Thanks for visiting this web page.
Melee came to me in a dream back in 2001. I have made two prototypes of the game and played it with a few chess buffs for their opinions and help modifying the rules. It took a year or so to acquire all the tools I needed, and to build a workshop, to make the game to offer the public. Then it took another year or so to apply for a patent, copyright and trademark. At last I have made the first four games. The price reflects the time to make the game and quality of the finished product. Each playing piece was turned and finished with great care. Each square was painstakingly cut, finished and fitted onto the board.
I try to make all my games from recycled wood. All game pieces originate from fallen trees where I live, that are put to the curb, and destined for a landfill. I take these logs, rough cut with a chainsaw, cut again into 2"X2"X12" sticks that are lathe turned into the game pieces you see on this web page. The wood can be birch, pine, oak, maple and sycamore to name the most common logs I find. I also salvage discarded furniture for the wood that I plane, cut and work into the other components of the game. My goal is a 100 % game from recycled material. I try to keep it green!
The finished product is a piece of art that I value as much as any painting that I have done over the years. No two playing pieces are identical because each one is individually made. Of the four games I just completed, #1 and #4 are offered for sale. #2 and #3 are gifts to the two chess players who helped me refine the rules of the game.
Every chess player who was invited to play the game fell in love with it and look forward to the times I host another game. It is their enthusiasm that inspired me to pursue the course I am on today. I am actively seeking a USA manufacturing facility who is equipped to partner with me for the purpose of mass producing Melee at a price affordable to everyone. I have no timeline to that end, yet.
I know that one day Melee will be a very popular board game. When this day arrives, those who buy the games presently offered here will possess a family heirloom and collectors item worth many times over than what they paid.
Vinny
Two superior artisans were my mentors who gave me insight on how to work with wood. One was my father, Joseph Cricchio, who created fine furniture for the rich and famous. He was one of the last true upholsters of the twentieth century who stressed perfection. During my apprenticeship years, during the early 1970s’, I tried to learn the craft that he mastered. During the late 1960s’ to early 1970s’, I had the privilege to spend many hours in the workshop of James D'aquisto. James was a builder of guitars and he loved to teach me how he did his art. I learned how he worked with the wood that he imported from many exotic locations: How he could shape it, plane it, bend it, and fashion it into a perfect musical instrument. James revealed how he did magic with wood. One of my life regrets is that I did not take James up on his apprenticeship offer. Today I try to incorporate those priceless lessons into the games I make, as I strive to perfect my art. Vincent Cricchio
I just completed construction of two more games. In order to attract buyers, I made this game without drawers and minus a hard to find wood. I replaced that wood with pine that I stained and gave a coat of polyurethane. The stained pieces turned out better than I hoped! Holly is making nice embroidered bags for the game pieces. I intent to introduce the game on EBay for $950.00
My next project is constructing a smaller version of the game with an easier to make board, ( no tile inlays). I tried a couple of ideas that did not work to my satisfaction, but I think I figured it out. Turning smaller pieces is much easier and faster. I will only use pine for the game pieces, stain them and give them a coat of polyurethane. The board will not be framed, and the pieces will come in an embroidered velvet bag. My target price for the game is under $500.00 The final price depends upon the time it takes to make the game. I might make a bunch and sell for much less just to have the game out there. The original game is back to the price of $4,900, since that game was very time consuming to make.
I know this, one day in the not too far future, the persons who buy my early work will become very happy when these games increase in value. Melee will succeed and become a popular game in the future. It is alot of fun to play is why!