Vintage Duncan Chess (Pewter!)
Duncan Design:
I grew up with Chess. My Dad was a fanatic. He payed 20 games a day if not more. It was his life. One of our favorite sets that sat permanently in the family room was a Duncan design. A very popular set in the late 60’s and 70’s. They were made of ceramic and I still have a few of the pieces, chips and all. We played many games together on that set, and they chipped fairly easy. I have a resin version by Excalibur set up in my bedroom on my dads oak chess table. It brings back memories every time I walk by.
Recently, I visited a Vintage antique shop as I often do. It wasn’t long when my eye caught a glimpse of my favorite set. A Duncan, but this one was different. This one wasn’t ceramic, nor was it plastic resin. This set was made of solid pewter and sat upon a marble board. It was beautiful. In all these years I have never seen a Duncan made of pewter and there was a reason for that. It simply didn’t exist, “home cast”.
Duncan was designed back in the late 1960’s and they sold the molds to ceramic shops across the country by the thousands. They were all ceramic and hand glazed or painted. Excalibur came out with a resin set, but no one, not even Franklin Mint came out with a pewter set. This set was made by an Artisan. hand crafted and a very good chance, one of a kind. I had to buy it and give it a home.
The heaviest chess set I ever carried. I loved the marble look, but the board was just too small for comfortable play. I set out to find a marble board large enough for the pieces. Seems most came in the size I already had (1.5” squares). I needed at least 2” - 2.25"“ Squares. New, was out of the question. They were asking upwards or $600. Then I ran across this beautiful Green Onyx and Marble board on Marketplace with 2.375” squares, from Italy. The chess set just got heavier.
Spring/Summer 1976 Pordone, Italy board found on Facebook Marketplace. The pieces were my Dad’s - Mid 1970’s CA&A Pieces Made in Italy completing the set. (Vintage)
Although the Italy set sure is beautiful, I’m not crazy about a few of the pieces. The King, the Queen, and the Bishops would take some time getting use to. The Board is perfect for my Duncan Pewter Set though.
FOR SALE
Need to make room! Vintage 1970s Avon Chess Set is a unique and collectible item that includes 34 chess pieces and hard to find Avon chess board. The set is from the Avon brand and includes extra queens. This vintage set is a perfect addition to any chess enthusiast's collection, offering a nostalgic touch to gameplay. Boxes are included. Some bottles are still full or cologne while others are empty. Please view images as they do serve as part of the description and you are buying this item as-is as shown. (this includes the original Avon Chess board, 34 Avon Chess pieces (2 extra Queens), and the table it sits on.) Thank you for looking at this beautiful set. This table can be seen at Flamingo Bling in the Dixie Flea Market in Waterford, MI. $195 or best offer. Pick up only.