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Sterling Chess Laughing Knight chess pieces in sheesham and boxwood, 78mm king

Laughing Knight 78mm Chess Pieces

by Sterling Chess
$209.00

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Description

Laughing Knight 78mm Chess Pieces

The name comes from the knight. Where most Staunton horses are carved with the mouth closed or barely parted, this one is cut with the jaw open and the lip drawn back, so the piece reads as grinning rather than snorting. It is a small thing on a 57mm carving and it changes the whole character of the set.

Everything else is compact and practical: a 78mm king on a 30mm base, sized for 45mm squares, weighted with an iron stud in every foot and buff polished by hand. At 740g across 34 pieces this is a set you can leave out on a side table without it dominating the room.

Two finishes with identical dimensions: sheesham, or ebonised boxwood. Both sit in our chess pieces collection.

 Laughing Knight chess pieces in sheesham and boxwood

Key features

  • 78mm (3.06 inch) king on a 30mm base, sized for 45mm squares
  • Knight carved with the jaw open and the lip drawn back, the laughing knight
  • Two options: sheesham with an open grain, or ebonised boxwood in an even black
  • Weighted with an iron stud in every base, 740g across the full set
  • Queen at 64mm, bishop at 60mm, knight at 57mm
  • 34 pieces including two spare queens for effortless pawn promotion
  • Buff polished by hand for a deep, even shine
  • Thick green felt on every base for smooth movement and board protection

How the two finishes compare

Every measurement is shared: same 78mm king, same 30mm base, same 740g, same carving. Only the dark side changes.

Sheesham is Indian rosewood, a warm golden to reddish brown with open grain and darker streaking running through it. Against boxwood the contrast is moderate and the set looks like timber, which is the point of choosing it.

Ebonised boxwood is the same wood as the light side, dyed and finished black. It gives a harder, more even contrast that reads faster across the board, and no grain figure at all. Because the colour sits at the surface, a deep chip will show pale wood underneath and years of handling can lighten the high points. Both appear across our wood chess pieces range.

 Laughing Knight chess pieces in ebonised and natural boxwood

A small set that is still a proper set

Seventy eight millimetres is compact. It is below tournament height and well below the display sets, and it is the size you choose when the board has to share a table with other things, or when a full 95mm set has felt like too much on a 45mm board.

What it does not do is feel cheap. The pieces are weighted rather than hollow, the felt is thick and wrapped rather than inset, and the polish is applied by hand in layers. At 740g the individual pieces come in around 22g, light in absolute terms but properly settled for their size.

Where the laughing knight came from

Knight carvings are the one place a Staunton workshop can put its own hand on a set, because everything else is turned against a metal profile and comes out identical. Most workshops signal skill through the mane and the nostril. This one does it through the mouth.

The jaw is cut open with the lip pulled back from the teeth, which on a horse reads somewhere between a laugh and a bray. It is carved freehand, so the four knights in your set will differ slightly in how wide the mouth sits and how the head is angled. That variation is the mark of hand work rather than a defect.

 Open mouthed knight carving on the sheesham Laughing Knight chess pieces

Board size and where this set belongs

Squares of 45mm, set by the 30mm king base. That is a common size for smaller boards and for travel and folding boards, so this set will suit a board most people already own rather than requiring a specific one.

At 78mm the king sits below the 95mm to 100mm tournament band, so this is a casual and home set rather than a club one. No board is included. Square sizes are listed on every board in our chess boards collection.

Our expert take

The knight is the reason to buy this, and it is a good one. An open mouthed horse is genuinely uncommon and it gives a small, inexpensive set a character that most sets at this size do not have. The build backs it up: properly weighted, hand buff polished, thick wrapped felt rather than the thin discs you often get at this end of the market. Be realistic about the scale. At 78mm on a 45mm board this is a set for casual play at home, not for a club and not for a big table where it will look lost. On finish, take the sheesham if you want to see timber and the ebonised if you want the two sides to separate quickly, and know that ebonising is a surface treatment that can lighten on the high points over many years.

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

 Ebonised Laughing Knight chess pieces with a 78mm king and felted bases

Frequently asked questions
What size board do these need?

Squares of 45mm, set by the 30mm king base. That is a common size for smaller and folding boards.

What is the difference between the two options?

Only the dark side. Sheesham is an Indian rosewood with warm brown colour and open grain. Ebonised is boxwood dyed and finished black, giving a harder, more even contrast and no visible figure. Every dimension is identical.

What makes the knight a laughing knight?

It is carved with the jaw open and the lip drawn back from the teeth, rather than the closed or barely parted mouth on most Staunton knights. Each one is cut freehand, so the four in the set vary slightly.

Is this set tournament legal?

No. At 78mm the king sits below the usual 95mm to 100mm tournament band. It is a casual and home play set.

Is a chess board or storage box included?

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.
Specifications

Spec

Detail

King height

78mm (3.06 inch)

King base diameter

30mm (1.16 inch)

Queen height

64mm (2.48 inch)

Queen base diameter

29mm (1.13 inch)

Bishop height

60mm (2.36 inch)

Knight height

57mm (2.24 inch)

Rook height

47mm (1.84 inch)

Pawn height

45mm (1.77 inch)

Officer base diameter

29mm (1.14 inch), bishop and knight

Dark pieces

Sheesham or ebonised boxwood, depending on option

Light pieces

Boxwood

Weighting

Weighted, buff polished, thick green felt on every base

Piece count

34, including two spare queens

Total set weight

740g approximate

Recommended square size

45mm

Origin

Hand carved in India

Board

Not included
What's In The Box?

34 chess pieces, including two spare queens

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

Laughing Knight 78mm Chess Pieces

The name comes from the knight. Where most Staunton horses are carved with the mouth closed or barely parted, this one is cut with the jaw open and the lip drawn back, so the piece reads as grinning rather than snorting. It is a small thing on a 57mm carving and it changes the whole character of the set.

Everything else is compact and practical: a 78mm king on a 30mm base, sized for 45mm squares, weighted with an iron stud in every foot and buff polished by hand. At 740g across 34 pieces this is a set you can leave out on a side table without it dominating the room.

Two finishes with identical dimensions: sheesham, or ebonised boxwood. Both sit in our chess pieces collection.

 Laughing Knight chess pieces in sheesham and boxwood

Key features

  • 78mm (3.06 inch) king on a 30mm base, sized for 45mm squares
  • Knight carved with the jaw open and the lip drawn back, the laughing knight
  • Two options: sheesham with an open grain, or ebonised boxwood in an even black
  • Weighted with an iron stud in every base, 740g across the full set
  • Queen at 64mm, bishop at 60mm, knight at 57mm
  • 34 pieces including two spare queens for effortless pawn promotion
  • Buff polished by hand for a deep, even shine
  • Thick green felt on every base for smooth movement and board protection

How the two finishes compare

Every measurement is shared: same 78mm king, same 30mm base, same 740g, same carving. Only the dark side changes.

Sheesham is Indian rosewood, a warm golden to reddish brown with open grain and darker streaking running through it. Against boxwood the contrast is moderate and the set looks like timber, which is the point of choosing it.

Ebonised boxwood is the same wood as the light side, dyed and finished black. It gives a harder, more even contrast that reads faster across the board, and no grain figure at all. Because the colour sits at the surface, a deep chip will show pale wood underneath and years of handling can lighten the high points. Both appear across our wood chess pieces range.

 Laughing Knight chess pieces in ebonised and natural boxwood

A small set that is still a proper set

Seventy eight millimetres is compact. It is below tournament height and well below the display sets, and it is the size you choose when the board has to share a table with other things, or when a full 95mm set has felt like too much on a 45mm board.

What it does not do is feel cheap. The pieces are weighted rather than hollow, the felt is thick and wrapped rather than inset, and the polish is applied by hand in layers. At 740g the individual pieces come in around 22g, light in absolute terms but properly settled for their size.

Where the laughing knight came from

Knight carvings are the one place a Staunton workshop can put its own hand on a set, because everything else is turned against a metal profile and comes out identical. Most workshops signal skill through the mane and the nostril. This one does it through the mouth.

The jaw is cut open with the lip pulled back from the teeth, which on a horse reads somewhere between a laugh and a bray. It is carved freehand, so the four knights in your set will differ slightly in how wide the mouth sits and how the head is angled. That variation is the mark of hand work rather than a defect.

 Open mouthed knight carving on the sheesham Laughing Knight chess pieces

Board size and where this set belongs

Squares of 45mm, set by the 30mm king base. That is a common size for smaller boards and for travel and folding boards, so this set will suit a board most people already own rather than requiring a specific one.

At 78mm the king sits below the 95mm to 100mm tournament band, so this is a casual and home set rather than a club one. No board is included. Square sizes are listed on every board in our chess boards collection.

Our expert take

The knight is the reason to buy this, and it is a good one. An open mouthed horse is genuinely uncommon and it gives a small, inexpensive set a character that most sets at this size do not have. The build backs it up: properly weighted, hand buff polished, thick wrapped felt rather than the thin discs you often get at this end of the market. Be realistic about the scale. At 78mm on a 45mm board this is a set for casual play at home, not for a club and not for a big table where it will look lost. On finish, take the sheesham if you want to see timber and the ebonised if you want the two sides to separate quickly, and know that ebonising is a surface treatment that can lighten on the high points over many years.

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

 Ebonised Laughing Knight chess pieces with a 78mm king and felted bases

Frequently asked questions
What size board do these need?

Squares of 45mm, set by the 30mm king base. That is a common size for smaller and folding boards.

What is the difference between the two options?

Only the dark side. Sheesham is an Indian rosewood with warm brown colour and open grain. Ebonised is boxwood dyed and finished black, giving a harder, more even contrast and no visible figure. Every dimension is identical.

What makes the knight a laughing knight?

It is carved with the jaw open and the lip drawn back from the teeth, rather than the closed or barely parted mouth on most Staunton knights. Each one is cut freehand, so the four in the set vary slightly.

Is this set tournament legal?

No. At 78mm the king sits below the usual 95mm to 100mm tournament band. It is a casual and home play set.

Is a chess board or storage box included?

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.
Specifications

Spec

Detail

King height

78mm (3.06 inch)

King base diameter

30mm (1.16 inch)

Queen height

64mm (2.48 inch)

Queen base diameter

29mm (1.13 inch)

Bishop height

60mm (2.36 inch)

Knight height

57mm (2.24 inch)

Rook height

47mm (1.84 inch)

Pawn height

45mm (1.77 inch)

Officer base diameter

29mm (1.14 inch), bishop and knight

Dark pieces

Sheesham or ebonised boxwood, depending on option

Light pieces

Boxwood

Weighting

Weighted, buff polished, thick green felt on every base

Piece count

34, including two spare queens

Total set weight

740g approximate

Recommended square size

45mm

Origin

Hand carved in India

Board

Not included
What's In The Box?

34 chess pieces, including two spare queens

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.