Checkmate

One of the more unusual lots in our upcoming Silver Auction (8 April), is a silver and silver gilt chess set made by Cyril Enfield in London, 1972 (Lot 432). 

This set was made to commemorate the World Chess Championship of that year, played between challenger Bobby Fisher of the USA and defending champion Boris Spassky of the USSR. 

In a game that has been dubbed the ‘Match of the Century’, Fisher became the first American to win the title, ending twenty-four years of Soviet dominance. Played against the backdrop of the Cold War, the outcome was subject to much political scrutiny, and Fisher was greeted back to a hero’s welcome, at that time unheard of for a chess champion. 

This set would be a stunning addition to any player’s collection and comes during a time of growing popularity for the game, what with an international lockdown having confined us to our homes for over a year now, as well as the success of the recent television series ‘The Queen’s Gambit’. 

For your chance to own this and many other choice examples of the finest of British, Continental and American silver, be sure to join us for what promises to be a very special auction. 

Click here to view the full catalogue. >>

James Bruce

Do you have silver you would like to sell at auction? Perhaps a Georgian piece, or something from the Victorian era? For a free no-obligation auction valuation, pop into McTear’s Monday-Friday this week, or email james@mctears.co.uk