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Fancy playing on a set inspired by a world champion? These 1950s Botvinnik Soviet chess pieces are based on the set used by Mikhail Botvinnik, one of the biggest names in mid-century chess. It's a tall, classic Soviet design with plenty of presence.
The pieces are weighted and sit on wide bases. With a 112mm king, this is a large set that suits a board with 55mm squares. Each set is handmade in India.
The dark pieces are ebonised boxwood 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.
Mikhail Botvinnik held the world title for most of the 1950s and was the leading figure of Soviet chess. This set is based on the one he used during that time, with the tall, classic shapes of the Soviet style.
Soviet sets of this period were built for serious tournament play. The pieces are tall and easy to read, with a wide base under each one so they stay steady on the board.
If you enjoy chess history, it's a great way to bring a piece of the Soviet golden age to your own games.
The knight is tall and upright, the bishop is slim, and the rook is broad and sturdy. Together they give the set a strong, balanced look on the board. The two spare queens are handy for pawn promotion, so you never have to borrow a piece from another set during a game.
The dark pieces are ebonised boxwood, which is boxwood stained black. It gives the classic black and white contrast that's easy to read across the board.
This is a big set. The king stands 112mm tall and the queen is over 100mm, so it needs a roomy board to look its best. On a board with small squares, the pieces will feel crowded.
The pieces are weighted and the full set comes to about 1,480g. If you'd like a similar size in a warmer timber, compare it with our 1935-60 Soviet Era sheesham pieces.
With its tall shapes and clean black and white look, the set makes a strong display piece too, whether it's on a games table or a shelf.
"This is a tall, commanding Soviet set that looks great on a big board. It needs a board with roomy squares, so it won't suit a compact travel or club board. For a fan of Botvinnik and Soviet chess, it's a strong pick."
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
A board with 55mm squares is a good match for these large pieces. Our Player's Choice 53cm board and Deluxe Sheesham & Maple 53cm board both have 55mm squares, or browse our full chess boards collection.
They're handmade in India by skilled artisans.
No. You get the 34 pieces only. The board and box are sold separately.
Yes, they're weighted for stability. The full set weighs about 1,480g.
He was a Soviet world chess champion and the leading figure in Soviet chess through the 1950s.
No. It's boxwood stained black, which gives the same classic look at a lower cost.
Yes, one spare queen in each colour, for 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.
Our 1935-60 Soviet Era pieces are a similar size in sheesham, with mitreless bishops and contrasting finials. This set is ebonised and has a more classic outline.
Spec |
Detail |
King height |
112mm (4.40 inch) |
King base diameter |
45mm (1.77 inch) |
Queen height |
101mm (3.98 inch) |
Queen base diameter |
42mm (1.64 inch) |
Bishop height |
90mm (3.53 inch) |
Knight height |
83mm (3.28 inch) |
Rook height |
66mm (2.58 inch) |
Officer base diameter |
39mm to 40mm, bishop, knight and rook |
Pawn height |
60mm (2.35 inch) |
Pawn base diameter |
35mm (1.37 inch) |
Dark pieces |
Ebonised boxwood |
Light pieces |
Boxwood |
Weighting |
Weighted |
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
Total set weight |
1,480g approx. |
Recommended square size |
55mm |
Origin |
Handmade in India |
32 chess pieces in ebonised and natural 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.
Fancy playing on a set inspired by a world champion? These 1950s Botvinnik Soviet chess pieces are based on the set used by Mikhail Botvinnik, one of the biggest names in mid-century chess. It's a tall, classic Soviet design with plenty of presence.
The pieces are weighted and sit on wide bases. With a 112mm king, this is a large set that suits a board with 55mm squares. Each set is handmade in India.
The dark pieces are ebonised boxwood 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.
Mikhail Botvinnik held the world title for most of the 1950s and was the leading figure of Soviet chess. This set is based on the one he used during that time, with the tall, classic shapes of the Soviet style.
Soviet sets of this period were built for serious tournament play. The pieces are tall and easy to read, with a wide base under each one so they stay steady on the board.
If you enjoy chess history, it's a great way to bring a piece of the Soviet golden age to your own games.
The knight is tall and upright, the bishop is slim, and the rook is broad and sturdy. Together they give the set a strong, balanced look on the board. The two spare queens are handy for pawn promotion, so you never have to borrow a piece from another set during a game.
The dark pieces are ebonised boxwood, which is boxwood stained black. It gives the classic black and white contrast that's easy to read across the board.
This is a big set. The king stands 112mm tall and the queen is over 100mm, so it needs a roomy board to look its best. On a board with small squares, the pieces will feel crowded.
The pieces are weighted and the full set comes to about 1,480g. If you'd like a similar size in a warmer timber, compare it with our 1935-60 Soviet Era sheesham pieces.
With its tall shapes and clean black and white look, the set makes a strong display piece too, whether it's on a games table or a shelf.
"This is a tall, commanding Soviet set that looks great on a big board. It needs a board with roomy squares, so it won't suit a compact travel or club board. For a fan of Botvinnik and Soviet chess, it's a strong pick."
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
A board with 55mm squares is a good match for these large pieces. Our Player's Choice 53cm board and Deluxe Sheesham & Maple 53cm board both have 55mm squares, or browse our full chess boards collection.
They're handmade in India by skilled artisans.
No. You get the 34 pieces only. The board and box are sold separately.
Yes, they're weighted for stability. The full set weighs about 1,480g.
He was a Soviet world chess champion and the leading figure in Soviet chess through the 1950s.
No. It's boxwood stained black, which gives the same classic look at a lower cost.
Yes, one spare queen in each colour, for 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.
Our 1935-60 Soviet Era pieces are a similar size in sheesham, with mitreless bishops and contrasting finials. This set is ebonised and has a more classic outline.
Spec |
Detail |
King height |
112mm (4.40 inch) |
King base diameter |
45mm (1.77 inch) |
Queen height |
101mm (3.98 inch) |
Queen base diameter |
42mm (1.64 inch) |
Bishop height |
90mm (3.53 inch) |
Knight height |
83mm (3.28 inch) |
Rook height |
66mm (2.58 inch) |
Officer base diameter |
39mm to 40mm, bishop, knight and rook |
Pawn height |
60mm (2.35 inch) |
Pawn base diameter |
35mm (1.37 inch) |
Dark pieces |
Ebonised boxwood |
Light pieces |
Boxwood |
Weighting |
Weighted |
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
Total set weight |
1,480g approx. |
Recommended square size |
55mm |
Origin |
Handmade in India |
32 chess pieces in ebonised and natural 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.
