppe" set. This time with a Napoleon and Mamluk theme, although the white King is not Napoleon. But the pawns are.

France. These sets are modern pewter/lead sets of some popular themes. All made by Pixi Paris.

Georgia/Russia. Caucasus warriors as chessmen. According I.M.Linder, in his book "The Art of Chess Pieces", goes the design back to Zugdidi, Georgia, 1987. This is a set from "The porcelain of Kislovodsk City", in Kislovodsk, Stavropol Territory, USSR, made in the nineties of the 20th century. Differences from the original in Linder's book is the headdress of the bishops, the less elaborate painting and the felt under the pieces. I believe that originals have an under glass factory mark at the bottom.
I have added 2 pictures of a box of a similar set.

Germany. In the 19th century there were a lot of foundries that produced iron cast items. Of the ones that made chess sets deserve mentioning: Royal Ironworks in Berlin, E.G. Zimmermann in Hanau, Seebaß & Cie in Offenbach a/M and Albert Anton Meves in Berlin.

Sets 1 & 2 have a beloved theme, originally by Royal Ironworks in Berlin: "Frederick II (the great) vs. Napoleon I". Of course these persons were not contemporary but the Prussians wished Frederick II back to fight Napoleon! This theme has been copied by many. The royal pieces are based on designs by Carl August Kiss (Frederick II) and A.Kiss perhaps together with Wilhelm August Stilarsky (Napoleon), ca. 1820. There exist sets that have rooks that are all square, but normally the lower stage is round. The bishops wear Bearskin hats on the French side and the typical long helmets on the Prussian one. The 1st set, which is painted gold and black (at a later time I think), has bishops and queens switched from side. I guess that has occurred when it was painted. In both sets does Frederick miss his staff. The 1st set does have much more detail as the 2nd. This could have been caused by the fact that moulds of the 2nd set were used more often before this one was cast or, more likely, the casting sand used was coarser, which was generally so in later reproductions. Remarkable is that the 1st set is smaller and more detailed as the 2nd, while copies from originals are smaller because of the shrinkage of the iron (3/32 to 1/8 of an inch per foot), which also causes a loose of some detail. There must have been more moulds for these sets seen the differences in size and shape of rooks that exist. This theme is also produced in 20st century in pewter or tin.

Germany. Sets 3 & 4 have another well-known theme, originally by Zimmermann in Hanau: "the 30 Year War", with Ferdinand II of Habsburg (grey/silver side) battling against Gustavus Adolphus from Sweden (black side). This theme has been copied by many as well. The differences are mainly in the bases. The 1st set is not a Zimmermann because it is not marked as such. It could be an early copy from Seebaß, but the black rook is different from the white. Normally rooks of both sides do have the same shape in Zimmermann and Seebaß sets. So we don't know, but it looks like an original from an unknown maker. The 2nd set of the two is probably a later copy seen the round (in stead of octagonal) bases. 20st century copies in pewter or tin exist as well.

Germany. The theme of the 5th set is called "The Franco-Prussian war of 1870/71". The kings are Napoleon III and the German Emperor. The rooks are modelled after the Strassbourg Cathedral. It has been produced by Albert Anton Meves Nachf. (=Nachfolger=Successor) and the king is signed "A.M.Nachf.". The sets appear in unpainted, poly-chromed and, like this one, monochrome (gold/silver and black) painted versions.

Germany. This "Silhouette" set is hard to date. Probably early 20th century. I think it has been made by an amateur. I do not think that such sets were made as a common folk art or in workshops. I always thought that I could easily make the 2 missing pieces, but up to today it didn't happen.

Germany. This "folkart" set is from about 1925. Pieces and board belong to each other.

Germany. These Porcelain "mouse"and "frog" sets are loved by collectors, but are not very rare. They were made by several manufacturers in 20th century. The little more rare "mouse" set here has the "N" mark with 5-point crown and was made by Ernst Bohne & Söhne from Rudolstadt in the 1920s. The "frog" set has the later anchor mark of Albert Stahl & Co ("vormals Ernst Bohne & Söhne") from Rudolstadt-Volkstedt and was made in the 1940s. The round board, with same anchor mark but also the text "Handgemalt", was made in the 1960s. It fits the "frog" set very well. That board is the only one I have seen. There exist other round boards, mostly with a porcelain thimbles chess set. Another well know manufacturer of the sets is Rudolf Kämmer from Rudolstadt. Mixtures of one side "frog" and the other "mouse" do exist as well, but I'm not sure about the originality of that. Of course are colour variations that I have seen original. To me it is unclear what the Bishops and what the Knights are in these sets. Probably I have switched them in my pictures of the "mouse" set. By the way: although named the "mouse" set, do the animals look more like rats to me. But who wants rats?

Germany. The factory at Fürstenberg was founded in 1747 under the Duke of Brunschwick ("Braunschweig") but no porcelain was made until 1753. The biscuit porcelain pieces are taken from the original 18th century moulds to commemorate the bi-centenary of the Fürstenberg factory. All pieces marked under the base with blue F-mark. The king as "Herzog Karl I von Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel", the queen as his consort "Phillipine Charlotte von Preußen", bishops as "Johann Georg von Langen" (who did let start the porcelain production), knights as horses heads, rooks as turrets and pawns as peasant boys. A glass board fits with all pieces in a leatherette cassette. A rare and most decorative set.

Germany. This Sitzendorfer porcelain set is also beloved by collectors.

Germany, Munich. A baked clay chess set made in memory of the lost war of 1866 against Prussia. One side in light blue Bavarian uniforms, the other in dark blue Prussian uniforms. Representing Bavaria's fairytale King Ludwig II with empress Sissi, Richard Wagner and Munich Frauenkirche (rook) against king of Prussia Wilhelm I with Otto Bismarck (rook).  The hand painted figures have been designed by cartoonist Josef Blaumeiser.

Germany. Well known type of chess set made in Ore Mountains.

Germany. Three very nice cut modern carved wood sets, which are all unique (I mean: not series produced or only in small quantities). The 1st is very well carved and I like that the bishops of a side are mirrored. There are some subtle differences between bishops at both sides, like helmet, belt and clothing finish. Same is true for pawns. Nice rooks at white side as well.

Germany. The 2nd carved wood set is coarser cut, but does have a lot of character in the figures. It is one of my favourites.

Germany. The large 3rd carved wood set is coloured. Note that the pieces on both side do only differ in colour and base. Nice detail is that the pawns are boys and girls, 4 of each at each side.

Germany. This tin set is based on the popular cartoon by Albert Uderzo and sculpted by Stuart Harris. It could be obtained by subscription, obtaining each month a piece or a couple (main piece and pawn I believe). Whether the cassette/board was a bonus or should be ordered separately, I do not know. But I know the total became very expensive. I bought mine second hand for still quite a lot of money. Next to the Extec edition there is a Mayfair edition, which to my knowledge is exactly the same. Maybe there are more editions. That way problems with stating "limited edition" could be avoided!

Greece. Actually I didn't know much of this chess set, until I found (and bought) one in original box in autumn 2019. So now I have prove it is Greek and made by Metalotehniki in Athens. Both sets differ slightly, like the knights and rooks. Also colour and maybe material? differ, but that could also be because the 1st set has been exposed for a long time. Maybe the 2nd set is of more recent date?

Greece. This set, in original box as well, was bought together with the set above in autumn 2019. It is a Greek set made by G.Dagiandis&Co in Athens. In this set are the silver and gold pieces not always clearly distinguished.

Greece. This set however, although bought in Greece, could have been made elsewhere (by Italfama in Italy?)

Greece. This set is still for sale today. This is what is stated at the Manopoulos side about this set: "This period was characterized by fierce local as well as international wars. The aggressiveness of the Pawn and the Knight fully represent the ferocity of these wars. The posture of the King and Queen indicates their unquestionable leadership. The Bishop reveals his consideration for the movements of the imminent battle. Finally, the Castle is a reproduction of a pillar which characterized the architectural style during that period."  Note that the image is a stock photo.

Hungary. This set does have commonalities with sets from the Ore Mountains as can be seen at my Czechia page. Rooks are almost identical. New insights, after visiting a shop with Ore Mountains figures, let me think that the set could have been made in that region, in spite of the fact that previous owner called it a Budapest set and similar sets are listed on internet as Hungarian. PS: picture is from internet, where the set was describes as being Czech. It is rather similar to mine. Have to make pictures of my set still.

Italy. The first set is identified by the moulded marks on rear base of each piece, stating "DEPOSE ITALY" with the spider mark of Fontanini. In the pictures you can see it at the white Knight. Only producing 1,500 sets, these pieces are cast in the famous Fontanini cast resin. Sets of this theme do exist with antique gold and silver finishes as well. The design is by Elio Simonetti.

The second set has exactly the same figures, so I assume the design is of Elio Simonetti as well and its origin is Italy and not Spain as said by auctioneer.

Italy. In 1912 Josef Anton Riffeser founded the ANRI Company, which he named using the first two letters of his first and last name. Josef’s wife, Carolina Riffeser ran the company during the difficult years of war and the absence of her husband. When Anton Adolf Riffeser took over in 1945, he transformed the ANRI company, adopting a more industrial model which allowed for better quality control and distribution to new markets. He was followed by Ernst Riffeser who was able to enlist the services of many well known artists including Juan Ferràndiz, Sarah Kay and others. The ANRI company today is run by Thomas Riffeser, and still remains in the same family.

Italy. That plastic bust chess set looks as if made of wood. Maybe it is a replica of an old chess set, but it can also be a new creation.

Italy. The Alabaster set is sometimes said being from China, but that's not true as these pictures tell:

The "Chiellini" (C A.&A.) company is famous in all the world for it's production of chess boards, chess men in Alabaster stone.

Malta. The set was bought in Malta at the Chess Olympiad 1980. There is also a large Knight of 8.5 cm that has a sticker with the logo of that Olympiad and the text: "1980 CHESS OLYMPIADS MALTA". See the pictures.

Netherlands. This set is very cute, but I do not know much of it. I bought it in a recycle shop in my town. Especially I like the fact that bishops at each side are male and female and that all pawns are different. The set is one of my favourites.

Netherlands. This set has been made by an amateur. Large pieces in military outfits which are a bit primitively made. The pieces reside in a tailor made cabinet. There is a very nice large board that came with this set.

Netherlands. In 2010 the Chess Club Nuenen did invite the "Pleincollege" in Nuenen to contribute to a presentation at the cultural centre with the title "A chess match contains all the beauty of art". The school had adopted this invitation and a randomly chosen second class (2C) made a chess set: a king-size game even though, which had to be able to be played with. The dimensions of the board are not childish: size 2m*2m. The pieces are made under suspicion of Marijke Smulders, an artist, and made of MDF, Styrofoam and fabric hardened with Paverpol. Curtain rings, ping pong balls and skewers were used too. The most important thing is, that everyone in the class used their own creative ability to contribute. The newspapers "Rond de Linde" and the ED have published about the set. Also it has stayed two days in the monastery there and the mayor did open the manifestation "KunsT met een grote T". I got this set via a connection of the Chess Club Nuenen. They had no room to store it when they got it from the school after 2 years of display there.

Netherlands. In 2012 Xenos shops in the Netherlands did have these chocolates from M&M with chess pieces for sale.

Netherlands. I got this set at my retirement. My successor, having hobbies like photography and 3d printing, did make the set on a 3D printer using photos of all of my colleagues. He made about 20 photos from all sides for each! He all did it in secret and pictures of me were taken with an excuse. He told me that it took 12 hours to print the white King, which is representing myself! This set is truly unique and one of my favourites.

Poland. Handpainted set from older days, showing the southern polish national dress of Zakopane and Krynica. Remarkable are the crouching pawns.

Russia. This "Siberian Souvenir" chess set, with graceful figures in the old Soviet style, was produced in Divnogorsk in Siberia, by a low-voltage equipment plant that opened in 1973, in a limited series as a souvenir gift. This set is probably from the early 80's. The plastic - once wrongly described as noble kind of natural stone! - is often said to be Bakelite, but actually pieces are made of Carbolite (imitation of ivory) and brass, while the board is made of Carbolite and aluminium. The felted pieces, as well as the board, are very heavy, due to the heavy plastic and the metal which holds them together. Carbolite is a phenol formaldehyde resin analogous to Bakelite used in the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. In Soviet times, the cost was 80 rubles with an average salary of 120 rubles.

Russia. ШАХМАТЫ СУВЕНИРНЬІЕ means CHESS SOUVENIR as far as I can decipher. It is seen on the cover at front printing and backside label. The label, not in very good shape, probably tells much more, and I suspect that "199026" is a production date. Probably is the maker mentioned, at least a styled "63" logo is seen among some other details like Балтийский зав... (Baltic zav...) and part of Ленинград (Leningrad). There are a lot of numbers too. While not perfect we are happy to have the cover, because it is not present most of the time.

Russia. This Gzhel (or Ghzel/Gshel/Gschel/Schgel/...) porcelain chess set, with its typical blue glaze, is one of at least a dozen known different designs. That is not counting the variations we see as well. Juri Garanin did design these sets of which some bear his name, like this one. If he did all chess sets designs is uncertain: Gzhel refers not to a single village or factory, but to about 30 villages located southeast of Moscow with several porcelain manufacturers. We see different marks on the sets. Maybe there are unmarked copies by others as well. We know small, medium, average and large sets with boards of about 19, 31.5, 37.5 and 45 cm. The set here is medium and it is named "Souvenir". Figures are based on stories from history with Russian and Tatar motifs.

 On top of the board are 2 names (see last 2 pictures in the galley): АВТ. ГарАнин Ю (Автор=Author Garanin Ju.) and расп. Ларин A (расписанный=painted Larin A.). Note that Юрий=Yuri or Juri.

Under the board a "Gzhel" logo and the number 2 (see 3rd picture in the gallery). What the number means is not clear. A lot of suggestions have been made: 2nd choice, 2nd model, 2nd size, sign that it was made for a specific customer, a quality sign, a mark from the painter, etc... If you know, please let me know...
I found another set of different model and size, so those reasons we can rule out.

Russia. This Gardner Verbilky porcelain chess set is very well known. It looks as if the pieces are still in the original packaging and never used. Not sure if the board is in the original packaging, but that could well be the case.

Scotland. The "Lewis" chess men are the most documented pieces in the world. Numerous books and articles have been spent on them, but still they are a bit mysterious. Also numerous replicas have been made, in all kinds of material. This resin SAC (Studio Anne Carlton, now in Folkestone, Kent, UK) set seems to be quite accurate, although the red colour is hardly seen at the originals. Maybe I should have listed this at the "To Play With" menu, but who can tell whether the original pieces were ever made to play with or for decoration only.

Spain. The wooden set with Spanish motives was bought at Las Palmas in 1975. I can not say more about it.

Spain. This set is made of a material that looks like crushed stone or marble that has been bounded in some way. The surface feels rough.

Spain. This spooky resin chess set was bought in Barcelona in 2002. The label under the board says "Ajedrez Family Horror", but it is also known as "Halloween". The label has a "TACHI" logo (not found on internet), a postcode in Rubi near Barcelona and states "made in China". Possibly the set is designed by Paolo-Chiari, a home decoration company in Florence, Italy. On their site (www.paolochiari.net) it is listed as "Scacchi Vampiri vs Streghe" (Vampires vs Witches).

Switzerland. Bears have a long and rather one-sided relationship enjoyed with Switzerland's capital Bern. According to a legend has Berthold V of Zähringen Bern named after the first animal that was killed at a yacht during the Foundation of the city in 1191. The 1923 Edition of Muirhead's Switzerland explains: whatever the real relationship of the word bear and Bern is, the figure of a bear appears on the oldest known city seal (1224), and by the city paid living bears are held in Bern since 1513 (except for a short period when French took them to Paris in 1798).

The very pretty 1st set came in a very nice box. Not a chess box of course. The 2nd set came in its original box with a label stating 1840 and centimes 16. Not sure how much that would be today.

Switzerland. The 3rd set listed is a modern wood cut chess set.

Turkey. Carved Turkish meerschaum products were traditionally made in manufacturing centres such as Vienna. Since the 1970s, though, Turkey has banned the exportation of meerschaum nodules, trying to set up a local meerschaum industry. The once famous manufacturers, making mostly pipes, have therefore disappeared. As of 1920, Eskişehir was one of the major locations for meerschaum mining. At that time, most of the mining sites were owned by the state.

Ukraine. This plastic set is called "Хуторок" ("Khutorok") and has been made by Киевпластмасс (Kyivplastmass/Kiev plastics) in Ukraine about 1970 at USSR times. The set is based on the culture of the Ukrainian Cossacks, which appeared in the late fifteenth century and lasted until 1917. Note the Cossack clothes: wide trousers, knee-length beshmet, cloth top coat, cylindrical fur hat. I do not know the kind of plastic, maybe Carbolite?

Some decorative and figural sets of unknown origin. All are thought to be European.

A Green Lifestyle is a sustainable way of living. On internet you will find groups of people, magazines and shops with that name. But I could not relate this chess set to any of them. I'm unsure about date as well, but the modern green movement emerged in the 1960's and 1970's and that's consistent with 1960's-1980's period that the collection of chess sets, where this set comes from, was build.

This set is made of a hard kind of ceramic, but not porcelain. Each piece has the makers logo (I think it is), as shown in picture, but I couldn't figure out who it is.
If you know, then please let me know...

Theme is the Russo-Turkish war of 1877-1878 with at Russian side tsar Alexander II and at Turkish side sultan Abdul Hamid II. This set is quite well painted. Never seen such detailed work in such a set. However, within a month I did see another same set! Auctioneer said "European production from the 1980's".