The 1960’s Drueke #38 Imperial chess set by “WM. F. Drueke & Sons”.
What they did…
The Drueke #38 “Imperial” chess set, featuring a 5-inch king, is crafted from CYCOLAC, a durable plastic developed by Borg-Warner Corporation. The pieces are weighted, felted, and made with a unique ABS plastic injection that gives them a wood grain appearance, enhancing the look and feel of traditional wood in a more resilient material. As the pinnacle of the “Luxury Line Series,” the Imperial set was designed with detailed craftsmanship, including a substantial king base of 2 1/4 inches in diameter. Recommended boards include the Drueke No. 66 folding board, No. 65 solid block board, or the No. 767 chess table, which pair well with the Imperial’s size and style.
The Drueke No. 38 Imperial Chess Set comes in a plywood box with a double slide cover, giving it additional protection and making it an impressive set to display or store. Each piece in this series was made to be triple-weighted, ensuring a satisfying heft during play, and the entire set weighs approximately 8 pounds. The Imperial set stands out with its “Pseudo-Wood Natural” and “Pseudo-Wood Walnut” colors, which differ from the standard black and ivory of other sets in the Players’ Choice line. Notably, a limited number of Imperial sets were produced each year, only about 25 to 50, due to the meticulous production process needed for the larger size. This exclusivity, paired with the luxurious look, makes it highly sought after by collectors.
In the broader Players’ Choice series, there were also smaller, weighted sets available, including the analysis set with a 2½-inch king and a tournament set with a 3½-inch king. Although some sets featured a unique red color in the 1980s, these were less popular than the standard shades. For the discerning collector or chess enthusiast, the Imperial set represents the height of mid-century chess design and is an iconic example of quality and craftsmanship.
My opinion of this design…
One of the most impressive aspects of the Imperial set is its weight. At around 8 pounds, it’s notably hefty, with each piece being felted and triple-weighted for a premium playing experience. In a time when many chess sets were becoming lighter and more portable, Drueke went in the opposite direction, making a set that’s unapologetically substantial. The decision to include this weight is more than aesthetic; it ensures each piece feels balanced in the hand, enhancing the tactical satisfaction of gameplay. This heavy construction also gives the set a presence on the board that commands attention, making it a favorite among both players and collectors.
For the collector or serious chess enthusiast, the Drueke No. 38 Imperial offers a rare blend of history, artistry, and playability. It’s more than a game; it’s a statement piece that continues to be cherished, not only for its elegant design but also for the deliberate craftsmanship and detail that went into each set. It captures an era when quality and artistry were paramount, and each move on the board feels as much a tribute to the game’s history as it does to the set itself.
