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Chess knights are almost always modelled on the same source: the horse from the Parthenon frieze, a war horse with a heavy arched neck and a mouth pulled open by the bit. The knight in this set is modelled on something else entirely, a harness racing horse named Adios who was born in 1940 and became the most successful sire in the sport's history.
The difference shows in the head. A racing horse carries its neck lower and further forward, with a longer, straighter muzzle and less flare at the nostril. It is a working animal rather than a heroic one, and it reads immediately once you know to look.
Around it sits a full luxury set: a 111mm king and 95mm queen sharing a 45mm base, triple weighted to 1,784g. Genuine ebony against distressed boxwood, in our luxury chess pieces collection.
Most luxury sets are bought on timber and weight, and by those measures this one sits comfortably in the tier: genuine ebony, 1,784g, triple weighted. Judged that way it is unremarkable, and that would miss the point.
What sets it apart is the knight, and knights are the only piece where a workshop can actually differentiate itself. Everything else is turned against a metal profile. If the knight is the reason you choose a set, this one gives you something no other pattern in our range offers.
The trade off is the light side. Distressed boxwood is deliberately aged and irregular, so contrast against the ebony is lower than a natural boxwood pairing would give. Compare it with the higher contrast options in the luxury chess pieces collection.
Adios was foaled in 1940 and raced in harness, a discipline where the horse pulls a light two wheeled sulky at a pace rather than a gallop. He was a strong competitor, but his real significance came afterward as a sire: his offspring won eight Little Brown Jugs and two Triple Crowns of harness racing, a record that made him the most influential stallion the sport has produced.
A race, a golf club, a golf course and a book were named after him. The knight in this set is another entry on that list, and it is the reason the pattern carries the name. The carving follows the build of a standardbred pacer rather than the classical war horse every other Staunton set inherits.
The king and queen both stand on 45mm. That is unusual, and it changes how the centre of the back rank reads: instead of a large piece beside a smaller one, you get a matched pair with a 16mm height difference between them. It gives the middle of the rank a weight that taller, narrower sets do not achieve.
The light pieces are distressed boxwood, worked to an aged and slightly irregular surface rather than finished smooth and bright. Against genuine ebony the contrast is warm rather than stark. It suits a set meant to look lived with, and it is less suited to fast play where you want the two sides to separate instantly.
The 45mm king base puts this set on 55mm squares, which is standard tournament sizing. Because the queen shares that base and the bishop is not far behind at 41mm, the back rank fills more than the king height alone would suggest, so going smaller is not advisable.
No board is included with these pieces. Our chess boards collection is filtered by square size, and the wider chess pieces collection lists the recommended square size on every set.
Buy this set for the knight. A carving worked from a real harness racing horse rather than the standard classical model is genuinely rare, and it is the only piece in any set where hand skill has room to show. The rest is a solid luxury build: genuine ebony, triple weighted at 1,784g, matched royal bases that give the centre of the rank real presence. The honest caveat is contrast, because distressed boxwood against ebony reads warm and soft rather than sharp, so a player who wants the two sides to separate instantly under club lighting should choose a natural boxwood set instead.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Squares of 55mm, standard tournament sizing. That comes from the 45mm king base rather than the 111mm height. Because the queen shares the same base, going smaller will crowd the back rank.
It is modelled on Adios, a harness racing sire foaled in 1940, rather than on the classical war horse that almost every Staunton knight descends from. The neck is lower and further forward and the muzzle is longer and straighter.
The light pieces are worked to an aged, slightly irregular surface instead of being finished smooth and bright. It lowers contrast against the ebony and gives the set a lived in look.
Yes, the dark pieces are genuine ebony heartwood (Diospyros ebenum) rather than ebonised or dyed timber.
No. This listing is for the 34 pieces only, including the two spare queens. Boards are sold separately and no storage box ships with the set.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
111mm (4.4 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
45mm (1.8 inch) |
|
Queen height |
95mm (3.7 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
45mm (1.8 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
88mm (3.5 inch) |
|
Knight height |
80mm (3.1 inch) |
|
Rook height |
67mm (2.6 inch) |
|
Pawn height |
62mm (2.4 inch) |
|
Officer base diameter |
41mm (1.6 inch), bishop, knight and rook |
|
Dark pieces |
Genuine ebony (Diospyros ebenum) |
|
Light pieces |
Distressed boxwood (Gardenia latifolia) |
|
Weighting |
Triple weighted, thick green felt bases |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Total set weight |
1,784g approximate |
|
Recommended square size |
55mm |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Board |
Not included |
32 chess pieces in genuine ebony and distressed boxwood
2 spare queens, one per colour
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.
Chess knights are almost always modelled on the same source: the horse from the Parthenon frieze, a war horse with a heavy arched neck and a mouth pulled open by the bit. The knight in this set is modelled on something else entirely, a harness racing horse named Adios who was born in 1940 and became the most successful sire in the sport's history.
The difference shows in the head. A racing horse carries its neck lower and further forward, with a longer, straighter muzzle and less flare at the nostril. It is a working animal rather than a heroic one, and it reads immediately once you know to look.
Around it sits a full luxury set: a 111mm king and 95mm queen sharing a 45mm base, triple weighted to 1,784g. Genuine ebony against distressed boxwood, in our luxury chess pieces collection.
Most luxury sets are bought on timber and weight, and by those measures this one sits comfortably in the tier: genuine ebony, 1,784g, triple weighted. Judged that way it is unremarkable, and that would miss the point.
What sets it apart is the knight, and knights are the only piece where a workshop can actually differentiate itself. Everything else is turned against a metal profile. If the knight is the reason you choose a set, this one gives you something no other pattern in our range offers.
The trade off is the light side. Distressed boxwood is deliberately aged and irregular, so contrast against the ebony is lower than a natural boxwood pairing would give. Compare it with the higher contrast options in the luxury chess pieces collection.
Adios was foaled in 1940 and raced in harness, a discipline where the horse pulls a light two wheeled sulky at a pace rather than a gallop. He was a strong competitor, but his real significance came afterward as a sire: his offspring won eight Little Brown Jugs and two Triple Crowns of harness racing, a record that made him the most influential stallion the sport has produced.
A race, a golf club, a golf course and a book were named after him. The knight in this set is another entry on that list, and it is the reason the pattern carries the name. The carving follows the build of a standardbred pacer rather than the classical war horse every other Staunton set inherits.
The king and queen both stand on 45mm. That is unusual, and it changes how the centre of the back rank reads: instead of a large piece beside a smaller one, you get a matched pair with a 16mm height difference between them. It gives the middle of the rank a weight that taller, narrower sets do not achieve.
The light pieces are distressed boxwood, worked to an aged and slightly irregular surface rather than finished smooth and bright. Against genuine ebony the contrast is warm rather than stark. It suits a set meant to look lived with, and it is less suited to fast play where you want the two sides to separate instantly.
The 45mm king base puts this set on 55mm squares, which is standard tournament sizing. Because the queen shares that base and the bishop is not far behind at 41mm, the back rank fills more than the king height alone would suggest, so going smaller is not advisable.
No board is included with these pieces. Our chess boards collection is filtered by square size, and the wider chess pieces collection lists the recommended square size on every set.
Buy this set for the knight. A carving worked from a real harness racing horse rather than the standard classical model is genuinely rare, and it is the only piece in any set where hand skill has room to show. The rest is a solid luxury build: genuine ebony, triple weighted at 1,784g, matched royal bases that give the centre of the rank real presence. The honest caveat is contrast, because distressed boxwood against ebony reads warm and soft rather than sharp, so a player who wants the two sides to separate instantly under club lighting should choose a natural boxwood set instead.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Squares of 55mm, standard tournament sizing. That comes from the 45mm king base rather than the 111mm height. Because the queen shares the same base, going smaller will crowd the back rank.
It is modelled on Adios, a harness racing sire foaled in 1940, rather than on the classical war horse that almost every Staunton knight descends from. The neck is lower and further forward and the muzzle is longer and straighter.
The light pieces are worked to an aged, slightly irregular surface instead of being finished smooth and bright. It lowers contrast against the ebony and gives the set a lived in look.
Yes, the dark pieces are genuine ebony heartwood (Diospyros ebenum) rather than ebonised or dyed timber.
No. This listing is for the 34 pieces only, including the two spare queens. Boards are sold separately and no storage box ships with the set.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
111mm (4.4 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
45mm (1.8 inch) |
|
Queen height |
95mm (3.7 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
45mm (1.8 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
88mm (3.5 inch) |
|
Knight height |
80mm (3.1 inch) |
|
Rook height |
67mm (2.6 inch) |
|
Pawn height |
62mm (2.4 inch) |
|
Officer base diameter |
41mm (1.6 inch), bishop, knight and rook |
|
Dark pieces |
Genuine ebony (Diospyros ebenum) |
|
Light pieces |
Distressed boxwood (Gardenia latifolia) |
|
Weighting |
Triple weighted, thick green felt bases |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Total set weight |
1,784g approximate |
|
Recommended square size |
55mm |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Board |
Not included |
32 chess pieces in genuine ebony and distressed boxwood
2 spare queens, one per colour
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.
