Collecting Civil War memorabilia can be an exciting and educational pastime. From antique uniforms, weaponry and letters home from soldiers on the fields, to commemorative merchandise that will become collectibles for generations to come, there are a variety of opportunities to add to your collection. One unique addition to any enthusiast’s Civil War memorabilia is a chess set. Instead of kings, queens, knights and pawns, Civil War chess sets include characters like President Abraham Lincoln, southern belles, generals and war soldiers like Robert E. Lee, and more. Instead of white versus black, it’s the North versus the South once again each time you play a strategic game.
A number of Civil War historical chess sets are available today. Use this list to get you started in your search for the one – or more – that fits your collection.
The Franklin Mint, www.franklinmint.com. Sponsored by the Civil War Library Museum, the Franklin Mint commissioned Civil War historical artist John Paul Strain to develop a beautiful set. The pewter-sculpted pieces are hand painted in blue and gray and accented in 24 karat gold and sterling silver. The custom-designed board features four corner eagles, depictions of battles and leaders of both the United States and Confederate armies, and a hidden storage compartment for chess pieces.
Vanmark, www.vangroup.com/vanmark/. Known for its collections of Civil War figurines, its no wonder that the company’s chess set features an impressive collection of chess pieces. The 32-piece chess set features detailed “statues" of General Robert E. Lee as king of the Confederates and General Ulysses S. Grant as the king of the Union, with Stuart, Sherman and others playing important roles as well. The wood base stands on four pewter eagles.
Excalibur Electronics, www.excaliburelectronics.net, is known for its games, both electronic and parlor. The Civil War Commemorative Edition offers hand-painted chess pieces in bold, vibrant colors. Intricate details include pawns of soldiers in blue or gray on bended knee igniting cannons and Union and Confederate capitols flying their flags as rooks. The playing board tops a wooden case, which houses the pieces after play ends.
Other websites featuring unique chess sets include ChessSets.com, with a handmade set made of natural or hand-painted grounded stone pieces The-Chess-Shop.com, offering a pewter set atop a playing board decorated with a map with historic battle locations and LionheartChess.com, featuring a burgundy oak board and cold-cast, hand-painted chess pieces.
Other smaller Civil War collectibles can be found at many websites online. Items such as a Civil War Cannon can add quite the touch to any Civil War decorating. Shopping around - especially online - can help you find items that you never thought existed.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
