*SOLD* Averbakii Aeternum, (Eternal Averbakh): Soviet ‘Averbakh’ Weighted Chessmen, c.1945-1955

Averbakii Aeternum (Eternal Averbakh) 32 weighted chessmen without board, wood, caramel v. dark brown, antiqued, Soviet, circa 1945 – 1955. Height: King 11.3cm weight 15g base width 3.5cm. Queen 9cm 15g. Bishop 8cm 12g. Knight 6.5 13g. Rook 5.5cm 15g. Pawn 4.5cm 9g.  W: navy blue felt bases B: same

This is an iconic Soviet chess set that stands tall and dignified, much like their namesake, to whom they will be eternally linked, the prolific endgame theorist and Russian grandmaster, Yuri Averbakh.

The thick black paint that once engulfed the black pieces has been carefully stripped and sanded back to reveal the fine wood grain that lay beneath. This has been stained and antiqued using wax and oils to give this old set a ‘new set feel’ whilst retaining a real sense of the past.
The light pieces have had the remnants of a tacky shellac top coat completely removed. This top coat was then built back up to replicate the feel of an old time set, but with a more uniform finish. In every sense it feels like it has been around as long as this classic vintage set itself.
Extra weight has been added making it the heaviest Averbakh set that I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Plush navy blue felt cushions the bases lending it a wonderful feel over the board.

The pieces are UV resistant and ideal for display, as well as casual play. Both kings carry the hand-painted iridescent silver (2020) ‘power’ signature of the artist on their felt bases.

Ref code AA1

Visit our Gallery for more artistically restored vintage chess sets.