The 1950’s Drueke No.23 chess set by “WM. F. Drueke & Sons”.

What they did…

The American Design holds a unique place in the world of chess set craftsmanship, and it has intrigued me for years as both a player and a seasoned collector. The geometric precision and architectural influence behind this design set it apart from the more traditional Staunton sets, and I often wonder about the inspiration that led to its creation. Filed for patent on June 9, 1941, this octagonal variation of the classic Staunton is nothing short of a modernist marvel, blending elegance with innovation.

What makes this design particularly fascinating is its departure from wood to plastic—a bold move at the time by Drueke. The transition into plastic production, likely outsourced until Drueke acquired their own injection equipment in 1954, marked a turning point in the evolution of chess sets, and the American Design was at the forefront of this shift.

While only produced in one size, the set was offered in various configurations, including the striking combinations of white and black, and the more unusual white and red. The mystery of this particular combination only adds to the allure of the American Design.

The set’s classification system also piques my curiosity, ranging from the basic unweighted, unfelted #20 model to the fully weighted and felted #24, housed in an elegant leatherette-covered box. There are subtle variations in the design as well, particularly in the queens, which have different coronet shapes—one with a taller, more scalloped crown, and the other with a flatter design. The reason for these differences remains unclear, adding another layer of intrigue to this already captivating design.

My opinion of this design…

As a collector, this set stands out as one of the most architecturally and geometrically interesting, a true testament to American ingenuity and innovation in chess set design.