- American Revolution -
I recently purchased this set from the Chess Collector 09 EOSEF site. I believe it is German, early 20th century, lead or some pewter/white metal alloy in the style of Zimmerman. These pieces resemble a certain cast iron set by Zimmerman of Hannau which depicts the ahistorical match up Napoleon vs Frederick the Great (seen here in a Bonhams catalog.) I'm not sure these knights, rooks, and pedistals aren't exactly molded from that Zimmerman set. Obviously mine is not Zimmerman, though, as it's not cast iron. The major pieces are changed as well, not Napoleon but Washington vs George III, a depiction of the American Revolution. The Colonial side is copper plated. Kings 2.5"
Lead American Revolution set.
Redcoats.
Bluecoats.
A position from the Spanish Game. (There really isn't an American or British chess opening I could have played here. I suppose there is an English Defense opening, but I don't play that line and here the Colonists are the ones defending. Both sides are English of course, but an English Defense for the Colonists seems inappropriate.)
King George in his castle.
Washington in his.
The "man who wouldn't be king"... here somewhat ironically made to be the King.
Black knight in the style of Zimmerman.
32 tin soldiers all in a row.
Redcoats... er... um... leadcoats?
Yanks.
Like so many toy soldiers.
Kings, George and George.
Backs.
"Mad" King George III.
The bulky metal robes make these white royals more top heavy than the other figures and whatever measure of lead and/or tin is in these pieces is quite soft.
Here George's scepter is bent, and while other features are well articulated, his nose and chin appear to have been pounded flat from years of the figure falling forward onto its face.
We may be used to seeing Lincoln in copper, but here is Washington instead.
The more slender robeless figure is not heavier than the base of the piece so Washington doesn't appear to have toppled quite so often as George and his nose seems to have retained its original shape.
Queens.
Backs.
Martha Washington.
Queen Charlotte I believe,
again top-heavy and probably a better likeness before the figure's nose was pounded flat.
Bishops.
Backs.
White Bishop.
Black Bishop.
Knights copied from Zimmerman designs.
.
Rooks, again literal copies of the 19th century German pieces.
Pawns.
Backs.
Continental Army Soldier.
English Grenadier.
Most of the bayonets are straighter than this one, again with the soft metal bending.
A duel?
As a child I remember reading a Christmas story about a tin soldier.
I wanted one for years and never had any till now.
Night watch.
Shadows of history.
American Revolution set.