Whats the Appeal of a Theme Chess Set?
In our online chess store in the UK - 25% of the chess set range are theme chess sets. They are wonderful productions with great attention to detail in the design of the chess set. Whether Isle of Lewis, Battle of Culloden, or Sherlock Holmes, the designs are sumptuous and wonderful. I haven’t done much statistical analysis over the last year, but I’d estimate that 10% or so of our chess set sales are theme chess sets. Why is there a market for theme chess sets?
SAC and Mascott both say that the theme chess set market has changed radically over the last few years. Mainly that it has reduced considerably in size after cheaply made products largely from China ruined the appeal. The market that is left is generally a gift oriented market. They are somewhat ideal as fairly expensive discerning gifts. A theme chess set as a gift is a gift that is remembered and on display for years, very gratifying to the giver if growingly a dust collector to the recipient. But the magnificence of the figures are surely admired.as a gift is a gift that is remembered and on display for years, very gratifying to the giver if growingly a dust collector to the recipient. But the magnificence of the figures are surely admired.
Theme chess sets such as The Battle of Waterloo, The Battle of Culloden, or The Isle of Lewis, may rarely be used to actually play chess, they may be used occasionally for a social game, but they’re really there for ornamental purposes. There is also an element of oneupmanship involved too. Better to display books than CD’s. Better to display a chess set with a historical theme than a pottery figurine or some other passe ornament. The theme chess set is seen as discerning, interesting. Only a thinking person would decide such an ornament which also has a practical side. You must therefore be such a person…