Reproduction 1961 Soviet Championship Baku Chess Set

Name: Reproduction 1961 Soviet Championship Baku Chess Set
Brand: Chess Bazaar
SKU: C0429
Price: 999.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

by Chess Bazaar

Save $106.00

$1,105.00

$999.00

✔ Australian Owned & Operated
✔ FREE Shipping On Orders Over $99
✔ 100 Day FREE Returns
✔ Authorised Australian Dealer
✔ Questions? Call Us: (03) 7037 0931

Availability: Only 10 left!

Quantity

Description

Chess Bazaar 1961 Soviet Championship Baku Chess Set

We proudly present the reproduced 1961 Soviet Championship Baku chess set in a unique premium chocolate colour.

The dark pieces are made from bud rosewood and the light pieces are shaped from boxwood — both woods are known to be durable with beautiful grain.

The king stands at 102mm with a 39mm base, giving the set its tournament presence.

Every piece is expertly weighted by master artisans and its proportioning make this chess set an excellent choice.

Completing the experience is the bud rosewood and maple board, giving you the perfect space to play like a grandmaster.

Chess Bazaar 1961 Soviet Championship Baku Chess Set

Key features

Bud rosewood and boxwood pieces with authentic Soviet-era styling
Expertly weighted pieces offering a firm, satisfying feel
High-gloss lacquer finish for smooth, polished piece handling
Noteworthy lathe work with unique collar rings and curves
Bud rosewood and maple board delivers strong visual contrast

53cm x 53cm board size gives you ample room with feeling cramped
Thick 22mm board provides stable and grounded placement
Perfect for collectors & design enthusiasts as a display piece
This chess set is reproduced in collaboration with Michael Ladzinski
A standout gift for birthdays, anniversaries or holidays

Premium, 53cm Chess Bazaar chess board

This board earns its place in this set with a solid build that matches rare bud rosewood for the dark squares and maple for the light squares.

The Bud rosewood delivers rich colour and a dense grain that helps the board hold its shape over the years.

Maple adds clean contrast with its smooth, uniform surface.

Together they create a balanced chess board that confidently stands up to light or heavy use.

1961 Soviet Chess Championship-style chess pieces

These handmade pieces bring back the feel of the 1961 Soviet Chess Championship in Baku.

Bud rosewood makes up the dark pieces, giving a rich deep color. Its tight grain gives each piece a good weight that you can feel in your hand.

Natural boxwood is used for the light pieces, showing off the carving with its warm colour and smooth, polished look.

Both kinds of wood are strong which helps the set stay in good shape even with heavy use over the years.

World-class craftsmanship

Each piece in this reproduction has the same quality of detail you'd find in top-of-the-line tournament sets.

Skilled artisans shape the set by hand, making clean lines, smooth curves, and a polished look that gives each piece a natural shine that lasts.

The wide bases and collar rings make them look even better, and the knight's carving shows just how skilled the artists are.

When you put it all together with a board made from the same premium wood, it's clear that this set is a work of art that you can appreciate every time you play.

What our chess experts think

"The Sterling Chess team absolutely loves Chess Bazaar chess sets for their craftsmanship, authenticity, and attention to detail. Each set reflects timeless artistry and superior quality, making every game feel special. From vintage reproductions to luxury designs, Chess Bazaar chess products truly capture the passion and tradition of chess.”

— Blake Sterling

Founder Sterling Chess

Official Chess Bazaar reseller

Sterling Chess is an official reseller of Chess Bazaar products. They are known around the world for their handmade chess sets, boards, and pieces.

Because we're an official partner, you can be sure that any Chess Bazaar product you get from us is 100% authentic. We source it straight from the maker and fully covered by their warranty.

This means you can get your hands on Chess Bazaar’s incredible designs from historic reproductions to luxury Staunton sets plus local support, fast delivery, and friendly after-sales support.

Need to talk to someone for help?

Our chess team is ready to walk you through finding the right set for your needs and budget. Call (03) 7037 0931, chat with us live, or email us, and a knowledgeable team member will give you a hand.

Here’s how we can help:

Personalised picks: We match you with the right chess set, board, or pieces based on your taste, skill level, and space.

Smart budget advice: We help you compare choices so you get the best value without losing quality.

Gift ideas: Need something for a chess fan? We'll help you find the perfect set to give as a gift.

Easy care tips: Learn how to look after your set so it stays in top shape for years to come.

Frequently asked questions

What makes this set different from other Soviet-era reproductions?

This one stays true to the 1961 Baku originals — the shapes, the knight carving, the wide pawn bases, the collar rings, all of it. It isn’t a loose “inspired by” version. It’s a faithful rebuild made from premium timbers, crafted to look and feel like the sets Spassky and Tal actually played on.

Are the pieces durable enough for regular, serious play?

Yep. Bud rosewood and boxwood are tough timbers, and each piece is weighted and finished in high-gloss lacquer. They’re built to hold their shape and survive years of games without wobbling, chipping, or feeling flimsy.

How do the pieces feel in the hand?

Heavy, balanced, and solid. The weighting gives you that satisfying thud when you place a piece down, and the thick green felts make the movement smooth.

Is the knight carving really as good as advertised?

Short answer: yes. The knights are the stars of the set. Each one is individually carved with detail on both sides, and they match the style of the historic Baku knights — clean and unmistakably Soviet in character.

Why does this set come with extra queens?

Promotion should never slow a game down. You get 2 extra queens so you’re not improvising with spare pieces.

How big is the set once it’s on the table?

It’s a full-size tournament layout. The king is just over 102mm, the board is 53cm across, and the 55 mm squares give every piece room to breathe.

Is the board colour natural or stained?

The dark squares are genuine Bud rosewood and the light squares are maple. What you’re seeing is the actual character of the timber.

Will the gloss finish be too shiny or slippery?

It’s polished for smoothness, not blinding shine. The lacquer brings out the grain and protects the wood without making the pieces hard to grip. Most players end up preferring it because it adds longevity.

Is this set just for collectors, or can beginners enjoy it too?

Anyone can enjoy it. Collectors love the historical authenticity, but beginners appreciate how easy the pieces are to identify and move.

Why is this set priced higher than basic wooden sets?

You’re paying for premium timber, hand carving, heavyweight construction, and a design lineage tied directly to the golden age of Soviet chess.

Specifications

Pieces Material: Bud Rosewood (Dalbergia Oliveri)& Boxwood (Gardenia Latifolia)

Pieces Dimensions:

King Height -4.01" (102 mm)
King Base - 1.53" (39 mm)
Pawn Height - 2.28" (58 mm)
Pawn Base - 1.45" (37 mm)

Board Material: Bud Rosewood (Dalbergia Oliveri)/ Maple (Acer Oblongum)

Board Dimensions:

Board - 21" x 21" (53.34 cm x 53.34 cm)
Square - 2.2" x 2.2" (55 mm x 55 mm)
Board Thickness - 22 mm (0.9")

Weight: The chess pieces weight is 1100 grams approx (38.80 oz) and the chessboard weight is 5600 grams (197.53 oz). Please note that the weight in the set is added manually so the final weight of the set can vary by plus or minus 10%.

What’s In The Box?

34 pieces (2 extra Queens included)
Chess board included

Everything arrives securely packed and ready to enjoy from the moment you open the box.

Reviews

Warranty

Backed by Chess Bazaar’s official 6-month manufacturer warranty on chess boards and accessories and 3 year warranty on chess pieces, as well as our own dedicated support team. You can play with confidence knowing help is just a call or email away.

Every Chess Bazaar product sold by Sterling Chess is 100% genuine and sourced directly from Chess Bazaar in India. You get full warranty coverage and local support from our team of chess experts.

Shipping

How long will it take for my order to arrive?

We’ve partnered with the fastest local and international couriers to make sure you get your order FAST.

Local orders are usually shipped within 1 to 2 business days. Your order will usually arrive in 3 to 7 business days. Of course, this depends on your location.

If you live in a metro area, you can expect your order to arrive within 3 days. If you live outside a metro area, your order will usually take a little longer to arrive. We recommend you allow 5 business days for your order to arrive.

For orders shipped from our international partners or from our international warehouse, please allow 7 to 12 business days for your order to arrive.

When your order is shipped, you’ll receive tracking details via email. That means you’ll be able to keep an eye on your order and see where it is at any point in time.

Of course, if you have any questions in relation to your order, simply email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au, call (03) 7037 0931 or open the live chat.

How much is shipping?

Shipping is free on all Sterling Chess orders over $99.

What if I’m not home when my order arrives?

If you’re not home, our couriers will drop your order off at the nearest depot or post office.

Contact details will be left at your door or in your mailbox so you can organise redelivery. You may also receive an SMS message or email notifying you of an attempted delivery.

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

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.