The 1880-1890’s American Chess Company Llama/Rabbit No.4 chess set by “American Chess Company”.

What they did…

The American Chess Company set is, without a doubt, one of the most enigmatic and fascinating designs in chess history. As an avid player and collector, this set has captured my imagination like few others. Its origins remain shrouded in mystery—though we know it was sold through an American company, it’s unclear whether the pieces were actually designed and produced in the U.S. or imported from somewhere else. Some speculate that the set could have been crafted in countries like France, Germany, or even Russia, based on the distinctive finials, especially the spired design of the king. These details suggest a European influence, but the true story behind its creation remains elusive.
What we do know is that this set was marketed and sold in America, appearing in various magazines and catalogs, making it accessible to chess enthusiasts of the late 19th & 20th centuries. One of the earliest known images of the American Chess Company design—particularly the unique spired king—can be traced back to the third incarnation of the American Chess Magazine, a publication distributed by the American News Company, founded in 1864 by Sinclair Tousey. This set was later mentioned explicitly in American Chess Magazine Vol. 2, No. 4 (March 1899), on page 396, marking its place in chess history.
What makes this set even more intriguing is its rarity. Very few examples have survived the passage of time, and to date, there is only one known set that might be connected to the famous 1904 Cambridge Springs Tournament. Owning one of these antique sets is like holding a piece of chess history in your hands, and as a collector, the allure of its design is irresistible. The unique, almost architectural structure of the pieces, combined with the mystery of its origins, makes it one of my absolute favorite sets in my collection.

My opinion of this design…

The craftsmanship is stunning—the spired king is iconic, the knights have a charm all their own, and the overall design speaks to an era of chess when artistry and functionality went hand in hand. The rarity of the set only adds to its mystique. I find myself constantly on the lookout for another American Chess Company set to add to my collection, though I know these sets are becoming harder and harder to find as more collectors snatch them up.
If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one, you’ll quickly understand why this set is so coveted. The design is unlike anything else, and it holds a special place in the heart of any serious chess collector. If anyone out there has more information about the American Chess Company or the origins of this set, I urge you to share it with the chess community. We need to preserve the history and stories behind these pieces before they are lost to time.