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These are the chessmen from the 1972 world championship pattern, supplied on their own. The match was played in Reykjavik between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky, and it picked up the name the Match of the Century.
The dark pieces are ebony and the light are boxwood carrying a lacquered distress antiqued finish. That finish is the point of difference, and it is worth understanding before ordering.
The light army is not the bright cream of a new boxwood set. It has been aged deliberately, so the surface reads warm and worn, the way a set that has been played for thirty years reads.
The proportions are the period part. The knight sits noticeably lower than the bishop beside it, and the army reads lower and broader than a tall modern outline would.
The king stands at a full club playing height, which puts the set squarely in ordinary playing territory.
What a reproduction owes the original is proportion. This one keeps the low knight, the short rook and the broad king base the pattern is known for, and we list it among our reproduction chess pieces.
The back rank steps down in clear stages from the king, and the whole army sits low and broad across the board. That is the period look, and it is deliberate.
The light pieces have depth to them at close range. The tone is deeper in the collars and around the base rim, and lighter on the exposed curves, the way a played set looks.
The ebony opposite them looks blacker for the comparison, because the eye is judging it against a warm cream. The two armies still read apart across a table without difficulty.
These pieces suit boards with squares of 50mm to 55mm. Of the two, the larger is the more comfortable and leaves room to put a piece down without nudging its neighbour, while the smaller gives a fuller, close packed back rank.
Antiquing a boxwood army means taking a timber that is naturally pale and even and giving it the appearance of age before it has earned any. Done badly that reads as dirt.
Done properly, which is what has happened here, the shading gathers in the collars, around the base rim and in the recess under the bishop mitre, while the exposed curves stay pale. The lacquer then holds that state.
The practical consequence is variation you can see from a seated position, without picking a piece up to find it.
The honest caution is that antiquing is a taste. Some players want a set that looks new for as long as possible and will find a pre aged army perverse. It is a decision better made now than after delivery.
Keep the set out of direct sun and away from a heater, dust with a dry soft cloth, and leave oil, furniture polish and solvent based cleaners alone. The ebony wants nothing at all beyond a dry cloth.
Buy this one for the finish. A distress antiqued boxwood army against ebony gives you a set that looks played before you have played it, and the shading down in the collars is the detail that makes the effect work.
Put that together with the period proportions, the low knight and the short rook, and you have a set with a history behind it, not a theme. It is a set drawn for the table.
Weight is the thing to be sure about. The set settles when placed rather than thumping, so anyone used to a heavier army will notice the difference. If a planted feel under the fingers is what you buy sets for, start with our luxury chess pieces.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Between 50mm and 55mm. The larger of the two leaves a clean margin all round, and on the smaller square the back rank sits close packed, which still plays but looks fuller.
1,240 grams for the complete set. They place with a settled tap and stay where they are put through a long game.
The light pieces are boxwood aged as part of the finish, then lacquered to hold that state. The shading gathers where a played set would gather it, so the army looks used.
Thirty four, which is the usual thirty two plus two extra queens, one for each colour. A promotion is handled with a real queen instead of an upturned rook.
No. This is a pieces only listing, so the board is chosen separately to suit the set. Anything cut at the square sizes above will take them.
The 1972 world championship in Reykjavik, the match that gave the pattern its name.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King |
97mm high (3.8 inch), 43mm base |
|
Queen |
76mm high (3.0 inch), 39mm base |
|
Bishop |
70mm high (2.8 inch), 36mm base |
|
Knight |
58mm high (2.3 inch), 36mm base |
|
Rook |
51mm high (2.0 inch), 35mm base |
|
Pawn |
49mm high (1.9 inch), 30mm base |
|
Dark pieces |
Ebony |
|
Light pieces |
Distress Antiqued Boxwood |
|
Material |
Ebony / Distress Antiqued Boxwood |
|
Finish |
Lacquered distress antiqued |
|
Recommended square size |
50mm to 55mm (1.97 inch to 2.16 inch) |
|
Total weight of pieces |
1,240 grams (2.73 lbs) |
|
Piece count |
34, including 2 extra queens |
|
Chess board |
Not included |
34 chess pieces in ebony and distress antiqued boxwood
2 extra queens, one per colour, included in the 34
Chess board not included
Storage box not included
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.
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.
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.
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.
These are the chessmen from the 1972 world championship pattern, supplied on their own. The match was played in Reykjavik between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky, and it picked up the name the Match of the Century.
The dark pieces are ebony and the light are boxwood carrying a lacquered distress antiqued finish. That finish is the point of difference, and it is worth understanding before ordering.
The light army is not the bright cream of a new boxwood set. It has been aged deliberately, so the surface reads warm and worn, the way a set that has been played for thirty years reads.
The proportions are the period part. The knight sits noticeably lower than the bishop beside it, and the army reads lower and broader than a tall modern outline would.
The king stands at a full club playing height, which puts the set squarely in ordinary playing territory.
What a reproduction owes the original is proportion. This one keeps the low knight, the short rook and the broad king base the pattern is known for, and we list it among our reproduction chess pieces.
The back rank steps down in clear stages from the king, and the whole army sits low and broad across the board. That is the period look, and it is deliberate.
The light pieces have depth to them at close range. The tone is deeper in the collars and around the base rim, and lighter on the exposed curves, the way a played set looks.
The ebony opposite them looks blacker for the comparison, because the eye is judging it against a warm cream. The two armies still read apart across a table without difficulty.
These pieces suit boards with squares of 50mm to 55mm. Of the two, the larger is the more comfortable and leaves room to put a piece down without nudging its neighbour, while the smaller gives a fuller, close packed back rank.
Antiquing a boxwood army means taking a timber that is naturally pale and even and giving it the appearance of age before it has earned any. Done badly that reads as dirt.
Done properly, which is what has happened here, the shading gathers in the collars, around the base rim and in the recess under the bishop mitre, while the exposed curves stay pale. The lacquer then holds that state.
The practical consequence is variation you can see from a seated position, without picking a piece up to find it.
The honest caution is that antiquing is a taste. Some players want a set that looks new for as long as possible and will find a pre aged army perverse. It is a decision better made now than after delivery.
Keep the set out of direct sun and away from a heater, dust with a dry soft cloth, and leave oil, furniture polish and solvent based cleaners alone. The ebony wants nothing at all beyond a dry cloth.
Buy this one for the finish. A distress antiqued boxwood army against ebony gives you a set that looks played before you have played it, and the shading down in the collars is the detail that makes the effect work.
Put that together with the period proportions, the low knight and the short rook, and you have a set with a history behind it, not a theme. It is a set drawn for the table.
Weight is the thing to be sure about. The set settles when placed rather than thumping, so anyone used to a heavier army will notice the difference. If a planted feel under the fingers is what you buy sets for, start with our luxury chess pieces.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Between 50mm and 55mm. The larger of the two leaves a clean margin all round, and on the smaller square the back rank sits close packed, which still plays but looks fuller.
1,240 grams for the complete set. They place with a settled tap and stay where they are put through a long game.
The light pieces are boxwood aged as part of the finish, then lacquered to hold that state. The shading gathers where a played set would gather it, so the army looks used.
Thirty four, which is the usual thirty two plus two extra queens, one for each colour. A promotion is handled with a real queen instead of an upturned rook.
No. This is a pieces only listing, so the board is chosen separately to suit the set. Anything cut at the square sizes above will take them.
The 1972 world championship in Reykjavik, the match that gave the pattern its name.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King |
97mm high (3.8 inch), 43mm base |
|
Queen |
76mm high (3.0 inch), 39mm base |
|
Bishop |
70mm high (2.8 inch), 36mm base |
|
Knight |
58mm high (2.3 inch), 36mm base |
|
Rook |
51mm high (2.0 inch), 35mm base |
|
Pawn |
49mm high (1.9 inch), 30mm base |
|
Dark pieces |
Ebony |
|
Light pieces |
Distress Antiqued Boxwood |
|
Material |
Ebony / Distress Antiqued Boxwood |
|
Finish |
Lacquered distress antiqued |
|
Recommended square size |
50mm to 55mm (1.97 inch to 2.16 inch) |
|
Total weight of pieces |
1,240 grams (2.73 lbs) |
|
Piece count |
34, including 2 extra queens |
|
Chess board |
Not included |
34 chess pieces in ebony and distress antiqued boxwood
2 extra queens, one per colour, included in the 34
Chess board not included
Storage box not included
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.
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.
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.
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.
