pictures? (I think I know what set you're talking about but a pic is worth 1000)
vintage chess sets
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Thanks! Not sure how to post a picture on here. (I am new to this app.) 🙈🤷🏻♀️
I added a photo in my profile. :)
Interesting. Its hard to say without the pictures of the whole set. There are different sets that were from other manufactures that have glass eyed knights. I have never seen a glass eyed knight set in red unless somebody took the time to refinish it. Most Lardy GEKs were Olive and Palisander rose wood.
Looks to be German. I have had HUK Swiss sets that have the same kings cross but the knights are not the same. It looks interesting. Hopefully somebody will recognize its origins.
Good luck.
Robert, I had a suspicion they were plastic or Bakelite. That is a rare set. And yes it is cool. I wonder if any of the pieces are screwed together.
Thank you, everyone! I’m so intrigued and eager to learn more about it!
@crusaderwabbet, I don’t believe any of the pieces are screwed together. They all look solid. Would that help in identification?
Jun 10, 2020
0
#12
It's possible that the tops of the Knights would unscrew from the bases. Obviously only the base of the Knight can be turned on a lathe, so the top is either screwed on or glued on.
worldofem wrote:
@crusaderwabbet, I don’t believe any of the pieces are screwed together. They all look solid. Would that help in identification?
Not really . I have seen sets that pieces screw together. Without and identifying manufacturing marks it would be hard to know where it came from . Matt is right, the knights may be screwed to their bases but I would be careful because you could crack one if it is tight or if it is glued .
Jun 10, 2020
0
#14
Old bone sets were sometimes screwed together - all pieces, not just Knights This was because you don't get big pieces of usable bone. If anyone is interested I will post pics
Go for it Matt. This is what this site is all about. Information and the knowledge of others.
I’d like to see that too, Matt!
Well, I did hear from one reliable authority that my grandfather’s chess set was ”a tournament-size set of French Glass Eyed Lardy Chessmen, sometimes sold under the Cavalier or Kismet name. I doubt these companies are still in business, as your set appears to be pre-WWII. It looks like Bakelite or Celluloid. These were normally played on vinyl or cloth chessboards with 2-1/4" green and buff squares, nothing fancy.”- Frank Camaratta
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
I'm glad to hear that. You learn something every day. I do find it kind of strange that Lardy produced Bakelite sets when furniture and wood shops were their business. If any body would know it would be Frank.
Jun 10, 2020
0
#19
I have to agree with RC - I've had a number of glass eyed lardy sets, including the ones sold under Cavalier name. This design is very different indeed. Again, whatever it is, it's very cool 
Hi there,
My grandfather left me his chess set, which was a gift to him from his colleagues for either an anniversary or his retirement.
When I moved, the wooden chess board was lost. And upon examining this set, I am unable to find any markings whatsoever as to the manufacturer.
I am guessing this chess set was made in the late 1940s or early 1950s? The pieces are red and yellow and very shiny, with green felt pads. They feel weighted. They are in a white leather box (with a handle on the top) which has a small key lock made by Presto lock.
The only really distinct features are on the knights which have glass eyes, a straight mane down the back, but no forelock, open mouths, and their ears are tucked down as if angered.
I’d be glad to include a few pictures of the pieces. It would be nice to find the appropriate chessboard if there still one around. Otherwise I’m considering making a Chess table for them.
Thank you for any help or suggestions.