The French Lardy (Glasseyed) chess set by “Lardy International”.
What they did…
As both a seasoned chess player and an avid collector of some of the world’s finest chess sets, I have always held a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and historical significance of the Cavalier Chessmen by Lardy International of France. Often sold under the Kismet name, these individual chess pieces were masterfully crafted from finely figured Olivewood and Rosewood, each set perfectly weighted and meticulously cushioned atop green felt base pads. They were offered in a variety of sizes, all maintaining an elegant natural finish that responded beautifully to a simple buffing with a cotton cloth—showcasing their understated brilliance.
One cannot discuss the Cavalier set without mentioning its most striking feature—the whimsical knight. With its distinctive white ceramic eyes and black pupils, this knight is an artistic triumph, embodying a playful yet sophisticated character that sets it apart from any other design of the era. These sets, produced after World War II, likely around 1970, were housed in divided cardboard boxes, a testament to their utilitarian yet refined nature.
The glass-eyed Lardy Chessmen, marketed in the U.S. under both the Cavalier and Kismet names, made a lasting impact on the chess world. Advertisements from the 1960s reveal that earlier versions were lacquered, while later models embraced a more natural penetrating oil finish, lending them a timeless appeal. Founded in 1890 in Dortan near Oyonnax, Lardy became a significant player in the post-war chess set market, exporting large numbers to the USA and England. Sadly, by the 1970s and 1980s, the rise of cheap knock-offs produced in India flooded these markets. While these imitations lacked the quality and craftsmanship of the original Lardy sets, their affordability led to widespread sales, ultimately contributing to Lardy’s unfortunate closure in 1992.
It’s important to note that Lardy was not alone in the French chess scene. Other distinguished manufacturers, such as Chavet and Drueke, also sought to capture the attention of discerning players and collectors with their own high-quality yet affordably priced sets. But for me, the Cavalier Chessmen will always stand as a hallmark of post-war chess elegance and innovation.
My opinion of this design…
I must admit that while I haven’t played an extensive number of games with this particular Lardy set, the experience of handling them is nothing short of delightful. Much like all of Lardy’s creations, these pieces possess an innate charm that elevates the tactile pleasure of every move. The balance, the weight, and the craftsmanship converge to make each game feel special, even if the set is not often in rotation.
For any serious collector, the Lardy sets are an absolute must-have—pieces of chess history that deserve a place of prominence in one’s collection. And truthfully, owning more than one Lardy set is not only understandable but almost inevitable for those who appreciate their legacy and enduring appeal.
