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Vienna's coffee houses were where central European chess actually happened for the better part of a century. Players sat for hours at small marble topped tables, often with a newspaper, a cup and a second game going alongside. The equipment adapted to that.
You can read it in the proportions. The king is a full 98mm but the rook drops to 53mm and the pawn to 46mm, so the front of the board stays very low. On a crowded table where the board is one of several things competing for space, that keeps the position legible from an awkward angle.
The pawn also sits on a 33mm base, nearly as wide as the 36mm officers, so it stays put when a sleeve goes past. Ebonised against antique boxwood, in our reproduction chess pieces.
Tournament reproductions are designed for a player sitting square to the board with nothing else on the table. Coffee house sets were not. They had to work at an angle, in poor light, on a small surface, next to a cup.
The design answers that with an exaggerated height range. From a 98mm king down to a 46mm pawn is a wider spread than a tournament set uses, and it means the back rank stays visible over the front one no matter where you are sitting. The wide pawn base handles the knocks that a crowded table produces.
What you give up is elegance of line: a 53mm rook next to a 98mm king looks stubby beside a graded tournament set. Compare against the more conventional patterns in the reproduction chess pieces.
From the middle of the nineteenth century, Vienna's coffee houses functioned as the city's chess clubs. A player could arrive alone, find a game, and stay for the afternoon. Cafés kept sets behind the counter and the strongest players in the city were regulars at particular addresses.
Equipment used that way takes a beating and gets read from odd angles. The pattern that emerged favoured a tall king for authority, low minor pieces that stayed out of the sightline, and wide bases everywhere because a café table is never as clear or as steady as a tournament one. This reproduction keeps all of it.
The dark pieces are ebonised boxwood, stained through to a deep even black rather than being a naturally dark timber. The light pieces are antiqued, oxidised to a warm aged tone instead of left bright.
That combination gives clear separation without the harshness of black against white, which suits a set meant to look like it has been in use for decades. It also means the light side will not look newly turned, which is the intended effect rather than a defect. If you want maximum contrast under club lighting, a natural boxwood pairing reads faster.
The 42mm king base gives a range of 50mm to 60mm squares. At 50mm the set reads tight and authentically crowded; at 60mm each piece has clear space. Standard 55mm sits comfortably between and is the safe choice.
No board is included with these pieces. Our chess boards collection is filtered by square size, and the wider chess pieces collection lists square sizing on every set.
The proportions here are the interesting part and they are genuinely functional rather than decorative. A 98mm king over a 46mm pawn is a much wider spread than a tournament set uses, and it does exactly what a coffee house set needs to do: keep the back rank readable from a bad angle over a crowded front rank. The wide pawn base is the same thinking. Two caveats. It looks stubby beside a graded tournament set, and the antiqued light side deliberately lowers contrast, so this is a set for good light and unhurried games rather than for blitz under a club strip light.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Squares of 50mm to 60mm, from the 42mm king base. 55mm is the safe middle choice. 50mm gives a tight, authentically crowded look and 60mm gives each piece clear space.
It is characteristic of coffee house sets. A 53mm rook and 46mm pawn under a 98mm king keep the front of the board low so the back rank stays visible from an awkward seated angle on a crowded table.
No. The dark pieces are ebonised boxwood, stained through to a deep even black. Genuine ebony sets are available across our wood chess pieces range.
The light pieces are oxidised to a warm aged tone rather than left bright. It suits a set meant to look long used, and it lowers contrast against the dark side compared with natural boxwood.
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 |
98mm (3.8 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
42mm (1.6 inch) |
|
Queen height |
84mm (3.3 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
39mm (1.5 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
76mm (3.0 inch) |
|
Knight height |
71mm (2.8 inch) |
|
Rook height |
53mm (2.1 inch) |
|
Officer base diameter |
36mm (1.4 inch), bishop, knight and rook |
|
Pawn height |
46mm (1.8 inch) |
|
Pawn base diameter |
33mm (1.3 inch) |
|
Dark pieces |
Ebonised boxwood (Gardenia latifolia) |
|
Light pieces |
Antique boxwood (Gardenia latifolia) |
|
Weighting |
Weighted, thick green felt bases |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Total set weight |
1,172g approximate |
|
Recommended square size |
50mm to 60mm |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Board |
Not included |
32 chess pieces in ebonised and antique 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.
Vienna's coffee houses were where central European chess actually happened for the better part of a century. Players sat for hours at small marble topped tables, often with a newspaper, a cup and a second game going alongside. The equipment adapted to that.
You can read it in the proportions. The king is a full 98mm but the rook drops to 53mm and the pawn to 46mm, so the front of the board stays very low. On a crowded table where the board is one of several things competing for space, that keeps the position legible from an awkward angle.
The pawn also sits on a 33mm base, nearly as wide as the 36mm officers, so it stays put when a sleeve goes past. Ebonised against antique boxwood, in our reproduction chess pieces.
Tournament reproductions are designed for a player sitting square to the board with nothing else on the table. Coffee house sets were not. They had to work at an angle, in poor light, on a small surface, next to a cup.
The design answers that with an exaggerated height range. From a 98mm king down to a 46mm pawn is a wider spread than a tournament set uses, and it means the back rank stays visible over the front one no matter where you are sitting. The wide pawn base handles the knocks that a crowded table produces.
What you give up is elegance of line: a 53mm rook next to a 98mm king looks stubby beside a graded tournament set. Compare against the more conventional patterns in the reproduction chess pieces.
From the middle of the nineteenth century, Vienna's coffee houses functioned as the city's chess clubs. A player could arrive alone, find a game, and stay for the afternoon. Cafés kept sets behind the counter and the strongest players in the city were regulars at particular addresses.
Equipment used that way takes a beating and gets read from odd angles. The pattern that emerged favoured a tall king for authority, low minor pieces that stayed out of the sightline, and wide bases everywhere because a café table is never as clear or as steady as a tournament one. This reproduction keeps all of it.
The dark pieces are ebonised boxwood, stained through to a deep even black rather than being a naturally dark timber. The light pieces are antiqued, oxidised to a warm aged tone instead of left bright.
That combination gives clear separation without the harshness of black against white, which suits a set meant to look like it has been in use for decades. It also means the light side will not look newly turned, which is the intended effect rather than a defect. If you want maximum contrast under club lighting, a natural boxwood pairing reads faster.
The 42mm king base gives a range of 50mm to 60mm squares. At 50mm the set reads tight and authentically crowded; at 60mm each piece has clear space. Standard 55mm sits comfortably between and is the safe choice.
No board is included with these pieces. Our chess boards collection is filtered by square size, and the wider chess pieces collection lists square sizing on every set.
The proportions here are the interesting part and they are genuinely functional rather than decorative. A 98mm king over a 46mm pawn is a much wider spread than a tournament set uses, and it does exactly what a coffee house set needs to do: keep the back rank readable from a bad angle over a crowded front rank. The wide pawn base is the same thinking. Two caveats. It looks stubby beside a graded tournament set, and the antiqued light side deliberately lowers contrast, so this is a set for good light and unhurried games rather than for blitz under a club strip light.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Squares of 50mm to 60mm, from the 42mm king base. 55mm is the safe middle choice. 50mm gives a tight, authentically crowded look and 60mm gives each piece clear space.
It is characteristic of coffee house sets. A 53mm rook and 46mm pawn under a 98mm king keep the front of the board low so the back rank stays visible from an awkward seated angle on a crowded table.
No. The dark pieces are ebonised boxwood, stained through to a deep even black. Genuine ebony sets are available across our wood chess pieces range.
The light pieces are oxidised to a warm aged tone rather than left bright. It suits a set meant to look long used, and it lowers contrast against the dark side compared with natural boxwood.
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 |
98mm (3.8 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
42mm (1.6 inch) |
|
Queen height |
84mm (3.3 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
39mm (1.5 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
76mm (3.0 inch) |
|
Knight height |
71mm (2.8 inch) |
|
Rook height |
53mm (2.1 inch) |
|
Officer base diameter |
36mm (1.4 inch), bishop, knight and rook |
|
Pawn height |
46mm (1.8 inch) |
|
Pawn base diameter |
33mm (1.3 inch) |
|
Dark pieces |
Ebonised boxwood (Gardenia latifolia) |
|
Light pieces |
Antique boxwood (Gardenia latifolia) |
|
Weighting |
Weighted, thick green felt bases |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Total set weight |
1,172g approximate |
|
Recommended square size |
50mm to 60mm |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Board |
Not included |
32 chess pieces in ebonised and antique 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.
