Argentina  (Americas)

Argentina. This "Staunton" set is a piece of chess history. It has been made for the benefit of the 1939 Chess Olympiad in Buenos Aires, at that time called: "Torneo de las Naciones". The set is named "Magistral" and made of "Fenolit", which is a product of the Bakelite company Malaspina, Ferrari & Cia. The pieces have been made in moulds and seams are clearly visible. Recently (October 2025) I learned that there are 2 versions, the larger with King 9.5 cm that was used in the tournament, and the smaller with King 9.0 that was commercial available. I believe the sets from the tournament were given to players. It is most likely that my set has some pieces mixed with the smaller set. The pamphlet gives interesting information (see pictures).

Originally above set had a Fenolit box in the form of a big Rook (see last picture). However, this set came in a box of the "King" set, used in 1981 in the Candidates Tournament in Buenos Aires. That set was inspired by the 1978 Olympic set designed by the Campo brothers.

The 1939 Olympiad itself was also remarkable. During the tournament the WWII started and a lot of players did not return to their homeland, like for instance Najdorf and Eliskases. There was a controversial outcome because not all matches were played and got a fixed result. England did withdraw.

Argentina. This wooden set is an abstract set made in a series of 100 in favour of Unicef. The set here is set No. 6. Design by Demetrio Karavokiris, Campana, Argentinië. Modelo Funcional Linea Geometrica. This abstract set may not be meant that much to play with, but more as decorative set. Maybe I will move it to the To Look At pages some day. These sets were sold at the 1978 Chess Olympiad in Buenos Aires.