The Soviet Russian Chess Set Mania Continues,another circa 1950's set

Here's some pics of a vintage circa 1950s Soviet set. Many pieces were in bad shape so I had Alan Dewey, my restoratiion guru,  make the necessary repars.The black pieces show heavy finish wear, so now I'm debating  if I should have them refinshed by Alan. Kings measure 3 7/8" in height and Pawns with a height of 2 1/8". Loke most vintage Soviet sets, the pieces are not weighted.

more pics

more pics

A fantastic set, and terrific pictures. Those bishops are amazing.

Thanks Chuck, glad you enjoyed them

An excellent purchase ! Bravo !

I would agree with rcmacmillan, the wear gives them character. They have been in battles - many, many battles - over that checkered battlefield and the wear on them shows this.

"Battle scars" do give character!

What is the provenance of the set?

I can't wait to see those sets, Robert. I have four in line for review, including a fifties set from Donetsk, and another on the way from Moscow, a thirties vintage set.

I hear you about the kitchen renovation. We just finished one. Even worse than the disruption is the hit the chess set acquisition budget takes. Not that it might seem so.

Thanks Robert, Good point about the wear giving the set character, so I'm now on the fence about refinishing.

Great! I'll be looking forward to the pics of your 2 Russian sets.

Thanks Doitbop, glad you liked the set

Thanks Rsava, your points are well taken

Thanks Jamie, I'm on the fence about refinishing. No provenance giving by previous owner

I like to watch shows like "The Antique Roadshow."  If the set has some historic background, like being used in a notable tournament, or by a notable player, I would say keep it as is.

If you hope to re-sell it, refinishing might enhance the value.

Mike, did this set come with the ubiquitous folding carrying case that doubles as a grossly undersized board? If so, would you please post some pictures? Including a shot of any of the stamps that typically appear inside the folding board/case. Many thanks.

Here are a couple shots of a fifties set and a sixties set that I'll be reviewing.

The fifties set...

The sixties set...

Yes Chuck, just about all my Russian sets came with the folding case/board. Some have stamps inside, others don't. Like you say, most are terribly undersized for their sets. Will work on your request soon.

Hi Guys,

Thank you all for the accolades.

Milissa and I have been watching 'Crossing lines' a slightly odd sort of European cop show. The acting is awful... However we made it to episode 7 season 2 There are a couple of nice chess set in there, particularly a very good Soviet set. It is worth a look at. I may make a copy as this style is still comp standard but usually very poorly made. Any further info on who.s it is or who provided these props for the show would be very interesting to know.

Cool set, can't figure out how to post pictures here. Want to post my new HOS Dubrovnik on 2.5 inch board. Thanks

Super nice set! Just to let you know,in the world of vintage(highly desirable) acoustic instruments,the mojo factor(beat up) is something that many folks love.