The 1974 Olympiad French Lardy chess set by “Lardy International”.

What they did…

Let me introduce you to one of the crown jewels of my collection: the incredibly rare 4.75″ King, 1974 Olympiad French Lardy, affectionately known among collectors as the “Giga-Lardy.” This set is an absolute masterpiece, and as any seasoned Lardy enthusiast will tell you, it’s nearly impossible to come by these days. Measuring in at a towering 4.75 inches for the king, with a substantial 2-inch base, this Club Size set is truly one of the largest and rarest Lardy sets ever produced.

The Giga-Lardy is not just any set; it represents a slice of chess history. These sets were created as commemorative souvenirs for the 1974 Chess Olympiad, held in Nice, France, an event that saw chess players from all over the world compete on the global stage. The French Lardy company, already well-regarded for its impeccable craftsmanship, produced these sets in very limited quantities, making them coveted collector’s items today. Nearly 50 years have passed since their release, and finding one in good condition is like finding a needle in a haystack. If you’re lucky enough to come across one, rest assured that it’s an investment you won’t regret.

What sets the Giga-Lardy apart from other Lardy sets is not just its size, but its exceptional craftsmanship. The pieces are meticulously carved, with a level of detail and precision that is unparalleled even among other Lardy sets. The knights, for instance, feature the distinctive fuller heads typical of Lardy designs, but on a grander scale, giving them a commanding presence on the board. The rooks, solid and towering, feel like fortresses in miniature, while the bishops and pawns maintain that perfect balance of simplicity and elegance that Lardy sets are known for.

One of the challenges, however, with owning a set of this size is finding a board that complements it. With a 2-inch base on the king, you need a board with at least 2.75-inch squares to accommodate the pieces comfortably. This is larger than your typical tournament board, so if you’re planning to play with the Giga-Lardy, you’ll need to make sure you have the right setup. But trust me, the visual impact of these pieces on a large board is nothing short of spectacular. Every move feels more deliberate, more monumental, when you’re playing with pieces of this size and heft. It’s as if the board becomes a battlefield, and each piece feels like a general commanding its troops.

Now, if you’re familiar with Lardy sets, you’ll know that one of the most common issues with vintage pieces is the dreaded “lean.” Many older sets, especially those that have seen heavy use, develop a slight tilt in their pieces over time, often due to the wear and tear on the wooden bases or the uneven distribution of weight. Thankfully, most Giga-Lardy sets seem to have been spared from this fate, perhaps due to their larger size and more robust construction. The pieces stand straight and tall, and as a collector, that’s a huge relief. There’s nothing more satisfying than owning a set that has stood the test of time without showing signs of degradation.

For me, as a collector of several Lardy sets, the Giga-Lardy is without a doubt the finest example of Lardy craftsmanship I’ve ever encountered. The French Lardy company, once a dominant force in the chess set market, was known for producing affordable yet high-quality sets throughout the mid-20th century. Their sets became the standard in cafés, chess clubs, and homes across Europe, admired for their simplicity, durability, and understated elegance. Yet, even within the world of Lardy sets, the Giga-Lardy stands out as a unique and rare creation, reserved only for those lucky enough to get their hands on one.

My opinion of this design…

In my collection, I have several other Lardy sets, ranging from the more common 3.5″ Club Lardy to the vintage French Tournament Lardy sets with their classic, no-frills designs. But the Giga-Lardy surpasses them all in terms of quality and craftsmanship. The sheer size of the pieces alone gives them a presence that demands attention, but it’s the attention to detail—the finely carved knights, the perfectly balanced rooks, and the smooth, polished finish of the entire set—that sets it apart. There’s something about the way the pieces feel in your hand—the weight, the balance, the texture of the wood—that makes playing with this set a truly immersive experience. Every game feels special, every move deliberate.

For any collector or Lardy enthusiast, owning a Giga-Lardy is a dream come true. It’s not just a chess set—it’s a piece of history, a testament to the golden age of chess craftsmanship, and a symbol of the grandeur and elegance of chess as both a game and an art form. If you’re a fan of Lardy sets, this one is an absolute must-have. It represents the pinnacle of what Lardy was capable of producing, and it’s a set that will continue to be admired and cherished for generations to come.

In short, the 1974 Olympiad Giga-Lardy is more than just a rare chess set—it’s a collector’s grail. If you ever have the opportunity to add one to your collection, do not hesitate. It’s a decision you’ll never regret.