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 do differ in size and weight, due to the fact that they have been made and assembled by hand and may have got restorations. These sets were used in the tournament and given to players afterwards.
- Argentina, Buenos Aires, "Magistral", "Staunton"
- 1939
- Fenolit K 9.4; p 5.0
- Box 26.1×17.5×8.9
- Made for Olympiad of Buenos Aires in 1939
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 made by Reyes, which was 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 original pamphlet is an extremely rare item of historical chess memorabilia and gives interesting information (see my pictures, which are used by others on the internet).
I have no idea how the set in that box came to the Netherlands.
There exist 2 other versions: the 1950 Commemoration set which is quite similar, but a bit smaller {King 90mm i.s.o. 95mm), and the 1955 Magistral Tournament set which is a bit different (most distinctive are the bishops).
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.
- Argentina
- 1978
- Wood K 11.4; p 5.8
- Design by Demetrio Karavokiris, Campana, Argentina
- Modelo Funcional Linea Geometrica, for Unicef, no. 6 of 100 numbered sets