Dragon Ball Z Chess Set (De Agostini)

Name: Dragon Ball Z Chess Set (De Agostini)
Brand: anth
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Dragon Ball Z themed chess set by De Agostini with colorful character playing pieces, neatly arranged in its original box. - view 1

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Estimated value

$80 - $250

Rarity

Average(4/10)

PLAY & PROVENANCE: DRAGON BALL Z CHESS SET (DE AGOSTINI)

This is a Dragon Ball Z themed chess set, likely produced by De Agostini, based on the branding visible on the box. The set includes custom-sculpted playing pieces depicting various characters from the popular anime and manga series. The figures appear to be made of a rigid plastic or resin, cast and then painted by hand. The set comes in a checker-patterned box, with an inner tray designed to hold each individual piece securely.

PLAY ACROSS BORDERS

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese Manga & AnimeLate 20th - Early 21st Century

Dragon Ball Z is a cornerstone of global popular culture, influencing countless subsequent series and expanding the reach of manga and anime to Western audiences.

Traditional Board GamesContinuous

The concept of character-themed chess sets draws on the ancient game of chess, recontextualizing its strategic play within a modern pop culture narrative.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•Collectors' ritual of 'completing the set' often involved subscribing to part-work collections like these, receiving pieces incrementally over months or years.
•The shared experience of playing board games like chess, often combining strategic thinking with social interaction.

Meaning Through Time

Pre-1980s

Chess sets were primarily associated with formal, often austere, intellectual pursuits and traditional artistry.

Late 20th Century onwards

The rise of licensed merchandise transformed chess sets into playful, fandom-driven collectibles, bridging classical games with popular media.

PLAY & PROVENANCE

Dragon Ball Z, a Japanese anime television series that ran from 1989 to 1996, gained immense global popularity, leading to a vast array of merchandise. Chess sets like this one capitalize on the enduring fan base, blending a classic strategy game with beloved characters. These types of collectible themed chess sets became popular in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, often released through part-work subscriptions by companies like De Agostini, allowing collectors to build the set piece by piece.

TOY BOX TRIVIA

De Agostini, a major international publisher, is famous for its part-work collectibles, where consumers build a collection over time by purchasing weekly or monthly magazines that come with components.

Dragon Ball Z's iconic 'Dragon Balls' are seven magical orbs that, when gathered, summon a wish-granting dragon, a central plot device throughout the series.

HOW SCARCE IS IT?

Average55-70%

CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Typical Characteristics

Standard antique shop items
Regularly available
Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

The item is a mass-produced licensed product, which tends to have a lower risk of high-quality counterfeits.
The branding 'De Agostini' is visible and consistent with known releases.

How does authenticity detection work?

TOY SPECIALIST'S TAKE

Toy Historian & Collector-Dealer

Toy Specialist

The visual evidence clearly identifies the item as a Dragon Ball Z chess set, complete in its original box, attributed to De Agostini. The condition appears good overall, allowing for a confident assessment of its type and likely market value.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Full set of 32 Dragon Ball Z character chess pieces present.
2Original packaging in good, though used, condition, supporting the integrity of the set.
3Visible 'De Agostini' branding consistent with known part-work collectible sets.
4Character sculpts and paint application appear factory-standard for this type of licensed product.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→A close-up image of the bottom of a few figures to check for mold marks or copyright information.
→Confirmation of the number and specific characters of pieces included against an official checklist for completeness (pawns, rooks, knights, bishops, queen, king for each side).
→Examine the chess board for any signs of use, damage, or wear.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The box shows some visible wear and tear, consistent with age and storage, including edge wear and scuffing, particularly visible on the bottom edge in one of the images. The figures themselves appear to be in good condition, seated neatly in their original tray, with no obvious signs of paint chipping or breakage. The completeness of the set, with all 32 pieces, is a strong positive.

Surface

The figures exhibit a smooth, painted plastic or resin finish. The box itself is printed cardboard with a glossy or semi-glossy coating. The inner tray appears to be molded plastic or polystyrene, designed for specific figure placement.

Weight & feel

Given the material, the figures would be lightweight, with the entire set including the display box feeling moderately heavy due to the number of pieces. The box itself contributes to the overall heft.

TOY MARKET VALUE

$80 - $250

Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Market comparables from auctions & retail
Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
Current collector demand & trends
Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

anth

The Keeper•6 items

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