Vintage Chess Set Appraisal

Vintage Glass Chess Set with Wooden Storage Case

This item is a complete vintage glass chess set, housed within a fitted wooden storage case. The set includes a full complement of 32 chess pieces, comprising 16 clear glass pieces and 16 frosted (or 'milk') glass pieces, allowing for easy differentiation between players. Each piece is crafted from glass, exhibiting a smooth, polished finish. The clear pieces show good transparency, while the frosted pieces have a translucent, milky appearance, typical of acid-etched or sandblasted glass. The king, queen, bishop, knight, and rook pieces are clearly identifiable by their traditional shapes, with the knight being particularly distinctive due to its equine form. The pawns are uniform in shape, smaller than the other pieces, and also come in both clear and frosted variants. The pieces are neatly organized within a custom-fitted tray inside a wooden box. The tray appears to be made of a pressed fiberboard or similar material, covered in a brown, felt-like fabric that has molded compartments for each individual piece. This fitted insert protects the delicate glass pieces from shifting and breakage. The wooden box itself is constructed from light-colored wood, possibly pine or a similar timber, with visible grain and a warm, aged patina. It features brass-colored hinges on the back, suggesting it opens like a traditional briefcase or chest. The exterior of the case shows signs of age and wear, including potential scratches or scuffs consistent with typical use over time. While no specific maker's marks or signatures are immediately visible on the pieces or the case, the overall design and material combination suggest a mid-20th century to late 20th century manufacturing period. The craftsmanship of the glass pieces appears solid, with no immediately apparent chips or cracks on the visible pieces, indicating they have been well-preserved within their case.