Astérix Hachette chess set in fine resin

The set was produced in 2005 by Hachette and manufactured by Plastoy under the Collectoys label. It was designed in partnership with Albert René Goscinny Uderzo, publishers of the Asterix comic books.

The set contains almost all of the original pieces and accessories.

• The 32 original chess pieces
• The original wooden board
• The additional cardboard board
• The original timer
• The two binders with the 32 original booklets for each piece, extensive documentation covering the rules of chess and offering illustrated exercises featuring characters from the series, as well as information about the Asterix saga.
• The set of flat cardboard pawns that can be broken off

The set also contains 7 of the 8 additional figurines produced by Plastoy after the original set of 32 pieces. Numbers 33 to 40 with their documentation. They are all present except for number 38.

The design of the chess set is very original, with characters from the world of Asterix holding the chess pieces assigned to them in their hands.

The game is made from a very fine resin alloy, similar to the one used by Moulinsart for their famous collection of Tintin figurines. This alloy gives the pieces their porcelain appearance and allows for an extremely high level of finishes and detail.

This set is rare because it was only available in France and Belgium through a monthly subscription that entitled the subscriber to two pieces per month for €27. To obtain all 32 pieces, more than €400 had to be paid.

The pieces are extremely delicate and beautiful. Made with great attention to accuracy and authenticity in relation to Goscinny’s Asterix work. It comes with all its original documentation and accessories.

But I would say that its true particularity is its fragility. I have handled several of them and I can say that of all the sets I have ever had, this one was the most fragile.

A slight breeze, a loud noise, or a bright light would be enough to break the pieces.