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Looking for a Soviet-style set in real ebony? These 1933 Botvinnik chess pieces are inspired by the sets used in early Soviet tournaments, especially the ones linked with Mikhail Botvinnik. Genuine ebony is paired with antique boxwood for a warm, vintage look.
The queen stands almost as tall as the king, and both sit on the same wide base. With a 98mm king, this is a full-size set that suits a board with 50mm squares. Each set is handmade in India.
The pieces are double weighted, and two spare queens are included, but no board or box. You'll find more historical designs in our reproduction chess pieces collection.
In the 1930s, Soviet tournament sets looked quite different from English Staunton sets. The pieces were compact, with wide bases and a queen scaled close to the king. This set is inspired by those early Soviet sets, and in particular the ones linked with Mikhail Botvinnik, who went on to become world champion.
The set is named in memory of Dr Antonio Fabiano Ferreira Filho, a Brazilian collector who was one of the most respected names in chess collecting. It recreates the style of the era rather than copying one surviving set.
On the board, the tall queen and wide bases give the back rank a solid, packed look. If you've only played on English sets, it can take a game or two to get used to.
The knight is short and compact, in the Soviet manner, and the rook is low and sturdy. Every piece sits on a broad base, which keeps the set steady on the board and gives it that solid, no-nonsense character Soviet sets are known for. The spare queens make pawn promotion easy during a game.
The dark pieces are genuine ebony, not boxwood stained black. Ebony is a dense, naturally dark timber, so the colour runs right through the wood.
The light pieces are antique boxwood. Instead of a bright, pale finish, they have a mellow, aged tone that suits the vintage feel of the set. The contrast is still clear, just softer than a black and white set.
Together they give the set the look of something that's been played with for years. If you'd prefer a brighter contrast, our 1935 Botvinnik Flohr ebony pieces pair ebony with plain boxwood.
The double weighting and thick green felt help the pieces sit nicely on the board and glide without scratching it.
"If you want a Soviet set in genuine ebony, this is a lovely one. The queen is almost as tall as the king, which can make the back rank harder to read if you're used to English sets. For a player who loves early Soviet chess, it's a great pick."
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
A board with 50mm 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 by skilled artisans, so expect small natural differences in grain and colour.
No, you get the 34 pieces only. If you'd like a board as well, we also sell the 1933 Botvinnik chess set with a 55cm board.
Yes. They're double weighted with thick green felt on every base, and the full set weighs about 1,240g.
Yes. The dark pieces are genuine ebony, and the light pieces are antique boxwood.
Soviet sets of this era scaled the queen close to the king. Here the queen is 90mm next to a 98mm king, on the same 40mm base.
Dr Antonio Fabiano Ferreira Filho was a Brazilian chess collector, highly respected in the collecting world. The set is named in his memory.
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.
Our 1933 Botvinnik Flohr-I pieces are a different Soviet pattern with a smaller 91mm king, in ebonised boxwood or golden rosewood. This set is larger and uses genuine ebony.
Spec |
Detail |
King height |
98mm (3.87 inch) |
King base diameter |
40mm (1.58 inch) |
Queen height |
90mm (3.54 inch) |
Queen base diameter |
40mm (1.58 inch) |
Bishop height |
80mm (3.14 inch) |
Knight height |
67mm (2.64 inch) |
Rook height |
53mm (2.08 inch) |
Officer base diameter |
35mm to 36mm, bishop, knight and rook |
Pawn height |
50mm (1.95 inch) |
Pawn base diameter |
31mm (1.24 inch) |
Dark pieces |
Genuine ebony |
Light pieces |
Antique boxwood |
Weighting |
Double weighted, thick green felt bases |
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
Total set weight |
1,240g approx. |
Recommended square size |
50mm |
Origin |
Handmade in India |
32 chess pieces in genuine ebony and antique 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.
Looking for a Soviet-style set in real ebony? These 1933 Botvinnik chess pieces are inspired by the sets used in early Soviet tournaments, especially the ones linked with Mikhail Botvinnik. Genuine ebony is paired with antique boxwood for a warm, vintage look.
The queen stands almost as tall as the king, and both sit on the same wide base. With a 98mm king, this is a full-size set that suits a board with 50mm squares. Each set is handmade in India.
The pieces are double weighted, and two spare queens are included, but no board or box. You'll find more historical designs in our reproduction chess pieces collection.
In the 1930s, Soviet tournament sets looked quite different from English Staunton sets. The pieces were compact, with wide bases and a queen scaled close to the king. This set is inspired by those early Soviet sets, and in particular the ones linked with Mikhail Botvinnik, who went on to become world champion.
The set is named in memory of Dr Antonio Fabiano Ferreira Filho, a Brazilian collector who was one of the most respected names in chess collecting. It recreates the style of the era rather than copying one surviving set.
On the board, the tall queen and wide bases give the back rank a solid, packed look. If you've only played on English sets, it can take a game or two to get used to.
The knight is short and compact, in the Soviet manner, and the rook is low and sturdy. Every piece sits on a broad base, which keeps the set steady on the board and gives it that solid, no-nonsense character Soviet sets are known for. The spare queens make pawn promotion easy during a game.
The dark pieces are genuine ebony, not boxwood stained black. Ebony is a dense, naturally dark timber, so the colour runs right through the wood.
The light pieces are antique boxwood. Instead of a bright, pale finish, they have a mellow, aged tone that suits the vintage feel of the set. The contrast is still clear, just softer than a black and white set.
Together they give the set the look of something that's been played with for years. If you'd prefer a brighter contrast, our 1935 Botvinnik Flohr ebony pieces pair ebony with plain boxwood.
The double weighting and thick green felt help the pieces sit nicely on the board and glide without scratching it.
"If you want a Soviet set in genuine ebony, this is a lovely one. The queen is almost as tall as the king, which can make the back rank harder to read if you're used to English sets. For a player who loves early Soviet chess, it's a great pick."
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
A board with 50mm 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 by skilled artisans, so expect small natural differences in grain and colour.
No, you get the 34 pieces only. If you'd like a board as well, we also sell the 1933 Botvinnik chess set with a 55cm board.
Yes. They're double weighted with thick green felt on every base, and the full set weighs about 1,240g.
Yes. The dark pieces are genuine ebony, and the light pieces are antique boxwood.
Soviet sets of this era scaled the queen close to the king. Here the queen is 90mm next to a 98mm king, on the same 40mm base.
Dr Antonio Fabiano Ferreira Filho was a Brazilian chess collector, highly respected in the collecting world. The set is named in his memory.
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.
Our 1933 Botvinnik Flohr-I pieces are a different Soviet pattern with a smaller 91mm king, in ebonised boxwood or golden rosewood. This set is larger and uses genuine ebony.
Spec |
Detail |
King height |
98mm (3.87 inch) |
King base diameter |
40mm (1.58 inch) |
Queen height |
90mm (3.54 inch) |
Queen base diameter |
40mm (1.58 inch) |
Bishop height |
80mm (3.14 inch) |
Knight height |
67mm (2.64 inch) |
Rook height |
53mm (2.08 inch) |
Officer base diameter |
35mm to 36mm, bishop, knight and rook |
Pawn height |
50mm (1.95 inch) |
Pawn base diameter |
31mm (1.24 inch) |
Dark pieces |
Genuine ebony |
Light pieces |
Antique boxwood |
Weighting |
Double weighted, thick green felt bases |
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
Total set weight |
1,240g approx. |
Recommended square size |
50mm |
Origin |
Handmade in India |
32 chess pieces in genuine ebony and antique 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.
