retailrush 10 Posted January 14, 2010 I have a John Biccard chess set that I might be interested in listing and am looking for advice as to what it may be worth. The set was purchased from John himself in Cape Town in the early 80's. It has never been used and has been packed away in a wooden box all this time. Also, does anyone know where John Biccard is now? Thanks "retailrush" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JPBon 10 Posted January 14, 2010 I tried doing a little research on this, apparently his Chess sets are highly sought after, so careful that you get a good valuation. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JPBon 10 Posted January 14, 2010 Have a look at this link. How about a picture of your set?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
retailrush 10 Posted January 14, 2010 Have a look at this link. How about a picture of your set?? Thanks for this link - I did pick this up from Google as well and that's about all I could find - hardly anything about John Biccard at all really which I find very unusual. I'll post a photo asap. ThanX Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
retailrush 10 Posted January 14, 2010 Photo's Here are some photo's of the chess set... What do you think JP? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JPBon 10 Posted January 14, 2010 Think it is beautiful, but you better do some serious research into its value before ever listing it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
retailrush 10 Posted January 14, 2010 Think it is beautiful, but you better do some serious research into its value before ever listing it. I agree. Maybe I should take it to a few antique shops for a valuation.. having said that, it's not really an antique per se - but I am sure it is collectable... Anyway, we will see. Thanks for your input JP - have a great evening catching the "baddies" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peterlane 10 Posted January 15, 2010 I have a John Biccard chess set that I might be interested in listing and am looking for advice as to what it may be worth. The set was purchased from John himself in Cape Town in the early 80's. It has never been used and has been packed away in a wooden box all this time. Also, does anyone know where John Biccard is now? Thanks "retailrush" I believe that John Biccard passed away a few years ago. I bought the Chess Set many years ago whilst on a visit to SA but I can't remember how much I paid for it. I didn't buy the chess board that, from memory, was also of "crushed marble" as it was fairly heavy and would have been a problem to transport to the UK. If you get a valuation, please can you leave a message for me please so that I can adjust my insurance if neccessary? I believe that John Biccard also wrote a book in 1972 entitled "Insulting the Pawn" which was around the time he was working on "prototype" designs for the chess set. It is very difficult to get any information on John as he was a very private person; I met him once in the mid 1970's after I "discovered" his work and in conversation he did mention his sister so hopefully she is still with us. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
retailrush 10 Posted January 15, 2010 Thanks Peter - that's very interesting. Is your Chess Set the same as mine? I will definitely keep you posted with any information I can find. Wendy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peterlane 10 Posted January 23, 2010 John Biccard Chess Set Hello Wendy My chess set is the same as yours at least it was when I last saw it! It was placed in our loft many years ago for storage and now it is a case of ferreting through boxes within boxes to find it. My wife assures me "it is there somewhere". Regarding the book by John Biccard "Insulting The Pawn"; it was published by J. Burn Wood 1972 "Watergang", Stellenbosch, Cape and has a reference to The Grand Master Boris The Russian Bear which I take to mean Boris Spassky. It is out of print but I managed to locate and purchase a copy from a bookshop in New Zealand. It does not look like a conventional book; I would describe it as 11 sheets of A4 sized pages "sandwiched" between 2 A4 sized cardboard covers in "Landscape" orientation. In Johns own words, it describes his thoughts during the process of carving his 6 prototype Chess Sets. It does give an insight into his personality with some amusing "expressions" and poetical statements. There must be more information "out there somewhere" on his career but Mr Google hasn't responded to my word-searches as I would have hoped. Best regards Peter Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robzn 10 Posted March 26, 2012 8 Original Pieces Available Would anyone on this thread be interested in purchasing 8 original pieces of the John Biccard Collection? All 8 pieces are in great condition and have their original certificates too! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
burnwood 10 Posted May 14, 2012 I have a John Biccard chess set that I might be interested in listing and am looking for advice as to what it may be worth. The set was purchased from John himself in Cape Town in the early 80's. It has never been used and has been packed away in a wooden box all this time. Also, does anyone know where John Biccard is now? Thanks "retailrush" John Biccard has a new website: Home | Biccard Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skolmen1755 10 Posted March 3, 2015 Wanted: John Biccard Sculptures John Biccard has a new website: Home | Biccard If anyone has any John Biccard sculptures or knows where I can get some then please let me know. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites