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Bridle Staunton Ebony Wood 101mm Chess Pieces

Bridle Staunton 101mm Chess Pieces

by Sterling Chess
$379.00

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Description

Bridle Staunton 101mm Chess Pieces

The Bridle Staunton takes its name from its knight, which is carved as a bridled horse.

The strap is cut into the muzzle and run up behind the ear, and the mane is cut in. It is close work, and it is the piece anyone who knows chess sets will pick up first.

Everything else follows classical Staunton shaping, so nothing on this set needs explaining to an opponent. The king stands 101mm and the back rank steps down evenly.

Three timbers are offered for the dark army, with boxwood light pieces on all of them, so the contrast changes but the light side never does.

It sits with our luxury chess pieces.

 Bridle Staunton chessmen in ebony and boxwood set out for a game

Key features

  • A 101mm king in ordinary club proportions, with an even step down through the back rank
  • The knight is carved as a bridled horse, which is where the pattern gets its name
  • Three timbers for the dark army: ebony, golden rosewood or bud rosewood
  • Boxwood light pieces on every option, so the contrast changes but the light army does not
  • 1,120 grams across the full 34 pieces, a moderate weight for a king this tall
  • Polished on a buffing wheel, which is what gives the turned collars their even sheen
  • Cut for club sized squares, with the roomier end of that window the more comfortable
  • 34 pieces supplied, two more than a game array actually uses

About the pieces

Every piece in a Staunton army except the knight comes off a lathe, and a turning is a repeatable operation, so it comes out much the same every time. The horse is the piece that has to be worked by hand.

That is where this pattern spends its effort. Cutting a strap that runs across a muzzle and up behind the ear means removing timber either side of a line and leaving the line proud.

It is easy to do badly and it shows immediately when it has been. Here the head is set forward and the mane is cut in, so the piece reads as a horse paying attention rather than a horse in profile.

The turned work behind it carries its own signature. Collars step cleanly instead of blending into the shank, the bishop keeps a proper cut slit, and the rook battlements are square and even all the way round.

On the board, 50mm to 55mm squares, and the roomier end plays better. At 50mm the back rank sits shoulder to shoulder, which works perfectly well but looks full; below that the set crowds badly, and above the window the pieces begin to look undersized.

 Bud rosewood Bridle Staunton knight showing the cut bridle and mane

Choosing between the three timbers

The turning, the weight, the boxwood light army and the square window are the same on all three. What the choice changes is the dark side, and here that is a real decision rather than a colourway.

Ebony is the darkest and densest of the three and reads close to black under a lamp, with the grain visible only at close range. Against boxwood it gives the hardest separation of the three.

Take it if you want the position legible from across a room, which is why it stays the standard choice for a set that will be played with every week.

Golden rosewood, also sold as sheesham, is a warm mid brown with open grain and plenty of variation piece to piece. The armies still read apart without effort, but the contrast is softer.

Bud rosewood is the most figured of the three, with a deeper red brown ground and darker streaking that changes piece by piece. It is the one a visitor picks up. Both rosewoods deepen in colour over years, which is normal and is generally counted an improvement.

One thing to know about the bud rosewood option: its king is a shade shorter and a shade broader at the foot. Nobody sees that across a table, and it makes no difference to the square size.

Keep it simple on every option. Keep the set out of direct sun and away from a heater or a vent, which is what makes turned hardwood check. Dust with a dry soft cloth, and use no oil or furniture polish at all, because boxwood yellows unevenly under it.

Our expert take

The horse is the reason to buy this one. A cut bridle and a forward head is close work at this size, and the rest of the army is properly turned behind it.

The weight is worth being clear about. This is a moderate load for a king this tall, so the pieces settle where they land, and anyone coming off a heavier club set will notice on the first move.

Be sure about the board before you order: this one wants the roomier end of its window, and it will look undersized on anything larger. If a deliberate, substantial feel under the hand is what you are after, our tournament chess pieces are the better place to start, and this one can be the set with the good horse.

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

 Golden rosewood Bridle Staunton king standing beside its boxwood counterpart

Frequently asked questions
What square size do these pieces need?

50mm to 55mm. The king base sets the window, and at the roomier end there is a clear ring of timber all round every foot. At the tighter end the back rank sits shoulder to shoulder, which plays perfectly well but looks full.

Does the timber choice change anything other than colour?

Almost nothing. The turning, the weight, the boxwood light pieces and the square window are the same on all three. The one difference worth knowing is that the bud rosewood king is a shade shorter and a shade broader at the foot.

How heavy is the set?

The full 34 pieces come to 1,120 grams, which is a moderate weight for a king this tall. The pieces place with a light tap and stay where they are put, without the emphatic feel of a much heavier army.

What makes the knight different from an ordinary Staunton knight?

It is carved as a bridled horse. The strap is cut into the muzzle and run up behind the ear, and the mane is cut in.

How many pieces are supplied?

34 chess pieces, which is two more than a game array uses. The light army is boxwood on every option and the dark army is whichever timber you select.

Is a board included?

No. This is a pieces only listing, so the board is chosen separately. Anything cut to the square size in the specifications below will take the set.
Specifications

Spec

Detail

King

101mm high (4.0 inch), 42mm base

Queen

83mm high (3.3 inch), 38mm base

Bishop

75mm high (2.9 inch), 35mm base

Knight

73mm high (2.9 inch), 35mm base

Rook

56mm high (2.2 inch), 36mm base

Pawn

47mm high (1.8 inch), 30mm base

Ebony Wood option

Ebony dark pieces, boxwood light pieces

Golden Rosewood option

Golden rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces

Bud Rosewood option

Bud rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces, 99mm king on a 43mm base

Finish

Polished on a buffing wheel

Recommended square size

50mm to 55mm (1.96 inch to 2.16 inch)

Total weight of pieces

1,120 grams (2.5 lbs)

Piece count

34

Chess board

Not included
What's In The Box?

34 chess pieces, boxwood light army against the dark timber you select
Two pieces more than a standard game array uses
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

Bridle Staunton 101mm Chess Pieces

The Bridle Staunton takes its name from its knight, which is carved as a bridled horse.

The strap is cut into the muzzle and run up behind the ear, and the mane is cut in. It is close work, and it is the piece anyone who knows chess sets will pick up first.

Everything else follows classical Staunton shaping, so nothing on this set needs explaining to an opponent. The king stands 101mm and the back rank steps down evenly.

Three timbers are offered for the dark army, with boxwood light pieces on all of them, so the contrast changes but the light side never does.

It sits with our luxury chess pieces.

 Bridle Staunton chessmen in ebony and boxwood set out for a game

Key features

  • A 101mm king in ordinary club proportions, with an even step down through the back rank
  • The knight is carved as a bridled horse, which is where the pattern gets its name
  • Three timbers for the dark army: ebony, golden rosewood or bud rosewood
  • Boxwood light pieces on every option, so the contrast changes but the light army does not
  • 1,120 grams across the full 34 pieces, a moderate weight for a king this tall
  • Polished on a buffing wheel, which is what gives the turned collars their even sheen
  • Cut for club sized squares, with the roomier end of that window the more comfortable
  • 34 pieces supplied, two more than a game array actually uses

About the pieces

Every piece in a Staunton army except the knight comes off a lathe, and a turning is a repeatable operation, so it comes out much the same every time. The horse is the piece that has to be worked by hand.

That is where this pattern spends its effort. Cutting a strap that runs across a muzzle and up behind the ear means removing timber either side of a line and leaving the line proud.

It is easy to do badly and it shows immediately when it has been. Here the head is set forward and the mane is cut in, so the piece reads as a horse paying attention rather than a horse in profile.

The turned work behind it carries its own signature. Collars step cleanly instead of blending into the shank, the bishop keeps a proper cut slit, and the rook battlements are square and even all the way round.

On the board, 50mm to 55mm squares, and the roomier end plays better. At 50mm the back rank sits shoulder to shoulder, which works perfectly well but looks full; below that the set crowds badly, and above the window the pieces begin to look undersized.

 Bud rosewood Bridle Staunton knight showing the cut bridle and mane

Choosing between the three timbers

The turning, the weight, the boxwood light army and the square window are the same on all three. What the choice changes is the dark side, and here that is a real decision rather than a colourway.

Ebony is the darkest and densest of the three and reads close to black under a lamp, with the grain visible only at close range. Against boxwood it gives the hardest separation of the three.

Take it if you want the position legible from across a room, which is why it stays the standard choice for a set that will be played with every week.

Golden rosewood, also sold as sheesham, is a warm mid brown with open grain and plenty of variation piece to piece. The armies still read apart without effort, but the contrast is softer.

Bud rosewood is the most figured of the three, with a deeper red brown ground and darker streaking that changes piece by piece. It is the one a visitor picks up. Both rosewoods deepen in colour over years, which is normal and is generally counted an improvement.

One thing to know about the bud rosewood option: its king is a shade shorter and a shade broader at the foot. Nobody sees that across a table, and it makes no difference to the square size.

Keep it simple on every option. Keep the set out of direct sun and away from a heater or a vent, which is what makes turned hardwood check. Dust with a dry soft cloth, and use no oil or furniture polish at all, because boxwood yellows unevenly under it.

Our expert take

The horse is the reason to buy this one. A cut bridle and a forward head is close work at this size, and the rest of the army is properly turned behind it.

The weight is worth being clear about. This is a moderate load for a king this tall, so the pieces settle where they land, and anyone coming off a heavier club set will notice on the first move.

Be sure about the board before you order: this one wants the roomier end of its window, and it will look undersized on anything larger. If a deliberate, substantial feel under the hand is what you are after, our tournament chess pieces are the better place to start, and this one can be the set with the good horse.

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

 Golden rosewood Bridle Staunton king standing beside its boxwood counterpart

Frequently asked questions
What square size do these pieces need?

50mm to 55mm. The king base sets the window, and at the roomier end there is a clear ring of timber all round every foot. At the tighter end the back rank sits shoulder to shoulder, which plays perfectly well but looks full.

Does the timber choice change anything other than colour?

Almost nothing. The turning, the weight, the boxwood light pieces and the square window are the same on all three. The one difference worth knowing is that the bud rosewood king is a shade shorter and a shade broader at the foot.

How heavy is the set?

The full 34 pieces come to 1,120 grams, which is a moderate weight for a king this tall. The pieces place with a light tap and stay where they are put, without the emphatic feel of a much heavier army.

What makes the knight different from an ordinary Staunton knight?

It is carved as a bridled horse. The strap is cut into the muzzle and run up behind the ear, and the mane is cut in.

How many pieces are supplied?

34 chess pieces, which is two more than a game array uses. The light army is boxwood on every option and the dark army is whichever timber you select.

Is a board included?

No. This is a pieces only listing, so the board is chosen separately. Anything cut to the square size in the specifications below will take the set.
Specifications

Spec

Detail

King

101mm high (4.0 inch), 42mm base

Queen

83mm high (3.3 inch), 38mm base

Bishop

75mm high (2.9 inch), 35mm base

Knight

73mm high (2.9 inch), 35mm base

Rook

56mm high (2.2 inch), 36mm base

Pawn

47mm high (1.8 inch), 30mm base

Ebony Wood option

Ebony dark pieces, boxwood light pieces

Golden Rosewood option

Golden rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces

Bud Rosewood option

Bud rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces, 99mm king on a 43mm base

Finish

Polished on a buffing wheel

Recommended square size

50mm to 55mm (1.96 inch to 2.16 inch)

Total weight of pieces

1,120 grams (2.5 lbs)

Piece count

34

Chess board

Not included
What's In The Box?

34 chess pieces, boxwood light army against the dark timber you select
Two pieces more than a standard game array uses
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.