Sterling Chess 1849 Original Staunton 53cm Chess Set
✔ Australian Owned & Operated
✔ FREE Shipping On All Orders
✔ 100 Day FREE Returns
✔ Authorised Australian Dealer
✔ Questions? Call Us: (03) 7037 0931
✔ Australian Owned & Operated
✔ FREE Shipping On All Orders
✔ 100 Day FREE Returns
✔ Authorised Australian Dealer
✔ Questions? Call Us: (03) 7037 0931
Want the original Staunton design on a solid, heavy board? The 1849 Original Staunton set pairs 95mm genuine ebony pieces with a 53cm ebony and maple board.
The board is 22mm thick with 55mm squares, and the pieces are heavily weighted with lead. The pieces are handmade in India.
The light pieces are boxwood, and two spare queens are included. See more in our reproduction chess sets collection.
The Staunton design was registered by Nathaniel Cooke in 1849 and made by Jaques of London. It was named after Howard Staunton, the leading English player of the day, who endorsed it.
The design was clear, simple and sturdy, and it went on to become the standard pattern for chess sets around the world.
This reproduction follows the early shape, with a low, broad rook and a compact knight. The kingside rook and knight carry a small crown stamp on both colours, as on early Jaques sets.
The knights are carved by hand, so each one has its own small differences, while the turned pieces match closely across the set.
The board is 53cm across with 55mm squares, a good fit for the 40mm king base.
It's solid wood, with ebony dark squares and maple light squares. It's 22mm thick and weighs about 4kg, with green velvet underneath to protect your table.
With ebony pieces on an ebony board, the whole set has a rich, matching look.
Already have a board? The 1849 Staunton Heavy Ebony pieces are also sold on their own, or see the bigger 1849 Staunton crimson and ivory set.
"This is the original Staunton in genuine ebony, and it's surprisingly heavy for its size. With a 95mm king it's a compact set, so it won't have the presence of a big luxury Staunton. For a player who wants a classic, heavy ebony set that doesn't take over the table, it's a great choice."
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
The pieces are handmade in India.
No. You get the pieces and the board. A storage box is sold separately.
Yes. The dark pieces are genuine ebony, which is black right through the timber, so the colour won't wear through with handling.
Yes. They're heavily weighted with lead, with thick green felt on the base. The 34 pieces weigh about 1,440g together.
It was registered by Nathaniel Cooke in 1849, made by Jaques of London and named after Howard Staunton.
The kingside rook and knight carry a small crown, so you can tell which side of the board they started on, as on early Jaques sets.
Yes, one in each colour, so you get 34 pieces.
Yes. It's solid ebony and maple, 22mm thick and about 4kg, with green velvet on the underside.
Wipe the pieces and board with a soft, dry cloth. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat and water, as neither is waterproof.
Spec |
Detail |
King height |
95mm |
King base diameter |
40mm |
Queen height |
74mm |
Queen base diameter |
36mm |
Bishop height |
67mm |
Knight height |
60mm |
Rook height |
52mm |
Pawn height |
45mm |
Officer base diameter |
36mm |
Pawn base diameter |
28mm |
Dark pieces |
Genuine ebony |
Light pieces |
Boxwood |
Weighting |
Heavily weighted with lead, thick green felt bases |
Stamping |
Crown stamp on kingside rook and knight, both colours |
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
Chess pieces weight |
1,440g approx. |
Board size |
53.3cm x 53.3cm |
Square size |
55mm |
Board |
Solid ebony and maple, 22mm thick, green velvet underside |
Board weight |
4kg approx. |
Origin |
Pieces handmade in India |
32 chess pieces in genuine ebony and boxwood
2 spare queens, one per colour
53cm ebony and maple chess board
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.
Want the original Staunton design on a solid, heavy board? The 1849 Original Staunton set pairs 95mm genuine ebony pieces with a 53cm ebony and maple board.
The board is 22mm thick with 55mm squares, and the pieces are heavily weighted with lead. The pieces are handmade in India.
The light pieces are boxwood, and two spare queens are included. See more in our reproduction chess sets collection.
The Staunton design was registered by Nathaniel Cooke in 1849 and made by Jaques of London. It was named after Howard Staunton, the leading English player of the day, who endorsed it.
The design was clear, simple and sturdy, and it went on to become the standard pattern for chess sets around the world.
This reproduction follows the early shape, with a low, broad rook and a compact knight. The kingside rook and knight carry a small crown stamp on both colours, as on early Jaques sets.
The knights are carved by hand, so each one has its own small differences, while the turned pieces match closely across the set.
The board is 53cm across with 55mm squares, a good fit for the 40mm king base.
It's solid wood, with ebony dark squares and maple light squares. It's 22mm thick and weighs about 4kg, with green velvet underneath to protect your table.
With ebony pieces on an ebony board, the whole set has a rich, matching look.
Already have a board? The 1849 Staunton Heavy Ebony pieces are also sold on their own, or see the bigger 1849 Staunton crimson and ivory set.
"This is the original Staunton in genuine ebony, and it's surprisingly heavy for its size. With a 95mm king it's a compact set, so it won't have the presence of a big luxury Staunton. For a player who wants a classic, heavy ebony set that doesn't take over the table, it's a great choice."
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
The pieces are handmade in India.
No. You get the pieces and the board. A storage box is sold separately.
Yes. The dark pieces are genuine ebony, which is black right through the timber, so the colour won't wear through with handling.
Yes. They're heavily weighted with lead, with thick green felt on the base. The 34 pieces weigh about 1,440g together.
It was registered by Nathaniel Cooke in 1849, made by Jaques of London and named after Howard Staunton.
The kingside rook and knight carry a small crown, so you can tell which side of the board they started on, as on early Jaques sets.
Yes, one in each colour, so you get 34 pieces.
Yes. It's solid ebony and maple, 22mm thick and about 4kg, with green velvet on the underside.
Wipe the pieces and board with a soft, dry cloth. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat and water, as neither is waterproof.
Spec |
Detail |
King height |
95mm |
King base diameter |
40mm |
Queen height |
74mm |
Queen base diameter |
36mm |
Bishop height |
67mm |
Knight height |
60mm |
Rook height |
52mm |
Pawn height |
45mm |
Officer base diameter |
36mm |
Pawn base diameter |
28mm |
Dark pieces |
Genuine ebony |
Light pieces |
Boxwood |
Weighting |
Heavily weighted with lead, thick green felt bases |
Stamping |
Crown stamp on kingside rook and knight, both colours |
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
Chess pieces weight |
1,440g approx. |
Board size |
53.3cm x 53.3cm |
Square size |
55mm |
Board |
Solid ebony and maple, 22mm thick, green velvet underside |
Board weight |
4kg approx. |
Origin |
Pieces handmade in India |
32 chess pieces in genuine ebony and boxwood
2 spare queens, one per colour
53cm ebony and maple chess board
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.