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1970s' Dubrovnik Lacquered Boxwood 97mm Chess Pieces

$429.00

✔ Australian Owned & Operated
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Description

1970s' Dubrovnik Lacquered Boxwood 97mm Chess Pieces

This is the 1970s' Dubrovnik in a single finish, with a 97mm king. Both armies are boxwood, one burnt light and one burnt dark, and the whole set is then lacquer polished to a gloss.

That means the difference between the two sides is made in the finishing, over a single timber underneath. Set up on a board the two armies still read clearly apart, which is all a game asks of them.

Underneath the finish, the pattern is the Dubrovnik as it was revised after the 1950s set: the knight reshaped, the rook widened, and the bases of every piece made chunkier and fatter for playability.

The carving is intricate, and gloss is a flattering surface for it. Fine detail catches the light instead of sitting quietly in shadow, which is the whole argument for this version.

It is listed with our wood chess pieces.

Lacquered burnt boxwood 1970s' Dubrovnik chessmen

Key features

  • A 97mm king on the revised Dubrovnik pattern, reconstructed from photographs of antique original versions
  • One finish and no timber choice: boxwood on both sides, burnt light and burnt dark, then lacquer polished
  • A glossy lacquered surface, so the set picks up a shine under a lamp or a ceiling light
  • Intricate carving on every piece, with a gloss finish that keeps the detail easy to read
  • The knight was reshaped and the rook widened when the pattern was revised, both changes made for playability
  • 1,450 grams for the full set, so pieces sit steadily and do not shift when the table gets knocked
  • Chunky, wide bases on every piece, so the back rank looks planted when the men are set out
  • 34 chess pieces supplied, and neither a board nor a storage box is included with them

About the pieces

The finish is the first thing anyone will comment on. A gloss lacquer over burnt boxwood gives the surface real depth, and a single lamp shows it off far better than flat daylight does.

Both armies start as the same timber. One is burnt light and one is burnt darker, so the two sides differ in tone rather than in species.

The detail is where the work has gone. It is fine stuff, and it is the reason the gloss matters: every line on a piece picks up an edge of light once the set is standing on a board.

The honest note is board space. The king and the queen are the broadest pieces here, so at the tight end of the range those two crowd their squares in a way the bishops and rooks do not.

This set wants squares of 55mm to 60mm, and the top of that window is the better half of it. Down at the bottom the back rank closes up, and a board narrower again will not take these pieces at all.

Glossy lacquered Dubrovnik chessmen, light and dark burnt boxwood

Who this set suits

This is a set for someone who wants the Dubrovnik shapes with some shine on them. If your board lives under a lamp rather than in daylight, the gloss does real work for you every evening.

It also suits a buyer who does not want to pick a timber. There is one option and one finish, so the look is settled before you order and there is no second guessing a dropdown.

It is the wrong set if what you want is natural grain to study. The colour here is a finish rather than a species, and anyone after the figure and depth of a dark hardwood should be looking elsewhere.

This is a set for a table it can stay on. It carries real weight and arrives without a case, so it is not one to be carrying about in a bag week to week.

Measure your board before you order. Squares that come up short cannot be stretched, so check what you already own first and put a new board in the budget if the figures do not line up.

Looking after them is a simple job. Keep the set out of direct sunlight and away from heaters, which is what makes hardwood check. Dust with a dry soft cloth, and leave oil, polish and solvents alone.

Our expert take

The finish is the whole reason to choose this one.

Underneath it sits the same well judged Dubrovnik, with the reshaped knight and the wide rook the revision brought in. The gloss turns it into a different thing to own, and on a dark evening it earns that.

Just be honest with yourself about the look. Gloss is a statement, and it is not to everybody's taste; if you would rather have a quiet set that reads as furniture, our luxury chess pieces will suit you better.

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

Lacquered light and dark burnt boxwood Dubrovnik chessmen

Frequently asked questions

What square size do these pieces need?

Squares of 55mm to 60mm. Take the upper end if the board is still to be bought, because the bases here are wide and the set needs that room to look right.

Are the two armies made from different timbers?

No. Both sides are boxwood. One is burnt light and the other taken darker, then the whole thing is lacquer polished, so the contrast between the two armies comes from the finish.

How heavy is the set?

1,450 grams for the full set. That is enough mass for pieces to settle where you put them and stay settled through a quick game.

What does the lacquer finish look like?

Glossy. It sits over the burnt boxwood and gives the surface some depth, and it is what picks out the carving when the light catches a piece, which is why this version reads so well in a lamplit room.

How many pieces are supplied?

34 chess pieces. What is in the box is listed in full below.

Is a board or a storage box included?

Neither, no. You are buying the chessmen by themselves, so a board and a box are both separate; the square window in the specifications below is the figure to shop a board against.

Specifications

Spec

Detail

King

97mm high (3.8 inch), 44mm base

Queen

87mm high (3.4 inch), 40mm base

Bishop

77mm high (3.0 inch), 37mm base

Knight

70mm high (2.7 inch), 37mm base

Rook

56mm high (2.2 inch), 38mm base

Pawn

51mm high (2.0 inch), 32mm base

Dark pieces

Lacquered dark burnt boxwood

Light pieces

Lacquered light burnt boxwood

Finish

Lacquer polished, glossy

King height

97mm

Recommended square size

55mm to 60mm (2.16 inch to 2.36 inch)

Total weight of pieces

1,450 grams (3.33 lbs)

Piece count

34

Chess board

Not included

What's In The Box?

34 chess pieces
Chess board not included
Storage box not included

Warranty

All products sold by Sterling Chess are backed by a 12 month limited manufacturer warranty. This covers manufacturing defects and cracking, and ensures every product is 100% genuine. If you need assistance, our team is only a call or email away.

FREE Shipping

Is shipping really free?
Yes — we offer free standard shipping on all orders across Australia, with no minimum spend. The price you see at checkout is the price you pay.

Are there any exceptions to free shipping?
No exceptions. Every order ships free, regardless of size, weight, or order value.

How long will my order take to arrive?
Orders are typically dispatched within 1–2 business days, with delivery times depending on your location. You'll receive tracking details by email once your order is on its way.

Do you ship to all areas of Australia?
Yes, we deliver Australia-wide, including regional and remote areas — all at no shipping cost to you.

Can I track my order?
Absolutely. As soon as your order ships, we'll email you a tracking number so you can follow its journey to your door.

What if I need my order quickly?
Get in touch before ordering and we'll do our best to help. Standard shipping is free, and we'll advise on the fastest available option for your area. To contact us, simply email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au, call (03) 7037 0931 or open the live chat.

100 Day FREE Returns

Changed your mind? You can return unused, unopened items within 100 days of your order date, provided they’re in original packaging and resaleable condition. Sterling Chess will cover the cost of shipping return items under our 100-day free returns policy.

All Sterling Chess products are backed by Australian Consumer Law and include a minimum 12-month Australian warranty. If there’s an issue with your product, our team is here to help and will work to make it right.

Click here to view our full returns policy.

Why Buy From Us?

If you're shopping for a new chess set, you're in the right place—and here's why.

1. We know chess inside and out

At Sterling Chess, we're not just another online store. We’re chess lovers, players, collectors, and game night fanatics.

That means we care about quality, balance, and feel—and we only stock sets we’d use ourselves. From tournament-grade boards to handcrafted wooden pieces, we’ve got what real players want.

2. Unmatched variety for every player

Whether you're just learning or a lifelong grandmaster, we have something for you.

Looking for a folding set for travel? A stunning showpiece for your home? A kid-friendly set for your budding chess champion? We’ve got it all—and more.

3. Fast and FREE shipping on all orders

Shipping is FREE on all Sterling Chess orders.

We ship quickly from local and international warehouses, so you’re not waiting weeks to get your game on.

Most orders are packed and sent within 24–48 hours. Plus, you’ll get tracking updates every step of the way.

4. Customer support that actually helps

Have a question? Need help choosing a set? Our friendly team is ready to help—no scripts, no bots, just real people who care about your experience.

You can call our team anytime between business hours on (03) 7037 0931 or email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au. Alternatively, you can use our live chat during business hours to contact our helpful support team.

5. Thousands of happy customers

Don't just take our word for it—our reviews speak for themselves. Sterling Chess is trusted by thousands of players who keep coming back for more. Great products. Great service. No hassle.

6. Classic games, too

We're all about chess—but we also carry backgammon, checkers, poker and other timeless strategy games. If you love the classics, you’ll feel right at home.

Ready to make your move?

Choose a chess set that fits your style, skill level, and space—and enjoy the Sterling Chess difference. You’ll love how it looks. You’ll love how it plays. And you’ll love buying from a team that loves the game just as much as you do.

Description

1970s' Dubrovnik Lacquered Boxwood 97mm Chess Pieces

This is the 1970s' Dubrovnik in a single finish, with a 97mm king. Both armies are boxwood, one burnt light and one burnt dark, and the whole set is then lacquer polished to a gloss.

That means the difference between the two sides is made in the finishing, over a single timber underneath. Set up on a board the two armies still read clearly apart, which is all a game asks of them.

Underneath the finish, the pattern is the Dubrovnik as it was revised after the 1950s set: the knight reshaped, the rook widened, and the bases of every piece made chunkier and fatter for playability.

The carving is intricate, and gloss is a flattering surface for it. Fine detail catches the light instead of sitting quietly in shadow, which is the whole argument for this version.

It is listed with our wood chess pieces.

Lacquered burnt boxwood 1970s' Dubrovnik chessmen

Key features

  • A 97mm king on the revised Dubrovnik pattern, reconstructed from photographs of antique original versions
  • One finish and no timber choice: boxwood on both sides, burnt light and burnt dark, then lacquer polished
  • A glossy lacquered surface, so the set picks up a shine under a lamp or a ceiling light
  • Intricate carving on every piece, with a gloss finish that keeps the detail easy to read
  • The knight was reshaped and the rook widened when the pattern was revised, both changes made for playability
  • 1,450 grams for the full set, so pieces sit steadily and do not shift when the table gets knocked
  • Chunky, wide bases on every piece, so the back rank looks planted when the men are set out
  • 34 chess pieces supplied, and neither a board nor a storage box is included with them

About the pieces

The finish is the first thing anyone will comment on. A gloss lacquer over burnt boxwood gives the surface real depth, and a single lamp shows it off far better than flat daylight does.

Both armies start as the same timber. One is burnt light and one is burnt darker, so the two sides differ in tone rather than in species.

The detail is where the work has gone. It is fine stuff, and it is the reason the gloss matters: every line on a piece picks up an edge of light once the set is standing on a board.

The honest note is board space. The king and the queen are the broadest pieces here, so at the tight end of the range those two crowd their squares in a way the bishops and rooks do not.

This set wants squares of 55mm to 60mm, and the top of that window is the better half of it. Down at the bottom the back rank closes up, and a board narrower again will not take these pieces at all.

Glossy lacquered Dubrovnik chessmen, light and dark burnt boxwood

Who this set suits

This is a set for someone who wants the Dubrovnik shapes with some shine on them. If your board lives under a lamp rather than in daylight, the gloss does real work for you every evening.

It also suits a buyer who does not want to pick a timber. There is one option and one finish, so the look is settled before you order and there is no second guessing a dropdown.

It is the wrong set if what you want is natural grain to study. The colour here is a finish rather than a species, and anyone after the figure and depth of a dark hardwood should be looking elsewhere.

This is a set for a table it can stay on. It carries real weight and arrives without a case, so it is not one to be carrying about in a bag week to week.

Measure your board before you order. Squares that come up short cannot be stretched, so check what you already own first and put a new board in the budget if the figures do not line up.

Looking after them is a simple job. Keep the set out of direct sunlight and away from heaters, which is what makes hardwood check. Dust with a dry soft cloth, and leave oil, polish and solvents alone.

Our expert take

The finish is the whole reason to choose this one.

Underneath it sits the same well judged Dubrovnik, with the reshaped knight and the wide rook the revision brought in. The gloss turns it into a different thing to own, and on a dark evening it earns that.

Just be honest with yourself about the look. Gloss is a statement, and it is not to everybody's taste; if you would rather have a quiet set that reads as furniture, our luxury chess pieces will suit you better.

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

Lacquered light and dark burnt boxwood Dubrovnik chessmen

Frequently asked questions

What square size do these pieces need?

Squares of 55mm to 60mm. Take the upper end if the board is still to be bought, because the bases here are wide and the set needs that room to look right.

Are the two armies made from different timbers?

No. Both sides are boxwood. One is burnt light and the other taken darker, then the whole thing is lacquer polished, so the contrast between the two armies comes from the finish.

How heavy is the set?

1,450 grams for the full set. That is enough mass for pieces to settle where you put them and stay settled through a quick game.

What does the lacquer finish look like?

Glossy. It sits over the burnt boxwood and gives the surface some depth, and it is what picks out the carving when the light catches a piece, which is why this version reads so well in a lamplit room.

How many pieces are supplied?

34 chess pieces. What is in the box is listed in full below.

Is a board or a storage box included?

Neither, no. You are buying the chessmen by themselves, so a board and a box are both separate; the square window in the specifications below is the figure to shop a board against.

Specifications

Spec

Detail

King

97mm high (3.8 inch), 44mm base

Queen

87mm high (3.4 inch), 40mm base

Bishop

77mm high (3.0 inch), 37mm base

Knight

70mm high (2.7 inch), 37mm base

Rook

56mm high (2.2 inch), 38mm base

Pawn

51mm high (2.0 inch), 32mm base

Dark pieces

Lacquered dark burnt boxwood

Light pieces

Lacquered light burnt boxwood

Finish

Lacquer polished, glossy

King height

97mm

Recommended square size

55mm to 60mm (2.16 inch to 2.36 inch)

Total weight of pieces

1,450 grams (3.33 lbs)

Piece count

34

Chess board

Not included

What's In The Box?

34 chess pieces
Chess board not included
Storage box not included

Warranty

All products sold by Sterling Chess are backed by a 12 month limited manufacturer warranty. This covers manufacturing defects and cracking, and ensures every product is 100% genuine. If you need assistance, our team is only a call or email away.

FREE Shipping

Is shipping really free?
Yes — we offer free standard shipping on all orders across Australia, with no minimum spend. The price you see at checkout is the price you pay.

Are there any exceptions to free shipping?
No exceptions. Every order ships free, regardless of size, weight, or order value.

How long will my order take to arrive?
Orders are typically dispatched within 1–2 business days, with delivery times depending on your location. You'll receive tracking details by email once your order is on its way.

Do you ship to all areas of Australia?
Yes, we deliver Australia-wide, including regional and remote areas — all at no shipping cost to you.

Can I track my order?
Absolutely. As soon as your order ships, we'll email you a tracking number so you can follow its journey to your door.

What if I need my order quickly?
Get in touch before ordering and we'll do our best to help. Standard shipping is free, and we'll advise on the fastest available option for your area. To contact us, simply email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au, call (03) 7037 0931 or open the live chat.

100 Day FREE Returns

Changed your mind? You can return unused, unopened items within 100 days of your order date, provided they’re in original packaging and resaleable condition. Sterling Chess will cover the cost of shipping return items under our 100-day free returns policy.

All Sterling Chess products are backed by Australian Consumer Law and include a minimum 12-month Australian warranty. If there’s an issue with your product, our team is here to help and will work to make it right.

Click here to view our full returns policy.

Why Buy From Us?

If you're shopping for a new chess set, you're in the right place—and here's why.

1. We know chess inside and out

At Sterling Chess, we're not just another online store. We’re chess lovers, players, collectors, and game night fanatics.

That means we care about quality, balance, and feel—and we only stock sets we’d use ourselves. From tournament-grade boards to handcrafted wooden pieces, we’ve got what real players want.

2. Unmatched variety for every player

Whether you're just learning or a lifelong grandmaster, we have something for you.

Looking for a folding set for travel? A stunning showpiece for your home? A kid-friendly set for your budding chess champion? We’ve got it all—and more.

3. Fast and FREE shipping on all orders

Shipping is FREE on all Sterling Chess orders.

We ship quickly from local and international warehouses, so you’re not waiting weeks to get your game on.

Most orders are packed and sent within 24–48 hours. Plus, you’ll get tracking updates every step of the way.

4. Customer support that actually helps

Have a question? Need help choosing a set? Our friendly team is ready to help—no scripts, no bots, just real people who care about your experience.

You can call our team anytime between business hours on (03) 7037 0931 or email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au. Alternatively, you can use our live chat during business hours to contact our helpful support team.

5. Thousands of happy customers

Don't just take our word for it—our reviews speak for themselves. Sterling Chess is trusted by thousands of players who keep coming back for more. Great products. Great service. No hassle.

6. Classic games, too

We're all about chess—but we also carry backgammon, checkers, poker and other timeless strategy games. If you love the classics, you’ll feel right at home.

Ready to make your move?

Choose a chess set that fits your style, skill level, and space—and enjoy the Sterling Chess difference. You’ll love how it looks. You’ll love how it plays. And you’ll love buying from a team that loves the game just as much as you do.