Franklin Mint Civil War Chess Set – Complete 32-Piece Pewter Set with Original Board

Franklin Mint Civil War Chess Set – Complete 32-Piece Pewter Set

Own a distinctive piece of American history with this Franklin Mint Civil War Chess Set, created for the National Historical Society. This complete vintage collectible chess set features 32 richly detailed sculptural chess pieces representing notable figures and soldiers from the Union and Confederacy.

The chessmen are crafted in solid pewter and mounted on solid brass pedestal bases, with colored enamel accents distinguishing the opposing armies. The Union pieces feature blue accents, while the Confederate pieces are identified by gray accents.

This set is in excellent pre-owned condition and includes the original Franklin Mint chessboard and fitted storage case. It is also accompanied by a brand-new 18" × 36" Civil War battlefield play surface, providing a larger and more dramatic way to display and play this historic set while preserving the original board.

A Franklin Mint Civil War Collectible

The National Historical Society Civil War Chess Set was produced by the Franklin Mint as a collection of individually sculpted historical miniatures. Rather than using conventional chess-piece designs, the set transforms the opposing armies into detailed representations of Civil War commanders, historical figures, soldiers and artillery.

Each sculpted figure was designed specifically for the collection, with detailed uniforms, weapons and period features. The result is a chess set that works equally well as a playable game, a display piece, a Franklin Mint collectible or an addition to a collection of Civil War memorabilia and military miniatures.

Union and Confederate Historical Figures

The 32-piece set represents prominent personalities and military forces from both sides of the American Civil War.

Union Army

• King – Ulysses S. Grant, General in Chief

• Queen – Clara Barton

• Bishops – George G. Meade and William Tecumseh Sherman

• Knights – Philip Sheridan and George Armstrong Custer

• Rooks – Union artillery cannons

• Pawns – Soldiers of the Iron Brigade

Confederate Army

• King – Robert E. Lee, General in Chief

• Queen – Belle Boyd

• Bishops – P.G.T. Beauregard and Stonewall Jackson

• Knights – Joseph Wheeler and J.E.B. Stuart

• Rooks – Confederate artillery cannons

• Pawns – Confederate infantry

The different poses—from standing commanders to mounted cavalry and artillery—give the Franklin Mint Civil War chess pieces considerably more visual character than a conventional chess set.

Original Franklin Mint Chessboard & Storage Case

The set includes its original pewter-finished Franklin Mint chessboard, which also serves as the fitted cover for the wooden presentation and storage case.

Inside the case, individual compartments protect and organize all 32 pewter chess pieces when they are not on display. This combination of chessboard, presentation case and fitted storage was part of the original design of the National Historical Society collection.

Keeping the original board and storage case with the pieces makes this an especially appealing set for collectors seeking a more complete example of the vintage Franklin Mint Civil War Chess Set.

Includes a New 18" × 36" Civil War Battlefield Play Surface

In addition to the original Franklin Mint board, this set includes a brand-new 18" × 36" Civil War-themed play surface designed to give the pieces a larger presentation area.

The expanded format provides more visual space around the chessboard and creates a battlefield-inspired setting appropriate to the Union and Confederate pieces.

Use the original Franklin Mint board when you want the traditional presentation, or use the larger battlefield surface for play and display while helping preserve the vintage original.

Set Details

• Manufacturer: Franklin Mint

• Collection: National Historical Society Civil War Chess Set

• Type: Vintage collectible chess set

• Chess Pieces: Complete 32-piece set

• Primary Material: Solid pewter

• Bases: Solid brass pedestal bases with colored enamel accents

• Sides: Union and Confederacy

• Union King: Ulysses S. Grant

• Confederate King: Robert E. Lee

• Original Board: Pewter-finished chessboard

• Storage: Original fitted presentation/storage case

• Additional Play Surface: New 18" × 36" Civil War battlefield design

• Condition: Excellent pre-owned condition

Condition

The Franklin Mint Civil War chess pieces, original board and storage case are pre-owned and remain in excellent overall condition. The included 18" × 36" Civil War battlefield play surface is brand new.

Please review the photographs carefully, as they show the actual set being offered and are an important part of the condition description.

A Display Piece as Much as a Chess Set

The combination of sculpted pewter figures, brass bases, historical personalities and the opposing Union and Confederate armies makes this set particularly appealing beyond traditional chess collecting.

It is well suited for a Civil War collection, military history display, office, library, game room or chess collection, while remaining a fully playable chess set.

With the complete 32-piece Franklin Mint set, original chessboard, fitted storage case and additional 18" × 36" battlefield play surface, this example offers both the vintage presentation intended by Franklin Mint and a larger alternative for enjoying and displaying the pieces.