The 1970 Jaques #50040 -“Fischer / Spassky” Reykjavik chess set by “Jaques of London”.

What they did…

This original Jaques #50040 -Fischer / Spassky Chess Set, dating from around 1970, is a significant piece of chess history. The English leather-specialist firm Geoffrey Parker Games has long contended that they provided the suede pads and specially designed/crafted leather chests which housed the Jaques-manufactured pieces supplied to the Fischer-Spassky match organizers in Reykjavik in 1972. The King, standing at 3-3/4″ with a 1-5/8″ base diameter, is stamped “Jaques London,” signifying its authenticity. The iconic red crown on the Kingside Rooks and Knights further enhances its heritage..

This set’s connection to the legendary 1972 World Championship between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky elevates its status. The design Fischer demanded for his iconic Cold War match—a game that transcended chess to become a globally followed event—makes these chessmen more than just pieces on a board. They are a symbol of Fischer’s remarkable triumph over the Soviet Union’s 30-year reign in the chess world.

The Geoffrey Parker chess sets have a fascinating history rooted in the 1972 World Chess Championship between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky in Reykjavik. These sets are a refined variation of the classic Staunton design used during the tournament and were crafted from high-quality materials such as boxwood and ebony wood, with weighted, embossed suede leather bases to ensure quality, optimal balance and playability. Rather than being the sets used on stage, they were produced as luxury commemorative items and presentation gifts, encased in distinctive “book-style” leather cases. These handcrafted cases feature raised, gold-embossed lettering and are lined with suede leather , designed to evoke the elegance of a classic book while securely housing the individually-fitted compartments for the pieces. Distributed to officials, VIPs, and dignitaries involved with the championship, these “sister sets” share the same production lineage as the official play sets and have become incredibly scarce and highly prized among collectors, reflecting the high standards and legacy of craftsmanship associated with Jaques of London, Geoffrey Parker and the historic match.

My opinion of this design…

The Jaques Original Fischer Spassky Chess Set from 1970 is a remarkable piece with strong historical significance. Crafted from Boxwood and Ebony, the pieces are heavily weighted and come with suede leather base pads, offering excellent stability and a premium feel. Though it lacks some of the finer craftsmanship seen in earlier Jaques sets, it remains highly playable and durable, making it ideal for serious chess enthusiasts. Its connection to the iconic 1972 Fischer-Spassky World Championship match adds considerable value and makes it a must-have for collectors.