The 1890-1930’s Ernest Vincent (Dortan) Glass Eyed chess set by “Ernest Vincent of the Alexandre Vincent Company”.
WhO WAS ERNEST VINCENT?…
Ernest Vincent (1878–1952) served as the mayor of Dortan, France, from 1919 to 1925, a period marked by significant reconstruction and growth in the aftermath of World War I. Known for his forward-thinking leadership, Vincent championed local industries and infrastructure development to revitalize the region.
During this era, the Alexandre Vincent company, likely tied to Ernest’s entrepreneurial vision, emerged as a significant player in the production of wooden goods, including chess sets and board games. Renowned for their quality and craftsmanship, these products gained popularity in France and beyond, becoming a symbol of the region’s artisanal heritage. Notably, Vincent was personally commissioned through Jaques between 1890 and 1914 to produce chess sets, which added a distinctive dimension to the company’s offerings. These collaborations resulted in unique designs that combined the refinement of Jaques’ standards with the innovative flair of Vincent’s workshops, making these sets a rare and valuable chapter in the company’s history.
The company later transitioned ownership to the Pichon company, which merged the two entities into Pichon-Vincent. This new enterprise adapted to the evolving market demands of the mid-20th century by incorporating modern materials like plastic alongside traditional wood. Under the brand Phidias, they continued to produce chess sets, board games, and other recreational products.
Operating in Oyonnax, a hub for manufacturing and innovation in plastics, Pichon-Vincent exemplified the successful blending of tradition and innovation. Their products retained the artisanal touch of their predecessors while embracing the efficiency and versatility of modern production methods. The Phidias brand remained active until the 1970s, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of chess and board games.
Ernest Vincent’s tenure as mayor and the legacy of the Vincent company highlight a fascinating intersection of leadership, craftsmanship, and industrial progress, contributing to the rich cultural and economic fabric of the region. Today, the chess sets and board games produced under these brands, particularly those from the Jaques collaboration, are cherished as collectibles and artifacts of a bygone era.
My opinion of this design…
The chess sets produced by the Alexandre Vincent company between 1890-1930s exude an exceptional blend of artistry and precision that captures the spirit of early 20th-century craftsmanship. These sets are a testament to the company’s dedication to quality, reflecting an era when chess was not just a game but a cultural and intellectual pursuit.
Each piece of these chess sets bears the hallmark of meticulous handcrafting, with woodwork that showcases a deep understanding of form and function. The design is both elegant and practical, striking a balance that appeals to players and collectors alike. The choice of materials, predominantly high-quality woods, lends a warm, organic feel to the pieces, enhancing the tactile experience of the game.
What makes these sets particularly fascinating is their historical context. Created during a period of post-war recovery and industrial innovation, they symbolize resilience and the enduring appeal of traditional craftsmanship in a rapidly modernizing world. Their design embodies the artistic movements of the time, blending classic European influences with a simplicity that remains timeless.
To own an Alexandre Vincent chess set from this era is to hold a piece of history in your hands—a functional work of art that has witnessed decades of human ingenuity and passion. Whether used for play or displayed as a collector’s item, these sets carry a legacy of refinement and dedication that continues to inspire admiration today.
