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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Silver & Gold / Chess set - Ajedrez de PLATA de Lujo vintage...
Spectacular Luxury Chess with 925 sterling silver pieces, directly themed on one of the greatest discoveries of our planet: The Discovery of America. The material of the pieces is 925/1000 sterling silver, crafted by the best silversmiths, with differentiated ivory-toned and black resin bases. This chess set bears silversmith marks, specifically the official Spanish hallmark punch of the five-pointed star, the state guarantee of first‑rate silver (925). Regarding dimensions, the board is made from noble woods and features in each corner a representative shield in silver. The board measures 50 x 50 cm. The height of the king, the tallest piece, is 9.5 cm. Both the pieces and the board are stored/integrated in a display case made of high‑quality wood. This case shows several defects due to its age and the weight of the pieces and board (see photos). As a general description, we can say that this is a superb work of engineering and cabinetry, commemorative in nature, recreating the encounter between the Old World and the New World. The set is presented in an exclusive portable briefcase-board made of noble wood with mahogany tones, with a green velvet lining molded to preserve each piece individually. The Spanish side, the Old World, is formed by anthropomorphic bust figures representing the Catholic Monarchs (Fernando and Isabel) and Christopher Columbus. The towers adopt caravel shapes (Santa Maria) and the horses exhibit a classical equestrian craftsmanship in noble metal. The Pre-Columbian side, the New World, comprises sculptures honoring the dignitaries and warriors of the great civilizations of the American continent, crowned by towers with stepped pyramid forms inspired by Maya/Aztec designs. This chess set features numerous historical details in silver on the board. The outer wooden frame of the board is enriched at its four corners with relief square silver plates representing the milestones of the commemorative event: 1. Sun Stone/Aztec Calendar: Raised detail of Mesomerican solar iconography. 2. Heraldic shield of the Spanish Crown: Quartered representation of historical kingdoms. 3. Maya/Moche Pyramid: Monumental pre-Columbian architecture. 4. Maritime relief: The voyage of the caravels across the Atlantic Ocean. Regarding its condition, this is a vintage chess set whose board is in very good condition, as are the silver pieces (some have slightly lost their patina, see photos). Therefore it is in very good structural and aesthetic condition, highlighting the sharpness of the hallmarks and the fine reliefs of the chiseling. This chess set was produced by the designers of the Spanish industrial silversmithing and goldsmith workshop that created the edition. The creation of this chess set was made to order for editorial/commercial sale in GALERÍAS DE ARTE, COLECCIONISMO Y JOYERÍA FINA during the era of the Fifth Centenary. Finally, I would like to note that the value of this chess set lies not only in its silver weight, which is around 1.5 kg (+€2,500 as of today), but in its very high value due to its age, artisanal craftsmanship, theme, and exclusivity. It is a true WORK OF ART that a true collector or chess enthusiast can display in a vitrines or an art gallery. Due to its weight and the insurance costs, shipping is somewhat higher than for a more everyday chess set. The lot will be properly packaged, insured, and shipped with tracking. There is the option of hand delivery in Toledo, capital (Spain).
Estimate:£5,636.18
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Estimate:
£5,636.18
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