Lot #1044. Anri Arca Crusaders vs Saracens Chess Set in Original Compartmented Box

Description Anri Arca Crusaders vs Saracens Chessmen Offered here is a set of the rare Anri Arca Crusaders vs Saracens chessmen. Hand-carved in the renowned Val Gardena region of Italy by master artisans at Anri, these premium 4″ king chessmen capture the historic clash between Crusader knights and Saracen warriors. These chess pieces are Anri catalogue item 71805/Col./K. Crafted from solid wood with rich natural finishes, the lighter-toned Christian (Crusader) side features kings and queens in regal crowns, a bishop in a detailed miter with cross, knights, rooks and helmeted pawns with shields. The opposing darker-toned Saracen side showcases figures in turbans and ornate helmets, crescent-moon-and-star shields, and matching architectural rooks. Every piece is individually hand-painted and finished with gold accents. The chess set is complete with all 32 pieces and housed in its original compartmentalized wooden “Arca” presentation chest. This custom-fitted wooden case not only protects the pieces but also turns the entire ensemble into a stunning display piece worthy of any library, office, or game room. The chessmen and case are in excellent condition. Anri ARCA chess sets were produced between1961 and 1964.The chessboard shown is not included. To see our extensive selection of antique and contemporary game timers and chessboards, click here. https://chessantiques.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/generated_video-4.mp4 Some History. This Anri Arca chess set vividly captures one of history’s most legendary conflicts — the medieval Crusades. From 1095 to 1291 AD, European Christian armies (the Crusaders) launched a series of religious wars to recapture the Holy Land from Muslim control. In the eyes of medieval Europe, these opposing forces were known as “Saracens.” The pope most associated with the Crusades — and the one who launched the entire movement — was Pope Urban II (reigned 1088–1099). In November 1095, at the Council of Clermont in France, Urban II delivered his famous speech calling on European Christians to take up arms and recapture the Holy Land from Muslim control. His rallying cry, “Deus vult!” (“God wills it!”), became the battle cry of the First Crusade and sparked the nearly 200-year era (1095–1291) that the Anri Arca chess set so vividly depicts. While later popes (such as Innocent III) supported later Crusades, Urban II is the foundational figure behind the “Christians vs. Saracens” conflict the set celebrates. .