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Europe - Wood
Russian Nautical theme
Russian carving in high gloss finish. Nautical theme.
King is Poseidon sitting on the thrown with metal Trident (the legendary weapon seen in the hands of the sea god);
Queen is Sea Goddess (nymph, mermaid);
Bishop is Shark/sward fish;
Knight is Seahorse;
Rook is Ship
Pawns are Dolphins riding the waves.
Likely Pine, one side light the other darkened.
King is 5" (12.5 cm)
King is Poseidon sitting on the thrown with metal Trident (the legendary weapon seen in the hands of the sea god);
Queen is Sea Goddess (nymph, mermaid);
Bishop is Shark/sward fish;
Knight is Seahorse;
Rook is Ship
Pawns are Dolphins riding the waves.
Likely Pine, one side light the other darkened.
King is 5" (12.5 cm)
French vs. Turks, circa 2020
The theme of the set is the French vs the Turks/Ottoman empire battle, around 1800.
The rooks are elephants with towers on top, dark Turkish bishops as advisors hold scales and book, white bishops are finely modeled jesters, each pawn is unique, and all pieces carved by hand from one block of wood.
French pieces represented by the white side. White side king and queen are Napoleon and Josephine.
Each piece is unique. King is 14.5 cm tall.
Light side carved out of spalted wood, which creates a unique marbleized effect.
The rooks are elephants with towers on top, dark Turkish bishops as advisors hold scales and book, white bishops are finely modeled jesters, each pawn is unique, and all pieces carved by hand from one block of wood.
French pieces represented by the white side. White side king and queen are Napoleon and Josephine.
Each piece is unique. King is 14.5 cm tall.
Light side carved out of spalted wood, which creates a unique marbleized effect.
Tyrolean Hand-Carved Wood Heads, circa 1890-1920
Antique Tyrolean Hand-Carved Wood Heads.
Probably one of a kind hand carved wooden and hand painted chess set depicting Tyrolean people. All 32 pieces are different.
King Height 4.5 in.
Set description mentioned Circa 1890, although Jon Crumiller believes it's closer to 1920.
Probably one of a kind hand carved wooden and hand painted chess set depicting Tyrolean people. All 32 pieces are different.
King Height 4.5 in.
Set description mentioned Circa 1890, although Jon Crumiller believes it's closer to 1920.
Bears of Berne, late 19th century
A 'Bears of Berne' chess set, late 19th century, carved in Switzerland. The kings and queens modelled with crowns, the bishops with staffs, knights as bears on rocky outcrops, rooks as bears turrets, pawns with clubs. The king -- 4 1/4in. (10.7cm.) high; the pawn -- 2½in. (6.5cm.) high.
Provenance: Jon Crumiller collection.
Provenance: Jon Crumiller collection.
Anri Montsalvat 18 Carat Gold Gilded Chess Set, Circa 1960
A rare 18 Carat Gold Anri Montsalvat Chess Set in its original Mahogany fitted casket with a removable upper tray. the King stands 5-1/2″ tall. The pieces are adorned with an 18 carat Gold gilding. Circa 1960. The King from the Dark Army still bears the Anri sticker on he underside of its base. The chessmen represent King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The name of the chess set is taken from the castle where the Holy Grail is housed in the legend of “King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table”. These finely hand carved Anri Montsalvat Chessmen are crafted from Alpine Maple and are hand-painted and gilded. The bases are moderately weighted and the pieces are felted. The chess piece are housed in their large Alpine Maple hinge-top box with removable compartmented trays.
The Anri Montsalvat Chessmen are the most famous of the ANRI chess products. They are 100% made in Italy for those who can appreciate the true value of these magnificent artistic chessmen. These sets were produced between 1949 and 1960. The set was made in Italy by Italian craftsmen. The Montsalvat sets were made between 1949 and 1960.
The Anri Montsalvat Chessmen are the most famous of the ANRI chess products. They are 100% made in Italy for those who can appreciate the true value of these magnificent artistic chessmen. These sets were produced between 1949 and 1960. The set was made in Italy by Italian craftsmen. The Montsalvat sets were made between 1949 and 1960.
Anri King Richard, circa 1967-1979
ANRI King Richard Hand Carved Wood Chess Set.Over 100 years ago in the Tyrolean region of Italy, Anton Riffeser founded a wood carving company dedicated to producing the finest wood carvings anywhere. His carvings were of unmatched quality and remain so today. The company name was shortened to ANRI and is now famous the world over for its exquisite artworks.Over the years ANRI has produced many fine chess sets all of which have become prized collector items. This particular set: the King Richard (#718-090) was issued from 1962 until discontinued in 1986. The king is 4" tall and all pieces are hand carved wood then painted.
The theme is Medieval.The box has trays which are divided into partitions for the pieces.The ANRI stamp/logo is on the rear base of each king
The theme is Medieval.The box has trays which are divided into partitions for the pieces.The ANRI stamp/logo is on the rear base of each king
Unique Six Day War Wood Chess Set, 1960s
Unique Six Day War Hand Carved Olive Wood Chess Set, probably made in Israel in the late 1960s. White bishops modeled after Moshe Dayan. Queen as Prime Minister Golda. Rooks as Western Wall vs. Minarets. King is 4.5". All pawns are different.
Anri Montsalvat - mini version, circa 1960
Anri Montsalvat Chess Set with the original box & a Mahogany Chess board with brass balls.
According to http://www.chess-museum.com/val-gardena-grodner-tal.html:
"The most opulent wooden chess set carved in the last 50 years, the imposing Montsalvat in polychrome version takes its name from the Parsifal legend. The finely handcarved pieces from alpine maple are handpainted and gilded, the bases are heavily loaded and the pieces are felted and casketed. The kings stand an imposing 139 mm - smaller versions on piedestals were also made - as well as a large version with a 10 " king!"
This one is the "small" version - king is 3.5", but still very impressive. Probably from the 1960s.
According to http://www.chess-museum.com/val-gardena-grodner-tal.html:
"The most opulent wooden chess set carved in the last 50 years, the imposing Montsalvat in polychrome version takes its name from the Parsifal legend. The finely handcarved pieces from alpine maple are handpainted and gilded, the bases are heavily loaded and the pieces are felted and casketed. The kings stand an imposing 139 mm - smaller versions on piedestals were also made - as well as a large version with a 10 " king!"
This one is the "small" version - king is 3.5", but still very impressive. Probably from the 1960s.
Grödnertal / Val Gardena Chess Set, mid 20th Century
A figural chess set made in Grödnertal / Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Italy some time in the second half of the 20th century. The pieces with a king size of 9.5 cm are carved from wood and finished with a polychrome paint. Black and white pieces are of the same design, but the black side is painted with slightly darker colors and with dark brown bases, while the white side has lighter colors and light brown bases.
The pieces are depicted as a medieval court. The kings with crown, wearing a long robe and holding a scepter. The queens with a coronet, wearing a gown and holding a fan. The bishops as courtiers with a large shield in front of them and holding a parchment (which indicates their connection to the German chess tradition in which the bishop is called "Läufer", which in this case means messenger). The knights as riders with helmet and a small shield on rearing horses. The rooks as towers erected on a rock.
This type is very popular among the carvers of Val Gardena and usually sold under the name "Knight's Chess" (Ritterschach) or "Royal Chess" (Königliches Schach). The set resembles the Montsalvat type made in large numbers by Anton Rifesser (ANRI) from the 1950s onwards. It was very likely made by one of the other families in Val Gardena with a long carving tradition, such as Moroder, Comploj or Demetz. While ANRI and Dolfi sets are fairly common, sets made by other carvers are rather rare. I assume, however, that these sets, like ANRI sets, were also not fully handcarved, but machine carved with a pantograph on the basis of a hand made bronze model. Nevertheless, the carving detail - emphasized by the polychrome painting - is great, which makes this a true gem of a set for any collector.
Many thanks to Holger Langer for the description.
The pieces are depicted as a medieval court. The kings with crown, wearing a long robe and holding a scepter. The queens with a coronet, wearing a gown and holding a fan. The bishops as courtiers with a large shield in front of them and holding a parchment (which indicates their connection to the German chess tradition in which the bishop is called "Läufer", which in this case means messenger). The knights as riders with helmet and a small shield on rearing horses. The rooks as towers erected on a rock.
This type is very popular among the carvers of Val Gardena and usually sold under the name "Knight's Chess" (Ritterschach) or "Royal Chess" (Königliches Schach). The set resembles the Montsalvat type made in large numbers by Anton Rifesser (ANRI) from the 1950s onwards. It was very likely made by one of the other families in Val Gardena with a long carving tradition, such as Moroder, Comploj or Demetz. While ANRI and Dolfi sets are fairly common, sets made by other carvers are rather rare. I assume, however, that these sets, like ANRI sets, were also not fully handcarved, but machine carved with a pantograph on the basis of a hand made bronze model. Nevertheless, the carving detail - emphasized by the polychrome painting - is great, which makes this a true gem of a set for any collector.
Many thanks to Holger Langer for the description.
Dolfi "farmers", Mid 20th Century.
The famous Italian Dolfi "farmers" hand carved and painted caricature bust Chess Set from Mid 20th Century.
Wooden hand worked chessboard with farmers life theme. The pieces of the board are finely wrought and decorated drawing inspiration tradition. The peculiarity of this wood carved chess board is that each piece is singularly characterized: every piece has its own character and plays a different type of farmer, both in clothing and in mimicry of the face. This woodworking requires great skill in the carving and in the decoration of the piece.
This beautiful Chess set made in South Tyrol region in northern Italy. Hand carved from European wood, finished and painted by hand. Dolfi Land in Val Gardena, carving Traditions since 1892.
Wooden hand worked chessboard with farmers life theme. The pieces of the board are finely wrought and decorated drawing inspiration tradition. The peculiarity of this wood carved chess board is that each piece is singularly characterized: every piece has its own character and plays a different type of farmer, both in clothing and in mimicry of the face. This woodworking requires great skill in the carving and in the decoration of the piece.
This beautiful Chess set made in South Tyrol region in northern Italy. Hand carved from European wood, finished and painted by hand. Dolfi Land in Val Gardena, carving Traditions since 1892.
Warriors Chess Set by Dolfi
This Chess set made in South Tyrol region in northern Italy. Hand carved from European wood. Dolfi Land in Val Gardena, carving Traditions since 1892.
Anri Charlemagne Chess Set. C. 1968
Anri Charlemagne Chess Set. The King stands 3-1/2″ tall with a 1-1/8″ diameter base. The Charlemagne chessmen are part of the Anri Toriart Collection, original Catalog #12604/Col. Both Kings and Queens bear the two Anri Toriart stickers under their bases as shown. The Toriart chessmen are a cast composite material invented by Anri called “Sculptite, which is a slurry of sawdust and resin.
The castings are mounted atop weighted and felted turned Alpine Maple bases. The chessmen are housed in a fitted medium blue cloth covered display case with red velvet-lined Compartments. The underside of the lid is also lined in red velvet and stamped “Limes” in gold leaf. The Anri Charlemagne chessmen are inspired by King Charlemagne (768-814), widely recognized as one of the greatest Christian Monarch who unified most of Western Europe under the Carolignian Empire.
Charlemagne is often referred to as the “Father of Europe”. These chessmen are among the most copied Anri designs. Anri chessmen are 100% made in Italy for those who can appreciate the true value of these magnificent artistic chessmen. The chessmen and interior are in excellent condition. The box is in very good condition. Anri Charlemagne chess sets were produced between 1968 and 1980.
Val Gadrena SculptureIn the late 19th century Alois Riffeser traveled to the major European cities to sell the wood carved figurines and toys which were bought from the farmers of the Gröden Valley located in the Dolomite region of the Alps. This area in South Tyrol was part of Austria-Hungary at the time until being annexed to Italy in 1919.In 1912 Josef Anton Riffeser founded the ANRI Company, which he named using the first two letters of his first and last name. After World War I, where he was in a prisoner of war camp in Siberia, he formulated his plan for a woodcarving company. He created his own models which he distributed successfully, mainly in the Alpine region.
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.
The wood art tradition has a long history in Val Gardena, Italy. The tradition of woodcarving dates back to the XVII century, when farmers started producing wood toys and utensils during the long winter season. The peasants than used to sell the items at spring markets. Part of the autonomous region Alto Adige/Southern Tyrol in Italy, the Val Gardena is known for its ancient romantic language, its skiing facilities – and its old tradition of woodcarving. The ANRI company’s chess sets from the 1950s through the 1980s were produced in this region and have gained collectors status, thanks to their unparalleled quality.
The Anri workshops are renowned all over the world because the wonderful wooden sculptures and statues made by the famous local sculptors and carvers.
The castings are mounted atop weighted and felted turned Alpine Maple bases. The chessmen are housed in a fitted medium blue cloth covered display case with red velvet-lined Compartments. The underside of the lid is also lined in red velvet and stamped “Limes” in gold leaf. The Anri Charlemagne chessmen are inspired by King Charlemagne (768-814), widely recognized as one of the greatest Christian Monarch who unified most of Western Europe under the Carolignian Empire.
Charlemagne is often referred to as the “Father of Europe”. These chessmen are among the most copied Anri designs. Anri chessmen are 100% made in Italy for those who can appreciate the true value of these magnificent artistic chessmen. The chessmen and interior are in excellent condition. The box is in very good condition. Anri Charlemagne chess sets were produced between 1968 and 1980.
Val Gadrena SculptureIn the late 19th century Alois Riffeser traveled to the major European cities to sell the wood carved figurines and toys which were bought from the farmers of the Gröden Valley located in the Dolomite region of the Alps. This area in South Tyrol was part of Austria-Hungary at the time until being annexed to Italy in 1919.In 1912 Josef Anton Riffeser founded the ANRI Company, which he named using the first two letters of his first and last name. After World War I, where he was in a prisoner of war camp in Siberia, he formulated his plan for a woodcarving company. He created his own models which he distributed successfully, mainly in the Alpine region.
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.
The wood art tradition has a long history in Val Gardena, Italy. The tradition of woodcarving dates back to the XVII century, when farmers started producing wood toys and utensils during the long winter season. The peasants than used to sell the items at spring markets. Part of the autonomous region Alto Adige/Southern Tyrol in Italy, the Val Gardena is known for its ancient romantic language, its skiing facilities – and its old tradition of woodcarving. The ANRI company’s chess sets from the 1950s through the 1980s were produced in this region and have gained collectors status, thanks to their unparalleled quality.
The Anri workshops are renowned all over the world because the wonderful wooden sculptures and statues made by the famous local sculptors and carvers.
Anri D'Artagnan and the Musketeers, c1970-1986
Hand-carved ANRI "D'Artagnan and the Musketeers" figural chess set in alpine maple and fruitwood, the dark and light pieces in natural wood tones, c1970-1986. King stands at an impressive 135mm (5.4"). The kings and queens are renaissance figures, bishops as monks, knights as rearing horses with riders , rooks round towers in the typically ANRI design; the pawns are musketeer type swordsmen. The ANRI logo is on the base of each king and queen
Bust Swiss hand carved wood chess set, early 20th Century
Here is a very interesting wood chess set from Ciaran Rochford collection on https://finerpieces.com/.
It is described as "Early 20th Century Bust Swiss hand carved wood chess set". What is interesting about this set is that each piece is quite unique and has a lot of character.
It is described as "Early 20th Century Bust Swiss hand carved wood chess set". What is interesting about this set is that each piece is quite unique and has a lot of character.
Anri Toriart Juvenile by Juan Ferrandiz, 1970s
Anri Toriart Juvenile by Juan Ferrandiz Hand Painted Chess Set With New BoardThis beautiful chess set is one of the most beloved chess sets among collectors. It is a hand-painted chess set by Anri Toriart with chess pieces designed by Juan Ferrandiz. Juan Ferrandiz has long produced works that depict the innocence and purity of childhood.
Ferrandiz figurines are highly prized by collectors worldwide.Catalog item # 12607. Issued in 1970 and retired in 1974.King 3 3/4" with a base of 1 1/2"Pawn 2 3/4" with a base of 1"Chessmen in excellent condition in original box.
In 1912 Josef Anton Riffeser founded the ANRI Company, which he named using the first two letters of his first and last name. After World War I, where he was in a prisoner of war camp in Siberia, he formulated his plan for a woodcarving company. He created his own models which he distributed successfully, mainly in the Alpine region.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.The wood art tradition has a long history in Val Gardena, Italy. The tradition of woodcarving dates back to the XVII century, when farmers started producing wood toys and utensils during the long winter season. The peasants than used to sell the items at spring markets. Part of the autonomous region Alto Adige/Southern Tyrol in Italy, the Val Gardena is known for its ancient romantic language, its skiing facilities - and its old tradition of woodcarving. The ANRI company's chess sets from the 1950s through the 1980s were produced in this region and have gained collectors status, thanks to their unparalleled quality.
Ferrandiz figurines are highly prized by collectors worldwide.Catalog item # 12607. Issued in 1970 and retired in 1974.King 3 3/4" with a base of 1 1/2"Pawn 2 3/4" with a base of 1"Chessmen in excellent condition in original box.
In 1912 Josef Anton Riffeser founded the ANRI Company, which he named using the first two letters of his first and last name. After World War I, where he was in a prisoner of war camp in Siberia, he formulated his plan for a woodcarving company. He created his own models which he distributed successfully, mainly in the Alpine region.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.The wood art tradition has a long history in Val Gardena, Italy. The tradition of woodcarving dates back to the XVII century, when farmers started producing wood toys and utensils during the long winter season. The peasants than used to sell the items at spring markets. Part of the autonomous region Alto Adige/Southern Tyrol in Italy, the Val Gardena is known for its ancient romantic language, its skiing facilities - and its old tradition of woodcarving. The ANRI company's chess sets from the 1950s through the 1980s were produced in this region and have gained collectors status, thanks to their unparalleled quality.
Crusaders versus Saracens Olive Wood Set
All pieces carved in monobloc from attractively grained olive wood. King is 14 cms tall.
American and Soviet Presidents
This is wooden handmade chess set. Chess pieces depicts the game between America and Russia (USSR). Main chessmen are colored in national colors of USA and USSR. Pieces depicts American (Kennedy, Clinton, Nixon, Trump, G.W. Bush, Reagan, Bush, Obama) and Soviet (Russian) presidents (Brezhnev, Khrushchev, Medvedev, Stalin, Lenin, Eltsin, Gorbachev, Putin).
Material: quality dried linden tree. Tree is previously dried out for several years which resulted in high quality of material and good environmental resistance.
Coating: gouache paints. Lacquered.
Height of chesssmen: 2.4in (from 4 to 7 cm)
Size of chessboard: 11.4*11.4in (29*29 cm)
Material: quality dried linden tree. Tree is previously dried out for several years which resulted in high quality of material and good environmental resistance.
Coating: gouache paints. Lacquered.
Height of chesssmen: 2.4in (from 4 to 7 cm)
Size of chessboard: 11.4*11.4in (29*29 cm)
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