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Lardy was a French workshop that supplied clubs and cafes through the 1950s and 60s with sets that were affordable, hard wearing and instantly recognisable. The signature is the knight: a squared off, blocky head with the mane taken back as a flat plane rather than separated locks.
This is the compact reproduction at 76mm, and the board is the reason to look. It is sheesham and maple, 37cm across with 38mm squares, and it carries algebraic notation printed around the edge, which almost none of the wooden boards at this size do.
Sits among our reproduction chess pieces.
The same Lardy pattern is listed separately as pieces only, in a choice of sheesham or ebonised, among the rest of our chess pieces collection. If you already own a small board, that is the cheaper route and gives you the finish choice.
What this listing adds is a board that is genuinely hard to find at this size: solid sheesham and maple with printed notation. Most notated boards are card or vinyl tournament boards, and most small timber boards have no notation at all. This one is both.
Notation earns its place if you record your games or teach on the board, because it removes the step of counting files and ranks. Very few of our complete sets include a notated timber board, and fewer still at this size. Other boards sit across our chess boards collection.
The Lardy knight is not carved to look like a horse so much as suggested with a few decisive cuts. The muzzle is squared off, the jaw line is straight, and the mane is taken back as a single flat plane instead of being separated into locks. It is the opposite approach to the luxury Indian patterns, where the mane is where all the carving time goes.
That was a manufacturing decision as much as an aesthetic one: fewer cuts meant a set a club could afford to replace. Seventy years on it reads as a style in its own right, and it is why a Lardy set looks like nothing else on a board.
Bishop and knight both stand 52mm on 28mm bases. On most sets there is a clear step between them, and losing it means you identify the two by their heads rather than their height.
On a 38mm square that turns out to help rather than hinder. Small boards crowd quickly, and an officer rank that reads as one calm horizontal band is easier on the eye than four pieces of slightly different heights jostling for room. The 24mm gap up to the king keeps the royals clearly separate where it matters.
Thirty eight millimetre squares are below club sizing, so this belongs on a coffee table, a desk or in a bag rather than across a dining table. At 76mm the king is well under the 95mm to 100mm band used for rated play.
Thirty four pieces including two spare queens, plus the board. No storage box or pouch is included. The board is handmade so its weight varies by around ten per cent, and neither pieces nor board are waterproof or UV resistant.
The board is what makes this one worth recommending. A 37cm timber board with printed algebraic notation is genuinely uncommon, and paired with the Lardy pieces it makes a small set that is actually useful for study and teaching rather than just for casual games. The pieces themselves are a real piece of chess design history, spare where the Indian luxury patterns are elaborate, and that is either the appeal or the reason to look elsewhere. The honest limits are scale: 38mm squares crowd once a middlegame develops, and at 76mm this is not a set for club play. Buy it for a desk, for teaching, or to keep in a bag, and the notated timber board makes it the best of the compact sets we carry.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Yes. Algebraic notation is printed around the edge of the board, which is unusual on a timber board at this size and useful if you record games or teach on it.
37cm x 37cm with 38mm squares, 12mm thick and around 1,100g, in sheesham and maple.
Lardy was a French workshop that supplied clubs and cafes through the 1950s and 60s. The signature is a squared off knight with a flat cut mane, spare where Indian luxury patterns are elaborate.
Both stand 52mm, which is how the pattern is proportioned. On a small board the level officer rank reads more calmly than four pieces of slightly different heights.
No. This listing is the 34 pieces and the board only.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
76mm (3.0 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
31mm (1.2 inch) |
|
Queen height |
65mm (2.5 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
30mm (1.2 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
52mm (2.0 inch) |
|
Knight height |
52mm (2.0 inch) |
|
Rook height |
41mm (1.6 inch) |
|
Pawn height |
37mm (1.4 inch) |
|
Officer base diameter |
28mm (1.1 inch), bishop, knight and rook |
|
Dark pieces |
Sheesham, an Indian rosewood |
|
Light pieces |
Boxwood |
|
Weighting |
Weighted, thick green felt on every base |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Chess pieces weight |
666g approximate |
|
Board size |
37cm x 37cm (14.5 inch) |
|
Board square size |
38mm (1.49 inch) |
|
Board thickness |
12mm |
|
Board construction |
Sheesham and maple with printed algebraic notation, 1,100g |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Storage box |
Not included |
34 chess pieces, including two spare queens
One 37cm sheesham and maple chess board with 38mm squares and algebraic notation
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.
Lardy was a French workshop that supplied clubs and cafes through the 1950s and 60s with sets that were affordable, hard wearing and instantly recognisable. The signature is the knight: a squared off, blocky head with the mane taken back as a flat plane rather than separated locks.
This is the compact reproduction at 76mm, and the board is the reason to look. It is sheesham and maple, 37cm across with 38mm squares, and it carries algebraic notation printed around the edge, which almost none of the wooden boards at this size do.
Sits among our reproduction chess pieces.
The same Lardy pattern is listed separately as pieces only, in a choice of sheesham or ebonised, among the rest of our chess pieces collection. If you already own a small board, that is the cheaper route and gives you the finish choice.
What this listing adds is a board that is genuinely hard to find at this size: solid sheesham and maple with printed notation. Most notated boards are card or vinyl tournament boards, and most small timber boards have no notation at all. This one is both.
Notation earns its place if you record your games or teach on the board, because it removes the step of counting files and ranks. Very few of our complete sets include a notated timber board, and fewer still at this size. Other boards sit across our chess boards collection.
The Lardy knight is not carved to look like a horse so much as suggested with a few decisive cuts. The muzzle is squared off, the jaw line is straight, and the mane is taken back as a single flat plane instead of being separated into locks. It is the opposite approach to the luxury Indian patterns, where the mane is where all the carving time goes.
That was a manufacturing decision as much as an aesthetic one: fewer cuts meant a set a club could afford to replace. Seventy years on it reads as a style in its own right, and it is why a Lardy set looks like nothing else on a board.
Bishop and knight both stand 52mm on 28mm bases. On most sets there is a clear step between them, and losing it means you identify the two by their heads rather than their height.
On a 38mm square that turns out to help rather than hinder. Small boards crowd quickly, and an officer rank that reads as one calm horizontal band is easier on the eye than four pieces of slightly different heights jostling for room. The 24mm gap up to the king keeps the royals clearly separate where it matters.
Thirty eight millimetre squares are below club sizing, so this belongs on a coffee table, a desk or in a bag rather than across a dining table. At 76mm the king is well under the 95mm to 100mm band used for rated play.
Thirty four pieces including two spare queens, plus the board. No storage box or pouch is included. The board is handmade so its weight varies by around ten per cent, and neither pieces nor board are waterproof or UV resistant.
The board is what makes this one worth recommending. A 37cm timber board with printed algebraic notation is genuinely uncommon, and paired with the Lardy pieces it makes a small set that is actually useful for study and teaching rather than just for casual games. The pieces themselves are a real piece of chess design history, spare where the Indian luxury patterns are elaborate, and that is either the appeal or the reason to look elsewhere. The honest limits are scale: 38mm squares crowd once a middlegame develops, and at 76mm this is not a set for club play. Buy it for a desk, for teaching, or to keep in a bag, and the notated timber board makes it the best of the compact sets we carry.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Yes. Algebraic notation is printed around the edge of the board, which is unusual on a timber board at this size and useful if you record games or teach on it.
37cm x 37cm with 38mm squares, 12mm thick and around 1,100g, in sheesham and maple.
Lardy was a French workshop that supplied clubs and cafes through the 1950s and 60s. The signature is a squared off knight with a flat cut mane, spare where Indian luxury patterns are elaborate.
Both stand 52mm, which is how the pattern is proportioned. On a small board the level officer rank reads more calmly than four pieces of slightly different heights.
No. This listing is the 34 pieces and the board only.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
76mm (3.0 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
31mm (1.2 inch) |
|
Queen height |
65mm (2.5 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
30mm (1.2 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
52mm (2.0 inch) |
|
Knight height |
52mm (2.0 inch) |
|
Rook height |
41mm (1.6 inch) |
|
Pawn height |
37mm (1.4 inch) |
|
Officer base diameter |
28mm (1.1 inch), bishop, knight and rook |
|
Dark pieces |
Sheesham, an Indian rosewood |
|
Light pieces |
Boxwood |
|
Weighting |
Weighted, thick green felt on every base |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Chess pieces weight |
666g approximate |
|
Board size |
37cm x 37cm (14.5 inch) |
|
Board square size |
38mm (1.49 inch) |
|
Board thickness |
12mm |
|
Board construction |
Sheesham and maple with printed algebraic notation, 1,100g |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Storage box |
Not included |
34 chess pieces, including two spare queens
One 37cm sheesham and maple chess board with 38mm squares and algebraic notation
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.
