The stunning chess pieces above are part of the highly collectible 1962 Austin Enterprises Extruded Aluminum Chess Set. It is one of two 1960s aluminum chess set designs by Austin E. Cox, made by Alcoa (Aluminum Company of America). The sets can easily fetch $1,000–$4,000 unless you have the good fortune to find one at a thrift shop. Originally it came with a stylish blue chess board framed with aluminum and blue plexiglass window and wooden storage box which was purposed to hang on the wall as an object d’art when not in use.
To learn more about this Austin Cox Chess Set and see additional images including the metal hallmark to look for on the bottom of the pieces, check out the blog of Jesse Gordon, aka Finding the Grail and David Hart, aka The Invisible Agent.
Above and below are images of the 1970s Space Age Universum Chess Set by Arthur Elliott for Anri in Italy. Found at the Mid-Century Modernist. This alpine maple + black walnut set is another highly collectible/high cotton item. Mr. Elliott was an artist and designer. He was one of the earliest animators for Disney Studios. (Photos by Stewf)
And lastly, another gorgeous chess set by Arthur Elliott below. The Staunton Chess Set is a sharp contrast to the Universum with its short, stout forms. Beautiful wood inlay details on both the chess pieces and the box. Also found at the Mid-Century Modernist. (Photos by Stewf)
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Editor’s note:
This post was originally published in June of 2009. (The first image was sourced from an ebay listing that is no longer active.) As AQ-V has been fortunate to receive a huge leap in visitors this past year, I have decided to pull favorite bits here and there from the archives to present to hopefully new eyes.
You may have noticed the number of posts has been slimmer this week. Repeat issues with the AQ-V shared server have put a monkey wrench in being able to consistently publish this week. Hopefully things will iron out soon as I have several new posts queued up.
Thank you always for your readership!
–Amy
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Interesting chess sets. I’m trying to choose my favorite. Hmm – difficult. I am always interested in seeing how the horses (knights) are represented.
I am one of these new eyes on this splendid checkmate. And I don’t care too much if some monkeys are playing with your posts. I’ll be waiting the next, and then the next, until you get tired to post anything.
But don’t get tired too soon , please.
Have a good day (que tenga un lindo día).
Hi Lynn, I have a thing for wood so I especially like the Arthur Elliott works.
Hi egiova, thanks so much for your feedback, much appreciated! I enjoyed reading your many comments. Terrific perspective and quite humourous. :-) Thanks for finding my site.