The 1870-1890 American Chess Company (Llama/Rabbit) No.5 Chess Set by “Indian Chess Company”.
What they did…
This is one of the few American Chess Company (ACC) reproductions available on the market today. As of this posting, the only other reproduction comes from Chess Bazaar, which offers a replica of the 1904 Cambridge Springs Tournament chess set. It’s important to note that this reproduction is part of a limited edition run, with only 25 sets being produced, making it a highly exclusive collector’s item.
In collaboration with Chess Praxis, led by Steven Kong, Indian Chess Company proudly presents this reproduction of the American Chess Company chess set. The goal is to faithfully capture the historical essence and design of these iconic chessmen.
The particular knights featured in this reproduction are based on pieces dating from 1870 to 1890, documented in both private collections and public archives. Although the exact origin remains somewhat mysterious, the consensus is that these sets were manufactured and marketed within the United States.
These unique chessmen, most recognizable by their spire-topped kings, are believed to date back to around 1860. This is supported by period photographs found in the famous John G. White Collection housed at the Cleveland Public Library. While several variations of these chessmen exist, the spire-topped kings and the distinctive “rabbit or llama” knights are a hallmark of this set. These charming pieces are thought to have been marketed through the American Chess Company, which started selling them in the late 1890s. The first advertisements featuring these recognizable designs appeared in the third incarnation of the American Chess Magazine.
My opinion of this design…
Adding to the set’s historical significance, chessmen with similar designs were used during the famous International Masters Tournament held at Cambridge Springs in 1904. This reproduction honors that distinguished period in chess history, offering collectors a chance to own a piece that echoes the grandeur and craftsmanship of 19th-century American chess sets.
Alan Buschmann, a dedicated collector and researcher specializing in early American Chess Company chessmen, has provided invaluable insights into this reproduction. This set represents not just a game, but a tangible link to a fascinating chapter in chess history. For anyone passionate about the legacy of early American chess or the ACC’s distinct designs, this limited-edition reproduction is a must-have treasure.
