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The reproduction French Lardy is the pattern most club players picture when they think of a wooden chess set. Turned to a 95mm king and double weighted throughout, these pieces are built for regular play rather than a shelf. They sit at the accessible end of our chess pieces collection, which makes them a sensible first hardwood set or a practical spare set for a club.
The pattern dates to the French Lardy workshops of the mid twentieth century, and the reproduction keeps the details that made it popular. The king wears a low, rounded crown. The knight has a short muzzle and an alert set to the head. The bishop carries a single clean notch. Nothing is oversized or fussy, and the shapes read clearly from the far side of a table.
Two timbers are offered on this listing. Ebonised boxwood gives the near black contrast of a tournament set, while sheesham carries the reddish brown figure of Indian rosewood. Both are paired with light pieces turned from natural boxwood.
Most hardwood pieces at the accessible end of the market cut one of two corners. Either the weighting is left out, which produces a set that skates across the board, or the carving is simplified until the knight loses its character. This reproduction does neither. The full roster runs to roughly 1200g of double weighted timber, and the knight keeps the carved detail the original pattern is known for.
What you give up against the sets above it in our wood chess pieces collection is timber rarity and finish depth. Ebony, bud rosewood and hand polished finishes cost more because the material and the labour cost more. The French Lardy reproduction is a working set, built to be used rather than admired.
Ebonised boxwood is boxwood dyed through to a deep near black. Because it is dyed rather than naturally black, the grain of the boxwood still shows under the finish, which is a detail collectors either enjoy or do not. Against natural boxwood it gives the stronger contrast of the two options, and it looks the way a tournament set is expected to look.
Sheesham, botanically Dalbergia sissoo, is a true Indian rosewood. It runs from golden brown through to a deeper chocolate with visible streaking, and no two sets are marked identically. On a mid toned timber board the contrast is softer than ebonised, which some players prefer over a long session under bright light.
Double weighting is the single feature that separates a set you enjoy playing with from one you tolerate. The full roster comes in at around 1200g, with the mass carried low in the base, so a piece settles rather than rocks when it lands on a square. In a blitz finish that matters. An unweighted king topples when a hand brushes past it, and a weighted one stays put.
The weight is added by hand during manufacture, so the maker quotes a tolerance of plus or minus 10 percent on the finished roster. Within a single set the pieces are matched to each other, so this is not something you feel in play.
With a 95mm king standing on a 38mm base, these pieces want playing squares between 50mm and 55mm. That gives roughly the proportion tournament play calls for, with the king base occupying about three quarters of the square and a full rank sitting comfortably without crowding.
Under 50mm the board looks congested once both sides are developed. Over 55mm the pieces begin to look lost on the surface. Our chess boards collection lists square size on every board, so check that figure before you order. These pieces are sold on their own, so the board is a separate decision.
The reproduction French Lardy earns its place at the accessible end of the range because the 95mm king and roughly 1200g of double weighting are club specifications, not decorative ones. The honest caveat is tolerance: the weighting is added by hand and the maker states the finished roster can vary by plus or minus 10 percent, so two sets bought a year apart will not weigh the same. These suit a first hardwood set, a club that needs several matching sets, or a gift for someone stepping up from plastic, rather than a collector comparing pieces across our Staunton chess pieces range for repeatable consistency.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Club players, improving juniors and anyone buying their first hardwood set. The 95mm king and double weighting are what a serious player expects, and the accessible position in our range makes them an easy gift for someone who has outgrown a plastic set. Collectors chasing rare timbers will want to look further up the range.
Ebonised is boxwood dyed to a deep near black, so it gives the sharper contrast against the natural boxwood light pieces and reads as a classic tournament set. Sheesham is a true Indian rosewood with visible reddish brown streaking, so each set is marked slightly differently and the contrast is softer. Both share the same pattern, dimensions and weighting.
Boards with playing squares between 50mm and 55mm. The 38mm king base then covers roughly three quarters of the square, which is the proportion used in tournament play. Square size is listed on every board we stock, so check it before ordering.
Wipe them with a dry, soft cloth and keep them out of direct sunlight and away from damp. Turned hardwood can crack if it dries out or swells quickly, so avoid storing them near a heater or in an unheated garage. No oil or polish is needed.
The next tier moves to rarer timbers such as ebony and bud rosewood, with deeper hand finishing and tighter piece to piece consistency. Our luxury chess pieces collection covers that end. If the set is going to be played with several times a week rather than displayed, the French Lardy reproduction does the job.
Spec |
Detail |
King height |
95mm (3.75 inches) |
King base diameter |
38mm (1.52 inches) |
Queen height |
81mm (3.19 inches), 38mm base |
Bishop height |
74mm (2.91 inches), 33mm base |
Knight height |
69mm (2.73 inches), 33mm base |
Rook height |
56mm (2.28 inches), 33mm base |
Pawn height |
49mm (1.92 inches), 29mm base |
Piece count |
34 pieces, being the standard 32 plus 2 extra queens |
Weighting |
Double weighted |
Set weight |
Approximately 1200g, may vary by plus or minus 10 percent |
Dark pieces |
Ebonised boxwood, or sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), by option |
Light pieces |
Natural boxwood |
Recommended square size |
50mm to 55mm |
Material options |
Ebonised, Sheesham |
32 chess pieces in the chosen dark timber and natural boxwood
2 spare queens, one per colour
34 pieces in total
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.
The reproduction French Lardy is the pattern most club players picture when they think of a wooden chess set. Turned to a 95mm king and double weighted throughout, these pieces are built for regular play rather than a shelf. They sit at the accessible end of our chess pieces collection, which makes them a sensible first hardwood set or a practical spare set for a club.
The pattern dates to the French Lardy workshops of the mid twentieth century, and the reproduction keeps the details that made it popular. The king wears a low, rounded crown. The knight has a short muzzle and an alert set to the head. The bishop carries a single clean notch. Nothing is oversized or fussy, and the shapes read clearly from the far side of a table.
Two timbers are offered on this listing. Ebonised boxwood gives the near black contrast of a tournament set, while sheesham carries the reddish brown figure of Indian rosewood. Both are paired with light pieces turned from natural boxwood.
Most hardwood pieces at the accessible end of the market cut one of two corners. Either the weighting is left out, which produces a set that skates across the board, or the carving is simplified until the knight loses its character. This reproduction does neither. The full roster runs to roughly 1200g of double weighted timber, and the knight keeps the carved detail the original pattern is known for.
What you give up against the sets above it in our wood chess pieces collection is timber rarity and finish depth. Ebony, bud rosewood and hand polished finishes cost more because the material and the labour cost more. The French Lardy reproduction is a working set, built to be used rather than admired.
Ebonised boxwood is boxwood dyed through to a deep near black. Because it is dyed rather than naturally black, the grain of the boxwood still shows under the finish, which is a detail collectors either enjoy or do not. Against natural boxwood it gives the stronger contrast of the two options, and it looks the way a tournament set is expected to look.
Sheesham, botanically Dalbergia sissoo, is a true Indian rosewood. It runs from golden brown through to a deeper chocolate with visible streaking, and no two sets are marked identically. On a mid toned timber board the contrast is softer than ebonised, which some players prefer over a long session under bright light.
Double weighting is the single feature that separates a set you enjoy playing with from one you tolerate. The full roster comes in at around 1200g, with the mass carried low in the base, so a piece settles rather than rocks when it lands on a square. In a blitz finish that matters. An unweighted king topples when a hand brushes past it, and a weighted one stays put.
The weight is added by hand during manufacture, so the maker quotes a tolerance of plus or minus 10 percent on the finished roster. Within a single set the pieces are matched to each other, so this is not something you feel in play.
With a 95mm king standing on a 38mm base, these pieces want playing squares between 50mm and 55mm. That gives roughly the proportion tournament play calls for, with the king base occupying about three quarters of the square and a full rank sitting comfortably without crowding.
Under 50mm the board looks congested once both sides are developed. Over 55mm the pieces begin to look lost on the surface. Our chess boards collection lists square size on every board, so check that figure before you order. These pieces are sold on their own, so the board is a separate decision.
The reproduction French Lardy earns its place at the accessible end of the range because the 95mm king and roughly 1200g of double weighting are club specifications, not decorative ones. The honest caveat is tolerance: the weighting is added by hand and the maker states the finished roster can vary by plus or minus 10 percent, so two sets bought a year apart will not weigh the same. These suit a first hardwood set, a club that needs several matching sets, or a gift for someone stepping up from plastic, rather than a collector comparing pieces across our Staunton chess pieces range for repeatable consistency.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Club players, improving juniors and anyone buying their first hardwood set. The 95mm king and double weighting are what a serious player expects, and the accessible position in our range makes them an easy gift for someone who has outgrown a plastic set. Collectors chasing rare timbers will want to look further up the range.
Ebonised is boxwood dyed to a deep near black, so it gives the sharper contrast against the natural boxwood light pieces and reads as a classic tournament set. Sheesham is a true Indian rosewood with visible reddish brown streaking, so each set is marked slightly differently and the contrast is softer. Both share the same pattern, dimensions and weighting.
Boards with playing squares between 50mm and 55mm. The 38mm king base then covers roughly three quarters of the square, which is the proportion used in tournament play. Square size is listed on every board we stock, so check it before ordering.
Wipe them with a dry, soft cloth and keep them out of direct sunlight and away from damp. Turned hardwood can crack if it dries out or swells quickly, so avoid storing them near a heater or in an unheated garage. No oil or polish is needed.
The next tier moves to rarer timbers such as ebony and bud rosewood, with deeper hand finishing and tighter piece to piece consistency. Our luxury chess pieces collection covers that end. If the set is going to be played with several times a week rather than displayed, the French Lardy reproduction does the job.
Spec |
Detail |
King height |
95mm (3.75 inches) |
King base diameter |
38mm (1.52 inches) |
Queen height |
81mm (3.19 inches), 38mm base |
Bishop height |
74mm (2.91 inches), 33mm base |
Knight height |
69mm (2.73 inches), 33mm base |
Rook height |
56mm (2.28 inches), 33mm base |
Pawn height |
49mm (1.92 inches), 29mm base |
Piece count |
34 pieces, being the standard 32 plus 2 extra queens |
Weighting |
Double weighted |
Set weight |
Approximately 1200g, may vary by plus or minus 10 percent |
Dark pieces |
Ebonised boxwood, or sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), by option |
Light pieces |
Natural boxwood |
Recommended square size |
50mm to 55mm |
Material options |
Ebonised, Sheesham |
32 chess pieces in the chosen dark timber and natural boxwood
2 spare queens, one per colour
34 pieces in total
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.
