The 1930’s Botvinnik-Flohr Chess set by “Unknown”.

What they did…

As a passionate chess collector, I am thrilled to share this intriguing set (acquired by: Николай Филатов “Nick” of WorldChessSets @ https://www.etsy.com/shop/WorldChessSets?ref=profile_header) , which has sparked debates among some of the foremost Soviet chess collectors. There’s an ongoing discussion about whether this set belongs to the “Botvinnik-Flohr” family or the “Smyslov” Chessmen family. Personally, I lean toward classifying it as part of the “Botvinnik-Flohr” lineage for several reasons.

One key distinction lies in the stem design. Unlike the “Smyslov” sets, which feature a “trumpeted stem” design, this set has stems with a “concave curve” that more closely resembles the “Botvinnik-Flohr” and “Voronezh” styles. Additionally, the stems on this set are narrowest at the middle, whereas “Smyslov” sets are narrowest at the bottom of their stems. Another notable difference is in the bishops: “Smyslov” sets typically have very large tops with flattened balls, while this set’s bishops display more balanced proportions and rounded balls like the 1933 Botvinnik-Flohr set.

While it’s true that both the “Smyslov” and 1933 “Botvinnik-Flohr” sets share several design similarities, the details I’ve outlined align this set more with the 1933 “Botvinnik-Flohr” style. In my opinion, this set might have been crafted by the same artisan who created the late Antonio Fabiano’s and current owner Wittgenstein Ferreira’s set, as they share striking similarities in design and craftsmanship.

Furthermore, this set is remarkably similar to those owned by Steven Kong and Murat Dzhemakulov, albeit with a few differences.

With all these observations in mind, I believe it is fair to label this a “1930s Botvinnik-Flohr” chess set. However, I welcome any additional insights, corrections, or debates regarding this set’s design and classification. My goal is to document and display this set as accurately and historically as possible—not simply to confirm a personal preference.

Like any collector, I strive for precision, but I acknowledge that mistakes can happen. If anyone has further thoughts or evidence to contribute, I encourage you to share. Honest collaboration is invaluable in preserving the rich history of chess sets like this one.

My opinion of this design…

This chess set is one of my absolute favorites, not only for its stunning design but also for the rich historical significance it embodies. Its rarity and the challenge of acquiring a set like this make it an extraordinary treasure in my collection. Owning a set that may belong to the “Botvinnik-Flohr” family is both astonishing and deeply rewarding.

When I seek a vintage design with timeless elegance, this set stands out as the ideal choice. Each piece is perfectly balanced, with proportions and heights that capture a harmonious aesthetic. The craftsmanship exudes a classic charm that reflects the era it represents.

As these vintage sets grow increasingly rare and nearly impossible to find, I feel incredibly fortunate to already have one in my collection. The distinctive design of the knights is a particular highlight for me; their unique character and style set this set apart from most others and make it truly unforgettable.