Chess History Unveiled: German Grandmaster’s Collection to be Auctioned

The upcoming auction at Sotheby's in London is set to be a chess enthusiast's dream, as a remarkable collection of over 50,000 chess-related artefacts goes under the hammer. This collection, once owned by the esteemed German grandmaster Lothar Schmid, is not just a trove of historical items but a testament to his enduring passion for the game.

Schmid, a renowned figure in the chess world, is best remembered as the chief arbiter of the legendary 1972 World Chess Championship match between Boris Spassky and Bobby Fischer, often dubbed the 'Match of the Century'. His collection includes score notes and souvenirs from this iconic encounter, offering a rare insight into one of the most famous chess matches in history.

The collection's journey began with Schmid's travels across five continents, driven by his love for the game. His son, Bernhard Schmid, reminisces about his father's dedication, recalling a trip to South America for a book that was as expensive as a house. This book, 'Repetition of Loves and the Art of Chess' by Luis Ramírez de Lucena, is a highlight of the auction, expected to fetch at least £70,000.

The auction also features a set of rare works on the Mechanical Turk, a famous chess-playing automaton from the 18th century. This collection, according to Sotheby's specialist Gabriel Heaton, is a rare find, emphasizing the enduring appeal of chess across centuries. The recent boom in the game's popularity, fueled by the pandemic and cultural phenomena like 'The Queen's Gambit', ensures a wide range of interested buyers and spectators.

Other notable items include the only existing Italian edition of 'Givocho's Chess Book' by Jacobus de Cessolis, a medieval morality poem using chess as a metaphor. Schmid's collection is a reflection of his love for the game and his family's publishing background, which provided the means to acquire such rare treasures.

The auction offers a unique opportunity to delve into chess history, celebrating the sport's strategic depth and its ability to captivate and unite people across generations and cultures.