Austrian Fibreboard Chess Set, 1955-1965

A simple but interesting set from Austria, which I would date to the 1950s or 1960s. The set is a good example of how an inexpensive set made from the simplest of materials can still be of interest to collectors. The set was manufactured by Faserplatten- und Sägewerk V. Leitgeb OHG in Völkermarkt-Kühnsdorf, Carinthia, Austria, where fibreboard had been produced since the early 1940s, initially for the Air Force and later for civilian applications. An advertising poster, presumably from the 1950s, also mentions a kyanisation plant; alongside hardboard and insulation boards made from wood fibre, sawn timber and ‘Kyan’ poles were also offered. ‘Kyan’ poles apparently refer to cyanised timber logs – that is, logs soaked in tar oil and thus impregnated – which were frequently used outdoors to prevent the wood from rotting or decaying due to environmental factors (e.g. for use as railway sleepers).

I suspect that the set was a promotional product. The pieces were sawn from fibreboard and subsequently decorated with pyrography. The pieces on the white and black sides are each different and depict a royal court respectively. The pieces stand 12 cm tall. The black side is more heavily decorated with pyrography, making it appear darker overall. Furthermore, the black pieces have dark bases. Of particular interest are the rooks: the black ones feature a chequerboard pattern, whilst the white ones bear the inscription ‘Leitgeb’. The same inscription can also be found on the black bishops.

The pieces come in a matching box with a sliding lid, onto which the company logo (also made of fibreboard) is affixed. Inside the box there is a base plate with recesses for the pawns. In one of these recesses there is a stamp bearing the inscription ‘TUMA’. Letters appear to be arranged around the stamp, but they are unfortunately illegible. Consequently, I have not yet been able to ascertain who or what ‘TUMA’ is, nor what connection it has to Leitgeb – it may well be a business partner to whom the set was presented as a promotional gift.