r/chessporn • u/EnPassant01 • 9d ago

Wooden Drueke 82040 Chess Set?

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I recently obtained this set that appears to be a Drueke 82040, sold in the 1980s-1990s. It is weighted and felted with King height of 3.5". Some describe this set as American Staunton, while others say it was made for Drueke in India. Early versions were made from Indian Rosewood (now endangered) and maple. I do believe this is Indian Rosewood due to the dark and contrasting grain. I don't think the lighter wood is boxwood because it has clear and denser grain. The bishops are distinctive with an angular head, but appear skinnier than other Drueke examples I've seen. Later 82040 sets may have changed to a different style bishop. Any confirmation or clarification of manufacturer and origin is appreciated.

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u/Eddie_HTX 9d ago

Love those pieces. Has the esthetic I’m looking for

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u/BackToTheBasic 8d ago edited 8d ago

It is the same style as the 82040, but the Drueke branded set and all the other similar sets were made in India and were pretty widely distributed and imported by a bunch of companies, not just Drueke, and probably made and copied by multiple manufacturers. To know if it was labeled and sold as a Drueke you need the box or packaging. "Drueke 82040 style set" would be accurate. In the end, IMO it doesn't really matter. The set can be evaluated on its own for craftsmanship and design. Being labeled as Drueke doesn't make it a better or worse set, since Drueke didn't actually make the 82040 sets. I have seen very nice versions of this set and others not so much.

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u/EnPassant01 8d ago

Thanks. I think you covered all my questions.

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u/_mausmaus 8d ago

We have these pieces, and purchased from Indian supplier in 2018

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u/EnPassant01 8d ago

Was it chessbazaar? I don't see anything matching it. Do you know if they are still made or do you have an old description?

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u/BackToTheBasic 8d ago

I'll add I do like the version of the rook in your set a lot. It's a bit fatter than other 82040s I've seen and reminds me of the rooks in this set: https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-equipment/early-recent-american-chess-sets#comment-60246773. Also, Drueke boards were made in USA by Drueke and this is a big part of the treasure here. Those are famously gorgeous, high quality boards.

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u/EnPassant01 8d ago

I like the wide and thick bases on these pieces. It's not that obvious, but gives a good feeling of stability while playing.