Description
The Franklin Mint Sportsman Trophy Chess Chess Set.
Offered here is the limited-edition Heirloom North American Wildlife Sportsman Trophy Chess Set. The beautiful Collector’s set was commissioned for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and issued by the Franklin Mint. Superb wildlife art adds an exciting new dimension to a centuries-old game. This extraordinary set features 32 chess pieces. The King is a 10 point Buck, while Queens are White tail Deer. Bishops are Mallards, Knights are the Red fox. Rooks feature the Grizzly Bear and all Pawns are the Rainbow Trout.
The individual pieces are cast in solid pewter and are hand painted in true-to-life colors. Each of the chess pieces rest atop enameled brass bases accented in 24K gold. The thirty two (32) pieces are officially hallmarked for the Sportsman Trophy with intricate 24K Gold accents over brass. The Green and Cream enameling add further beauty while distinguishing opposing armies.
The box and the chess set are in Excellent condition. This set has never been used and still retains the original internal packaging as shown. The set does not have the separate storage box/chessboard or a COA. The original retail price was $1800.
Some Background.
The late Michigan-born artist Rick Fields designed the set on commission in 1994. The award-winning wildlife artist Rick Fields is a self-taught scrimshaw artist whose works are eagerly pursued by knowledgeable collectors the world over. His great love for wildlife and the environment dates to his childhood on Michigan’s upper peninsula. Following college, he worked for the U.S. Forrest Service and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
