• MILK & COOKIES - Eldon Tyrell's Chess Set

[Replicant 13]

I would guess someone on PS has mentioned this topic before, if only to suggest it as a subject deserving of further research, or as a project akin to Red Dragon Kipple's current offerings. But as I found no such quest mentioned in a quick scan of PROPS, I will address it here. Please forgive, if I have overlooked another's efforts here.

While awaiting my avian set from Mr. Ross, I thought I'd begin a search, and this thread, regarding the companion (and less familiar) set shown briefly as Tyrell responds to Sebastian's nocturnal challenge.

As with other props, as time has passed, and sources come and go, it can be difficult to determine the exact source of many of the props from in 1980s. As with J.F.'s set, it may well be long out-of-production.

In searching I did run across this extraordinary chess set in precious metals, well out of my range of moderate collecting. While it is obviously not a match to Tyrell's, it does appear at least similar in some respects. I would not doubt that Ridley's propmaster may have had access to certain high-end items, on loan for the production - and its like would certainly be affordable to someone of Tyrell's standing -



Perhaps someone has already discovered the identity, or a source for the actual set. Meanwhile, I will continue to search, as that is (at least) half the fun of it all.

Have A Better One! - R13
_________________
Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[joberg]

I think that a few years ago someone on the RPF had done the research on that particular chess set, determining that it was most probably an antique set and that if found would cost an arm, a leg and a pint of blood That said, it's possible to find one close enough from the original at a cost that wouldn't involve the pint of blood...as you can see Rep13, even new sets produced today are made for people like Tyrell
Good luck in your endeavour.

[andy]

Rick Ross had done research on the sets himself, and I really can not recall what he had told me about the set. Hopefully he can chime in at some point.

Andy

[doppelganger01]

When I began my quest for the bird set, I started at the only two chess shops, that I am aware of at least, in New York City, on Thompson Street. They are diagonally across the street from one another. While there and inquiring about the bird set, I noticed a set and board in the window of the shop located on the north east side of Thompson. As I remember it now, it was a Napoleonic themed item of gold and silver pieces, each highlighted with their opposite's metal. The board was large with inlaid white and black marble tiles in a gold and silver frame. The set and table looked very old. The silver was tarnished, while the gold seemed to glisten. And the marble tiles had cracks in them. Once I realized what it could be, I went back inside the store to inquire about its price. I got no where with finding out about the history of the bird set, so at the very least, I might could own a set that was the closest in appearance to the Tyrell set. But this too, was not meant to be. As it turned out, I was told that this set and board had a price in the neighborhood of $10,000. I walked away from there that day with only a bad i-phone image taken through a barred glass window, which I cannot seem to find now. If anyone happens to be in lower Manhattan, and can go to this shop on Thompson Street, please take a picture of it. I think it is the closest one I've seen to the actual Tyrell set. When I locate my photo, I will post that one. I'm eager to find out if I am remembering it as it actually was, or if I am only remembering it as I think it was.

Rick
_________________

www.reddragonkipplecompany.com
www.pflagerkatsumata.com
www.ricklross.com

[Replicant 13]

Interesting story, Rick.

As we know, with all things, SOMEONE out there knows the answers - perhaps unaware of the set's use in Blade Runner, or (gods forbid) ignorant of the film altogether, as I have run across recently. But you never know what might eventually show up here, or out in the webworld. My search continues.

It would be interesting to know before my 4-year lifespan ends - as would the history and what became of the actual JW bottle, or what really happened after those elevator doors closed . . .

If you find the picture, or someone replies to your request, then perhaps one more puzzle piece is fit into place. Thanks!

HAB1! - R13
_________________
Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[joberg]

Love those stories Rick...like almost everybody on the board, I would like to see at least one of our members be the discoverer of that particular prop.

Ah! The pleasure of the hunt