{"product_id":"c-1945-e-s-lowe-tournament-chess-men-in-gallant-knight-case","title":"c.1945 E.S. Lowe Tournament Chess Men in Gallant Knight Case","description":"\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1bcf42u\" data-start=\"422\" data-end=\"434\"\u003eThe Piece\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"436\" data-end=\"811\"\u003eA wonderfully graphic mid-century chess set, complete with its original russet-orange case, molded two-tone pieces, and period instruction ephemera. The case is embossed \u003cstrong data-start=\"606\" data-end=\"631\"\u003e“Tournament Chessmen”\u003c\/strong\u003e and fitted with a brass-tone knight medallion at center, giving the whole piece a handsome, tailored presence that feels equal parts library game table and gentleman’s travel kit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"813\" data-end=\"1221\"\u003eWhat makes this set especially appealing is the full presentation. You are not simply buying loose chessmen. You are buying the object as it was meant to be encountered: the fitted case, the black and ivory pieces, the printed \u003cstrong data-start=\"1040\" data-end=\"1064\"\u003eTournament Chess Men\u003c\/strong\u003e insert, and the companion Gallant Knight advertising card still tucked inside. It has that rare, complete look collectors and decorators are always chasing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1223\" data-end=\"1585\"\u003eVisually, it lands somewhere between utility and style. The pieces follow a classic Staunton-inspired form, but the warm case and glossy high-contrast pieces give it far more personality than a standard later plastic set. It reads beautifully on a cocktail table, in a study, on open shelving, or layered into a masculine interior with books, leather, and brass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1vshzo8\" data-start=\"1587\" data-end=\"1610\"\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Provenance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1612\" data-end=\"2264\"\u003eThe paper insert shown in your photos is dated \u003cstrong data-start=\"1659\" data-end=\"1667\"\u003e1945\u003c\/strong\u003e and identifies the set as \u003cstrong data-start=\"1694\" data-end=\"1720\"\u003e“Tournament Chess Men”\u003c\/strong\u003e by \u003cstrong data-start=\"1724\" data-end=\"1748\"\u003eE. S. Lowe Co., Inc.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e The interior card in your photos also references \u003cstrong data-start=\"1836\" data-end=\"1878\"\u003eGallant Knight Co. of Lodi, New Jersey\u003c\/strong\u003e, suggesting this example was sold or distributed under the Gallant Knight name while using E. S. Lowe-branded tournament materials, which fits the kind of mid-century game manufacturing and private-label distribution common in the period. The surviving game-trade references also place \u003cstrong data-start=\"2165\" data-end=\"2187\"\u003eGallant Knight Co.\u003c\/strong\u003e in the chess market by the late 1940s. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2266\" data-end=\"2533\"\u003eE. S. Lowe is best remembered as an American game company associated with accessible, mass-market tabletop games in the mid-20th century, and period secondary-market references still show surviving chess sets from this 1945 line. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2535\" data-end=\"2733\"\u003eBased on the dated insert, original case construction, typography, and surviving materials present here, this set is best cataloged as \u003cstrong data-start=\"2670\" data-end=\"2684\"\u003ecirca 1945\u003c\/strong\u003e, American. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"ttlky4\" data-start=\"2735\" data-end=\"2759\"\u003eDesign \u0026amp; Construction\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2761\" data-end=\"3112\"\u003eThe set includes molded chessmen in contrasting \u003cstrong data-start=\"2809\" data-end=\"2828\"\u003eblack and cream\u003c\/strong\u003e, housed in a fitted \u003cstrong data-start=\"2849\" data-end=\"2895\"\u003ered-orange leatherette or composition case\u003c\/strong\u003e with a \u003cstrong data-start=\"2903\" data-end=\"2931\"\u003ewood-grain interior tray\u003c\/strong\u003e. The lid is embossed with geometric paneling and mounted with a central knight emblem, which gives the case a much more decorative look than later purely utilitarian storage boxes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3114\" data-end=\"3261\"\u003eThat exterior is part of the charm. It is not shy. It has presence. Closed, it displays as a sculptural object. Opened, it becomes a full vignette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"189qedo\" data-start=\"3263\" data-end=\"3281\"\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"TyagGW_tableContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"group TyagGW_tableWrapper flex flex-col-reverse w-fit\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003ctable data-start=\"3283\" data-end=\"4050\" class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\"\u003e\n\u003cthead data-start=\"3283\" data-end=\"3307\"\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3283\" data-end=\"3307\"\u003e\n\u003cth data-start=\"3283\" data-end=\"3292\" data-col-size=\"sm\" class=\"\"\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth data-start=\"3292\" data-end=\"3307\" data-col-size=\"xl\" class=\"\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody data-start=\"3318\" data-end=\"4050\"\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3318\" data-end=\"3384\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3318\" data-end=\"3325\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eItem\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3325\" data-end=\"3384\" data-col-size=\"xl\"\u003eTournament Chess Men set with original case and inserts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3385\" data-end=\"3471\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3385\" data-end=\"3393\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eMaker\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3393\" data-end=\"3471\" data-col-size=\"xl\"\u003eE. S. Lowe Co., Inc.; Gallant Knight Co. retailer\/distributor card present\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3472\" data-end=\"3491\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3472\" data-end=\"3480\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eCirca\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3480\" data-end=\"3491\" data-col-size=\"xl\"\u003ec. 1945\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3492\" data-end=\"3518\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3492\" data-end=\"3501\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3501\" data-end=\"3518\" data-col-size=\"xl\"\u003eUnited States\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3519\" data-end=\"3615\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3519\" data-end=\"3531\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eMaterials\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3531\" data-end=\"3615\" data-col-size=\"xl\"\u003eMolded composition\/plastic chessmen, leatherette\/composition case, paper inserts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3616\" data-end=\"3670\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3616\" data-end=\"3624\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eColor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3624\" data-end=\"3670\" data-col-size=\"xl\"\u003eBlack and cream pieces; russet-orange case\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3671\" data-end=\"3781\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3671\" data-end=\"3682\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eContents\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3682\" data-end=\"3781\" data-col-size=\"xl\"\u003eChess pieces, original case, printed tournament insert, Gallant Knight card, folded chess guide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3782\" data-end=\"3858\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3782\" data-end=\"3790\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eStyle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3790\" data-end=\"3858\" data-col-size=\"xl\"\u003eMid-century game set, library décor, gentleman’s study accessory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-start=\"3859\" data-end=\"4050\"\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3859\" data-end=\"3871\" data-col-size=\"sm\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-start=\"3871\" data-end=\"4050\" data-col-size=\"xl\"\u003eVintage condition with age-appropriate wear to case edges and surface, expected scuffs and handling wear to pieces and paper ephemera; attractive original presentation overall\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"16j4o9l\" data-start=\"4052\" data-end=\"4082\"\u003eWhy It Belongs in Your Home\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4084\" data-end=\"4171\"\u003eBecause it does more than sit there looking “vintage.” This one actually tells a story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4173\" data-end=\"4488\"\u003eIt brings instant atmosphere to a room without trying too hard. On a shelf, it adds structure and color. On a table, it invites interaction. In a study or den, it gives that collected, literate, quietly competitive mood people are forever trying to fake with new décor from big-box stores pretending to have a past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4490\" data-end=\"4516\"\u003eThis one actually has one.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Viridian Eclection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43160577638505,"sku":null,"price":129.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0651\/0093\/9369\/files\/42CAAECB-33CB-4DE5-8FB0-63D50FEA0D20_1_105_c.jpg?v=1777174345","url":"https:\/\/viridianeclection.com\/products\/c-1945-e-s-lowe-tournament-chess-men-in-gallant-knight-case","provider":"Viridian Eclection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}