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The bridle knight is a nineteenth century English idea: instead of a bare horse's head, the carver cuts the strap of a bridle across the muzzle and the browband above the eye. It gives the piece a harnessed, working look, and it is the detail this whole family of patterns is named for.
This is the sheesham version at 107mm, and it is one of the more affordable ways into the pattern. Sheesham is Indian rosewood, a mid brown timber with a visible open grain and darker streaking, so the dark side reads warm and figured rather than near black.
Double weighted to 1,440g with an iron stud in every base, 34 pieces with two spare queens. It sits in our Staunton chess pieces range.
We carry the bridle knight at several sizes and in several timbers, and they are genuinely different sets rather than one set repeated. This one is the 107mm sheesham: taller than the 103mm sheesham version by four millimetres, with a queen 7mm taller again, and 110g heavier across the set.
Against the ebony and rosewood bridle patterns at the same 107mm height, the difference is timber and price rather than shape. Sheesham costs a fraction of genuine ebony and gives you a warm mid brown dark side with visible grain instead of a near black one. If contrast matters most to you, the ebony versions separate better; if you like seeing the timber, this is the one.
Weighting is the other line. This is double weighted where the luxury bridle sets are triple weighted, so it is lighter in the hand at 1,440g. Compare the full spread in our wood chess pieces range.
Sheesham is Dalbergia sissoo, a true rosewood grown across northern India, and it is the timber most Indian workshops reach for when a set needs to look like wood rather than like ebony. The heartwood runs from golden brown to a deep reddish brown with darker streaks through it, and the grain is open enough to see and feel.
Practically it is hard, dense and stable, which is why it takes weighting and hand polishing well. Against boxwood it gives a warm, moderate contrast rather than a stark one. In a well lit room the two sides read clearly; under dim lamplight the separation is softer than an ebonised or ebony set would give you.
The bridle is cut as a raised band running from behind the ear, down across the cheek, and over the muzzle, with a browband above the eye. On a good carving the strap sits proud of the surface and you can feel the edge with a thumbnail; on a rushed one it is scored in and disappears at arm's length.
These are cut freehand, so the four knights in the set differ slightly in the run of the strap and the set of the head. Everything else is turned against a metal profile, so the pawns are consistent and the rooks match. That split between turned and carved is worth knowing: variation belongs in the knights and nowhere else.
Squares of 55mm, set by the 44mm king base. This is a practical size and a common one, so most club and home boards will suit it without measuring twice.
At 107mm the king is above the 95mm to 100mm tournament band, so this is a home and casual club set rather than a rated play set. No board is included with the pieces. Square sizes are listed on every board in our chess boards collection.
This is a sensible way into the bridle knight at a full 107mm, and I recommend it on that basis rather than as a compromise. You get the same carved detail as the ebony versions at a fraction of the price, on a full sized 107mm king with real double weighting behind it. What you give up is contrast and heft: sheesham against boxwood is a warm mid brown against cream, not black against cream, and at 1,440g it sits noticeably lighter in the hand than the triple weighted sets in the same family. If you play under bright light and like seeing timber grain, that is an even trade or better. If you want the two sides to separate instantly across a dim room, spend up to one of the ebony bridle patterns instead.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Squares of 55mm, driven by the 44mm king base. It is a common size, so most home and club boards will suit.
Sheesham is Dalbergia sissoo, a true Indian rosewood. The heartwood runs golden to reddish brown with darker streaking and an open, visible grain. It is hard and dense, so it takes weighting and hand polishing well.
This one is 107mm rather than 103mm, the queen is 7mm taller, and the set weighs 1,440g against 1,330g. Same bridle knight, one size up.
About 1,440g across the full set, double weighted with an iron stud in each base. Weighting is added by hand so the total can vary by around ten per cent.
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.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
107mm (4.2 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
44mm (1.7 inch) |
|
Queen height |
92mm (3.6 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
40mm (1.6 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
85mm (3.3 inch) |
|
Knight height |
81mm (3.1 inch) |
|
Rook height |
65mm (2.5 inch) |
|
Pawn height |
58mm (2.2 inch) |
|
Officer base diameter |
38mm (1.5 inch), bishop, knight and rook |
|
Dark pieces |
Sheesham, an Indian rosewood |
|
Light pieces |
Boxwood |
|
Weighting |
Double weighted, thick green felt on every base |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Total set weight |
1,440g approximate |
|
Recommended square size |
55mm |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Board |
Not included |
34 chess pieces, including two spare queens
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 bridle knight is a nineteenth century English idea: instead of a bare horse's head, the carver cuts the strap of a bridle across the muzzle and the browband above the eye. It gives the piece a harnessed, working look, and it is the detail this whole family of patterns is named for.
This is the sheesham version at 107mm, and it is one of the more affordable ways into the pattern. Sheesham is Indian rosewood, a mid brown timber with a visible open grain and darker streaking, so the dark side reads warm and figured rather than near black.
Double weighted to 1,440g with an iron stud in every base, 34 pieces with two spare queens. It sits in our Staunton chess pieces range.
We carry the bridle knight at several sizes and in several timbers, and they are genuinely different sets rather than one set repeated. This one is the 107mm sheesham: taller than the 103mm sheesham version by four millimetres, with a queen 7mm taller again, and 110g heavier across the set.
Against the ebony and rosewood bridle patterns at the same 107mm height, the difference is timber and price rather than shape. Sheesham costs a fraction of genuine ebony and gives you a warm mid brown dark side with visible grain instead of a near black one. If contrast matters most to you, the ebony versions separate better; if you like seeing the timber, this is the one.
Weighting is the other line. This is double weighted where the luxury bridle sets are triple weighted, so it is lighter in the hand at 1,440g. Compare the full spread in our wood chess pieces range.
Sheesham is Dalbergia sissoo, a true rosewood grown across northern India, and it is the timber most Indian workshops reach for when a set needs to look like wood rather than like ebony. The heartwood runs from golden brown to a deep reddish brown with darker streaks through it, and the grain is open enough to see and feel.
Practically it is hard, dense and stable, which is why it takes weighting and hand polishing well. Against boxwood it gives a warm, moderate contrast rather than a stark one. In a well lit room the two sides read clearly; under dim lamplight the separation is softer than an ebonised or ebony set would give you.
The bridle is cut as a raised band running from behind the ear, down across the cheek, and over the muzzle, with a browband above the eye. On a good carving the strap sits proud of the surface and you can feel the edge with a thumbnail; on a rushed one it is scored in and disappears at arm's length.
These are cut freehand, so the four knights in the set differ slightly in the run of the strap and the set of the head. Everything else is turned against a metal profile, so the pawns are consistent and the rooks match. That split between turned and carved is worth knowing: variation belongs in the knights and nowhere else.
Squares of 55mm, set by the 44mm king base. This is a practical size and a common one, so most club and home boards will suit it without measuring twice.
At 107mm the king is above the 95mm to 100mm tournament band, so this is a home and casual club set rather than a rated play set. No board is included with the pieces. Square sizes are listed on every board in our chess boards collection.
This is a sensible way into the bridle knight at a full 107mm, and I recommend it on that basis rather than as a compromise. You get the same carved detail as the ebony versions at a fraction of the price, on a full sized 107mm king with real double weighting behind it. What you give up is contrast and heft: sheesham against boxwood is a warm mid brown against cream, not black against cream, and at 1,440g it sits noticeably lighter in the hand than the triple weighted sets in the same family. If you play under bright light and like seeing timber grain, that is an even trade or better. If you want the two sides to separate instantly across a dim room, spend up to one of the ebony bridle patterns instead.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Squares of 55mm, driven by the 44mm king base. It is a common size, so most home and club boards will suit.
Sheesham is Dalbergia sissoo, a true Indian rosewood. The heartwood runs golden to reddish brown with darker streaking and an open, visible grain. It is hard and dense, so it takes weighting and hand polishing well.
This one is 107mm rather than 103mm, the queen is 7mm taller, and the set weighs 1,440g against 1,330g. Same bridle knight, one size up.
About 1,440g across the full set, double weighted with an iron stud in each base. Weighting is added by hand so the total can vary by around ten per cent.
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.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
107mm (4.2 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
44mm (1.7 inch) |
|
Queen height |
92mm (3.6 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
40mm (1.6 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
85mm (3.3 inch) |
|
Knight height |
81mm (3.1 inch) |
|
Rook height |
65mm (2.5 inch) |
|
Pawn height |
58mm (2.2 inch) |
|
Officer base diameter |
38mm (1.5 inch), bishop, knight and rook |
|
Dark pieces |
Sheesham, an Indian rosewood |
|
Light pieces |
Boxwood |
|
Weighting |
Double weighted, thick green felt on every base |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Total set weight |
1,440g approximate |
|
Recommended square size |
55mm |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Board |
Not included |
34 chess pieces, including two spare queens
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.
