Antique Chess Sets: Featuring Holger Langer

Title: An Interview with Holger Langer: Exploring the World of Chess Collecting

Introduction:

In a recent interview with Holger Langer, a passionate chess collector and author, we delved into his journey of collecting chess pieces and his extensive knowledge on the subject. From his humble beginnings in a small village in Germany to becoming an avid collector with over 250 chess sets, Holger shared fascinating insights into his passion. In this blog post, we summarize the highlights of our conversation, including his motivation for collecting, his website, and his book.

The Fascination with Chess:

Holger's love for chess goes beyond the game itself. He is captivated by the aesthetics and the delicate design of chess pieces. Growing up without access to a chess club, he played the game casually with friends and family. However, his affinity for the beauty and variety of chess sets led him to explore the world of collecting.

Creating a Website:

As Holger's collection grew, he felt compelled to share his chess sets with other collectors and enthusiasts. To accomplish this, he created a website called Chess-Collection.de, where he documented his collection and provided a platform for exchanging knowledge and insights with fellow collectors. The website continues to expand as Holger adds new chess sets and updates information about them.

The Book Project:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Holger embarked on writing a book, which became his passion project. His aim was to compile and consolidate the vast amount of information available on chess sets, focusing on their history, styles, and origins. With an emphasis on antique sets, his book offers valuable insights for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Finding Focus in Collecting:

Holger advises new collectors to find their focus early on. While he initially bought various chess sets that caught his eye, he soon realized that a focused collection offers a more rewarding experience. He decided to concentrate on antique sets, primarily from the 19th century or earlier. However, he occasionally adds early 20th-century sets to his collection if they particularly captivate him.

Exploring Chess Sets Worldwide:

Holger's collection encompasses chess sets from various countries, with notable sections dedicated to Philippine and Romanian chess sets. The Philippine sets hold personal significance for him as they connect to his family's cultural heritage. Additionally, a Romanian friend's generous gift sparked an interest in Romanian chess sets, and Holger included them in his collection.

The Book's Contribution:

Holger's book serves as both a reference guide and an enjoyable read for chess enthusiasts. By incorporating examples from his own collection, he offers suggestions on how to approach collecting and provides readers with historical context and insights into different chess set styles. The book consolidates information from various sources, including the Chess Collectors International magazine and auction catalogs, making it a valuable resource for collectors.

Chess Clocks and Travel Chess Sets:

In addition to his extensive chess set collection, Holger also has a passion for chess clocks. One remarkable clock in his possession is a rare Paul Posisis clock from Germany, which was used during the 1936 Chess Olympiad in Munich, an event with strong Nazi propaganda. However, Holger has decided to stop collecting chess clocks to focus more on his chess sets. He believes that specialization allows collectors to delve deeper into their chosen area.

When it comes to travel chess sets, Holger's favorite is the Jacob's Static Wall. He praises its ingenious mechanism, which enables the pieces to lock securely in place. With small pins and buttons, the Jacob's Static Wall ensures that the pieces remain in position during travel, making it a practical and enjoyable travel companion.

Philippine and Romanian Chess Sets:

Holger's collection also features chess sets from the Philippines and Romania. The Philippine chess sets hold personal significance for him as his family has Filipino roots. Having traveled extensively in the Philippines, Holger collected chess sets from various locations, considering them as part of his family's cultural heritage. Additionally, a Romanian friend gifted him a collection of Romanian chess sets, accompanied by detailed research on their history. These sets have a special place in Holger's collection and are featured on his website.

Exquisite Chess Sets:

During our interview, Holger graciously shared some of his most prized chess pieces. One set that caught our attention was a Cantonese chess set from the 19th century, featuring intricate ivory carvings. The impressive size of the chess pieces, particularly the kings, emphasizes their delicate craftsmanship. Holding them in hand allows for a deeper appreciation of the intricate carvings, which are often difficult to perceive in photographs.

Another fascinating set showcased a mid-20th-century Chinese puzzle ball chess set. Made of ivory, this set is a modern interpretation of puzzle ball design. Each piece contains multiple nested balls, providing a delightful visual and tactile experience. Holger emphasized that this set is not only visually stunning but also highly playable.

The Significance of Aesthetics:

Holger explained that it was the aesthetics of chess sets that first attracted him to collecting. His early exposure to chess sparked an appreciation for the simplicity and elegance of the game's design. The inherent beauty and variety of chess sets became a driving force in his collecting journey. Holding these remarkable pieces and understanding their historical and cultural contexts has deepened Holger's passion for collecting and sharing his knowledge with others.

Conclusion and Reflections

During my interview with Holger Langer, it became evident that his passion for collecting chess sets is driven by a deep appreciation for their aesthetics, history, and craftsmanship. From antique sets to unique travel chess sets, Holger's collection showcases the beauty and diversity of these remarkable pieces.

One fascinating aspect of Holger's journey is his exploration of the stories behind each chess set. His detective-like approach in identifying the makers, origins, and historical context of the sets adds another layer of intrigue to his collection. Whether it's discovering the identity of a mysterious chess set maker or unraveling the journey of a specific piece, these stories highlight the rich history that chess sets hold.

Holger's dedication to preserving and sharing his knowledge extends beyond his collection. He actively contributes to publications like the Chess Collector and collaborates with fellow collectors to uncover new information and insights. His involvement with chess collectors' associations allows him to connect with like-minded individuals and further expand his understanding of the chess collecting world.

As we concluded the interview, Holger mentioned his plans to enhance his social media presence, engage with fellow collectors, and continue updating his website with new chess sets. He also expressed his willingness to assist others with their chess set inquiries and, on occasion, consider selling pieces from his collection.

In conclusion, Holger Langer's passion for chess sets goes beyond mere ownership. It encompasses the joy of discovery, the thrill of research, and the satisfaction of sharing his knowledge with others. His collection serves as a testament to the artistic beauty and historical significance of chess sets throughout the ages. As we look forward to his future endeavors and continued contributions to the chess collecting community, we can only admire his dedication and the remarkable stories that unfold with each new chess set he acquires.