Lothar Schmid's Chess Memorabilia Collection to be Auctioned at Sotheby’s

A significant collection of chess memorabilia, once owned by German grandmaster Lothar Schmid, is set to be auctioned at Sotheby’s in London next month. This collection, regarded as the largest and most important of its kind in private hands, includes items from the iconic 1972 World Chess Championship match between Boris Spassky and Bobby Fischer. The auction features over 50,000 artefacts, with notable pieces such as Schmid's score notes from the match, which is often referred to as the “Match of the Century.” Schmid's children are selling the collection, which was stored in their father's home in Bamberg, Germany, until his death in 2013.

The Guardian

Lothar Schmid was not only a prominent chess player but also served as the chief arbiter during the historic 1972 championship. His son, Bernhard Schmid, emphasized his father's deep passion for chess and collecting, stating, “He was crazy for the game and everything to do with it.” Among the auction highlights is "Repetition of Loves and the Art of Chess," the oldest existing book on chess, expected to sell for at least £70,000. Other notable items include a rare Italian edition of Givocho’s Chess Book and memorabilia related to the Mechanical Turk, a famous chess-playing automaton.

The Guardian

Gabriel Heaton, a specialist at Sotheby’s, noted that the collection reflects the enduring appeal of chess, which has seen a resurgence in popularity due to cultural phenomena like the Netflix series "The Queen’s Gambit." He remarked, “To have something that has engrossed humanity for centuries is particularly compelling in our world.” The auction is anticipated to attract a diverse range of buyers and spectators, highlighting chess's strategic nature and its historical significance.

The Guardian

Bernhard Schmid shared personal anecdotes about his father’s interactions with both Spassky and Fischer, who visited their home after the championship. He described Lothar Schmid as a charming and politically neutral figure, well-respected by both players. The collection serves as a testament to Schmid's lifelong dedication to chess, which he pursued as an amateur while representing West Germany in 11 Olympiads from 1950 to 1974.

The Guardian

Sotheby’s has expressed excitement about the auction, emphasizing the historical value of the score sheets from the 1972 match, which are expected to fetch thousands of pounds. Bernhard Schmid reflected on his father's collecting habits, describing them as a “little addiction, but in a positive sense,” contrasting it with more conventional investments like property.

The Guardian

• “His son Bernhard Schmid recalled his father’s passion for the things he gathered, saying: “He was crazy for the game and everything to do with it.” — Bernhard Schmid, Son of Lothar Schmid

The Guardian

• “To have something that has engrossed humanity for centuries is particularly compelling in our world.” — Gabriel Heaton, Sotheby’s Specialist

The Guardian

• “the handwritten record-taking of the times, and the scores, each player’s sheet signed off by the other to signal they were in agreement, which gets you as close as you can to the greatest chess match of the 20th century.” — Gabriel Heaton, Sotheby’s Specialist

The Guardian

This auction not only commemorates Lothar Schmid's legacy but also celebrates the rich history of chess, inviting enthusiasts and collectors alike to engage with its storied past.

The Guardian