The 1950’s Gallant Knights 5″ (club size) chess set by “Gallant Knight”.
What they did…
The “5-Inch Gallant Knight Tournament Chess Pieces” from the 1950s were crafted by Gallant Knight, a company that initially operated out of Lake Villa, Illinois, and later Chicago. Known for their durability, the pieces are made of Tenite plastic, a type of cellulose-based plastic known for its strength and slightly mottled appearance, giving the pieces an ivory-like quality. Gallant Knight sets come in various color combinations, including black and ivory, and rarer red and white pieces. The design follows a Staunton style, with weighted and felted bases for stability during play.
The Gallant Knight sets were marketed as club-size tournament sets, featuring kings as tall as 5 inches, ideally suited for boards with larger squares (2.5 to 2.65 inches). The pieces were initially heavy, but later versions had lighter weights due to changes in manufacturing practices. Each set came housed in a sturdy, hinged leatherette-covered cardboard box, although the box often shows wear over time. These sets were initially quite affordable and are now valued as collectible items, especially among chess enthusiasts who appreciate their vintage appeal.
Owners describe these as well-weighted, with a satisfying heft that mimics wood chess pieces, making them popular for both display and casual play. This set was distributed widely and remains a nostalgic item for chess enthusiasts, with some sets even featuring tournament paperwork, adding to their authenticity and charm as a collector’s piece.
My opinion of this design…
I value this set’s accessibility within the world of collectibles. While some vintage chess sets come with high price tags, the Gallant Knight set is generally more affordable, making it a desirable option for both new collectors and enthusiasts seeking a quality, playable vintage item. This combination of style, historical appeal, and durability makes the Gallant Knight Tournament Chess Set a prized item for serious players and vintage lovers alike
