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This isn't the oldest Lardy set we have, but it is very old, perhaps 1950's vintage. Check out the paint on the Black pieces--it has worn away in the classical antique pattern. This is a very handsome set.
Once upon a time and a very good time it was, chess sets were often made of wood and always made by master craftsmen. Immortal names like "Jaques and Sons" and "Ayres" and "Uhlig" dominated the chess set market. After World War II a French firm, Lardy, set out to capture the wood chess set market. They made both high-end collector's sets and ready-market sets. This is one of the ready-market sets made in the 1960s. The kings are 3 1/4 inches tall, with a 1 1/4 inch base. All the pieces are in very good condition without any noticeable "Lardy Leans," a bending of the pieces by some loose lathe work. The men are weighted. The varnish is glossy; the box is in good condition, though scratched and worn; the hasp and hinges are a bit loose. The usual stamps of a Lardy box are missing, but I think that may be because of its greater-than-usual age. All faults are shown in the photographs.
The size of this set makes it a "dual" purpose set; it can be used at home for analysis or at a tournament.
I, Ed Yetman, have been a tournament director for 40 years and verify that this set is legal for tournament play according to the U.S. Chess Federation rules.
Comparable sets are selling here on ebay for $325.
We combine shipping! To combine, place all your purchases in the shopping cart and press "proceed to checkout." Follow us! We found a number of antique sets! We have an ongoing sale of 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st century chess clocks, books, and sets! Watch for our big sales!