The 1904 Cambridge Springs International Tournament (ACC) chess set by “Chess Bazaar”.

What they did…

The 1904 Cambridge Springs International Congress Tournament Chess Set holds a special place in my personal collection, a masterpiece both in form and historical significance. This Staunton-style set, meticulously crafted from ebonized boxwood and antiqued boxwood, is a homage to one of the most iconic tournaments in chess history—the 1904 Cambridge Springs International Chess Congress. The tournament, which marked the first major international chess event held in the United States during the 20th century, has left an indelible mark on the annals of chess, and this chess set is a fitting tribute to that legacy.

The knights in this set are truly remarkable, showcasing the incredible skill of Indian artisans who have achieved a level of carving that is nothing short of extraordinary. The attention to the knight’s expression, mane, and posture conveys both elegance and fierceness, characteristics essential for a piece that embodies strategy and agility on the board. The craftsmanship across all the pieces, from the Rooks to the Bishops, speaks to a level of artistry that is rarely seen in modern reproductions.

This chess set, designed specifically for the 1904 Cambridge Springs International Chess Congress, is more than just a tool for playing; it’s a direct connection to a watershed moment in chess history. Held at the prestigious Hotel Rider in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, this tournament was the first of its kind in America in the 20th century, attracting some of the most celebrated players of the time. The roster included legendary figures such as:

The format of the tournament was a single-round-robin, with each participant playing 15 games. The time control of 30 moves in 2 hours followed by 15 moves per hour was particularly grueling, placing a premium on both quick calculation and deep strategy. The tournament’s significance was amplified by the rare appearance of Emanuel Lasker, whose presence after a long hiatus raised the stakes for every competitor.

• Emanuel Lasker, the reigning World Chess Champion, who had not played in a tournament since 1900 and wouldn’t play again until 1909. His participation alone added immense prestige to the event.
• Mikhail Chigorin, the Russian champion and one of the most important figures in the development of modern chess.
• Harry Nelson Pillsbury, the American chess sensation, famous for his victory at Hastings in 1895, considered one of the greatest tournaments of the 19th century.
• Jackson Showalter, a six-time U.S. Chess Champion and a key figure in American chess during that era.
• Frank Marshall, marked his rise to prominence in American chess and he would eventually reign as champion of the United States for twenty-six years.

(From top to bottom:) H. Helms, H. Cassel, J. Redding, W. Van Antwerp, C. Schlechter, F.J. Marshall, Em. Lasker, M. Chigorin, J. Mieses, G. Marco, I. Rice, D. Janowsky, J.W. Showalter, A.B. Hodges, A.W. Fox, H.N. Pillsbury, T.F. Lawrence, W.E. Napier, R. Teichmann, H. Ridder, E. Delmar, J. Barry

My opinion of this design…

For collectors, the 1904 Cambridge Springs Chess Set is not merely a beautiful artifact—it is a testament to the legacy of one of the most influential tournaments in chess history. The tournament is remembered not only for its stellar cast of players but also for its role in elevating American chess onto the international stage. Owning this set is like holding a piece of that history in your hands, a tangible link to the era when champions like Lasker, Chigorin, and Pillsbury were reshaping the game. Also, it is basically almost impossible to find an authentic set from the tournament, so this is the closes it gets to the real thing!

The finely crafted pieces, the attention to historical accuracy, and the weight of this set make it an essential part of any serious chess collection. Whether used for play or proudly displayed, the 1904 Cambridge Springs International Chess Congress Set stands as a peerless representation of the best in chess design, craftsmanship, and historical significance. It is truly a collector’s gem that transcends its functionality to become a work of art.