Skip to main content
Handmade Wood Chess Set
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Handmade Wood Chess Set
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Handmade Wood Chess Set

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.710889.2.a-hh
Object Type Set, Chess
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Medium wood, paint, stain
DimensionsOverall - 3D (Kings) H 4 in x Diam 1 in (10.2 cm x 2.5 cm )
 Overall - 3D (Queens) H 3 1/8 in x Diam 1 in (7.9 cm x 2.5 cm )
 Overall - 3D (Bishops) H 2 3/8 in x Diam 1 in (6 cm x 2.5 cm )
 Overall - 3D (Knights) H 1 7/8 in x Diam 1 in (4.8 cm x 2.5 cm )
 Overall - 3D (Rooks) H 2 in x Diam 1 in (5.1 cm x 2.5 cm )
 Overall - 3D (Pawns) H 1 3/8 in x Diam 1 in (3.5 cm x 2.5 cm )
 Overall - 3D (Box and Lid) H 7 in x W 12 in x D 12 in (17.8 cm x 30.5 cm x 30.5 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionHandmade wooden chess set with a wooden storage box (.gg) with an eagle on lid (.hh). The Eagle is constructed out of pieces of wood that are different colors. The lid has a burled appearance. Two sides of the box are constructed in a checkered pattern of light and dark pieces of wood. The other sides solid colored. The base of the box has round indentations for the pieces to sit inside. The pieces are wood and consist of white pieces for one side and gray pieces for the opposition. They are abstract in design. Gray pieces: .a King, .b Queen, .c-d Bishops .e-f Knights, .g-h Rooks, and .i-p Pawns and white pieces .q .King, .r Queen, .s-t Bishops, .u-v Knights, .w-x Rooks, and .y-ff Pawns.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesDomestic Gifts (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Related Event(s)
    Not on view
    Related Links