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✔ Questions? Call Us: (03) 7037 0931
Want the original Staunton design in genuine ebony? These 1849 Original Staunton Heavy Ebony chess pieces reproduce the pattern that became the standard for chess around the world, in a compact, heavily weighted size.
The pieces are weighted with lead, with thick green felt on every base. With a 95mm king, this set suits a board with 50mm to 55mm squares. Each set is handmade in India.
The dark pieces are genuine ebony and the light pieces are boxwood. Two spare queens are included, but no board or box. See more historical sets in our reproduction chess pieces 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 made to be clear and easy to read, and simple enough to produce in numbers. 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, a compact knight and a short queen. The kingside rook and knight carry a small crown stamp on both colours, just like the early Jaques sets, so you can tell which side of the board they started on.
The knights are carved by hand, so each one has its own small differences, while the turned pieces match closely across the set. Two spare queens are included, so you're always ready for pawn promotion.
Genuine ebony is a dense, naturally black timber. Because the colour runs right through the wood, it won't wear through to a lighter shade over time.
The light pieces are boxwood, a pale, fine-grained timber that gives a crisp contrast against the ebony.
The pieces are heavily weighted with lead, and the full set comes to about 1,440g. That's a lot of weight for a 95mm set, so the pieces feel solid in the hand and sit firmly on the board.
If you'd like the same pattern in a bigger size, see our 1849 Original Staunton 115mm pieces.
"This is the original Staunton in genuine ebony, and it's surprisingly heavy for its size. With a 95mm king, it's on the smaller side for a tournament board with big squares. 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
A board with 50mm to 55mm squares is the best match. Our Bud Rosewood & Maple 48cm board and Sheesham & Maple 48cm board both have 50mm squares, or see our full chess boards collection.
They're handmade in India, so expect small natural differences in grain from piece to piece.
No. You get the 34 pieces only. The board and box are sold separately.
Yes. They're heavily weighted with lead and have thick green felt bases. The full set weighs about 1,440g.
Yes. The dark pieces are genuine ebony, and the light pieces are boxwood.
The kingside rook and knight carry a small crown stamp, so you can tell them from the queenside pieces.
The design was registered by Nathaniel Cooke in 1849, made by Jaques of London and named after Howard Staunton.
Yes, one in each colour, so you get 34 pieces.
Wipe them with a soft, dry cloth. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat and water, as the pieces aren't waterproof.
Spec |
Detail |
King height |
95mm (3.75 inch) |
King base diameter |
40mm (1.6 inch) |
Queen height |
74mm (2.9 inch) |
Queen base diameter |
36mm (1.4 inch) |
Bishop height |
67mm (2.6 inch) |
Knight height |
60mm (2.3 inch) |
Rook height |
52mm (2.0 inch) |
Officer base diameter |
36mm to 37mm, bishop, knight and rook |
Pawn height |
45mm (1.8 inch) |
Pawn base diameter |
28mm (1.1 inch) |
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 |
Total set weight |
1,440g approx. |
Recommended square size |
50mm to 55mm |
Origin |
Handmade in India |
32 chess pieces in genuine ebony and 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.
Want the original Staunton design in genuine ebony? These 1849 Original Staunton Heavy Ebony chess pieces reproduce the pattern that became the standard for chess around the world, in a compact, heavily weighted size.
The pieces are weighted with lead, with thick green felt on every base. With a 95mm king, this set suits a board with 50mm to 55mm squares. Each set is handmade in India.
The dark pieces are genuine ebony and the light pieces are boxwood. Two spare queens are included, but no board or box. See more historical sets in our reproduction chess pieces 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 made to be clear and easy to read, and simple enough to produce in numbers. 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, a compact knight and a short queen. The kingside rook and knight carry a small crown stamp on both colours, just like the early Jaques sets, so you can tell which side of the board they started on.
The knights are carved by hand, so each one has its own small differences, while the turned pieces match closely across the set. Two spare queens are included, so you're always ready for pawn promotion.
Genuine ebony is a dense, naturally black timber. Because the colour runs right through the wood, it won't wear through to a lighter shade over time.
The light pieces are boxwood, a pale, fine-grained timber that gives a crisp contrast against the ebony.
The pieces are heavily weighted with lead, and the full set comes to about 1,440g. That's a lot of weight for a 95mm set, so the pieces feel solid in the hand and sit firmly on the board.
If you'd like the same pattern in a bigger size, see our 1849 Original Staunton 115mm pieces.
"This is the original Staunton in genuine ebony, and it's surprisingly heavy for its size. With a 95mm king, it's on the smaller side for a tournament board with big squares. 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
A board with 50mm to 55mm squares is the best match. Our Bud Rosewood & Maple 48cm board and Sheesham & Maple 48cm board both have 50mm squares, or see our full chess boards collection.
They're handmade in India, so expect small natural differences in grain from piece to piece.
No. You get the 34 pieces only. The board and box are sold separately.
Yes. They're heavily weighted with lead and have thick green felt bases. The full set weighs about 1,440g.
Yes. The dark pieces are genuine ebony, and the light pieces are boxwood.
The kingside rook and knight carry a small crown stamp, so you can tell them from the queenside pieces.
The design was registered by Nathaniel Cooke in 1849, made by Jaques of London and named after Howard Staunton.
Yes, one in each colour, so you get 34 pieces.
Wipe them with a soft, dry cloth. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat and water, as the pieces aren't waterproof.
Spec |
Detail |
King height |
95mm (3.75 inch) |
King base diameter |
40mm (1.6 inch) |
Queen height |
74mm (2.9 inch) |
Queen base diameter |
36mm (1.4 inch) |
Bishop height |
67mm (2.6 inch) |
Knight height |
60mm (2.3 inch) |
Rook height |
52mm (2.0 inch) |
Officer base diameter |
36mm to 37mm, bishop, knight and rook |
Pawn height |
45mm (1.8 inch) |
Pawn base diameter |
28mm (1.1 inch) |
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 |
Total set weight |
1,440g approx. |
Recommended square size |
50mm to 55mm |
Origin |
Handmade in India |
32 chess pieces in genuine ebony and 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.
