Germany

Germany. The "Selenus" sets, typical of Germany and Northern Europe, are named after Gustavus Selenus, the pen name of Augustus the Younger, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg, author of "Das Schach- oder Königsspiel" ("Chess or the King's Game"), an important chess manual of the early 17th century (1616).

The engraving in that book, showing chess pieces after which the "Selenus" type is named. This type was made a long period and the form has been evolved, but pieces very similar as in the book are made for centuries, as the ca. 1800 Danish and Swedish sets show.

The standard includes delicate lathe turned bases and shafts and tiers with galleries resembling crowns. Pieces were distinguished by heights, the number of tiers and sometimes by symbols. In England they were frequently called "Tulip" chess sets, because of the shape of the middle sections of the King and Queen.

The pieces are very fragile and easily damaged. The sets are very common, but complete and undamaged sets are scarce. You will notice that some sets listed here are rather damaged. There are 12 typical "Selenus" sets listed here, followed by some others which are disputable "Selenus" sets.

It is difficult to date these sets accurately. They have been made a long period and the shape didn't change that much. My theory, but not proven, is that in older sets the King has only one gallery, the galleries are not pierced, King and Queen do not have the feather finial, or only the King has a feather, bishops have not a flower like top and knights and bishops lack the larger and dcorated disc in the stem. Of course not all of these aspects act always together.

The 5th set, the brownish one, does have Kings with 1 pierced gallery, but I think they originally had 2 galleries. Also the white Knights do miss their collar.

The ivory "Selenus" set of the late 19th century is scarce because almost all "Selenus" sets have been made of bone. That set is a bit unusual of form as well. This set and box is very similar to a signed set made by J.G.Gärtner in the late 19th century.

The set estimated early 20th (late 19th?) century is an exception, because it has the old characteristics, except for fragility. Actually I think it is a later reintroduction of an old set. There exist also new Indian reproductions of the "Selenus" type set, which are easily recognizable because they are uncouth and miss the elegance of the antique sets. Unfortunately I do not have an example of it.

These sets came mostly in a small pine box with a sideway sliding lid. I did not make pictures of the boxes always. Set no. 8 is interesting because it comes with associated roll-board and chess box. We have seen such combinations with a "Nuremberg" set as well. Note that the ivory "Selenus" set came in a carton box with compartments for the pieces.

Germany. This lead or pewter set is more a curiosity. I'm not sure that it counts as a "Selenus" type set.

Germany. These 2 bone sets, sets without galleries, are a “Selenus” type according Strouhal, but "Nuremberg" is used too, because the type appears on a Nuremberg pattern sheet of 1840/1850. This type is, in the English world, sometimes called "Spindle" set. Another example is found at the 19th century (Netherlands) page. The 1st set is missing 5,5 pieces! Maybe some replacements too!?

Germany. At last a wooden set which is hard to categorize. Although it was said Polish, probably because of the indication on the box, I believe it is a German set with characteristics influenced by both "Selenus" and "Toy" sets. I think it has been made in same region, and probably by the same makers, as the "Toy" sets, which came in shaker boxes as well.

Germany. "Toy" sets are named so, because these sets appeared in the German toy catalogues of the mid to late 19th century like "Das Sonneberger Spielzeugmusterbuch (von 1831)". These sets are most likely made in the Ore Mountains. But we have seen them also in Nuremberg pattern sheets from the mid-19th century.

Specific on those sets is that there are some figural aspects. You always see small faces and mostly hair and hoods and so on the pieces. In spite of being somewhat figural, are these sets well suited to play with. Those sets came in shaker boxes as far as I know, but those boxes have been lost very often. I do not have a "Toy" set with its shaker box.

Knowing this, then this list of sets starts with a set without the typical "Toy" characteristics, as no faces are drawn on the pieces. However, the whole set is just in line with the "Toy" sets. Since a post in march 2023 I did a closer look at the 4th set and now I'm not 100% convinced that the faces there are original, so I wonder if we can call it a "Toy" set.

"Nuremberg", and Augsburg as well, were in the 19th century centers for toy makers. They made also chess sets. In Nuremberg pattern sheets from the mid-19th century you see this type of chess sets. Also Selenus type, including the narrow Spindle ones, and the "Toy" sets are found in those pattern sheets. The sets are often mistakenly seen as a "Barleycorn" set, because of the similar overall form. See "Barleycorn" (England) page.

Pieces of Nuremberg sets are very fragile, like the "Selenus" sets, and easily damaged, especially the bone ones. The sets are very common, except for some variations and large sizes, but complete and undamaged sets are scarce. You will notice that some sets listed here are rather damaged.

Here you see 3 groups: 7 bone sets in different, less common, variations, 7 common wooden sets and 5 common bone sets. Note that in spite of the numbers here that common wooden sets are less common than common bone sets. These sets often make part of a compendium, such as the 2 last ones, or are accompanied by a roll-board that together with the pieces fit in a coffin. I do not have a "Nuremberg" set with board in a coffin, but I have such combination with a "Selenus" set.

Germany. Group of 7 bone sets in less common Nuremberg variations. Sometimes the sets are confused with English Barleycorn sets. Some Nuremberg sets are decorated with leaves (none listed on the site) and easily confused, unless the set has faces. The 2nd set, the one with open worked barrels, has better knights as average and is also a bit large for this type. The 3rd set in this group is exceptional large for the type. The flags are exceptional as well. The 4th set, unfortunately, misses a white Knight and Rook. The 5th to 7th set in this group, where King/Queen have no lower stem, is also a less common variation of which some say that it is Dutch. That's also said of the type of Knights on those sets, but I think it is just a later production. Maybe 20th century. The 7th set is exceptionally large and has flags which is very uncommon for this specific type of "Nuremberg" sets as well. The felts it has are most likely added at a later time. It was dated 1920, but I think the set is earlier. Could be late 19th century.

Note that pictures of 6th set are very yellow-->I have to redo those.

Germany. 7 common wooden Nuremberg sets. These wooden sets are not confused with English Barleycorn sets, because the latter hardly exist in wood. The first wooden set is extremely rare, because of the size and the box that was said being original. That box has not a side-way sliding lid as (smaller) Nuremberg sets have, but maybe such box is not suitable for such very large set. I bought this very large set on an auction and the set was listed in the catalogue as made from arbutus wood, but I do doubt that strongly. I believe these wooden sets were made of Maple and Cocobolo, but I am not 100% sure of these woods.

The second wooden set, although smaller, is rare as well because of its size. It is a very pretty size to play with. This set has its original, side-way sliding, box.

The wooden set with the black pieces is odd. I found it intriguing, as these sets are never black. Most likely this set has been painted over some day. That's inclusive the white pieces. Not sure when that's done. The set has still its original, side-way sliding, box.

Germany. 5 common bone Nuremberg sets. Especially the sets in this last group are often confused with the English Barleycorn sets. That mistake is very persistent and enters even the best books on chess sets. Another example of the type of sets listed here is found at the 19th century (Netherlands) page.

Unfortunately the 3rd set misses a white rook.

The sets 4 and 5 are compendiums. The last one was dated 1930. That could have been based on the Bakelite? discs in it, but I think those were not original. In that case they would have made a better fix in the box. Actually I think the set is much earlier. Could be late 19th century.

"Régence" sets of Germany are, just like the French, hard to date. However, the history of the German "Régence" sets does not go that far back as the French. I believe mid to late 19th century are the oldest. Often it is even hard to tell the origin, so I'm not sure they are all German here. Don't hesitate to leave a message if you see something that's incorrect!

Germany. This "Régence alike" set has been bought in Vienna and could be Austrian as well. Not sure of age, but could be 19th century or early 20th century? Unfortunately it misses 2 pawns and has some damage at the crowns.

Germany. This "Régence" set could be French. I have to say that I'm not 100% sure of age as well. I have put it in a mid 19th century German box which could once have contained a somewhat large Nuremberg set. I do not know in what box this Régence set had been sold originally.

Germany. The next 6 "Régence" sets listed could be French, from Sudetenland or Polish, but I have listed the sets here because of what I think is most likely. They all are, I think, 20th century and German. I have put a '?' when not sure. Maybe the 1st is French. The set with indication Sudetenland? may be much older (based on comparison with the Sudetenland set at Czechia (Other European) page). The set with indication Oberlausitz, came together with the "Coffeehouse" set in the same sideway sliding box. Like that "Coffeehouse" set it can be Polish, few km from Oberlausitz.

All 6 are cheap sets. No real value for the true collector, but just informative. Except 1st and 2nd are they rather small and not very suitable for normal play. Maybe they are intended as travel sets, but then I mis the boards. Could have been part of games compendium as well.

Germany. "Coffeehouse" sets of Germany are less common as the Vienna ones. There were several makers in the Ore Mountains like Uhlig and Wittig. The first set listed here is a real beauty and probably made by either one of those makers, as is told to me. On the other hand it is very similar to Austrian sets, apart from the way the pieces are felted and finished. The box could be original I think, because it fits the set very well. But I'm not 100% sure, as others could not tell me.

The "Coffeehouse" set from Oberlausitz came together with the "Régence" set in the same sideway sliding box. Like that "Régence" set it can be Polish, a few km from Oberlausitz.

Set 3 is a wartimes poverty set, always sold as glass. I have seen them in war boxes for he war front. I call this rather common set "Coffeehouse inspired", but is that designed so!?

Germany. The "St.George style" sets from Germany are presumably based on the English St.George sets and are often confused with them. I'm not so sure how common these sets are and in which period exactly they have been produced. Early 20st century is my best guess. Makers are unknown to me as well. I did not found the pattern in the Uhlig catalogue. I think the sets could have been made in the Ore Mountains, but that's just a guess.

The 1st set is better as usual and came in a box/board which could be original. Unfortunately that box/board is not in good shape, but the set is good, except for a few fly bites on ears.

The 2nd set is in its original box.

The 3rd set has a common box/board. In this combination the sets are more often found.

"Staunton" sets did everywhere take over as a standard to play with. From 1924, when also the FIDE declared them standard for their tournaments, it became the type to use.

Germany. The 1st set is a beautiful presentation set of which some said that it could be Uhlig, but I do doubt that strongly because some specific characteristics are not seen. Especially the very own cross on the King, as well as the characteristic form of the Knight. Of course this exquisite Knight is not comparable with the usual Uhlig Knights. There are ivory Uhlig sets in a presentation box known with all pieces as the ordinary bone sets of Uhlig and the Uhlig catalogue does mention an ivory set, but there is no drawing.

Germany. The 2nd set is a nice and bit unusual ivory Staunton set of late 19th or early 20th century. I do not know if series production of German ivory Staunton sets actually existed.

Germany. The 3rd set is a bone set made by Uhlig. These common sets are recognizable by the specific Kings cross, the construction of the bases and the typical Knights. The example here has its original box with original paper the pieces were packed in. These sets have been made in different qualities.

Germany. The 4th set looks at first site like a bone set by Uhlig, but that's not the case. The set consist of a kind resin/plastic from the Leuna Chemiewerke and has been most likely made/turned by the Firma Zänker in Rothenthal.

Germany. The 5th set is reminiscent to Jaques, but has no makers name nor any mark (crown) on Knights and Rooks, so I think the set has been made for the continent. The set came in a French box/board, but I bought it in Berlin, so I assume it is German. Being from French origin is not impossible.

Germany. Set 6 is a Lardy pattern, which was also produced by Hempfling, Bohemia, Homas and others in license. The box lacks a logo, so we have to guess the manufacturer. Possibly the set is Hempfling because of the similarity with the 7th set. Possibly the set is Bohemia because I have seen Bohemia sets in a box with similar clasp. Then I think: that clasp could have been used by many manufacturers. Who knows?

Germany. Set 7 is a Lardy pattern, which was also produced by Hempfling, Bohemia, Homas and others in license. The logo on the box is Hempfling, so this set has been made by Hempfling.

Germany. Set 8 can't be attributed to a specific maker. If someone knows more, then contact me.

Germany. Set 9 is a common glass set, which is somewhat less common than the smaller glass sets. All these glass sets were sold to tourists. Examples of the smaller sets can be found on the 20st Century (Netherlands) page

Germany. This board was originally part of a little table. Closed you would see the nice burr-walnut side on top. Then you could turn it 90° and open it to reveal the beautiful inlaid chess and "molenspel" (mill game) board.

Germany. The well known "WMF" chess sets, commonly, have silver and gold metal pieces in a wooden cassette covered with cloth. However a metal cassette exists as well and this set has painted pieces in a naked cassette. The sets were made by the Württembergische Metalwarenfabrik as promotional gift I believe. Provenance: Thomas Thomsen collection.

Germany. This could be a pre WWII set. It has several games in it.

Germany. This war time set was bought on Ebay, but seller could only tell that the set was made in a German concentration camp, but not by whom or in which camp. He got the set from a relative who did not tell him, and he didn't ask. Would have been nice to know more of the history of this intriguing set. Now we can only guess how it was made and used. Anyway, there was no lathe used and all pieces have been carved by a knife.

Germany. This Bakelite alike plastic set has been made around WWII and released as promotion and advertising by Werner & Pfleiderer in Stuttgart and Tamm, who produce machines for bakeries and for plastic processing.

Germany. This is a "Staunton" inspired silhouette chess set in original box.

Germany. This "Carved" set is made by hand, but I can't tell which wood it is. Recently (June 2021) I got information that the set is  possibly by G. Henke & Co. (also known as Henke-Schach), which was located in Bad Karlshafen, West Germany. The company operated from about 1950 until the early 1970's. I do not know if Henke was a manufacturer of chess sets or just a retailer.
Note that this set was listed at Russia before I moved it to here.

Germany. Next two sets, called "Modern" and "Piramid", are made by Kahe Pasch, the artist name of Karl Hermann Paul Schäfer. Kahe Pasch is a German furniture maker, but has already made some designs of chess sets, which he produces in an edition of approximately 20 in his small basement workshop at home. I love these simple abstract designs, which are made of nice woods and with great precision. Kahe Pasch made very nice boards as well, but I do not have one. The sets are suitable to play with, although I have to say that the pieces of the "Piramid" set tend to fall out of your hand because of the tapered form.

Germany. This Bauhaus set was designed by Josef Hartwig in 1924. The idea behind the pieces is that they show how they move. This replica has been made by Kahe Pasch, the artist name of Karl Hermann Paul Schäfer. In fact he had listed a set on Ebay, but that set wasn't 100% accurate. Just for me he made this set, with my directions, exactly according  the original. Later he made some pieces of a design of my own, but I did not continue the project. See 20st century (Netherlands) page.

Germany. The first travel set is the weirdest thing in my collection. Quite unique I think, because I have never seen another. This is "M. KÜRSCHNER'S IMPROVED POCKET-CHESS-SET WITH BONE PIECES". Although improved, it is hard, if possible at all, to play with. The copper bases do fit in the grooves holding the pieces in place, but because the pieces are so small, you hit them easily and ruin your position as you try to make a move. Unless you use a pincet or so. If you try to find information on M.Kürschner then you find a chess player/problem composer under that name in the late 19th century. Chessbase lists 38 games of Max Kuerschner from 1887 to 1910. I don't know if these are the same person and if he is the creator of the set.

Germany. Travel sets with pegged bone pieces, which can be stored in the board that acts as a little box, are rather common and widely spread. I have seen them in Czechia, Germany, England and Netherlands, to name a few countries. The 1st set listed was bought in Prague, the 2nd on E-Bay in England, the 3rd a gift from my sister and the 4th bought from a collector in the Netherlands. Reason the 2nd was put on the England page on my site at first. However, I was told it is probably German, and have all sets listed on my German page now. You can play with these sets, but it is not easy to handle the small pieces.

The 3rd set is of better quality as average.

Note that the 4th set actually are 2 sets of which one has a board with missing side and some pieces broken or missing (2 pawns). It is extreme hard to see difference in pieces between the sets, except for the white colour. It might be that one set is resin and that some mixture of red pieces has taken place.

Germany. This small set with glass lid was bought on a CCI meeting and seller thought it was English, because Kings are in a Calvert style. Another collector, however, suggested it is German. Without prove I tend to believe the latter, so moved it from my England page to the German page. You can play with this set, but it is very hard to handle the small pieces and you have to press firmly to get them in the holes as well.

Germany. This small set in plastic box has tiny nails as pieces that differ only slightly by small indentations, concave and convex curves or dents and flat, curved or cylindrical spikes. It is meant to be used as a travel set, however it is hard to carry it with you because the pieces fit only loosely into the holes provided for them in the board and will fall out. Quite apart from the fact that these little nails are very difficult to handle.

Germany. This wooden travel set was a present for my 50st birthday. Pieces are according to Staunton and have pins. The special feature of this set is the two linked sliding drawers. When you move one drawer then the other drawer extends in the opposite direction. The drawers can be extended to both sides. The bottom of the box says "Made in GDR", so it has been made in former East Germany before the wall dropped.

Germany. I don't know why I keep things like the Nivea pocket chess set. These things are only meant for advertising and have no value or use for the practical chess player or collector.
It even has cracks in the box!

Germany. The last travel set listed here was a gift and therefore got a place in the collection. It is useable as travel set, but I do not find it so convenient.