The 1950’s Bohemia Dog (Dragon) Knights Chess set by “Bohemia”.
What they did…
The history of the Bohemia Chess Factory proved challenging due to the limited information available online, I hope this explanation adds to the existing knowledge. Founded in Querfurt, Saxony-Anhalt in 1946, shortly after World War II, the Bohemia factory relocated in 1952 to Heiligkreuzsteinach, in the Odenwald region near Heidelberg. Sadly, in 2019, the company closed when its former owner and managing director, Edda Dittler, was unable to find a successor upon her retirement.
One of Bohemia’s most cherished creations was the “Dragon Knight” collection, meticulously handcrafted from maple and walnut, with a balanced weight that made it particularly appealing to collectors. Produced primarily in the 1960s, these sets in the 1950’s originally featured Bishops with opposite-colored finials, though later versions transitioned to uniform finials. The renowned “Chicken” Knight set, likely produced between the late 1960s and 1970, was even used in the 1970 Chess Olympiad in Siegen, Germany. The names “Dragon” and “Chicken” Knight refer to distinct series created by Bohemia. It’s worth noting that “Bohemia” is the company name rather than a reference to the Bohemian region in the Czech Republic, a common point of confusion (including for myself initially).
Examining my recent acquisition, the Bohemia “Dragon” Knight features intricate craftsmanship: a fiery-looking mane, a robust head, and a slender neck, with pointed ears and an open mouth that give it a distinctive character. Though some liken it to a dog, I find the “Dragon” title more fitting given its unique appearance. Notably, Bishops in these German sets lack the slits typically seen on their mitres, while the Rooks feature a flat top. It was enlightening to learn that these sets were made from walnut, with the white pieces crafted from maple, combining both aesthetics and functionality.
For those interested in reproductions, companies such as the House of Staunton (HOS) and Chess Bazaar (CB) offer replicas that largely stay true to the original design, though, in my view, the Rooks in these reproductions deviate too far from the authentic style. A slight discrepancy exists in the naming of these reproductions, with HOS referring to them as “Bohemian” and CB as “Bohemia.”
My opinion of this design…
This chess set is one of my absolute favorites, whether for travel or for club play. When I’m looking for a vintage design with a classic feel, this set is the perfect choice. Each piece is beautifully balanced, with proportions and heights that are just right. As these vintage sets become increasingly rare, I feel incredibly fortunate to already own one. I also have a deep appreciation for the unique look of maple and walnut pieces, which give this set a distinctive character that sets it apart from most others.
