House of Faberge Chess -- Franklin Mint produced 24 carat gold bejweled pieces

Description: For your consideration is a Chess Set from the House of Fabergé produced by the Franklin Mint in 1990. This limited edition set was produced in numbers fewer than 500 and was modeled after records of a Chess Set either purchased or received as a gift (historical documents are not consistent on this) by Prince Felix Yusupov, who was one of Russia’s wealthiest men and closely connected to the Russian Imperial Family in 1910. The original Yusupov Chess Set was lost after the 1917 revolution but is believed to be still around as nationalization records of the Soviet Union of Prince Yusupov’s Estate do not indicate any golden chess pieces. To this date, it has, however, not been found. It is also possible that the pieces were sold off or melted individually by the family itself to keep themselves financially afloat as they fled Russia. About this listing: The King and Queen of the Chess Set carry the Imperial Crown (King) and Imperial Consort Crown (Queen). Both are decorated with Swarovski crystals. The pawns display the Romanov Coat of Arms. All figures are 24k gold plated and are covered with non-translucent black or white enamel. The Chess Set comes in its original 1990 packaging. Fabergé only sold the pieces originally, no board; however, for your convenience, I will include the 16 in maple and walnut solid wood chess board that is depicted in the description pictures. The board itself is not a Fabergé piece but is manufactured from solid wood, and the natural maple and walnut wood colors create the color differences between the black and white tiles. —— Measurements:King: Height: 3.15 in (8 cm) Weight: 4.05 oz (115 g)Pawn: Height: 2.40 in (6 cm) Weight: 2.45 oz (70 g)—— Personal note to be aware of when looking at these chess set Fabergé listings:1) I have come across other listings of this chess set (particularly online) that incorrectly depict the historical origin of the original Fabergé design as a chess set given to General Alexei Kouropatkin by Tsar Nicholas II in appreciation for his service during the Russo-Japanese War. I believe this is done solely for the purpose of connecting these sets closer to the Imperial Family than they actually were, allowing for increasing listing prices. Russia did not fare well in the Russo-Japanese War, and it would be highly unlikely that after such a devastating and financially tough loss, the Imperial Family would honor a General with such a gift. It is also worth mentioning that in the years of the war, even the Imperial Easter Eggs were simple and comparatively “cheap” to other years. It seems thus even more unlikely that a General would receive a more opulent gift than members of the Imperial Family themselves.2) Most of those chess sets are sold together with a chessboard, as does this one. However, most listings incorrectly make buyers believe they originally belonged together. The black and white enamel chess set from the House of Fabergé does not come with a chessboard. Be aware of listings indicating an “original board” with those pieces.

Price: 3528 USD

Location: Palo Alto, California

End Time: 2025-01-10T17:52:29.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD