Ivory chess set
01 December 2024
Description

This is a complete "ivory" chess set. It was given to me by a friend who is now deceased. He purchased the set in 1959 while visiting Hong Kong for work. The place and date of sale is shown on the attached documents.

Dimensions

Box: 20" x 10" x 3 1/2"

Acquired from
Other
For sale
Yes
Answered within 3 days
By David U.
Dec 04, 16:21 UTC
Fair Market Value
$1,000 - $2,500 USD
Insurance Value $0 USD
What does this mean?

Hello,

Your item is a complete chess set labeled as “ivory,” with provenance tracing its purchase back to Hong Kong in 1959. The chess pieces exhibit fine craftsmanship and are consistent with mid-20th-century carving techniques. However, due to modern regulations on ivory, it’s worth noting that these pieces may actually be made from alternative materials such as resin or bone treated to resemble ivory, as sales and documentation often used “ivory” as a generic term.

Chess sets like these, especially with clear provenance and in good condition, are collectible, but their market value depends heavily on verification of material and adherence to local and international regulations regarding ivory or similar materials. Based on recent auction trends for mid-century carved chess sets from Asia, a reasonable estimate for this set, assuming genuine ivory or high-quality craftsmanship, would range from $1,000 to $2,500 USD. If the set is made from an ivory substitute, the value would likely range between $300 and $800 USD.

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