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St. George Pre-Staunton Calvert 108mm Chess Pieces

$529.00

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Description

St. George Pre-Staunton Calvert 108mm Chess Pieces

The St. George takes its name from the famous St. George chess club in England, and the design itself is John Calvert's. It was among the most popular patterns of the pre-Staunton era.

The chessmen themselves are heirloom quality, made to last for many decades. A set like this gets bought once and then handed on, and it is fair to think about it that way from the start.

The king measures 108mm. That makes this a big army, and the set is Double Weighted at 1,440 grams all in, which is enough to feel a piece settle when you put it down.

There are two ways to buy it. One is ebony wood against antiqued boxwood, the other bud rosewood against boxwood. Both are artificially aged, so a vintage patina is already on the chessmen when the set arrives.

Both options are catalogued in our reproduction chess pieces.

St. George pre-Staunton chessmen in ebony wood and antiqued boxwood with the 108mm king

Key features

  • The St. George pattern, named for the English chess club and originally designed by John Calvert
  • A pre-Staunton design, and one of the most popular of the era before Staunton settled the shape
  • Hand-carved and hand-turned by master artisans with years of this particular work behind them
  • Double Weighted chessmen, so a piece sits where you put it and stays there through the game
  • A 108mm king on a narrow foot, which is what leaves room around him on the square
  • The same pattern, height and weight on both options, so the timber pairing is all you choose
  • Two timber pairings: ebony wood with antiqued boxwood, or bud rosewood with boxwood
  • 34 chessmen in the set, two beyond a standard array, and no chess board or storage box with them

About the pieces

This design belongs to the years before Staunton, and it was widely used in its day. That matters, because the set is not an oddity dug up to be different. It is a pattern the game genuinely ran on.

The carving is the part that repays a close look. It is the sort of quality only an expert carver with years of experience reaches, and it shows most when a piece is off the board and in your hand.

The chessmen are Double Weighted and carry substantial ballast at the base. On a piece this tall that is the difference between an army that stands and one that rocks.

The buyer this is aimed at wants the game's older shapes on the table and does not mind being the only one in the room playing on them. It is a set to leave out between games, not one to pack away.

These pieces suit boards with squares of 55mm to 60mm, and either end works. The king is tall, but his foot is narrow, so there is bare square around him even at the tight end. A board you already own will probably take them.

St. George pre-Staunton chessmen in bud rosewood and boxwood

Choosing between the two options

The two options are the same set in different woods. The carving, the height and the weight do not move between them, so what you are deciding is only which timbers you get.

Ebony Wood and Antiqued Boxwood sets an ebony dark army against an antiqued boxwood light one. Ebony is naturally a dark timber and this is the option that uses it.

The Bud Rosewood option puts bud rosewood opposite boxwood, and that swap is the whole of the difference between the two.

The short version: the same chessmen arrive either way, so the decision is only about wood. Pick the one you would rather have out on a table, and do not think about it any harder.

Keep the set out of direct sunlight and away from heaters. Dust with a dry soft cloth, and leave oil, polish and solvents alone.

Our expert take

Calvert drew this one and the St. George club gave it its name, and I think that history is most of the appeal. Set it up and the board reads as a much older game than a Staunton does.

The scale is the next thing. The king is a big piece and stands on a narrow foot rather than a broad, planted one, so the weighting is doing real work holding him upright.

That slimness is the part to think hardest about before ordering. If you like a chessman that feels wide and rooted under the hand, the king and queen here will not give you that, however steady they are standing.

I would not take it to a club night either. Over a clock you want shapes your hand already knows without looking, and for that our staunton chess pieces are the better starting point.

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

Hand carved St. George Calvert pattern chessmen in ebony wood and antiqued boxwood

Frequently asked questions

What board do these pieces need?

Squares of 55mm to 60mm. The king's foot is narrow for his height, so there is clear board around him at either end of that window, and you can put them on a board that is already in the house.

Who was John Calvert?

He is the designer the St. George pattern is credited to. It was in wide use before the Staunton pattern arrived and became the standard, which is the period this set reproduces.

Are the pieces weighted?

Yes, they are Double Weighted, and the full set weighs 1,440 grams. That figure does not change with the timber, so both options come to the same weight.

What is the difference between the two options?

The timbers, and nothing else. Ebony Wood and Antiqued Boxwood is an ebony army against an antiqued boxwood one, and Bud Rosewood is a bud rosewood army against a boxwood one. Antiqued boxwood is the name of that light timber, and the ageing that gives the patina is done to the chessmen on both options.

How many pieces are supplied?

34 chess pieces, which is two beyond the 32 a standard array uses. What arrives in the parcel is listed further down this page.

Is a board or a storage box included?

No. This listing is the chessmen on their own, and a board and a storage box are both bought separately. The square window in the specifications below is what to check any board against.

Specifications

Spec

Detail

King

108mm high (4.3 inch), 35mm base

Queen

90mm high (3.5 inch), 35mm base

Bishop

73mm high (2.9 inch), 31mm base

Knight

73mm high (2.9 inch), 30mm base

Rook

55mm high (2.2 inch), 30mm base

Pawn

48mm high (1.9 inch), 26mm base

Ebony Wood & Antiqued Boxwood option

Ebony wood dark pieces, antiqued boxwood light pieces

Bud Rosewood option

Bud rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces

King height, both options

108mm

Weighting

Double Weighted

Recommended square size

55mm to 60mm (2.16 inch to 2.36 inch)

Total weight of pieces

1,440 grams (3.2 lbs)

Piece count

34

Chess board

Not included

What's In The Box?

34 chess pieces in the option you select
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

St. George Pre-Staunton Calvert 108mm Chess Pieces

The St. George takes its name from the famous St. George chess club in England, and the design itself is John Calvert's. It was among the most popular patterns of the pre-Staunton era.

The chessmen themselves are heirloom quality, made to last for many decades. A set like this gets bought once and then handed on, and it is fair to think about it that way from the start.

The king measures 108mm. That makes this a big army, and the set is Double Weighted at 1,440 grams all in, which is enough to feel a piece settle when you put it down.

There are two ways to buy it. One is ebony wood against antiqued boxwood, the other bud rosewood against boxwood. Both are artificially aged, so a vintage patina is already on the chessmen when the set arrives.

Both options are catalogued in our reproduction chess pieces.

St. George pre-Staunton chessmen in ebony wood and antiqued boxwood with the 108mm king

Key features

  • The St. George pattern, named for the English chess club and originally designed by John Calvert
  • A pre-Staunton design, and one of the most popular of the era before Staunton settled the shape
  • Hand-carved and hand-turned by master artisans with years of this particular work behind them
  • Double Weighted chessmen, so a piece sits where you put it and stays there through the game
  • A 108mm king on a narrow foot, which is what leaves room around him on the square
  • The same pattern, height and weight on both options, so the timber pairing is all you choose
  • Two timber pairings: ebony wood with antiqued boxwood, or bud rosewood with boxwood
  • 34 chessmen in the set, two beyond a standard array, and no chess board or storage box with them

About the pieces

This design belongs to the years before Staunton, and it was widely used in its day. That matters, because the set is not an oddity dug up to be different. It is a pattern the game genuinely ran on.

The carving is the part that repays a close look. It is the sort of quality only an expert carver with years of experience reaches, and it shows most when a piece is off the board and in your hand.

The chessmen are Double Weighted and carry substantial ballast at the base. On a piece this tall that is the difference between an army that stands and one that rocks.

The buyer this is aimed at wants the game's older shapes on the table and does not mind being the only one in the room playing on them. It is a set to leave out between games, not one to pack away.

These pieces suit boards with squares of 55mm to 60mm, and either end works. The king is tall, but his foot is narrow, so there is bare square around him even at the tight end. A board you already own will probably take them.

St. George pre-Staunton chessmen in bud rosewood and boxwood

Choosing between the two options

The two options are the same set in different woods. The carving, the height and the weight do not move between them, so what you are deciding is only which timbers you get.

Ebony Wood and Antiqued Boxwood sets an ebony dark army against an antiqued boxwood light one. Ebony is naturally a dark timber and this is the option that uses it.

The Bud Rosewood option puts bud rosewood opposite boxwood, and that swap is the whole of the difference between the two.

The short version: the same chessmen arrive either way, so the decision is only about wood. Pick the one you would rather have out on a table, and do not think about it any harder.

Keep the set out of direct sunlight and away from heaters. Dust with a dry soft cloth, and leave oil, polish and solvents alone.

Our expert take

Calvert drew this one and the St. George club gave it its name, and I think that history is most of the appeal. Set it up and the board reads as a much older game than a Staunton does.

The scale is the next thing. The king is a big piece and stands on a narrow foot rather than a broad, planted one, so the weighting is doing real work holding him upright.

That slimness is the part to think hardest about before ordering. If you like a chessman that feels wide and rooted under the hand, the king and queen here will not give you that, however steady they are standing.

I would not take it to a club night either. Over a clock you want shapes your hand already knows without looking, and for that our staunton chess pieces are the better starting point.

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

Hand carved St. George Calvert pattern chessmen in ebony wood and antiqued boxwood

Frequently asked questions

What board do these pieces need?

Squares of 55mm to 60mm. The king's foot is narrow for his height, so there is clear board around him at either end of that window, and you can put them on a board that is already in the house.

Who was John Calvert?

He is the designer the St. George pattern is credited to. It was in wide use before the Staunton pattern arrived and became the standard, which is the period this set reproduces.

Are the pieces weighted?

Yes, they are Double Weighted, and the full set weighs 1,440 grams. That figure does not change with the timber, so both options come to the same weight.

What is the difference between the two options?

The timbers, and nothing else. Ebony Wood and Antiqued Boxwood is an ebony army against an antiqued boxwood one, and Bud Rosewood is a bud rosewood army against a boxwood one. Antiqued boxwood is the name of that light timber, and the ageing that gives the patina is done to the chessmen on both options.

How many pieces are supplied?

34 chess pieces, which is two beyond the 32 a standard array uses. What arrives in the parcel is listed further down this page.

Is a board or a storage box included?

No. This listing is the chessmen on their own, and a board and a storage box are both bought separately. The square window in the specifications below is what to check any board against.

Specifications

Spec

Detail

King

108mm high (4.3 inch), 35mm base

Queen

90mm high (3.5 inch), 35mm base

Bishop

73mm high (2.9 inch), 31mm base

Knight

73mm high (2.9 inch), 30mm base

Rook

55mm high (2.2 inch), 30mm base

Pawn

48mm high (1.9 inch), 26mm base

Ebony Wood & Antiqued Boxwood option

Ebony wood dark pieces, antiqued boxwood light pieces

Bud Rosewood option

Bud rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces

King height, both options

108mm

Weighting

Double Weighted

Recommended square size

55mm to 60mm (2.16 inch to 2.36 inch)

Total weight of pieces

1,440 grams (3.2 lbs)

Piece count

34

Chess board

Not included

What's In The Box?

34 chess pieces in the option you select
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.