Vicarius Duplici (Double Agents); Yugoslavian Dubrovnik Chess Set with Original Board, c.1980

Double Agents (Vicarius Duplici) 32 vintage chess pieces with original folding board, wood, natural vs. golden brown, Yugoslavian, unweighted, artistically restored, c.1980

Height: King 9cm, weight 22g, base width 3.8cm; Queen 8cm, wt. 20g; Bishop 7cm 13g, Knight 6.5cm 14g, Rook 5.1cm 15g, Pawns 4.5cm 8g

W: Traditional green felt pads; B: same

Folding Board: 42cm x 42cm. Squares, 5cm. Good vintage condition. There is a name written on the inside; “Rolf-Andre Pungercar” in red felt tip. This surname is associated with both Serbia and Croatia, but more common in the former.

 

Dubbed ‘Vicarius Duplici’ in lieu of the opposing coloured ball finials of the four bishops – the spies in the enemy camp, so to speak – a particular trademark of the popular Yugoslavian Dubrovnik patterns. 

 

The set was originally natural wood (maple) vs. painted black. The original unattractive, water-based varnish has been removed from the light pieces and refinished in yellow and amber shellac. The knights have been reworked slightly with more emphasis given to the cuts of the mane. The black latex paint has been removed and replaced with a deep, golden-brown antiqued base sealed in multiple coats of dark amber shellac that comes to life during the day and reclines into a solid finish at night.

 

The set came to me via a Romanian collector who felt it may have German origins. However, I think modern-day Serbia is more likely to be the country of origin. If a more concrete place of manufacture comes to light I will update accordingly.

 

 

Both QUEENS (and not this Kings this year) carry the hand-painted, iridescent GOLD ‘Power’ signature of the artist on their bases. Vicarius Duplici is also accompanied by our hand-drawn ‘Certificates of Artistry’ which will be posted out separately once we tally up how many ‘Gold Signature’ sets pass through our galleries in 2024 “… all good things …” as the old saying goes…

 

Ref Code: VD24