This intellectual game invented in India has devotees all across the world. Historically, chess traveled from India to Persia and from there to Europe. The game gained an ardent fan following in the 20th century and since then finely crafted chess boards have become a fad. Collectors and diehard fans of the game usually go for fashionable and exclusive pieces. In most of these elite versions, the conventional white and black pieces with king, queen, bishops and pawns are substituted by a more theatrical theme. Here are a few pieces to declare checkmate in style.
War of 1812 chess set
In this dramatic adaptation of the board game, the HMS Guerierre plays against the USS Constitution, both of which are warships. The knights, bishops and horses have been traded for the captain of the ship and his men fighting the war of 1812. The pawns are swapped for cannons while the other pieces on the board are mid-shipmen, gunner’s mates and lieutenants. To go with the epic theme, the heavyweight board weighing 50 pounds is made from woods like walnut and maple. The 34 inches long and 5 feet tall ships hold hand carved pieces. Tagged at $3800, the exclusive game has been hand carved by a North Carolina based artist, Jim Arnold.
Star Wars chess set
This board game that embodies the sci-fi star wars saga is justly made from sparkling metal. A star wars fan, who is also a chess aficionado, will be all for this setup. The blingy and glitzy piece looks so sleek that it will surely remind you of the space bound flick. The board with 63 black and white squares is etched from glass. The 32 pewter pieces it carries are gilded in gold and silver. To match with its flashy theme, the game also fuses in Death Star imagery. It retails for $539.
Terror Chess Set
This grid represents the ongoing cold war between the developing countries and the super powers. The board is staged with leaders from both ends. The developed side has either British or American armies. In the US version of the game, the president is king and statue of liberty is the queen. The bishops, knights, pawns and rooks have been replaced by snipers, soldiers, foot soldiers and the twin towers as well as the World Trade Center. The British version has David Cameron as the king. The queen, of course, is the Queen of England, Elizabeth II. The rest of the pieces comprise the army and Big Ben. Among the world leaders on the other side, the Al-Qaeda pieces draw a lot of attention. There is Osama Bin Laden and also a burkha-clad woman, Muslim Clerics and suicide bombers. This board is slightly controversial and also offensive. Nevertheless, it has been crafted by Jeffery Train, an ex-Canadian Special Forces soldier.
The historically inspired British / Zulu War of 1879 Chess Set
A lot of work has gone into this rustic looking set as it demanded 70 hours of workmanship. Burnt wood, feathers, twine, deer fur, sinew and woody stains give it a seedy appearance. All pieces stand on a box that is made from red oak and measures 12 inches on each side. The 3 inch tall box also has hinges, corner trim and brass handles. The unforgettable Anglo-zulu war of the 19th century has been depicted in this $1200 piece by Olde World Collectibles and Creations. To create a reminiscence of those times, the hi end layout made from leather and steel also portrays British flags, Zulu inscriptions and weapons.
Lego ‘Empire Strikes Back’ chess set
If you liked building blocks or lego pieces as a kid, then this setup will certainly take you back to those play days again. Apart from the fact that it uses lego pieces, there is another specialty of this board game. The pieces on the checkered board are actually characters from the Star Wars Episode V. Standing on the board are Darth Vader, Imperial Walkers and also AT-ATs. Called “Empire Strikes Back”, this one is the brainchild of Brandon Griffith from the Los Angeles’ Lego User Group (LUGOLA).
Anglo Boer War chess set
This indoor game has an old world charm and looks easygoing. The backdrop of the war used has two sides, British as well as Boer. The British side has Lord Roberts, Queen Victoria, blockhouse, flag bearers, Union Jack’s and the British line infantry. While Paul Kruger, Boere Vraau, Ox wagon, Transvaal, Orange Free State and Boer commando’s hold out against them. The wooden board that comes in a painted as well as non painted version is plunked with metal cast pieces.
American Civil War Chess Set
The setup has army battalions of Northern Federal in blue and Southern Confederate Army clad in gray positioned against each other. General Ulysses S Grant commands the Shiloh, Bull Run and Gettysburg in the Northern Federal army while General Robert E Lee is on the opposing side. The polished layout with hand cast and hand painted metallic figures sells for $780.
Carved Civil War Chess Set
The custom handmade set from Jim Arnold is available for $1865. The wooden slat with a glossy top coating definitely has oodles of snob value. You can pick any battle in the civil war theme and a corresponding map to go with the war. Resting on this 36 inch square is Lincoln and generals like Grant, Meade, Jackson and Lee.
Shogun Total War 2 Collector’s Edition – Chess Set
The exquisite hand painted bamboo board showcases the historical Battle of Nagashino. Though it is slated to release in March, the piece can be preordered and is priced at $127. The pack will also include “Art Of War” bamboo box replica, Shogun 2 Art Book and a Takeda Shingen Daimyo figurine.
Revolutionary War Chess Set
This chessboard illustrates the skirmishes that the North American colonies of the British had during the 1760s when King George III was crowned. The disagreement to pay out taxes to the British grew into a full blown war. The two sides facing each other are from this momentous battle.