In 1950 the IX. chess olympiade was held in Dubrovnik (Croatia). Teams from 16 countries participated in it, and after 480 matches the Yugoslav team won the gold medal, Argentina silver, and West Germany bronze.

Especially for this occasion a new set of chessmen was made, under the name "Dubrovnik". It was well accepted by the chess world, due to an elegant and interesting look.

Design was made by academic painter and sculptor P. Po?ek and approved by special art commission in Belgrade, Yugoslavia.

Only 50 sets of this design were made. Most of them was donated to the players on the olympiade, only few offered to the public on sale.

It was 1992 when wellknown Fischer - Spassky rematch on Sveti Stefan was played and it was Bobby himself who requested this set would be used on board.
Nikola Karaklajic, the main referee of the match borrowed the set from his private collection (the box was later signed by Fischer and Spassky).

Bobby then again commented the set: "Look at these pieces, smooth and light. No hard edges. Beatifully carved. The best set for playing with that I've ever seen. Here, feel this knight!"

With a help of mr. M. Hannon from GB we came across interesting radio interview with Bobby Fischer, where he mentioned the set "Dubrovnik". You can find interview in our gallery, while we should only mentione short part of Bobby's comment: "THIS IS THE BEST SET I HAVE EVER PLAYED ON. IT IS MARVELLOUS.

 

After the match mr. Karaklajic sold the set to mr. Novica Matic from Novi Sad, who is now proud owner of one of the last original sets from 1950. He has borrowed us few pieces so we could recreate this timeless set. 

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- maple & walnut, maple & red stained maple, maple & brown stained maple (orig. or 4" size)
- king's height 89 mm, base diameter 37.5 mm
- hand turned and finished pieces (gallery)
- detailed hand carved knights
- possible purchase of extra queens (+30€)
- weighted pieces
- felt cushioned
- several layers of special coat and final polishing
- housed in a basic box 
- every set comes with certificate of authenticity, which is made to recipient
 

* original pieces used for recreation (owner mr. Novica Matic)