The Chess Collective

Introduction: In the enthralling realm where chess and philately converge, the fascinating pursuit of collecting chess-themed stamps stands as a testament to the enduring allure of both passions. Recently, in the August edition of the Chess Collector Hangout, I had the pleasure of speaking with Chess Grand Master Jon Edwards, a distinguished chess player (particularly, he is the 2023 World Correspondence Chess Champion) and an ardent collector.  I was astonished to learn about his extraordinary passion for philately and chess-related memorabilia. Jon's dedication to his collection is truly remarkable, as he possesses an impressive assemblage of over 250 binders filled with an array of captivating chess stamps and other mail-related artifacts. While discussing his collection, Jon graciously shared insights into one of his prized compilations, aptly titled "Our 60 Memorable Gems." It became evident that Jon's expansive collection represents not only a remarkable assembl...

  Recently, I had the privilege of connecting with Fabiano Ferreira, a distinguished chess collector from southern Brazil, to embark on a captivating journey through his extraordinary collection. Despite his demanding profession as an Oncologist, Fabiano generously allocated his precious time to provide insights into his cherished chess sets and unravel the fascinating stories behind them. Throughout our virtual encounter, he unveiled a series of intriguing chess sets, each holding its own unique significance. I have included the PGNs (Portable Game Notation) at the end, allowing you to delve into the games played on these remarkable chess sets that Fabiano so graciously shared with me. A Glimpse into the Past: Fabiano's collection boasted an array of original chess sets from significant events in chess history. Our virtual encounter opened the doors to the renowned Hastings 1885 chess congress, a historic tournament that witnessed the rivalry between eminent players of the era. As...

Introduction: For the June episode of the Chess Collector Hangout, a video podcast by the Chess Collective, I engaged in a fascinating conversation with National Master John Miller, an esteemed chess collector and player. With over 50 years of experience and an extensive knowledge of the chess world, John is a true gem in the community. From his remarkable achievements as a player to his passion for collecting antique chess sets, this conversation offers profound insights into the intriguing realm of chess collectors and players. Calvert Chess Set from The Jon Crumiller Collection  (Courtesy of J. Crumiller) Unveiling John Miller's Chess Journey: Meet John Miller, fondly known as the "Forest Gump of Chess," who has dedicated his life to the game for more than half a century. John's journey began with a victory in the Delaware state championship in 1976, leading him to attain the title of National Master in 2001. His list of accomplishments is impressive, having playe...

Guatemalan Chess set of Brazil (Courtesy of S. Kong) Introduction: In a recent interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Stephen Kong, also known as Chess Praxis, a passionate chess set collector with an impressive collection of over 600 sets from around the world. During our conversation, we delved into his fascination with Latin American chess sets, particularly those from Brazil and Argentina. Stephen shared his insights and showcased some of his favorite sets, taking us on a captivating journey through the history and design of chess in these countries. The Fascinating World of Brazilian Chess Sets: Our interview began by focusing on Brazilian chess sets. Stephen's collection includes a diverse range of sets, from vintage classics to modern tournament sets. One standout piece is the 1970 Brazilian Tournament Set, known for its robust and sturdy design. Another captivating set is the 1979 Rio de Janeiro Interzonal Tournament set, which features a rare storage box and unique...

Nosh's Jaques Set (Courtesy of N. Patel) Introduction: Chess, a game that has captivated minds and challenged strategists for centuries, has also gained a significant following in the world of collectors. The allure of intricate chess sets, with their unique designs and historical significance, has drawn enthusiasts from all walks of life. In this blog series, I delve into the fascinating world of chess collectors and their passion for the game. In this interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Noshir (Nosh) Patel, an avid chess collector and enthusiast, who shared his incredible collection and his journey through the chess community. Setting the Stage: My interview with Nosh Patel began on an intriguing note. As we chatted, Nosh recounted a memorable encounter with a chess set that sparked his interest in collecting. "I was at a local event, and I stumbled upon this chess set that caught my eye," he shared. "I spoke to the seller and realized it wasn't just...