Regency Chess Co. News Supplier Profiles

Italian Products: A special relationship

Posted on September 22, 2014by regencyadmin

I am writing today on a muggy day in Frome, Somerset, with the sun’s warmth thickening the air through a blanket of white clouds. A bit sticky, in other words.

Last month, when the sun was freer, we received a shipment from Florence, Italy, where some old friends had decided to do something pretty remarkable. For a number of years now we have been working with ITALFAMA and have always been impressed with their chess products. In Tuscany, for more than 30 years, their craftsmen have been making chess pieces from unique moulds that are unavailable anywhere else in the world.

The exclusivity is of course something that appeals to us, but there is a real sense, also, that this is a company that makes great products. When it comes to chess pieces they specialise in metal, creating some amazing casted chessmen that we proudly sell here at Regency Chess.

However, when the most recent order came in even our delivery coordinator, John, who has plenty of experience with ITALFAMA products, was fascinated by what they had sent.

The first product was the San Severeo Chess Set, which features Chess Pieces made of Gold and Silver, and a stunning board made of oak. The fact that the pieces cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world was almost beside the point -they are made out of gold and silver- with an oak midriff like nothing any of us had seen before.

And, although the San Severeo Chess Set caught the eye, it was another sense that the Modica Set first affected.

As it was removed from the box this Italian chessboard filled the room with a heartening scent of real leather. In Florence, the artisans at Italfama had stitched together an exceptional chess board that, when it comes to this famous company, is reliably unique. Deciding to match it with 3-inch Modica Rosewood Chess Pieces wasn’t a bad idea either. So we sent an example of these products off to our photographer in Bath, who came back to us with some fantastic pictures for the website soon after.

Both sets have already sold well, in Europe and the UK, and we are expecting that to continue as Christmas draws ever closer. (last time I will mention Christmas, promise)

Closer still, though, is the continuously enhanced sense that great relationships produce great products. Our work alongside ITALFAMA is the perfect example of this and we look forward to it continuing past this Christmas (sorry! one last mention) and many more. If you would like to take a sneaky look at some other Italian-made chess products you can click on these links.

17 Inch Briarwood and Elmwood Luxury ChessBoard

Metal Chessmen 20 Inch Lacquered Blue Erable Luxury Chess Board

Supplier Profiles

Manopoulos Backgammon Sets (Supplier Profile)

Posted on January 26, 2013by julian

Manopoulos are a supplier that will go to any lengths to ensure that the quality of their products is nothing short of excellent. The Greek game manufacturer is renowned for producing spectacular backgammon and chess sets which is why they have enjoyed so much success.

What we like most about Manopoulos games is that they are hand-crafted. The fact that they don’t mass produce products is one of the main reasons we selected them as a supplier. Choosing Manopoulos was one of the best decisions we’ve made and this is regularly reenforced through our customers’ feedback.

Manopoulos – A History

Manopoulos has come a long way since it was formed in 1970. Originally known as C.Manopoulos S.A., the company started off by exclusively making chess sets. It later expanded to produce backgammon sets in a variety of wood combinations and unique designs – and this has become one of their specialisms. One of the things that impresses us about Manopoulos is the sharp and elegant design of their products. We were bombarded with positive reviews and feedback from the moment we started selling their backgammon range.

Luxury Chess Sets

The company has taken the simple game of chess and produced products that are a work of art. In fact some of their chess pieces look like collector’s items – and for good reason. For example, one of the company’s product ranges are chess pieces shaped like historical Greek figures or fashioned after popular legends from Greek mythology.

The strategic nature of chess compliments the unique design of the pieces which seems to pit mythological and historical figures against each other. It is no wonder why the company’s products leave chess and history enthusiasts so excited.

Luxury Backgammon Sets

The company’s Greek influences aren’t limited to their chess sets either. Manopoulos are one of our biggest suppliers of backgammon sets and adds real value to our product range. Their backgammon sets are beautifully handcrafted and represent excellent value. The chips themselves are made from Greek olive wood and stained with colour. If that wasn’t enough, the sets also come with an attractive black bag with the impressive Manopoulos logo emblazoned on the front.

The company offers a range of specialized backgammon sets. These come in closed cases making them easier to carry and the pegged design makes it easy to play in the back of a car. Other items include the 19-inch Mahogany Backgammon Set, Compact Walnut and Maple Backgammon set as well as the “Deluxe” version.

Whether you want to treat yourself to an early Birthday present or are looking for a present that will make someone’s day, Manopoulos backgammon sets are bound to please with their superb craftsmanship and aesthetic quality.

Supplier Profiles

Italfama Chess Boards and Chess Pieces (Supplier Profile)

Posted on January 6, 2013by julian

Considered to be the masters of the sleek and elegant, Italfama is an Italian-based board game manufacturer that produces chess boards and chess pieces.

We knew we were going to be supplying something special when we received our first samples from Italfama. Their handcrafted chess boards and pieces were so impressive that we knew we had to bring their products to our customers.

Chess Designs at their Best

When we want the best chest boards that are available these are the manufacturers that we turn to. And when we say that they make the best chess boards, we mean it. Italfama has taken the art of luxury chess design to the next (and let’s not hope ultimate) level. They are based in Florence and make a huge variety of chess sets for chess enthusiasts and consumers. Needless to say, their products are more than just board games. They are works of art that you can not only play with but also make superb display pieces.

Their boards are often combined with some of our luxury chess pieces to create beautiful chess sets – product combinations that are unique. Our customers also agree, as is apparent from the amazing reviews we’ve had. Of course, because each set is intricately designed from the smallest pawn to the most finely finished board, Italfama chess products are also some of the most exclusive. Their unique and elegant inlays are enough to impress even the most critical chess connoisseurs, and alongside their beautiful boards, Italfama also makes beautiful metal chess pieces.

What makes Italfama Special

Italfama has been in business for over 30 years. All of the chess pieces and boards are designed and fabricated by professional craftsmen with years of experience. The Pièce de résistance amongst their range of impressive products are their high gloss chess boards that have to be seen to be believed.

Pretty Pieces All in a Row

All of the Italfama chess pieces are handcrafted in Italy and are made from metals like brass, nickel, gold and silver. Each piece is hand-finished and polished, with felt pads added to protect the playing surface. They are simply stunning.

Closing Thoughts

We’ve always been able to depend on this supplier, they produce some of the most stunning products, hand-crafted in Italy. As suppliers they are extremely reliable, their products are high quality, and are nicely presented and well packaged. Each product is beautifully finished and they are one of our favourite suppliers, we highly recommend them!

Supplier Profiles

DGT Chess Clocks (Supplier Profile)

Posted on December 27, 2012by julian

If you don’t already play chess with a chess clock and you want to become serious about chess, it’s time to consider investing in one. DGT has been our primary chess clock supplier since 2008 and have proven to be extremely reliable.

DGT – a History

The Netherland-based company was initially created in 1992 by Albert Vasse and Ben Bulsink as DGT Projects. The company’s main products are electronic timers, digital clocks and electronic boards for draughts and chess. The introduction of DGT’s digital chess clock range started in 1994 and since then the company have continued to expand by manufacturing electronic chess boards. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Why Chess Clocks?

Most professional chess players claim that a chess clock is just as important as the type of board and pieces that they use. For one, if it wasn’t for chess clocks, you would never see the end of a chess game. The presence of a clock means that players have to be both decisive and focused, as well as time-conscious.

Electronic chess clocks are great training tools, and if you are trying to improve your game, perhaps moving from absolute amateur to accomplished professional, they are a must when working on your chess skills.

Of course, they also ensure that players have a fair game, especially in Lightening or Blitz chess – a player loses if they use up all of the time that is allotted to them.

What Makes DGT Special?

The fact that the company supplies chess timers to some of the most famous chess players and tournaments is one of the many reasons why DGT products are so popular. Some of their chess clocks are so advanced that they allow four to six players to play simultaneously. In fact, it is this feature that has made them one of the most sought-after suppliers of high-end digital chess clocks.

Many of DGT’s chess clocks are calibrated according to the latest FIDE regulations – allowing even casual players the chance to play like pros. These DGT clocks are extremely reliable and ensure accurate readings throughout play. They are ideal for clubs and schools and are sold alongside a variety of value DGT clocks, which are also good. Don’t be surprised if you see a DGT timer on every playing table when you visit your next high-profile chess tournament!

Supplier Profiles

Rechapados Ferrer Chess Boards (Supplier Profile)

Posted on December 15, 2012by julian

This particular supplier started life as furniture makers before they started producing chess boards – and no one is more delighted than us that they did. Innovation and craftsmanship personified, Rechapados Ferrer chess boards are intricately crafted. It’s clear that their skill and experience in producing wooden furniture has been taken and applied to the world of chess, and this is one of the many reasons they produce such good products.

History

The company was founded during the late fifties in a town called La Garriga (which is about 50km outside of Barcelona) by Juan Ferrer, and his wife Teresa Mercader. As a family business, the company’s legacy has been continued by Joan Ferrer Mercader who has now taken over as manager.

Rechapados Ferrer is well known in the chess industry, and since moving into chess their core operations have now switched to the production and distribution of chess boards rather than furniture. Each product is made with quality in mind and this is reflected by our customer feedback.

What Makes Rechapados Ferrer Special

Their unique experience of working with lacquers and their craftsmanship with wood is another reason why we have selected Rechapados Ferrer. Examining their products it’s easy to see that they’ve been making chessboards for many years, and working with wood for even longer. They provide us with a huge variety of chess boards and perhaps their most appealing quality is their finish. We count on them to supply us with some of the best-designed and crafted chess boards available.

Their boards range from a variety of modern designs and wood finishes; from maple to walnut. Each board is made from the highest grade materials and is perfect for not only day-to-day use but also for display. This is also why we receive so many orders for Rechapados Ferrer’s products,, and such good feedback. We’ve been continually supplying their chess boards to happy customers since 2008.

Supplier Profiles

Dal Negro – Italy’s leading backgammon and game manufacturer

Posted on November 30, 2012by julian

Dal Negro is one of the leading game manufacturers in Italy. The company was once renowned only for its playing cards but has since established an enviable reputation for the board games it produces – like our specialised backgammon and chess sets. When we want luxury backgammon sets, these are the guys we go to – and they have recently released a new and improved backgammon range.

Don’t be surprised to find other manufacturers who copy their designs, the quality and finish of their backgammon sets are so good that games from other manufacturers often pale in comparison. Dal Negro has some of the finest products on the market, and we are delighted to sell them to our customers.

Company Origin

Dal Negro was originally owned by an Austrian company in 1795. Its staple products were playing cards which it produced for 170 years until the end of World War I. In 1928, after the end of WWI, the company was sold to the Dal Negro Family and from this grew into the company that we recognise today.

After its purchase, Dal Negro expanded and improved their product range, with the help of new technological advancements. In time, what was once a small company based in Austria became a globally recognised brand, supplying the world with their playing cards. As the company grew further it gradually started to make specialised backgammon sets, gaming boxes and similar products.

Before long the company’s expansion and enormous growth compelled it to look for larger headquarters which is when it moved to the Viale F.LLi Bandiera, Treviso in North East Italy from its original factory in Piazza Tommasini.

Popular Games and Merchandise

Dal Negro is now most commonly associated with playing cards, backgammon sets and games. Alongside this, the brand also makes an assortment of other merchandise like watches and accessories.

Dal Negro’s classic backgammon sets include the Dal Negro Luxury Composite Backgammon Set which comes with a resilient brick red fabric with red stitching on the inside. The playing pieces are extra large and come in a beautiful Prussian blue and chartreuse with a lilac background. Inclusive items include pearlescent effect rubber-lined dice shakers with dice. The playing stones also have Dal Negro etched on both sides as well.

Game Sets

Dal Negro’s wooden or Topina leather sets are also popular with our customers. Each set is intricately designed with an attention to detail that is exceptional. In other words, a Dal Negro backgammon set isn’t just a board game; it is a work of art. Dal Negro’s latest Deluxe fabric Backgammon is a perfect example.

Other games in the company’s range include specialised chess boards, chess pieces, playing card boxes, dealer sets, dominoe cases, and miscellaneous board game accessories.

What makes Dal Negro Special

The quality and finish of its products, and the company’s heritage, are the main reasons Dal Negro is such an exclusive brand.

Dal Negro has also expanded as a business by offering merchandise like specialised game cards depicting Disney characters, clothing and writing accessories. The company offers merchandise for both men and women in the form of exclusive watches as well as accompanying accessories like an assortment of jewellery boxes for watches.

Looking at their products it is easy to see why Dal Negro enjoys the popularity that they do. 170 years has seen the company evolve from producing simple playing card decks to backgammon sets that are a work of art.