Campagnolo chessmen chess set boulder co

The Campagnolo Chessmen

The chess set was inspired by the cobalto era of Campagnolo components.

The Chess Board is made with bicycle rims as the frame has internally cross-laced spokes which keep the board perfectly tensioned. The pedestal feet are Campagnolo seat post tops with blue acrylic rods to mimic seat rails. Polished aluminum and Cobalt glass tiles with a leather border.

The wooden case is made of walnut with the Campagnolo 80s shield logo engraved on top. Royal blue crushed padded velvet for the interior. The push button latch was inspired by an 1880s sewing box found in my grandfather's basement. The button latch is made of a down tube shifter mounting bolt. The printed chess board lacquered under the wooden case is made from the Campagnolo alphabet symbols.

Campagnolo Chessmen

The chess set pieces are made of 1980s Campagnolo components. Assembled all together in the Staunton style.

The Chess set project

Queens Gambit Covid era project

This project was just a thought for a long time. I was lucky to buy the remains of a Campagnolo wholesale company. Then Covid and the Queen's Gambit came along. It was now the time for a garage project. I took a few of each of all the small Campagnolo parts I had and dumped them on the bench in front of me. The Bishop came together first and has not changed design since. Most other pieces have been through many versions.