*SOLD* Bellum Equis Cranium (Skelator Knights), Rare Soviet Chess Set, circa 1930 – 1940

Bellum Eqius Cranium (Skelator Knights), 32 lightly-weighted chessmen without board, wood, white v. black, Soviet (post Revolution era), circa 1930 – 1940. Height: King 9.8cm, weight 15g, base width 3.3cm, Queen 8.4cm, Bishop 8.1cm, Knight 8cm, Rook 6cm, Pawn 5.7cm. W: black felt bases B: same.

The phrase ‘old sets with a new set feel’ certainly applies to this pre-WWII Soviet design. The ‘original feel’ or to be more specific, the tacky finish that smothered every millimetre of these pieces on arrival was one of the most irksome lacquers I’ve ever had the displeasure of removing from any chess set for many a year!* However, once removed, re-stained, tweaked and antiqued, the set is an absolute joy to play with..

Weight has been added giving the set substance on the field (and like many of my sets) the pieces are not antiqued with glazes and stains, but with various custom-tinted blends of oils and waxes giving the pieces a natural, earthy, familiar feel to them, much like shaking an old friends hand after many years. And like an old friend, this set will be difficult to part with. And if you don’t love the look of it, by all means leave it with me. I’ll not have a problem with that at all. 😉

The pieces are UV resistant and ideal for display, as well as casual/blitz play. Both Kings carry the hand-painted signature of the artist on their felt bases.

Ref code SK11