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Sterling Chess 1935-60 Soviet Era 113mm Chess Pieces

$439.00

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Description

Sterling Chess 1935-60 Soviet Era 113mm Chess Pieces

Want a big Soviet tournament set with a long history? These 1935-60 Soviet Era chess pieces are based on a design that was used in Soviet tournaments for around 25 years. It's a tall, bold set that really fills a board.

The bishops have no mitre cut, the finials are in a contrasting colour, and the bases are squat and wide. With a 113mm king, this set suits a board with 55mm squares. Each set is handmade in India.

The dark pieces are sheesham and the light pieces are natural boxwood. Two spare queens are included, but no board or box. Explore more historical sets in our reproduction chess pieces collection.

Sterling Chess 1935-60 Soviet Era chess pieces in sheesham and boxwood, 113mm king

Key features

  • Tall 113mm king on a 45mm base
  • Based on a Soviet tournament design
  • Bishops with no mitre cut
  • Contrasting coloured finials
  • Sheesham and natural boxwood
  • Double weighted with iron studs, about 1,430g
  • Buff polished, with thick green felt
  • 34 pieces, including two spare queens

The history of the 1935-60 Soviet Era chess set

This design was first used at the 1935 Moscow match between Salo Flohr and Mikhail Botvinnik. After that, it became a first-level tournament set across the Soviet Union, and stayed in use until around 1960.

That long run is where the name comes from. This reproduction is dedicated to the 1935 match and keeps the features that made the design stand out: mitreless bishops, contrasting finials and wide, squat bases.

It's a tall set, so it has real presence on the board. The pieces are turned to a consistent shape, while the knights are shaped by hand and can vary a little from one to the next.

Because the pieces are tall and the bases are wide, the set has a strong, upright look that's easy to read from across the table. The spare queens mean you can promote a pawn without borrowing a piece from another set, which is handy in a long endgame.

Knight from the 1935-60 Soviet Era sheesham chess pieces

Sheesham and boxwood Soviet Era chess pieces

Sheesham is a warm, reddish-brown hardwood from India with visible grain. Against natural boxwood, it gives the set a classic, natural look rather than a stark black and white one.

The pieces are buff polished instead of lacquered, so the timber keeps a soft, natural sheen. Each piece has an iron stud in its base and is double weighted, which brings the full set to about 1,430g.

If you like this design but want genuine ebony, take a look at our 1935 Botvinnik Flohr ebony pieces. They share the mitreless bishops in a slightly smaller size.

Thick green felt on every base protects your board and keeps the pieces gliding smoothly.

Sheesham Soviet Era chess pieces with mitreless bishops

Our expert take

"This is a big, bold Soviet set with a lot of history behind it. It's a tall set, so make sure your board has room for it before you order. For a player who wants a Soviet tournament set without paying for ebony, it's great value."

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

Full set of 1935-60 Soviet Era chess pieces, handmade in India

Frequently asked questions

What size chess board do I need for 113mm Soviet Era chess pieces?

A board with 55mm squares is a good fit. Our Player's Choice 53cm board and Deluxe Sheesham & Maple 53cm board both have 55mm squares, or browse our full chess boards collection.

Where are these chess pieces made?

They're handmade in India. The knights are shaped by hand, so expect small differences between them.

Is a chess board or storage box included?

No. The set is the 34 pieces only. The board and storage box are sold separately.

Are the Soviet Era chess pieces weighted?

Yes. Each piece has an iron stud in the base and is double weighted. The full set weighs about 1,430g.

Why do the bishops have no mitre cut?

The original Soviet design left the mitre uncut, and this reproduction keeps that detail. You recognise the bishop by its shape.

Where was this design first used?

At the 1935 Moscow match between Salo Flohr and Mikhail Botvinnik. It was then used as a Soviet tournament set until around 1960.

What is sheesham wood?

Sheesham is an Indian hardwood with a warm, reddish-brown colour. It's also called Indian rosewood.

How do these compare to the 1950s Botvinnik pieces?

Our 1950s Botvinnik Soviet pieces are a similar size in ebonised boxwood. This set is sheesham, with mitreless bishops and contrasting finials.

How do I look after these chess 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.

Specifications

Spec

Detail

King height

113mm (4.44 inch)

King base diameter

45mm (1.77 inch)

Queen height

100mm (3.93 inch)

Queen base diameter

42mm (1.65 inch)

Bishop height

90mm (3.54 inch)

Knight height

82mm (3.22 inch)

Rook height

65mm (2.55 inch)

Officer base diameter

38mm (1.49 inch), bishop, knight and rook

Pawn height

59mm (2.32 inch)

Pawn base diameter

33mm (1.29 inch)

Dark pieces

Sheesham

Light pieces

Natural boxwood

Weighting

Double weighted with iron studs, thick green felt bases

Finish

Buff polished

Details

Contrasting finials, bishops without a mitre cut

Piece count

34, including two spare queens

Total set weight

1,430g approx.

Recommended square size

55mm

Origin

Handmade in India

What's In The Box?

32 chess pieces in sheesham and natural boxwood
2 spare queens, one per colour
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

Sterling Chess 1935-60 Soviet Era 113mm Chess Pieces

Want a big Soviet tournament set with a long history? These 1935-60 Soviet Era chess pieces are based on a design that was used in Soviet tournaments for around 25 years. It's a tall, bold set that really fills a board.

The bishops have no mitre cut, the finials are in a contrasting colour, and the bases are squat and wide. With a 113mm king, this set suits a board with 55mm squares. Each set is handmade in India.

The dark pieces are sheesham and the light pieces are natural boxwood. Two spare queens are included, but no board or box. Explore more historical sets in our reproduction chess pieces collection.

Sterling Chess 1935-60 Soviet Era chess pieces in sheesham and boxwood, 113mm king

Key features

  • Tall 113mm king on a 45mm base
  • Based on a Soviet tournament design
  • Bishops with no mitre cut
  • Contrasting coloured finials
  • Sheesham and natural boxwood
  • Double weighted with iron studs, about 1,430g
  • Buff polished, with thick green felt
  • 34 pieces, including two spare queens

The history of the 1935-60 Soviet Era chess set

This design was first used at the 1935 Moscow match between Salo Flohr and Mikhail Botvinnik. After that, it became a first-level tournament set across the Soviet Union, and stayed in use until around 1960.

That long run is where the name comes from. This reproduction is dedicated to the 1935 match and keeps the features that made the design stand out: mitreless bishops, contrasting finials and wide, squat bases.

It's a tall set, so it has real presence on the board. The pieces are turned to a consistent shape, while the knights are shaped by hand and can vary a little from one to the next.

Because the pieces are tall and the bases are wide, the set has a strong, upright look that's easy to read from across the table. The spare queens mean you can promote a pawn without borrowing a piece from another set, which is handy in a long endgame.

Knight from the 1935-60 Soviet Era sheesham chess pieces

Sheesham and boxwood Soviet Era chess pieces

Sheesham is a warm, reddish-brown hardwood from India with visible grain. Against natural boxwood, it gives the set a classic, natural look rather than a stark black and white one.

The pieces are buff polished instead of lacquered, so the timber keeps a soft, natural sheen. Each piece has an iron stud in its base and is double weighted, which brings the full set to about 1,430g.

If you like this design but want genuine ebony, take a look at our 1935 Botvinnik Flohr ebony pieces. They share the mitreless bishops in a slightly smaller size.

Thick green felt on every base protects your board and keeps the pieces gliding smoothly.

Sheesham Soviet Era chess pieces with mitreless bishops

Our expert take

"This is a big, bold Soviet set with a lot of history behind it. It's a tall set, so make sure your board has room for it before you order. For a player who wants a Soviet tournament set without paying for ebony, it's great value."

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

Full set of 1935-60 Soviet Era chess pieces, handmade in India

Frequently asked questions

What size chess board do I need for 113mm Soviet Era chess pieces?

A board with 55mm squares is a good fit. Our Player's Choice 53cm board and Deluxe Sheesham & Maple 53cm board both have 55mm squares, or browse our full chess boards collection.

Where are these chess pieces made?

They're handmade in India. The knights are shaped by hand, so expect small differences between them.

Is a chess board or storage box included?

No. The set is the 34 pieces only. The board and storage box are sold separately.

Are the Soviet Era chess pieces weighted?

Yes. Each piece has an iron stud in the base and is double weighted. The full set weighs about 1,430g.

Why do the bishops have no mitre cut?

The original Soviet design left the mitre uncut, and this reproduction keeps that detail. You recognise the bishop by its shape.

Where was this design first used?

At the 1935 Moscow match between Salo Flohr and Mikhail Botvinnik. It was then used as a Soviet tournament set until around 1960.

What is sheesham wood?

Sheesham is an Indian hardwood with a warm, reddish-brown colour. It's also called Indian rosewood.

How do these compare to the 1950s Botvinnik pieces?

Our 1950s Botvinnik Soviet pieces are a similar size in ebonised boxwood. This set is sheesham, with mitreless bishops and contrasting finials.

How do I look after these chess 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.

Specifications

Spec

Detail

King height

113mm (4.44 inch)

King base diameter

45mm (1.77 inch)

Queen height

100mm (3.93 inch)

Queen base diameter

42mm (1.65 inch)

Bishop height

90mm (3.54 inch)

Knight height

82mm (3.22 inch)

Rook height

65mm (2.55 inch)

Officer base diameter

38mm (1.49 inch), bishop, knight and rook

Pawn height

59mm (2.32 inch)

Pawn base diameter

33mm (1.29 inch)

Dark pieces

Sheesham

Light pieces

Natural boxwood

Weighting

Double weighted with iron studs, thick green felt bases

Finish

Buff polished

Details

Contrasting finials, bishops without a mitre cut

Piece count

34, including two spare queens

Total set weight

1,430g approx.

Recommended square size

55mm

Origin

Handmade in India

What's In The Box?

32 chess pieces in sheesham and natural boxwood
2 spare queens, one per colour
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.