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These pieces are for the player who would rather have a piece of chess history on the board than behind glass. The Zagreb 1959 pattern is one of the most recognisable Staunton designs ever made, and this reproduction brings it back at full tournament scale. It sits alongside the rest of our chess pieces collection for anyone who wants character without moving to a display only set.
The dark pieces come in your choice of sheesham or Indian rosewood, both paired with natural boxwood for the light side. A 99mm king stands on a 42mm base, and the full roster runs to 34 chessmen with two spare queens included.
Every piece is turned and hand finished, so the grain reads differently from one to the next. That is the nature of solid hardwood, and it is part of why the set holds up to close inspection.
Most Staunton sets sold today follow the modern club pattern: tall, slim, heavily weighted and built for speed. The Zagreb 1959 pattern works to different proportions. The bodies are broader, the bishops and rooks sit lower, and the king carries a wide base relative to its height.
Set against the rest of our Staunton chess pieces range, this reproduction lands in the middle. It is more considered than an entry level club set and more accessible than the ebony reproductions above it, without asking for genuine antique provenance.
What you are buying is the design, carefully copied, in good solid timber. Collectors who care about the pattern rather than the pedigree tend to land here.
The 1959 Candidates Tournament ran across Bled, Zagreb and Belgrade, and decided who would challenge Mikhail Botvinnik for the world title. Mikhail Tal won it ahead of Paul Keres, then took the championship itself the following year. A sixteen year old Bobby Fischer played the full event.
The set used at the board became known simply as the Zagreb 1959. It has been reproduced many times since, and the pattern is now a standard reference point for anyone collecting mid century Staunton designs.
Sheesham is the lighter of the two dark options. It runs a warm reddish brown with open, visible grain and frequently carries streaks of darker figure, so a sheesham set reads clearly as timber from across a room.
Indian rosewood is denser and darker, closer to deep chocolate, with a tighter grain. Both options use the same natural boxwood for the light pieces, which means the contrast between the two sides is stronger on the rosewood.
A 99mm king on a 42mm base wants squares between 50mm and 60mm. At the lower end the position feels tight but stays playable, and around 55mm the pieces have room to breathe without looking stranded.
Anything under 50mm will crowd the board once the position opens up and pieces start trading. If you are pairing these with a new surface, our chess boards collection lists the square size on every product so you can match it before ordering.
The specification that matters here is the 42mm base beneath a 99mm king, a ratio of roughly 0.42 that is broader than most modern club patterns and gives the Zagreb silhouette its planted look on the board. The honest caveat is fill: about 1150 grams across 34 pieces averages near 34 grams a piece, which is moderate rather than heavy, so anyone coming from a heavily weighted tournament set will notice the difference the first time they move a rook. These suit collectors and home players who want the 1959 design in solid timber, and suit club players chasing maximum heft on a fast clock rather less.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Collectors of mid century Staunton designs, and home players who want a set with genuine history behind the shape. The 99mm king is full tournament scale, so these play properly rather than sitting purely as display. Club players chasing maximum weight on a fast clock may prefer a heavier modern pattern.
Sheesham is a warm reddish brown with open, visible grain. Indian rosewood is denser and noticeably darker, closer to chocolate, which gives a stronger contrast against the natural boxwood light pieces. Both options share identical dimensions, piece count and weighting.
No. This is a pieces only listing, and neither a board nor a storage box is supplied. You can browse compatible surfaces in our chess boards collection, where every listing states its square size.
Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heaters, since both dry the timber and can lead to cracking over time. Wipe with a dry or barely damp soft cloth. A light wax once or twice a year keeps the finish even across the set.
The set includes two spare queens, one per colour, so a pawn can be promoted without borrowing a piece from elsewhere on the board. That is standard on reproduction sets of this calibre. More options across different timbers sit in our wood chess pieces range.
Spec |
Detail |
King height |
99 mm (3.89 in) |
King base diameter |
42 mm (1.65 in) |
Queen height |
82 mm, base 39 mm |
Bishop height |
78 mm, base 35 mm |
Knight height |
70 mm, base 35 mm |
Rook height |
56 mm, base 35 mm |
Pawn height |
51 mm, base 30 mm |
Piece count |
34 chessmen, including 2 spare queens |
Dark piece material |
Sheesham or Indian rosewood, by variant |
Light piece material |
Natural boxwood |
Set weight |
Approximately 1150 grams, plus or minus 10 percent |
Recommended square size |
50 mm to 60 mm |
Design |
Reproduction of the Zagreb 1959 Staunton pattern |
34 chess pieces in sheesham or Indian rosewood with natural 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.
These pieces are for the player who would rather have a piece of chess history on the board than behind glass. The Zagreb 1959 pattern is one of the most recognisable Staunton designs ever made, and this reproduction brings it back at full tournament scale. It sits alongside the rest of our chess pieces collection for anyone who wants character without moving to a display only set.
The dark pieces come in your choice of sheesham or Indian rosewood, both paired with natural boxwood for the light side. A 99mm king stands on a 42mm base, and the full roster runs to 34 chessmen with two spare queens included.
Every piece is turned and hand finished, so the grain reads differently from one to the next. That is the nature of solid hardwood, and it is part of why the set holds up to close inspection.
Most Staunton sets sold today follow the modern club pattern: tall, slim, heavily weighted and built for speed. The Zagreb 1959 pattern works to different proportions. The bodies are broader, the bishops and rooks sit lower, and the king carries a wide base relative to its height.
Set against the rest of our Staunton chess pieces range, this reproduction lands in the middle. It is more considered than an entry level club set and more accessible than the ebony reproductions above it, without asking for genuine antique provenance.
What you are buying is the design, carefully copied, in good solid timber. Collectors who care about the pattern rather than the pedigree tend to land here.
The 1959 Candidates Tournament ran across Bled, Zagreb and Belgrade, and decided who would challenge Mikhail Botvinnik for the world title. Mikhail Tal won it ahead of Paul Keres, then took the championship itself the following year. A sixteen year old Bobby Fischer played the full event.
The set used at the board became known simply as the Zagreb 1959. It has been reproduced many times since, and the pattern is now a standard reference point for anyone collecting mid century Staunton designs.
Sheesham is the lighter of the two dark options. It runs a warm reddish brown with open, visible grain and frequently carries streaks of darker figure, so a sheesham set reads clearly as timber from across a room.
Indian rosewood is denser and darker, closer to deep chocolate, with a tighter grain. Both options use the same natural boxwood for the light pieces, which means the contrast between the two sides is stronger on the rosewood.
A 99mm king on a 42mm base wants squares between 50mm and 60mm. At the lower end the position feels tight but stays playable, and around 55mm the pieces have room to breathe without looking stranded.
Anything under 50mm will crowd the board once the position opens up and pieces start trading. If you are pairing these with a new surface, our chess boards collection lists the square size on every product so you can match it before ordering.
The specification that matters here is the 42mm base beneath a 99mm king, a ratio of roughly 0.42 that is broader than most modern club patterns and gives the Zagreb silhouette its planted look on the board. The honest caveat is fill: about 1150 grams across 34 pieces averages near 34 grams a piece, which is moderate rather than heavy, so anyone coming from a heavily weighted tournament set will notice the difference the first time they move a rook. These suit collectors and home players who want the 1959 design in solid timber, and suit club players chasing maximum heft on a fast clock rather less.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Collectors of mid century Staunton designs, and home players who want a set with genuine history behind the shape. The 99mm king is full tournament scale, so these play properly rather than sitting purely as display. Club players chasing maximum weight on a fast clock may prefer a heavier modern pattern.
Sheesham is a warm reddish brown with open, visible grain. Indian rosewood is denser and noticeably darker, closer to chocolate, which gives a stronger contrast against the natural boxwood light pieces. Both options share identical dimensions, piece count and weighting.
No. This is a pieces only listing, and neither a board nor a storage box is supplied. You can browse compatible surfaces in our chess boards collection, where every listing states its square size.
Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heaters, since both dry the timber and can lead to cracking over time. Wipe with a dry or barely damp soft cloth. A light wax once or twice a year keeps the finish even across the set.
The set includes two spare queens, one per colour, so a pawn can be promoted without borrowing a piece from elsewhere on the board. That is standard on reproduction sets of this calibre. More options across different timbers sit in our wood chess pieces range.
Spec |
Detail |
King height |
99 mm (3.89 in) |
King base diameter |
42 mm (1.65 in) |
Queen height |
82 mm, base 39 mm |
Bishop height |
78 mm, base 35 mm |
Knight height |
70 mm, base 35 mm |
Rook height |
56 mm, base 35 mm |
Pawn height |
51 mm, base 30 mm |
Piece count |
34 chessmen, including 2 spare queens |
Dark piece material |
Sheesham or Indian rosewood, by variant |
Light piece material |
Natural boxwood |
Set weight |
Approximately 1150 grams, plus or minus 10 percent |
Recommended square size |
50 mm to 60 mm |
Design |
Reproduction of the Zagreb 1959 Staunton pattern |
34 chess pieces in sheesham or Indian rosewood with natural 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.
