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The Emperor is a Staunton with a character of its own, drawn rather than borrowed, and the knight carries it.
It is given a raised, battle ready posture that reads as alert, never at rest, and the rest of the army has profile enough that the set is recognisable at a glance as this pattern and no other.
Both armies are boxwood, one lacquered white and the other lacquered black. Both sides are one species, separated by colour alone.
The set is heavily weighted to increase stability on the board, and the king is squarely in club playing sizes. Either side of the royal pair the feet are broad and much of a width, so the opening position shows an even band flanking the king and queen.
You will find it in our Staunton chess pieces.
The knight is the piece that names this pattern in the mind. The head is raised and the neck carried forward, so it reads as a horse alert to something, and it gives the back rank a readiness a plainer outline lacks.
What keeps it from being merely decorative is the geometry underneath. The bishop, knight and rook stand on feet of much the same width, so the opening position shows two large feet at the centre and an even band either side of them.
The heights are graded and the footprints are grouped, and the combination is what gives the set its particular look.
That breadth is also why the set sits so quietly in play. Nothing rocks and nothing creeps, and placing into a crowded corner does not disturb a neighbour.
These pieces suit boards with squares of 55mm. The king stands on a broad foot, so it is a firm fit: enough board showing to see each piece within its square and no more than that, which makes the square worth measuring before ordering.
The two sides are separated by colour and nothing else, which is unusual on a chessboard and is the whole idea of this pattern.
The contrast is a hard, clean one. Lacquered white against lacquered black reads across a room, in poor light, and to anyone meeting the set for the first time.
What the set offers is form and colour, so if the figure of the timber is what you want on a board, this is not the pattern for it.
Both lacquers catch light, so the pieces show their profiles under a lamp. Against a matte board that is a pleasing contrast; against a high gloss one it is a great deal of shine in one place.
The lacquer needs no feeding and no polishing. It is a hard finish, and left alone it stays as it arrived.
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. Be particularly careful with solvents here, since the wrong product will mark a lacquered finish in a way that cannot be put right.
The reason to buy this one is the contrast. Lacquered white against lacquered black is a hard, clean separation, and it is carried on one timber, so the board is legible without the set being a pairing of two woods.
The knight is the second reason. Its raised, battle ready posture gives the pattern a character of its own, and the weighting holds a position exactly where it is put.
Two caveats worth knowing. This is a set about form and colour, so timber grain is not what it offers, and if you are shopping for grain it is not the one. And the fit is a firm one, so measure the square before ordering. Natural timbers at a similar size sit across our luxury chess pieces.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
55mm. The king stands on a broad foot, so it is a firm fit with enough board showing to see each piece within its square and no more. Measure the square itself before ordering, not the outside of the board.
Yes. Both are boxwood, one lacquered white and one lacquered black, so the set is a single timber in two colours rather than a pairing of two species.
Yes, heavily, to increase stability on the board. The complete 34 pieces weigh 1,400 grams, which gives each piece enough heft to arrive on its square and stop.
Treated normally, no. It is a hard finish and it does not need feeding or polishing. What will mark it is a solvent based cleaner, so keep those away from the set entirely.
The head is raised and the neck carried forward, so the piece looks alert and ready to move. It is what gives the pattern its character on the board.
34 chess pieces, two more than a game array uses. No board is included, so it is chosen separately to suit the square size.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King |
94mm high (3.7 inch), 43mm base |
|
Queen |
83mm high (3.3 inch), 40mm base |
|
Bishop |
77mm high (3.0 inch), 38mm base |
|
Knight |
71mm high (2.8 inch), 37mm base |
|
Rook |
60mm high (2.4 inch), 37mm base |
|
Pawn |
54mm high (2.1 inch), 30mm base |
|
Material |
Lacquered Boxwood |
|
Light pieces |
Lacquered White Boxwood |
|
Dark pieces |
Lacquered Black Boxwood |
|
Weighting |
Heavily weighted |
|
Total weight |
1,400 grams (3.0 lbs) |
|
Recommended square size |
55mm (2.16 inch) |
|
Piece count |
34 |
|
Chess board |
Not included |
34 chess pieces in lacquered white and black boxwood
Two pieces more than a standard game array uses
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 Emperor is a Staunton with a character of its own, drawn rather than borrowed, and the knight carries it.
It is given a raised, battle ready posture that reads as alert, never at rest, and the rest of the army has profile enough that the set is recognisable at a glance as this pattern and no other.
Both armies are boxwood, one lacquered white and the other lacquered black. Both sides are one species, separated by colour alone.
The set is heavily weighted to increase stability on the board, and the king is squarely in club playing sizes. Either side of the royal pair the feet are broad and much of a width, so the opening position shows an even band flanking the king and queen.
You will find it in our Staunton chess pieces.
The knight is the piece that names this pattern in the mind. The head is raised and the neck carried forward, so it reads as a horse alert to something, and it gives the back rank a readiness a plainer outline lacks.
What keeps it from being merely decorative is the geometry underneath. The bishop, knight and rook stand on feet of much the same width, so the opening position shows two large feet at the centre and an even band either side of them.
The heights are graded and the footprints are grouped, and the combination is what gives the set its particular look.
That breadth is also why the set sits so quietly in play. Nothing rocks and nothing creeps, and placing into a crowded corner does not disturb a neighbour.
These pieces suit boards with squares of 55mm. The king stands on a broad foot, so it is a firm fit: enough board showing to see each piece within its square and no more than that, which makes the square worth measuring before ordering.
The two sides are separated by colour and nothing else, which is unusual on a chessboard and is the whole idea of this pattern.
The contrast is a hard, clean one. Lacquered white against lacquered black reads across a room, in poor light, and to anyone meeting the set for the first time.
What the set offers is form and colour, so if the figure of the timber is what you want on a board, this is not the pattern for it.
Both lacquers catch light, so the pieces show their profiles under a lamp. Against a matte board that is a pleasing contrast; against a high gloss one it is a great deal of shine in one place.
The lacquer needs no feeding and no polishing. It is a hard finish, and left alone it stays as it arrived.
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. Be particularly careful with solvents here, since the wrong product will mark a lacquered finish in a way that cannot be put right.
The reason to buy this one is the contrast. Lacquered white against lacquered black is a hard, clean separation, and it is carried on one timber, so the board is legible without the set being a pairing of two woods.
The knight is the second reason. Its raised, battle ready posture gives the pattern a character of its own, and the weighting holds a position exactly where it is put.
Two caveats worth knowing. This is a set about form and colour, so timber grain is not what it offers, and if you are shopping for grain it is not the one. And the fit is a firm one, so measure the square before ordering. Natural timbers at a similar size sit across our luxury chess pieces.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
55mm. The king stands on a broad foot, so it is a firm fit with enough board showing to see each piece within its square and no more. Measure the square itself before ordering, not the outside of the board.
Yes. Both are boxwood, one lacquered white and one lacquered black, so the set is a single timber in two colours rather than a pairing of two species.
Yes, heavily, to increase stability on the board. The complete 34 pieces weigh 1,400 grams, which gives each piece enough heft to arrive on its square and stop.
Treated normally, no. It is a hard finish and it does not need feeding or polishing. What will mark it is a solvent based cleaner, so keep those away from the set entirely.
The head is raised and the neck carried forward, so the piece looks alert and ready to move. It is what gives the pattern its character on the board.
34 chess pieces, two more than a game array uses. No board is included, so it is chosen separately to suit the square size.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King |
94mm high (3.7 inch), 43mm base |
|
Queen |
83mm high (3.3 inch), 40mm base |
|
Bishop |
77mm high (3.0 inch), 38mm base |
|
Knight |
71mm high (2.8 inch), 37mm base |
|
Rook |
60mm high (2.4 inch), 37mm base |
|
Pawn |
54mm high (2.1 inch), 30mm base |
|
Material |
Lacquered Boxwood |
|
Light pieces |
Lacquered White Boxwood |
|
Dark pieces |
Lacquered Black Boxwood |
|
Weighting |
Heavily weighted |
|
Total weight |
1,400 grams (3.0 lbs) |
|
Recommended square size |
55mm (2.16 inch) |
|
Piece count |
34 |
|
Chess board |
Not included |
34 chess pieces in lacquered white and black boxwood
Two pieces more than a standard game array uses
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.
