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Every Staunton set made since 1849 descends from one design. Nathaniel Cooke registered it, John Jaques of London produced it, and Howard Staunton lent it his name. This is a reproduction of that original pattern, carved in genuine ebony and antiqued boxwood.
The collector proportions are what separate it from an ordinary Staunton. A 115mm king stands on a 52mm base, which is exceptionally wide, and the set weighs 2,220g across 34 pieces. The rook base is 48mm, nearly as broad as the king, giving the back rank the squat authority the earliest sets had before later makers slimmed everything down.
These sit at the top of our reproduction chess pieces. They are a set for someone who wants the origin of the pattern rather than a later interpretation of it.
The Staunton pattern has been reinterpreted continuously for nearly two centuries, and most modern sets are descendants several generations removed. Bases narrowed, kings grew taller, and the knight drifted from the short powerful head of the original toward something more decorative.
Going back to the 1849 design means accepting proportions that look unfamiliar at first. The king is broad rather than slender, the rooks are heavy, and nothing tapers as much as a contemporary eye expects. That squareness is the point, and it is why the original design survived every rival pattern of its era.
The trade off is board size. A 52mm base needs 60mm squares, which is larger than most boards in circulation. Lighter and smaller alternatives sit further down our chess pieces collection.
Before 1849 chess sets were a mess of regional patterns. Players travelling between cities regularly faced equipment they could not read at a glance, with bishops and kings that looked alike and knights that varied wildly. Tournament play needed a standard.
The design Cooke registered solved it with symbols rather than ornament: a cross for the king, a coronet for the queen, a mitre for the bishop, a castellated tower for the rook. It could be turned quickly on a lathe, with only the knight requiring hand carving. Within a generation it was the only pattern serious players used, and FIDE later made it the only one permitted in competition.
The dark side is genuine ebony heartwood rather than dyed timber. It is dense, close grained and nearly uniform in colour, and it holds a fine edge on the carved detail in a way that stained wood cannot. It is also the reason the set weighs what it does.
The light side is antiqued boxwood, taken to a mellow oxidised tone rather than left bright. Against ebony this reads warmer and softer than a natural boxwood pairing would. If you want maximum contrast for fast play this is not the set to choose, but for a collector piece the aged tone is closer to how surviving originals actually look today.
This set needs 60mm squares. The number comes from the 52mm king base, which is far wider than a modern tournament set, and it is the single most common mistake buyers make with collector reproductions. A board bought for a 95mm king will leave these pieces touching.
No board is included. Our chess boards collection is filtered by square size so you can match the 60mm requirement directly.
The reason to buy this set is fidelity to the source: a 52mm king base and a 48mm rook base are the proportions the 1849 pattern actually had, and almost every modern Staunton has quietly narrowed them. The caveats are real though, and both are about scale. It needs 60mm squares, which is larger than most boards people own, and the antiqued light side deliberately lowers contrast against the ebony, so this reads as a collector set rather than a fast play one. We would put it in front of someone who wants the origin of the Staunton pattern on their board and is willing to buy the right board for it.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Squares of 60mm. That comes from the exceptionally wide 52mm king base rather than the 115mm height. A board sized for a standard tournament set will crowd them badly.
Yes, the dark pieces are genuine ebony heartwood (Diospyros ebenum) rather than ebonised or dyed timber. That is what gives the set both its density and its weight of 2,220g.
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.
The boxwood is antiqued, taken to an oxidised tone through a colour and polishing process rather than left natural. It lowers contrast against the ebony but matches how surviving nineteenth century sets look today.
It is heavier and wider based than most, and it reproduces the original 1849 pattern rather than a later variation. Browse the rest of the reproduction chess pieces to compare against the tournament era designs.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
115mm (4.5 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
52mm (2.0 inch) |
|
Queen height |
97mm (3.8 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
50mm (1.9 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
75mm (2.9 inch) |
|
Knight height |
70mm (2.8 inch) |
|
Rook height |
66mm (2.6 inch) |
|
Rook base diameter |
48mm (1.8 inch) |
|
Pawn height |
60mm (2.3 inch) |
|
Dark pieces |
Genuine ebony (Diospyros ebenum) |
|
Light pieces |
Antiqued boxwood (Gardenia latifolia) |
|
Weighting |
Weighted, with thick felt bases |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Total set weight |
2,220g |
|
Recommended square size |
60mm |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Board |
Not included |
32 chess pieces in genuine ebony and antiqued 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.
Every Staunton set made since 1849 descends from one design. Nathaniel Cooke registered it, John Jaques of London produced it, and Howard Staunton lent it his name. This is a reproduction of that original pattern, carved in genuine ebony and antiqued boxwood.
The collector proportions are what separate it from an ordinary Staunton. A 115mm king stands on a 52mm base, which is exceptionally wide, and the set weighs 2,220g across 34 pieces. The rook base is 48mm, nearly as broad as the king, giving the back rank the squat authority the earliest sets had before later makers slimmed everything down.
These sit at the top of our reproduction chess pieces. They are a set for someone who wants the origin of the pattern rather than a later interpretation of it.
The Staunton pattern has been reinterpreted continuously for nearly two centuries, and most modern sets are descendants several generations removed. Bases narrowed, kings grew taller, and the knight drifted from the short powerful head of the original toward something more decorative.
Going back to the 1849 design means accepting proportions that look unfamiliar at first. The king is broad rather than slender, the rooks are heavy, and nothing tapers as much as a contemporary eye expects. That squareness is the point, and it is why the original design survived every rival pattern of its era.
The trade off is board size. A 52mm base needs 60mm squares, which is larger than most boards in circulation. Lighter and smaller alternatives sit further down our chess pieces collection.
Before 1849 chess sets were a mess of regional patterns. Players travelling between cities regularly faced equipment they could not read at a glance, with bishops and kings that looked alike and knights that varied wildly. Tournament play needed a standard.
The design Cooke registered solved it with symbols rather than ornament: a cross for the king, a coronet for the queen, a mitre for the bishop, a castellated tower for the rook. It could be turned quickly on a lathe, with only the knight requiring hand carving. Within a generation it was the only pattern serious players used, and FIDE later made it the only one permitted in competition.
The dark side is genuine ebony heartwood rather than dyed timber. It is dense, close grained and nearly uniform in colour, and it holds a fine edge on the carved detail in a way that stained wood cannot. It is also the reason the set weighs what it does.
The light side is antiqued boxwood, taken to a mellow oxidised tone rather than left bright. Against ebony this reads warmer and softer than a natural boxwood pairing would. If you want maximum contrast for fast play this is not the set to choose, but for a collector piece the aged tone is closer to how surviving originals actually look today.
This set needs 60mm squares. The number comes from the 52mm king base, which is far wider than a modern tournament set, and it is the single most common mistake buyers make with collector reproductions. A board bought for a 95mm king will leave these pieces touching.
No board is included. Our chess boards collection is filtered by square size so you can match the 60mm requirement directly.
The reason to buy this set is fidelity to the source: a 52mm king base and a 48mm rook base are the proportions the 1849 pattern actually had, and almost every modern Staunton has quietly narrowed them. The caveats are real though, and both are about scale. It needs 60mm squares, which is larger than most boards people own, and the antiqued light side deliberately lowers contrast against the ebony, so this reads as a collector set rather than a fast play one. We would put it in front of someone who wants the origin of the Staunton pattern on their board and is willing to buy the right board for it.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Squares of 60mm. That comes from the exceptionally wide 52mm king base rather than the 115mm height. A board sized for a standard tournament set will crowd them badly.
Yes, the dark pieces are genuine ebony heartwood (Diospyros ebenum) rather than ebonised or dyed timber. That is what gives the set both its density and its weight of 2,220g.
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.
The boxwood is antiqued, taken to an oxidised tone through a colour and polishing process rather than left natural. It lowers contrast against the ebony but matches how surviving nineteenth century sets look today.
It is heavier and wider based than most, and it reproduces the original 1849 pattern rather than a later variation. Browse the rest of the reproduction chess pieces to compare against the tournament era designs.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
115mm (4.5 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
52mm (2.0 inch) |
|
Queen height |
97mm (3.8 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
50mm (1.9 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
75mm (2.9 inch) |
|
Knight height |
70mm (2.8 inch) |
|
Rook height |
66mm (2.6 inch) |
|
Rook base diameter |
48mm (1.8 inch) |
|
Pawn height |
60mm (2.3 inch) |
|
Dark pieces |
Genuine ebony (Diospyros ebenum) |
|
Light pieces |
Antiqued boxwood (Gardenia latifolia) |
|
Weighting |
Weighted, with thick felt bases |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Total set weight |
2,220g |
|
Recommended square size |
60mm |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Board |
Not included |
32 chess pieces in genuine ebony and antiqued 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.
