Militibus ex Antiquis Ruthenorum (Old Russian Warriors), 32 heavily-weighted chessmen without board, wood, white v. red, Soviet (post Revolution era), circa 1920 – 1930 Height: King 10cm, weight 55g, base width 3.8cm, Queen 9.2cm, Bishop 9cm, Knights 8/7.5cm, Rook 5.8cm, Pawn 5.8cm. W: red felt bases B: black felt bases.
An extremely rare set of Soviet chessmen (most probably hand-turned for personal use or as a gift, perhaps). It came to me in pretty poor condition; two of the Knights muzzles have been repaired and two Bishop mitres and five pawn caps (I’ve lost track of which pawns) have been replaced. There is also a certain amount of ‘head-bowing,’ also called stooping or leaning amongst the pieces, which adds overall character, therefore, it has been left as is. A few ‘battle-scars’ have also been left here and there for the same reason. So please examine the photos carefully.
The pieces are UV resistant and ideal for display, as well as casual play.
Both Kings carry the hand-painted iridescent gold signature of the artist on their felt bases.
Ref code MAR7

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Figuli Lapis Milites (Stone Army): Hand-Painted ‘One-Off’ Isle of Lewis Chess Set, c.1990
Cardinalis d’Griseo (The Grey Cardinals) Soviet/Russian Chess Set c.1975
Cosaccorum (The Cossacks); Khatman ‘Bohdan Khmelnytsky’ Ukrainian Figural Chess Set, c.1980
Draconis (The Jackals); Soviet Tournament & Club Set, c.1945-1955
Sangua Oculos (Old Red Eyes); Spanish Escardibul Staunton c.1965-1975
Drueke’s American-Made Chessmen, No.22, c.1955-1965
Americana: Drueke American Made Chessmen, c.1950 










