Soviet vintage magnetic set + Chessbazaar acquisitions

Hi there

It's my first topic here, I have really enjoyed surfing on all the sets you post, and now I wanted to share my recent acquisitions, in case someone has more information on the vintage set or has some doubts before buying on CB.

• Soviet magnetic travel set:

I wanted a small travel set, that I could also use for analysis while sitting on the couch. I was almost decided for a generic Amazon plastic set (black and white), but I thought looking on Etsy first... best decision ever, as I found marvelous vintage sets, in very good conditions and of course, with that soviet style that I find quite appealing and original. This one costed me 50 euros with shipping from Ukraine (34 euros the set itself).

https://ibb.co/YBmkKVD

https://ibb.co/KWJcQzM

https://ibb.co/tbMMdfm

https://ibb.co/cxMVp9f

https://ibb.co/VNH2ryJ

• Reproduced 1972 Reykjavik Staunton Chess Pieces in Ebonized Boxwood & Natural Boxwood - 3.7" King (I chose the glossy option) and Chess Board Wooden Rose Wood 20" - 50 mm

https://www.chessbazaar.com/offers-zone/clearance-sale/reykjavik-stained-dyed-staunton-chess-pieces-in-dyed-box-wood-3-7-king.html

https://www.chessbazaar.com/chess-boards/rose-wood-chess-boards/chess-board-wooden-rose-wood-20-50-mm.html

https://ibb.co/sWdWgJB

https://ibb.co/BV86Lfp

https://ibb.co/jHyMnSy

https://ibb.co/XJmDpCk

I used the additional 30% off and everything was roughly 200 euros; the shipping is quite fast at least for Europe: 1 week from ordering to receiving it (in Belgium from India). No quality issues so far and I'm very happy with the board and the pieces.

In a side note, I wanted to ask the experts here... should I protect the set and board from the "indirect" sunlight? (through a translucid courtain). I know the direct sunlight could damage the wood, or leave stains, but I was wondering if the glossy protection (the board is also glossy) could somehow avoid this damage.

Sorry for the image links, but I couldn't upload the images the other way.

Cheers

I agree.. I meant when I'm not using it. It looks beautiful so yes I would like to keep it on display

When you are not using it, I wouldn't keep your pieces on it all the time. Wood darkens over time and there are some examples where people noticed light spots on the board where the pieces stood, when displaying them close to a window. I guess that's why they invented marble boards; for display.

Walnut is the only wood type that does get lighter over time. Personally I like the look of vintage walnut boards where the dark squares became quite light, so I kind of 'hope' sunlight will do its work. But I store my chess pieces every time after use. Although boxwood can also look cool when darkened. This is exactly what vendors try to do with 'antiqued' boxwood. 

Many thanks Duvupov for your tips, this is exactly what I needed. I will rather store the pieces then.

Nice sets you have....I hope you get much pleasure from them

I like to display my sets one  at a time and change them up fairly often,with the 3 nice boards I own.I definitely don't place them in direct sunlight....but.....Since I'm a bit of an OCD type,I bought a really nice acrylic cover to go over it.....Looks great and i can rotate my sets and boards,with no fear of them getting annoying dust etc.

That's just my take ....Good luck

I was never worried about UV,or sunlight,since I keep my shades drawn and have a sun blocking window film installed on the windows.....I "hate" accumulating dust! So,the acrylic covering was perfect....Looks so cool.

The perfect solution and display would be to have a large wall unit,with glass or acrylic doors.I believe there is a thread,where the penultimate version is shown,with an unbelievable collection of displayed sets.

I currently have a really nice,but not too fancy coffee table against a wall,in my little hobby/chess room.I keep my acrylic covered set/board on top and rotate different ones,when the urge hits....I went for a high-ish acrylic cover,because it just looks so much nicer than one hovering so close to the pieces and I don't have the worries of high pieces,or a flat vs platform board's height.

I have a nice piece of chess art above and a wall unit(with no doors) next to it.That is where I keep my coffers.....Works out pretty good,since the bottom half of the wall unit is a desk,where the computer sits....The rest of my coffered sets and my chess books are in the three draws of the desk....I guess you could say I'm pretty chessed up.-

The balance of my sets and boards are under the coffee table,which has a second shelf....One day I'll post some pics.

Btw,a good portable humidifier is a must,during cold weather, and of course an accurate hygrometer.

P.S.....I already know I am nuts.

I really do enjoy reading about the various chess sets, collections and displays encountered throughout this thread on Chess Books and Equipment. Thanks again to everyone that posts but with special mention to those with such deep knowledge and expansive collections - I enjoy the passion. As I noted in a seperate post - many of you inspired me to go out and get my first set and I am fair dinkum rapt with it - stoked that I did. In the few weeks that I have had it, I'll often set it up with a match I am playing online - just to get a different view of the board and indeed, to get the feel of playing over a board because I haven't done that. For example, here's tonight's set-up - please don't chuckle at the construct of the game -  both of us playing are learning the game but the learning is so much more enjoyable now that I can use a set like this too. So again.... thanks to all the knowledgable folk for helping inform us newer to the game. The bug has bitten - cheers to you all.

PS - a late edit - I should have mentioned - this set gets a small amount of filtered morning/first light.... then it is all indirect; in my experience, direct sunlight on wood or most furnishings/art etc... should be avoided. Those display cabinets spoken about above sound good, I look forward to seeing any photos when available.

Very nice set! Indeed there is nothing like play chess with real board and pieces, even to replicate your online game. I think the risk is getting addicted to buy different pieces and boards... 💸

Good tips on this thread too... I knew I wouldn’t be dissapointed with the experts of this forum👍🏻

Tabletop cases also work on cat. 

Looks good to me MCH.