Legendary Chess Collection of GM Lothar Schmid Set for Auction at Sotheby’s

Lothar Schmid’s Legendary Chess Collection Set for Auction at Sotheby’s

Last Updated: March 09, 2026, 14:24 IST

A remarkable collection of chess memorabilia belonging to the late German Grandmaster Lothar Schmid is set to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s in London this April. Schmid, celebrated as one of Germany’s brightest chess minds, is best known for his role as the chief arbiter in the iconic 1972 World Chess Championship, famously dubbed the ‘Match of the Century’ between Boris Spassky and Bobby Fischer.

The auction, organized by Schmid’s three children, will feature an array of chess books and artifacts, including the historic 1497 work by Spanish player Luis Ramírez de Lucena, Repetición de Amores y Arte de Ajedrez. This collection, once housed in Schmid’s Bamberg home, reflects his lifelong passion for the game.

“He was crazy for the game and everything to do with it,” said Bernard Schmid, Lothar’s son. “He traveled to five continents to acquire artifacts he had fallen in love with, once even journeying to South America for a book he claimed was as expensive as a house.”

Schmid’s charm and diplomatic nature made him the ideal choice for officiating the high-stakes match between Spassky and Fischer, where tensions ran high amid the Cold War backdrop. “He was measured and politically neutral, respected by both players,” Bernard noted.

Ingrid Schmid, Lothar’s wife, supported his passion for collecting, viewing it as a positive obsession. “Some people buy property; my father bought chess books and artifacts,” Bernard reflected.

Gabriel Heaton from Sotheby’s emphasized the significance of the collection, stating, “To have something that has engrossed humanity for centuries is particularly compelling. Chess is based on pure strategy, and its predictability is anchoring.”

As the auction date approaches, chess enthusiasts and collectors alike are eager to see how much this extraordinary collection will fetch, honoring the legacy of a man who not only contributed to the game but also cherished its rich history.

For more details on the auction, visit Sotheby’s.