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Golden Rosewood chessmen with a 78mm king

Russian Zagreb 78mm Chess Pieces

by Sterling Chess
$229.00

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Description

Russian Zagreb 78mm Chess Pieces

The Russian Zagreb is a faithful reproduction of the chessmen used at the 1959 tournament held in Zagreb, offered here as the pieces alone at a 78mm king.

It is a compact set, and the character of the pattern is that everything about it is rounded. There is not a sharp point anywhere on the army.

That is a design decision and not a stylistic note. Every profile is drawn with simple curvature, the finials are domed instead of pointed, and the shanks swell and taper without a hard edge to catch.

The knight is the exception in the other direction. It is given a distinct profile that sets it apart from the rest of the army, and it is the piece that identifies the pattern from across a table.

It sits with our reproduction chess pieces.

 The golden rosewood Zagreb king and queen together

Key features

  • A reproduction of the pattern used at the 1959 tournament held in Zagreb
  • Simple curvature throughout, with no sharp point anywhere on the whole army
  • A distinctly profiled knight, the piece that identifies the pattern at a glance
  • Weighted, so a piece settles when it is put down instead of skating on the board
  • 530 grams for the complete 34 pieces, the same in either timber offered
  • Two timbers offered on the one pattern: golden rosewood, or ebonised boxwood
  • Cut for 40mm to 50mm squares, which suits a compact board or a side table
  • Two pieces more than a game array puts on the board, supplied in the box

About the pieces

The Zagreb pattern comes out of a generation of Eastern European tournament sets with a particular character: functional first, unfussy, drawn for players and not for display cases.

The defining feature is the absence of sharp points. Nothing on the army finishes in a spike or a thin edge. The bishop's mitre is a domed form with a cut instead of a raised point, and even the crenellation on the rook is softened.

The practical consequence is a set that survives being played with. A thin, exposed finial is the part of a chess piece that takes the impact when it goes over, and this pattern does not have one anywhere.

The knight carries the whole character. Where the rest of the army is deliberately restrained, the knight is given a profile that sets it apart, and it is the piece your eye goes to first.

These pieces suit small boards, with squares of 40mm to 50mm, and the roomier end is what we would take. There the rounded profiles show against the board; at the tighter end the opening ranks close up and the curves lose some of their effect.

 Golden rosewood pieces showing the rounded Zagreb profile

What each timber does to the curves

Every dimension, the weight, the square window and the piece count are identical across the two options. The light army is boxwood in both cases. Only the dark side changes.

The golden rosewood option puts two natural timbers against each other. Golden rosewood is a warm mid brown with visible figure, and on a pattern drawn entirely in curves the grain runs continuously over the domed surfaces.

Against boxwood the contrast is present but gentle, and the board reads as two related woods sitting well together. It is the choice if you want the timber itself to be part of the picture.

The ebonised boxwood option brings the dark army to a near black, which is the harder separation of the two and the more practical one in changeable light.

It also gives the curved profiles a cleaner outline against a pale board than a mid brown does, which on a pattern this restrained is worth having.

Keep the set out of direct sun and away from a heater, dust with a dry soft cloth, and leave oil, furniture polish and solvent based cleaners alone. There is very little on these shapes for a cloth to catch on.

Our expert take

What makes this one worth buying is durability by design. A pattern with no sharp point anywhere on it is a pattern that does not lose finials, and finials are what break. Combined with the weighting, this is a set built to be used.

The knight is the other reason. On an army this restrained it does the whole job of giving the set character, and it is legible instantly, which is worth more in play than ornament on the pieces you look at least.

The caveat is scale. This is a small king and it wants a compact board, so check the square before ordering: on oversized squares a Zagreb army looks lost. Anyone after a taller and more ornate set should look across our luxury chess pieces.

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

 Ebonised boxwood knight from the Zagreb pattern

Frequently asked questions
What square size does this set need?

40mm to 50mm, and the roomier end is the better of the two. The driver is the foot shared by the king and queen. At the tighter end the opening ranks close up, which still plays but looks dense.

What does the timber choice change?

Only the dark side. Every dimension, the weight, the square window and the piece count are identical, and the light army is boxwood in both cases. Golden rosewood is a warm mid brown with visible figure; ebonised boxwood is brought to a near black.

What is the Zagreb pattern?

A reproduction of the chessmen used at the 1959 tournament held in Zagreb. Its character is functional, and that quality is what has kept it in production.

Why does it matter that there are no sharp points?

Because a thin finial is what takes the impact when a piece goes over, and this pattern has none. The set comes through years of play intact.

Are the pieces weighted?

Yes. The complete 34 pieces weigh 530 grams, which on an army this compact is enough for each piece to settle rather than skate on a polished board.

How many pieces are supplied, and is a board included?

34 chess pieces, two more than a game array uses. No board is included, so it is chosen separately to suit the square window.
Specifications

Spec

Detail

King

78mm high (3.1 inch), 32mm base

Queen

66mm high (2.6 inch), 32mm base

Bishop

57mm high (2.2 inch), 27mm base

Knight

50mm high (2.0 inch), 27mm base

Rook

44mm high (1.7 inch), 27mm base

Pawn

38mm high (1.5 inch), 24mm base

Golden Rosewood option

Golden rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces, 530 grams (1.2 lbs)

Ebonised Boxwood option

Ebonised boxwood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces, 530 grams (1.2 lbs)

Weighting

Weighted

Recommended square size

40mm to 50mm (1.56 inch to 1.96 inch)

Piece count

34

Chess board

Not included
What's In The Box?

34 chess pieces in the timber chosen
Two pieces more than a standard game array uses
Chess board not included
Storage box not included

Warranty

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.

FREE Shipping

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.

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

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.

Description

Russian Zagreb 78mm Chess Pieces

The Russian Zagreb is a faithful reproduction of the chessmen used at the 1959 tournament held in Zagreb, offered here as the pieces alone at a 78mm king.

It is a compact set, and the character of the pattern is that everything about it is rounded. There is not a sharp point anywhere on the army.

That is a design decision and not a stylistic note. Every profile is drawn with simple curvature, the finials are domed instead of pointed, and the shanks swell and taper without a hard edge to catch.

The knight is the exception in the other direction. It is given a distinct profile that sets it apart from the rest of the army, and it is the piece that identifies the pattern from across a table.

It sits with our reproduction chess pieces.

 The golden rosewood Zagreb king and queen together

Key features

  • A reproduction of the pattern used at the 1959 tournament held in Zagreb
  • Simple curvature throughout, with no sharp point anywhere on the whole army
  • A distinctly profiled knight, the piece that identifies the pattern at a glance
  • Weighted, so a piece settles when it is put down instead of skating on the board
  • 530 grams for the complete 34 pieces, the same in either timber offered
  • Two timbers offered on the one pattern: golden rosewood, or ebonised boxwood
  • Cut for 40mm to 50mm squares, which suits a compact board or a side table
  • Two pieces more than a game array puts on the board, supplied in the box

About the pieces

The Zagreb pattern comes out of a generation of Eastern European tournament sets with a particular character: functional first, unfussy, drawn for players and not for display cases.

The defining feature is the absence of sharp points. Nothing on the army finishes in a spike or a thin edge. The bishop's mitre is a domed form with a cut instead of a raised point, and even the crenellation on the rook is softened.

The practical consequence is a set that survives being played with. A thin, exposed finial is the part of a chess piece that takes the impact when it goes over, and this pattern does not have one anywhere.

The knight carries the whole character. Where the rest of the army is deliberately restrained, the knight is given a profile that sets it apart, and it is the piece your eye goes to first.

These pieces suit small boards, with squares of 40mm to 50mm, and the roomier end is what we would take. There the rounded profiles show against the board; at the tighter end the opening ranks close up and the curves lose some of their effect.

 Golden rosewood pieces showing the rounded Zagreb profile

What each timber does to the curves

Every dimension, the weight, the square window and the piece count are identical across the two options. The light army is boxwood in both cases. Only the dark side changes.

The golden rosewood option puts two natural timbers against each other. Golden rosewood is a warm mid brown with visible figure, and on a pattern drawn entirely in curves the grain runs continuously over the domed surfaces.

Against boxwood the contrast is present but gentle, and the board reads as two related woods sitting well together. It is the choice if you want the timber itself to be part of the picture.

The ebonised boxwood option brings the dark army to a near black, which is the harder separation of the two and the more practical one in changeable light.

It also gives the curved profiles a cleaner outline against a pale board than a mid brown does, which on a pattern this restrained is worth having.

Keep the set out of direct sun and away from a heater, dust with a dry soft cloth, and leave oil, furniture polish and solvent based cleaners alone. There is very little on these shapes for a cloth to catch on.

Our expert take

What makes this one worth buying is durability by design. A pattern with no sharp point anywhere on it is a pattern that does not lose finials, and finials are what break. Combined with the weighting, this is a set built to be used.

The knight is the other reason. On an army this restrained it does the whole job of giving the set character, and it is legible instantly, which is worth more in play than ornament on the pieces you look at least.

The caveat is scale. This is a small king and it wants a compact board, so check the square before ordering: on oversized squares a Zagreb army looks lost. Anyone after a taller and more ornate set should look across our luxury chess pieces.

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

 Ebonised boxwood knight from the Zagreb pattern

Frequently asked questions
What square size does this set need?

40mm to 50mm, and the roomier end is the better of the two. The driver is the foot shared by the king and queen. At the tighter end the opening ranks close up, which still plays but looks dense.

What does the timber choice change?

Only the dark side. Every dimension, the weight, the square window and the piece count are identical, and the light army is boxwood in both cases. Golden rosewood is a warm mid brown with visible figure; ebonised boxwood is brought to a near black.

What is the Zagreb pattern?

A reproduction of the chessmen used at the 1959 tournament held in Zagreb. Its character is functional, and that quality is what has kept it in production.

Why does it matter that there are no sharp points?

Because a thin finial is what takes the impact when a piece goes over, and this pattern has none. The set comes through years of play intact.

Are the pieces weighted?

Yes. The complete 34 pieces weigh 530 grams, which on an army this compact is enough for each piece to settle rather than skate on a polished board.

How many pieces are supplied, and is a board included?

34 chess pieces, two more than a game array uses. No board is included, so it is chosen separately to suit the square window.
Specifications

Spec

Detail

King

78mm high (3.1 inch), 32mm base

Queen

66mm high (2.6 inch), 32mm base

Bishop

57mm high (2.2 inch), 27mm base

Knight

50mm high (2.0 inch), 27mm base

Rook

44mm high (1.7 inch), 27mm base

Pawn

38mm high (1.5 inch), 24mm base

Golden Rosewood option

Golden rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces, 530 grams (1.2 lbs)

Ebonised Boxwood option

Ebonised boxwood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces, 530 grams (1.2 lbs)

Weighting

Weighted

Recommended square size

40mm to 50mm (1.56 inch to 1.96 inch)

Piece count

34

Chess board

Not included
What's In The Box?

34 chess pieces in the timber chosen
Two pieces more than a standard game array uses
Chess board not included
Storage box not included

Warranty

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.

FREE Shipping

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.

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

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.