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This is a reproduction of the Golden Castle Craftsman series, a Staunton pattern first produced in the 1940s and 1950s and admired by collectors since for its balance and its proportions.
The colour is the first thing you notice. Antiqued boxwood on the light side and ebonised boxwood on the dark give the black and golden look the original series was known for.
The knight and the bishop are where the pattern declares itself. Both are a distinctly Japanese reading of the Staunton outline, compact and low, with nothing undercut, and drawn for play.
Either side of the royal pair, the bishop, knight and rook all stand on one shared foot, so that band of the back rank reads evenly.
The king stands at a full club playing height, and the officers group tightly below it.
The proportions are what set this pattern apart, and they show in the order of the back rank. The queen stands a clear step below the king, and the bishop, knight and rook step down tightly outward from her.
The result is a pronounced hierarchy: the king reads immediately, and the officers group together below him without crowding his height. Three of them share a foot, which gives that group a settled look.
What makes the pattern Japanese rather than English is the treatment of the knight and the bishop. The knight is cut short in the neck with the head carried forward, so it occupies its square and does not reach above it.
The bishop mitre is compact with a tight cut slit. Both decisions favour a piece that is easy to identify at a glance and hard to knock over, which is what a set intended for serious play needs.
These pieces suit boards with squares of 55mm to 60mm. The king stands on a broad foot: the smaller square gives the classical proportion of foot to square, and the larger leaves more air around the back rank.
The Golden Castle Craftsman series dates from the years after the Second World War, and it has been admired by collectors since for its balance, its elegance and its historical charm. We list it among our reproduction chess pieces.
Everything in the army is drawn to one account of what a Staunton should look like, and the reproduction follows it rank by rank rather than approximating it.
Antiqued boxwood is boxwood carrying the warm golden tone an old set takes on over decades of handling, so the light pieces arrive settled and warm. Under a lamp the effect is closest to a set that has been kept well.
The dark army is ebonised boxwood, brought to a near black, and the contrast across the board is a matter of tone across one timber.
The honest note is that golden against black is a softer contrast than a bright new set gives. It separates clearly enough at the table, but across a large room a crowded position resolves a fraction more slowly.
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. Store the pieces where they are not knocking against one another.
The proportions are what make this worth owning. A queen a clear step below the king gives the back rank a hierarchy you read instantly, and the short necked knight and compact bishop are easy to identify across a board.
The grouped foot is the detail that finishes it. Three piece types on one footprint give the band either side of the royals a settled look, and they make the pieces you handle most feel consistent between the fingers.
The caveat is contrast. The light pieces are deliberately warm, so this set reads softer than a new looking one. It is a mid weight army too, so pieces settle without feeling planted. Neither is a fault, but both are easier to accept before ordering. If you want the same outline without the aged colour, start with our Staunton chess pieces.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
No, it is a reproduction of the Craftsman series design. It follows the pattern of the original closely, worked in antiqued and ebonised boxwood.
55mm to 60mm. The king stands on a broad foot: the smaller square gives the classical proportion, and the larger leaves more air around the back rank.
It is boxwood carrying the warm golden tone an old set takes on over decades of handling, which is what makes the pair read as a period set rather than a new one.
1,200 grams across the full 34 pieces, which is a mid weight army. Pieces settle when they are put down without the planted feel a much heavier set gives.
Very little. The light pieces are already toned rather than bright, so they do not read as new timber to begin with and the years show on them slowly.
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 height |
92mm (3.6 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
43mm (1.7 inch) |
|
Queen |
73mm high, 40mm base |
|
Bishop |
70mm high, 37mm base |
|
Knight |
65mm high, 37mm base |
|
Rook |
56mm high, 37mm base |
|
Pawn |
51mm high, 33mm base |
|
Dark pieces |
Ebonised Boxwood |
|
Light pieces |
Antiqued Boxwood |
|
Piece count |
34 |
|
Recommended square size |
55mm to 60mm (2.16 inch to 2.36 inch) |
|
Total set weight |
1,200 grams (2.65 lbs) |
|
Pattern |
Golden Castle Craftsman reproduction, Staunton |
|
Chess board |
Not included |
34 chess pieces in antiqued boxwood and ebonised boxwood
Two pieces beyond the thirty two of a standard army
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.
This is a reproduction of the Golden Castle Craftsman series, a Staunton pattern first produced in the 1940s and 1950s and admired by collectors since for its balance and its proportions.
The colour is the first thing you notice. Antiqued boxwood on the light side and ebonised boxwood on the dark give the black and golden look the original series was known for.
The knight and the bishop are where the pattern declares itself. Both are a distinctly Japanese reading of the Staunton outline, compact and low, with nothing undercut, and drawn for play.
Either side of the royal pair, the bishop, knight and rook all stand on one shared foot, so that band of the back rank reads evenly.
The king stands at a full club playing height, and the officers group tightly below it.
The proportions are what set this pattern apart, and they show in the order of the back rank. The queen stands a clear step below the king, and the bishop, knight and rook step down tightly outward from her.
The result is a pronounced hierarchy: the king reads immediately, and the officers group together below him without crowding his height. Three of them share a foot, which gives that group a settled look.
What makes the pattern Japanese rather than English is the treatment of the knight and the bishop. The knight is cut short in the neck with the head carried forward, so it occupies its square and does not reach above it.
The bishop mitre is compact with a tight cut slit. Both decisions favour a piece that is easy to identify at a glance and hard to knock over, which is what a set intended for serious play needs.
These pieces suit boards with squares of 55mm to 60mm. The king stands on a broad foot: the smaller square gives the classical proportion of foot to square, and the larger leaves more air around the back rank.
The Golden Castle Craftsman series dates from the years after the Second World War, and it has been admired by collectors since for its balance, its elegance and its historical charm. We list it among our reproduction chess pieces.
Everything in the army is drawn to one account of what a Staunton should look like, and the reproduction follows it rank by rank rather than approximating it.
Antiqued boxwood is boxwood carrying the warm golden tone an old set takes on over decades of handling, so the light pieces arrive settled and warm. Under a lamp the effect is closest to a set that has been kept well.
The dark army is ebonised boxwood, brought to a near black, and the contrast across the board is a matter of tone across one timber.
The honest note is that golden against black is a softer contrast than a bright new set gives. It separates clearly enough at the table, but across a large room a crowded position resolves a fraction more slowly.
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. Store the pieces where they are not knocking against one another.
The proportions are what make this worth owning. A queen a clear step below the king gives the back rank a hierarchy you read instantly, and the short necked knight and compact bishop are easy to identify across a board.
The grouped foot is the detail that finishes it. Three piece types on one footprint give the band either side of the royals a settled look, and they make the pieces you handle most feel consistent between the fingers.
The caveat is contrast. The light pieces are deliberately warm, so this set reads softer than a new looking one. It is a mid weight army too, so pieces settle without feeling planted. Neither is a fault, but both are easier to accept before ordering. If you want the same outline without the aged colour, start with our Staunton chess pieces.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
No, it is a reproduction of the Craftsman series design. It follows the pattern of the original closely, worked in antiqued and ebonised boxwood.
55mm to 60mm. The king stands on a broad foot: the smaller square gives the classical proportion, and the larger leaves more air around the back rank.
It is boxwood carrying the warm golden tone an old set takes on over decades of handling, which is what makes the pair read as a period set rather than a new one.
1,200 grams across the full 34 pieces, which is a mid weight army. Pieces settle when they are put down without the planted feel a much heavier set gives.
Very little. The light pieces are already toned rather than bright, so they do not read as new timber to begin with and the years show on them slowly.
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 height |
92mm (3.6 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
43mm (1.7 inch) |
|
Queen |
73mm high, 40mm base |
|
Bishop |
70mm high, 37mm base |
|
Knight |
65mm high, 37mm base |
|
Rook |
56mm high, 37mm base |
|
Pawn |
51mm high, 33mm base |
|
Dark pieces |
Ebonised Boxwood |
|
Light pieces |
Antiqued Boxwood |
|
Piece count |
34 |
|
Recommended square size |
55mm to 60mm (2.16 inch to 2.36 inch) |
|
Total set weight |
1,200 grams (2.65 lbs) |
|
Pattern |
Golden Castle Craftsman reproduction, Staunton |
|
Chess board |
Not included |
34 chess pieces in antiqued boxwood and ebonised boxwood
Two pieces beyond the thirty two of a standard army
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.
