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The knight on every Staunton set in the world descends from a single carved horse: the head of one of Selene's horses from the east pediment of the Parthenon, which Lord Elgin removed to London in the early 1800s and which Nathaniel Cooke used as his model in 1849.
This set is named for that source and goes back to it more literally than most. The head is heavier through the jaw, the nostril is flared and the eye is set deeper, and the mane is cut twice rather than once, giving the neck the layered depth the marble original has.
Genuine ebony against boxwood, triple weighted to 1,600g on a 102mm king. It sits in our Staunton chess pieces.
We carry a close cousin of this set: the Leningrad Club Sized pieces share the 102mm king, the 42mm base, the 60mm square sizing, the collar rings and the double mane knight. They are worth comparing directly rather than in the abstract.
The differences are real but narrow. This set has a taller queen at 87mm against 81mm, a taller knight at 71mm against 68mm, and it comes in genuine ebony rather than rosewood or ebonised wood, which takes it to 1,600g against 1,200g. It is the heavier and slightly grander of the two.
The Leningrad is the better value if the timber does not matter to you. This one is the choice if you want genuine ebony and the extra 400g. Both sit in our Staunton chess pieces at the same square size.
When Nathaniel Cooke registered the Staunton design in 1849 he needed a knight that could be identified instantly and that no other maker could claim. He took the head of a horse from the Parthenon frieze, then recently arrived in London and on public display, and cut it down to a chess piece.
Almost every knight carved since has been a copy of a copy of that decision, and each generation has smoothed something away. Going back toward the marble means a heavier jaw, a wider nostril, a deeper set eye and more depth in the mane. It is a less refined shape than a modern tournament knight and considerably more alive.
The dark pieces are genuine ebony heartwood, not ebonised timber. It is dense and close grained, and on a knight with double mane carving that matters directly: the second crest requires undercutting, and ebony holds the cut edge where a softer wood would tear along the grain.
The density also does most of the weighting work. At 1,600g across 34 pieces the set averages around 47g, and the mass is distributed through the timber rather than concentrated in base ballast, which is why the pieces feel solid all the way up rather than bottom heavy.
This set asks for 60mm squares, which is more generous than the 42mm base strictly requires. That is deliberate: the carving on the knights is the reason to buy it, and clear space around each piece is what lets you see it from a seated position.
No board is included. Our chess boards collection is filtered by square size so you can match the 60mm requirement directly, and the rest of the chess pieces collection lists square sizing on every set.
This is the knight-led set in the range with the most direct claim on the pattern's origin, and the double mane carving in genuine ebony is the reason to pay for it over the Leningrad, which shares its architecture at a lower price in lesser timbers. Triple weighted at roughly 47g a piece, it has real presence without being unwieldy. The caveat is board size: 60mm squares are generous for a 102mm king and larger than most people own, but the spacing is what makes the carving worth having. Buy the board to match or choose a tighter set instead.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Squares of 60mm. That is more generous than the 42mm king base strictly requires, and it is deliberate so the carved knights stay visible in play. A 55mm board will work and will look tighter.
The Staunton knight of 1849 was modelled on a horse head from the Parthenon frieze that Lord Elgin brought to London. This set goes back toward that source, with a heavier jaw, flared nostril, deeper eye and a double cut mane.
Yes, the dark pieces are genuine ebony heartwood rather than ebonised or dyed timber. That is what lets the undercut double mane hold a clean edge.
They share the 102mm king, 42mm base, 60mm squares, collar rings and double mane knight. This set has a taller queen and knight and comes in genuine ebony at 1,600g; the Leningrad is rosewood or ebonised at 1,200g and costs less. Both are in our Staunton chess pieces.
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 |
102mm (4.0 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
42mm (1.6 inch) |
|
Queen height |
87mm (3.4 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
40mm (1.5 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
76mm (3.0 inch) |
|
Knight height |
71mm (2.8 inch) |
|
Rook height |
59mm (2.3 inch) |
|
Officer base diameter |
37mm (1.4 inch), bishop, knight and rook |
|
Pawn height |
52mm (2.0 inch) |
|
Pawn base diameter |
30mm (1.2 inch) |
|
Dark pieces |
Genuine ebony |
|
Light pieces |
Boxwood |
|
Weighting |
Triple weighted, thick green felt bases |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Total set weight |
1,600g approximate |
|
Recommended square size |
60mm |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Board |
Not included |
32 chess pieces in genuine ebony and 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.
The knight on every Staunton set in the world descends from a single carved horse: the head of one of Selene's horses from the east pediment of the Parthenon, which Lord Elgin removed to London in the early 1800s and which Nathaniel Cooke used as his model in 1849.
This set is named for that source and goes back to it more literally than most. The head is heavier through the jaw, the nostril is flared and the eye is set deeper, and the mane is cut twice rather than once, giving the neck the layered depth the marble original has.
Genuine ebony against boxwood, triple weighted to 1,600g on a 102mm king. It sits in our Staunton chess pieces.
We carry a close cousin of this set: the Leningrad Club Sized pieces share the 102mm king, the 42mm base, the 60mm square sizing, the collar rings and the double mane knight. They are worth comparing directly rather than in the abstract.
The differences are real but narrow. This set has a taller queen at 87mm against 81mm, a taller knight at 71mm against 68mm, and it comes in genuine ebony rather than rosewood or ebonised wood, which takes it to 1,600g against 1,200g. It is the heavier and slightly grander of the two.
The Leningrad is the better value if the timber does not matter to you. This one is the choice if you want genuine ebony and the extra 400g. Both sit in our Staunton chess pieces at the same square size.
When Nathaniel Cooke registered the Staunton design in 1849 he needed a knight that could be identified instantly and that no other maker could claim. He took the head of a horse from the Parthenon frieze, then recently arrived in London and on public display, and cut it down to a chess piece.
Almost every knight carved since has been a copy of a copy of that decision, and each generation has smoothed something away. Going back toward the marble means a heavier jaw, a wider nostril, a deeper set eye and more depth in the mane. It is a less refined shape than a modern tournament knight and considerably more alive.
The dark pieces are genuine ebony heartwood, not ebonised timber. It is dense and close grained, and on a knight with double mane carving that matters directly: the second crest requires undercutting, and ebony holds the cut edge where a softer wood would tear along the grain.
The density also does most of the weighting work. At 1,600g across 34 pieces the set averages around 47g, and the mass is distributed through the timber rather than concentrated in base ballast, which is why the pieces feel solid all the way up rather than bottom heavy.
This set asks for 60mm squares, which is more generous than the 42mm base strictly requires. That is deliberate: the carving on the knights is the reason to buy it, and clear space around each piece is what lets you see it from a seated position.
No board is included. Our chess boards collection is filtered by square size so you can match the 60mm requirement directly, and the rest of the chess pieces collection lists square sizing on every set.
This is the knight-led set in the range with the most direct claim on the pattern's origin, and the double mane carving in genuine ebony is the reason to pay for it over the Leningrad, which shares its architecture at a lower price in lesser timbers. Triple weighted at roughly 47g a piece, it has real presence without being unwieldy. The caveat is board size: 60mm squares are generous for a 102mm king and larger than most people own, but the spacing is what makes the carving worth having. Buy the board to match or choose a tighter set instead.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Squares of 60mm. That is more generous than the 42mm king base strictly requires, and it is deliberate so the carved knights stay visible in play. A 55mm board will work and will look tighter.
The Staunton knight of 1849 was modelled on a horse head from the Parthenon frieze that Lord Elgin brought to London. This set goes back toward that source, with a heavier jaw, flared nostril, deeper eye and a double cut mane.
Yes, the dark pieces are genuine ebony heartwood rather than ebonised or dyed timber. That is what lets the undercut double mane hold a clean edge.
They share the 102mm king, 42mm base, 60mm squares, collar rings and double mane knight. This set has a taller queen and knight and comes in genuine ebony at 1,600g; the Leningrad is rosewood or ebonised at 1,200g and costs less. Both are in our Staunton chess pieces.
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 |
102mm (4.0 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
42mm (1.6 inch) |
|
Queen height |
87mm (3.4 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
40mm (1.5 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
76mm (3.0 inch) |
|
Knight height |
71mm (2.8 inch) |
|
Rook height |
59mm (2.3 inch) |
|
Officer base diameter |
37mm (1.4 inch), bishop, knight and rook |
|
Pawn height |
52mm (2.0 inch) |
|
Pawn base diameter |
30mm (1.2 inch) |
|
Dark pieces |
Genuine ebony |
|
Light pieces |
Boxwood |
|
Weighting |
Triple weighted, thick green felt bases |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Total set weight |
1,600g approximate |
|
Recommended square size |
60mm |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Board |
Not included |
32 chess pieces in genuine ebony and 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.
