Lot #838. Large Dal Negro Mahogany Chessboard by Anri

Description Large Dal Negro Mahogany Chessboard by Anri. A Large Anri Mahogany Chessboard measuring 24″ square with a playing field having 3-0″ Mahogany and Maple squares. The back is Mahogany veneer. The chessboard was produced by Anri of Italy in the late 1950s and sold under the Dal Negro brand. The gold Dal Negro metal label is affixed to the back of the chessboard. The chessboard is in excellent condition. The chessboard is designed to handle the large 7-1/2″ Anri Montsalvat chessmen with 2-1/2″ bases. In the late 19th century Alois Riffeser traveled to the major European cities to sell the wood carved figurines and toys which were bought from the farmers of the Gröden Valley located in the Dolomite region of the Alps. This area in South Tyrol was part of Austria-Hungary at the time until being annexed to Italy in 1919. The wood art tradition has a long history in Val Gardena, Italy. The tradition of woodcarving dates back to the XVII century, when farmers started producing wood toys and utensils during the long winter season. The peasants than used to sell the items at spring markets. Part of the autonomous region Alto Adige/Southern Tyrol in Italy, the Val Gardena is known for its ancient romantic language, its skiing facilities – and its old tradition of woodcarving. The ANRI company’s chess sets and chessboard from the 1950s through the 1980s were produced in this region and have gained collectors status, thanks to their unparalleled quality.