Description
Vintage Italian Gothic Bronze Plated Medieval Chessmen
Offered here is a complete set of vintage Italian Gothic-style bronze plated chessmen in the popular Medieval bust theme. The King stands 3 inches tall with a 1-1/4″ diameter base., In spite of its being primarily a decorative display piece, it is very robust, stable and suitable for casual play. These are not sanctioned tournament chessmen.
Each piece is finely cast and finished in a rich two-tone antique bronze and plating that has developed a beautiful, natural patina and light wear over the decades. The pieces rest atop heavily worn traditional green baize (felt) base pads, many of which retain the original oval red “MADE IN ITALY” stickers, confirming their authentic Florentine or northern Italian workshop origin.
The Kings and Queens are crowned royal busts with elaborate headdresses and detailed necklaces. The bishops are cast as ecclesiastical figures with prominent crosses on their miters. The Knights are Classic armored horse heads with flowing manes and bridles. The Rooks are classical multi-tiered castellated towers with intricate brickwork detailing. Finally, the foot-soldiers are helmeted warrior busts.
This is a quintessential example of the Italian “Gothic” or “Medieval Theme” figural chess sets that were produced primarily from the 1960s through the 1980s and remain valued for their romantic Old-World appearance. The aged plating and gentle wear only enhance the antique character, giving the set the presence of a much earlier piece while remaining fully intact and functional.
These vintage Gothic Bronze Plated Chessmen are in very good vintage condition, with attractive natural patina and light surface wear consistent with age and normal use. All 32 pieces are present and undamaged.
The Spanish veneer chessboard shown is not included, but a suitable chessboard can be found here. Theis set of Italian manufactured Gothic chessmen dates to around 1960.
