Henry Avery vs. Blackbeard Sterling Silver Enamel Pirate Chess Set- Konforti

“Henry Avery vs. Blackbeard - The Spanish Treasure Galleon” is an extraordinary sculptural chess set that transforms the legendary world of piracy into an elaborate work of precious-metal art. Created within the Konforti family atelier, the composition brings together two of history’s most celebrated pirate captains in an imagined struggle for a Spanish treasure galleon.

Executed exclusively as a private commission, the work imagines an encounter between two of history’s most legendary pirates: Henry Avery and Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard. The rival captains and their crews battle for possession of a captured Spanish treasure galleon and the extraordinary fortune concealed within its hold.

Rather than depicting a conventional naval battle, the composition transforms the age of piracy into an elaborate sculptural chess game. Two great ships rise from opposite sides of the board, while cannons, rigging, anchors, treasure, pearls, coins, maritime emblems and pirate insignia surround the central playing field. Every move becomes part of the struggle for control of the treasure.

Produced only in a very limited number of examples worldwide, each chess set requires many months of dedicated craftsmanship and brings together monumental silver sculpture, hot enamel, guilloché, gemstone setting, chasing and hand engraving within a single unified work of art.

Due to the scale and complexity of the project, the atelier undertakes only a limited number of such commissions each year. Every commission is scheduled individually and a production slot is reserved upon confirmation of the order,  the complete creation process requires approximately 18 months (1.5 years).

Collectors receive complete documentation, certificates of authenticity and materials, and direct communication with the atelier throughout the creation process.

Historical Inspiration
Henry Avery became one of the most notorious pirates of the seventeenth century after capturing the immensely wealthy Mughal treasure ship Ganj-i-Sawai in 1695. His extraordinary success and mysterious disappearance helped transform him into one of piracy’s enduring legends.

A generation later, Edward Teach-Blackbeard-became perhaps the most recognizable figure of the Golden Age of Piracy, commanding heavily armed vessels and cultivating a terrifying reputation throughout the Caribbean and Atlantic.

Although Avery and Blackbeard belonged to different moments of the Golden Age and never fought one another historically, this chess set deliberately brings the two legends together in an imagined confrontation.
At the center of their rivalry lies a Spanish treasure galleon laden with precious cargo-a prize worthy of two legendary pirate captains.

A Chess Set and a Maritime Diorama
The work is conceived not merely as a playable chess set, but as a complete three-dimensional maritime composition.

The central 64-square playing field is surrounded by an elaborate sculptural seascape executed in precious metal. Two great sailing ships dominate opposing sides of the composition, while cannons, cannonballs, chains, ropes, treasure chests, scattered coins, pearls, nautical emblems and pirate insignia create the atmosphere of a battlefield at sea.
The sculptural decoration continues throughout the perimeter, culminating in a central pirate crest and ship’s wheel. The contrasting blue and emerald-green enamel of the chess pieces distinguishes the rival crews of Henry Avery and Blackbeard.

From every viewing angle, the work functions simultaneously as a playable chess game, a precious-metal sculpture and an elaborate maritime diorama.

The Figures
Henry Avery - Blue

The blue-enamelled side represents Henry Avery and his crew. Avery commands the set as King, accompanied by a female pirate Queen and individually sculpted officers and sailors representing the Bishops, Knights, Rooks and Pawns.

Blackbeard - Emerald Green

The opposing emerald-green side is commanded by Blackbeard, depicted with his characteristic imposing beard and armed presence. His Queen, officers, sailors and lookout figures form the rival crew.

Each sculptural figure is individually modeled and hand-finished, with distinctive poses, clothing, weapons and maritime attributes. The Rooks take the form of shipboard crow’s nests, further integrating the architecture of the sailing vessel into the traditional language of chess.

Dimensions and Materials
Overall Chess Set Dimensions
Approximately 75 × 75 cm (29.5 × 29.5 in)

Chess Piece Heights
Approximately 9–11.5 cm (3.5–4.5 in)

Materials
925 Sterling Silver
24K Gold Gilt
24K Gold Vermeil
Hot Enamel
Natural Garnets
Natural Topaz
Natural Pearls
Natural Tsavorites
Natural Chalcedony

Techniques
The work brings together numerous traditional decorative and jewelry arts techniques, including lost-wax casting, precious-metal sculpture, hot enamel, guilloché, chasing, hand engraving, gemstone setting, gilding, vermeil and artistic silver tarnishing.

Every sculptural component and chess figure is individually created and finished by hand. Contrasting polished, gilded and deliberately tarnished silver surfaces give depth to the composition, while translucent enamel and gemstones introduce color and brilliance throughout the work.

Commission and Personalization
Each chess set is created exclusively for its collector.

The commission process allows for discreet personalization, including selected gemstone variations, enamel colors, heraldic elements, inscriptions and other bespoke details, ensuring that every completed example remains individually distinguished.

The atelier also accepts fully bespoke commissions for original chess compositions, historical subjects and entirely new themes.
From the first sketches and wax models through casting, chasing, engraving, enameling, gemstone setting and final assembly, every stage is developed and executed within the atelier.

Atelier and Provenance
Each work is created within the Konforti family atelier, a multi-generational workshop led by Inga and Barak Konforti, continuing the artistic legacy established by master artists Ella and Yuri Bogoslavsky.

The chess set is entirely handcrafted using traditional techniques, bringing together sculpture, silversmithing, jewelry arts, enameling, engraving, chasing and gemstone setting.
As part of the commission, the collector receives a complimentary original design sketch, hand-signed by the participating artists and presented as part of the artistic provenance of the work.

Shipping and Delivery
Complimentary worldwide shipping and full insurance are included.
Because of the scale, value and complexity of the chess set, delivery is arranged individually through specialized fine-art logistics providers. Museum-standard crating, white-glove handling and fully insured transportation are coordinated according to the destination and collector’s requirements.

Taxes and Duties
Import duties, VAT, customs clearance charges and local taxes are not included in the listed price and remain the responsibility of the buyer upon importation.