*SOLD* Puritani (The Roundheads); Vintage Soviet Chess Set, post Revolution era , circa 1930 – 1940

Puritani (The Roundheads), 32 lightly-weighted chessmen without board, wood, red v. black, Soviet (post Revolution era ), circa 1930 – 1940. Height: King 8.5cm, weight 13g, base width 3cm, Queen 7.3cm, Bishop 6cm, Knight 5.7cm, Rook 4.5cm, Pawn 4.3cm. W: red felt bases B: black felt bases.

A very rare and unusual design from the 1930s, possibly earlier. The King, Queen and Bishop sport seldom seen rotund ‘mushroom-shaped’ crowns decorated with ‘button-mushroom’ finials, while the bishops have a simpler conical-shaped miter. All pieces have large, onion-shaped bases compensating for the lack of lead weight during the post Revolution years. The Knights are skillfully carved adding a gentle elegance to this old Soviet set.

The Kings, Queens, and Bishops have been left almost in the same condition as when I purchased them. The other pieces have been finished to compliment and match the original patina.

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 PR7