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Imperial Staunton 97mm Chess Pieces

Imperial Staunton 97mm Chess Pieces

by Sterling Chess
$439.00

✔ Australian Owned & Operated
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Description

Imperial Staunton 97mm Chess Pieces

The Imperial Staunton is an elegant reading of the Staunton outline, and its detail is the reason to look at it. Every shape in the army has been worked out down to the last decision.

The knight shows it first. The head is elaborate, with a full mane and the ears cut standing erect, and it is the piece anybody picks up off the board to examine.

The rook is the quieter one. Its battlements are cut with rounded merlons, which gives the castle at each corner of the rank a softer top than a flat square cut would.

The king stands 97mm on the broadest foot in the army, and the pieces are heavily weighted at the base, which makes them a pleasure to lift, hold and set back down.

Three dark timbers are offered here, each of them facing the same boxwood on the light side. You will find it in our luxury chess pieces.

 Imperial Staunton chess pieces in rosewood and boxwood

Key features

  • An Imperial Staunton army worked out to the last detail, from the knight's mane to the rook's merlons
  • An elaborate knight's head with a full mane and erect ears, the piece people reach for first
  • Rounded merlons on the rook, so each castle finishes with a softened crown at the top of the rank
  • Weighted chessmen with the mass carried down in the feet, which makes them a delight to hold and play
  • 1,350 grams across the full army, so the set has real presence both in the hand and on the board
  • Three dark timbers to pick from, with ebony wood, rosewood and bud rosewood all set against the same boxwood
  • Two extra queens arrive inside the 34 pieces, one for each side, ready the moment a pawn promotes
  • This is a pieces only listing, with no board and no storage box included in what ships to you

About the pieces

The modelling is what you are buying. This is a Staunton army in which every piece has been resolved, so the shapes reward a close look as much as they reward a game.

The knight does the heavy lifting. There is more modelling on that head than anywhere else in the army, and it is what gives the whole set its face across a board.

The rook is the detail people find later. Those rounded merlons take the severity out of the corners, so the ends of the back rank sit more easily beside the rest of the pattern.

Mass is what turns all of it into a playing set. The weight sits low in every piece, so a man comes down, stops and holds, and a nudged table leaves the position where it was.

These pieces suit boards with squares of 50mm to 55mm. Go to the top of that range. The king plants a wide foot, and at the smaller square there is very little board showing beside him.

 Bud rosewood and boxwood Imperial Staunton chessmen, 97mm king

The three timber options

All three are the same set. The pattern, the king height, the mass and the square window are identical across them, and the light army is boxwood in every case, so nothing is given up by choosing on looks alone.

Only the dark army changes between them, and that is the entire choice. Pick rosewood, or bud rosewood, or ebony wood, and everything else about the set you receive is unchanged.

Each option has its own photographs on this listing, which is the fair way to settle it. A timber is a thing to look at rather than a thing to read about, and with all three in front of you the decision makes itself.

What arrives does not change with the choice of timber. The count holds at 34 pieces whichever dark timber you pick, spare queens included, and the boxwood light army comes with all three.

Looking after them is the same simple job whichever you choose. Keep the set out of direct sunlight and away from heaters, which is what makes hardwood check. Dust with a dry soft cloth, and leave oil, polish and solvents alone.

Our expert take

The knight is why I would own this set. A properly worked mane and ears cut standing give an army a face, and the knight is the piece your eye returns to all game.

The weighting is what turns the detail into a set you can actually use. Heavily weighted bases mean a piece comes down, stops and stays, and that matters more at the table than shaping does.

The caveat is the board. This king plants a wide foot, so buy the set the room it asks for and take the upper end of its square range; down at the narrow end the back rank tightens up on you.

If you want something plainer and narrower underfoot, our minimalist chess pieces are where to start looking.

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

 Ebony wood and boxwood Imperial Staunton chess pieces

Frequently asked questions
What square size do these pieces need?

Squares of 50mm to 55mm, and take the upper end when you buy a board. This king is wide underfoot, so the smaller square leaves very little bare timber showing around him.

Why is the knight the piece everyone mentions?

Because of the head. No other piece in this army carries as much shaping, and a horse with that much detail on it is what people remember about a pattern.

How do the three timbers differ?

Only on the dark side. Rosewood, bud rosewood and ebony wood each face an identical boxwood light army, and the scale, the weight and the board they need are the same in all three.

Are the pieces weighted?

Yes, and heavily so in the feet. Together with 1,350 grams across the full army that is what makes a piece stand firm the moment you let go of it.

How many pieces are supplied?

34 chess pieces, including a spare queen of each colour. What is in the box is listed in full below.

Is a board or a storage box included?

No, neither one is included. This listing is the chessmen on their own, so a board and a box are both separate purchases. Match whatever board you buy to the square window in the specifications below.
Specifications

Spec

Detail

King

97mm high (3.8 inch), 43mm base

Queen

83mm high (3.3 inch), 39mm base

Bishop

76mm high (3.0 inch), 36mm base

Knight

73mm high (2.9 inch), 35mm base

Rook

65mm high (2.6 inch), 36mm base

Pawn

50mm high (2.0 inch), 29mm base

Rosewood option

Rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces

Bud Rosewood option

Bud rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces

Ebony Wood option

Ebony wood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces

King height, all three timbers

97mm

Weighting

Weighted

Recommended square size

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

Total weight of pieces

1,350 grams (3.0 lbs)

Piece count

34

Chess board

Not included
What's In The Box?

34 chess pieces in the timber option you select, including a spare queen of each colour
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

Imperial Staunton 97mm Chess Pieces

The Imperial Staunton is an elegant reading of the Staunton outline, and its detail is the reason to look at it. Every shape in the army has been worked out down to the last decision.

The knight shows it first. The head is elaborate, with a full mane and the ears cut standing erect, and it is the piece anybody picks up off the board to examine.

The rook is the quieter one. Its battlements are cut with rounded merlons, which gives the castle at each corner of the rank a softer top than a flat square cut would.

The king stands 97mm on the broadest foot in the army, and the pieces are heavily weighted at the base, which makes them a pleasure to lift, hold and set back down.

Three dark timbers are offered here, each of them facing the same boxwood on the light side. You will find it in our luxury chess pieces.

 Imperial Staunton chess pieces in rosewood and boxwood

Key features

  • An Imperial Staunton army worked out to the last detail, from the knight's mane to the rook's merlons
  • An elaborate knight's head with a full mane and erect ears, the piece people reach for first
  • Rounded merlons on the rook, so each castle finishes with a softened crown at the top of the rank
  • Weighted chessmen with the mass carried down in the feet, which makes them a delight to hold and play
  • 1,350 grams across the full army, so the set has real presence both in the hand and on the board
  • Three dark timbers to pick from, with ebony wood, rosewood and bud rosewood all set against the same boxwood
  • Two extra queens arrive inside the 34 pieces, one for each side, ready the moment a pawn promotes
  • This is a pieces only listing, with no board and no storage box included in what ships to you

About the pieces

The modelling is what you are buying. This is a Staunton army in which every piece has been resolved, so the shapes reward a close look as much as they reward a game.

The knight does the heavy lifting. There is more modelling on that head than anywhere else in the army, and it is what gives the whole set its face across a board.

The rook is the detail people find later. Those rounded merlons take the severity out of the corners, so the ends of the back rank sit more easily beside the rest of the pattern.

Mass is what turns all of it into a playing set. The weight sits low in every piece, so a man comes down, stops and holds, and a nudged table leaves the position where it was.

These pieces suit boards with squares of 50mm to 55mm. Go to the top of that range. The king plants a wide foot, and at the smaller square there is very little board showing beside him.

 Bud rosewood and boxwood Imperial Staunton chessmen, 97mm king

The three timber options

All three are the same set. The pattern, the king height, the mass and the square window are identical across them, and the light army is boxwood in every case, so nothing is given up by choosing on looks alone.

Only the dark army changes between them, and that is the entire choice. Pick rosewood, or bud rosewood, or ebony wood, and everything else about the set you receive is unchanged.

Each option has its own photographs on this listing, which is the fair way to settle it. A timber is a thing to look at rather than a thing to read about, and with all three in front of you the decision makes itself.

What arrives does not change with the choice of timber. The count holds at 34 pieces whichever dark timber you pick, spare queens included, and the boxwood light army comes with all three.

Looking after them is the same simple job whichever you choose. Keep the set out of direct sunlight and away from heaters, which is what makes hardwood check. Dust with a dry soft cloth, and leave oil, polish and solvents alone.

Our expert take

The knight is why I would own this set. A properly worked mane and ears cut standing give an army a face, and the knight is the piece your eye returns to all game.

The weighting is what turns the detail into a set you can actually use. Heavily weighted bases mean a piece comes down, stops and stays, and that matters more at the table than shaping does.

The caveat is the board. This king plants a wide foot, so buy the set the room it asks for and take the upper end of its square range; down at the narrow end the back rank tightens up on you.

If you want something plainer and narrower underfoot, our minimalist chess pieces are where to start looking.

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

 Ebony wood and boxwood Imperial Staunton chess pieces

Frequently asked questions
What square size do these pieces need?

Squares of 50mm to 55mm, and take the upper end when you buy a board. This king is wide underfoot, so the smaller square leaves very little bare timber showing around him.

Why is the knight the piece everyone mentions?

Because of the head. No other piece in this army carries as much shaping, and a horse with that much detail on it is what people remember about a pattern.

How do the three timbers differ?

Only on the dark side. Rosewood, bud rosewood and ebony wood each face an identical boxwood light army, and the scale, the weight and the board they need are the same in all three.

Are the pieces weighted?

Yes, and heavily so in the feet. Together with 1,350 grams across the full army that is what makes a piece stand firm the moment you let go of it.

How many pieces are supplied?

34 chess pieces, including a spare queen of each colour. What is in the box is listed in full below.

Is a board or a storage box included?

No, neither one is included. This listing is the chessmen on their own, so a board and a box are both separate purchases. Match whatever board you buy to the square window in the specifications below.
Specifications

Spec

Detail

King

97mm high (3.8 inch), 43mm base

Queen

83mm high (3.3 inch), 39mm base

Bishop

76mm high (3.0 inch), 36mm base

Knight

73mm high (2.9 inch), 35mm base

Rook

65mm high (2.6 inch), 36mm base

Pawn

50mm high (2.0 inch), 29mm base

Rosewood option

Rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces

Bud Rosewood option

Bud rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces

Ebony Wood option

Ebony wood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces

King height, all three timbers

97mm

Weighting

Weighted

Recommended square size

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

Total weight of pieces

1,350 grams (3.0 lbs)

Piece count

34

Chess board

Not included
What's In The Box?

34 chess pieces in the timber option you select, including a spare queen of each colour
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.