Historic Chess Memorabilia Collection from 1972 “Match of the Century” to be Auctioned at Sotheby’s London

Legendary Chess Collection to be Auctioned at Sotheby’s: A Glimpse into History

London – A remarkable trove of chess memorabilia, including artifacts from the iconic 1972 “Match of the Century,” is set to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s in London next month. This extensive collection, once owned by the esteemed German grandmaster Lothar Schmid, is hailed as the largest and most significant of its kind in private hands.

Schmid, who passed away in 2013, was not only a prominent figure in the chess world but also served as the chief arbiter during the legendary World Chess Championship match between Boris Spassky and Bobby Fischer in Reykjavik. His meticulous score notes from this historic encounter, along with memorabilia from the Cold War showdown, are among the more than 50,000 artifacts that will be auctioned.

His son, Bernhard Schmid, shared insights into his father’s passion for chess, stating, “He was crazy for the game and everything to do with it. He traveled to five continents to buy up artifacts he had fallen in love with.” One of the standout pieces in the auction is a rare book titled Repetition of Loves and the Art of Chess, written by Luis Ramírez de Lucena in 1497. This book, considered the oldest existing text on chess, is expected to fetch at least £70,000.

Among other highlights is a collection documenting the Mechanical Turk, an 18th-century chess-playing automaton that captivated audiences across Europe and the US for decades. Sotheby’s Gabriel Heaton emphasized the rarity of such collections, noting their ability to connect with the enduring legacy of chess, especially in light of its recent resurgence in popularity.

“This collection brings home the enduring longevity of the sport,” Heaton remarked. “It’s based not on luck but pure strategy, making it particularly compelling in our world.”

Other notable items include the only existing Italian edition of Givocho’s Chess Book, a medieval morality poem that uses chess as a metaphor for feudal society, complete with intricate woodcut illustrations.

Schmid’s love for chess artifacts was deeply rooted in his family’s history with Karl-May-Verlag, a publishing house known for its adventure novels. This background allowed him to amass a treasure trove of chess-related items, reflecting his lifelong dedication to the game.

The 1972 championship match, set against the backdrop of the Cold War, generated unprecedented global interest in chess. Bernhard Schmid recalls the excitement of watching the match unfold on television, as he was too young to accompany his father to Iceland. He fondly remembers the friendships his father forged with both Fischer and Spassky, who would later visit their home.

As the auction approaches, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a historic event, drawing chess enthusiasts and collectors alike. With items that encapsulate the spirit of a game that has captivated humanity for centuries, this auction is not just a sale; it’s a celebration of chess history.