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Looking for a classic tournament design with a great story? These 1959 Russian Zagreb chess pieces are based on a set that was popular at major international tournaments in the 1950s and 60s. It's a clean, elegant Staunton-style set that looks right at home on any board.
The pieces are weighted and have green felt on every base. With a 99mm king, this is a full-size set that suits a board with 55mm squares. Each set is handmade in India.
Choose sheesham, Indian rosewood or burnt boxwood for the dark side. Two spare queens are included, but no board or box. You'll find more historical sets in our reproduction chess pieces collection.
The Zagreb design was a popular choice at international tournaments through the 1950s and 60s. It's best known for the 1959 Candidates Tournament, which was played across Bled, Zagreb and Belgrade in what was then Yugoslavia.
That event was won by Mikhail Tal, who went on to become world champion the following year. A young Bobby Fischer also played in it, which adds to the set's appeal for chess fans.
The design itself is a refined Staunton style, with clean lines and well-balanced pieces that are easy to read during a game.
The pieces are a comfortable size for most home and club boards, and the weighting gives them a nice, steady feel without being too heavy. The two spare queens are handy for pawn promotion, and the green felt bases help the pieces glide quietly across the board.
All three options share the same design and natural boxwood light pieces. The difference is the dark timber and the finish.
Sheesham is a warm, reddish-brown hardwood with visible grain. Indian rosewood is a richer, deeper brown. Both are hand polished to a natural shine, and the full set weighs about 1,150g.
Burnt boxwood has a darkened finish and is coated in a high-gloss lacquer. It's a little lighter, at about 1,000g for the full set, and has a slightly narrower base.
If you'd like a board too, the burnt boxwood option is also sold as a 1959 Zagreb chess set with a 55cm board.
"The Zagreb pattern is a classic that still looks great on any board. The burnt boxwood option is lacquered and a little lighter than the other two, so pick sheesham or rosewood if you want a natural, polished feel. For a player who wants a historic Staunton design at a sensible price, it's a great choice."
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
A board with 55mm squares is the best fit. 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, so each piece can show small natural differences in grain.
No. You get the 34 pieces only. The board and box are sold separately.
Yes, they're weighted and have green felt bases. The sheesham and rosewood sets weigh about 1,150g, and the burnt boxwood set about 1,000g.
It's named after the 1959 Candidates Tournament, which was played in Bled, Zagreb and Belgrade. Mikhail Tal won the event.
Sheesham is warm brown, rosewood is a deeper brown, and burnt boxwood is darker with a glossy lacquer finish. The design is the same.
Yes. The burnt boxwood option has a high-gloss lacquer, while sheesham and rosewood are hand polished.
Yes. There's one spare queen 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 |
99mm (3.89 inch) |
King base diameter |
41mm to 42mm, by timber |
Queen height |
82mm (3.22 inch) |
Queen base diameter |
39mm (1.53 inch) |
Bishop height |
78mm (3.07 inch) |
Knight height |
70mm (2.75 inch) |
Rook height |
56mm to 57mm |
Officer base diameter |
35mm to 36mm, bishop, knight and rook |
Pawn height |
50mm to 51mm |
Pawn base diameter |
29mm to 30mm |
Dark pieces |
Sheesham, Indian rosewood or burnt boxwood, by option |
Light pieces |
Natural boxwood |
Finish |
Hand polished (sheesham, rosewood), high-gloss lacquer (burnt boxwood) |
Weighting |
Weighted, green felt bases |
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
Total set weight |
1,150g approx. (1,000g burnt boxwood) |
Recommended square size |
55mm |
Origin |
Handmade in India |
32 chess pieces in the timber you choose
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 classic tournament design with a great story? These 1959 Russian Zagreb chess pieces are based on a set that was popular at major international tournaments in the 1950s and 60s. It's a clean, elegant Staunton-style set that looks right at home on any board.
The pieces are weighted and have green felt on every base. With a 99mm king, this is a full-size set that suits a board with 55mm squares. Each set is handmade in India.
Choose sheesham, Indian rosewood or burnt boxwood for the dark side. Two spare queens are included, but no board or box. You'll find more historical sets in our reproduction chess pieces collection.
The Zagreb design was a popular choice at international tournaments through the 1950s and 60s. It's best known for the 1959 Candidates Tournament, which was played across Bled, Zagreb and Belgrade in what was then Yugoslavia.
That event was won by Mikhail Tal, who went on to become world champion the following year. A young Bobby Fischer also played in it, which adds to the set's appeal for chess fans.
The design itself is a refined Staunton style, with clean lines and well-balanced pieces that are easy to read during a game.
The pieces are a comfortable size for most home and club boards, and the weighting gives them a nice, steady feel without being too heavy. The two spare queens are handy for pawn promotion, and the green felt bases help the pieces glide quietly across the board.
All three options share the same design and natural boxwood light pieces. The difference is the dark timber and the finish.
Sheesham is a warm, reddish-brown hardwood with visible grain. Indian rosewood is a richer, deeper brown. Both are hand polished to a natural shine, and the full set weighs about 1,150g.
Burnt boxwood has a darkened finish and is coated in a high-gloss lacquer. It's a little lighter, at about 1,000g for the full set, and has a slightly narrower base.
If you'd like a board too, the burnt boxwood option is also sold as a 1959 Zagreb chess set with a 55cm board.
"The Zagreb pattern is a classic that still looks great on any board. The burnt boxwood option is lacquered and a little lighter than the other two, so pick sheesham or rosewood if you want a natural, polished feel. For a player who wants a historic Staunton design at a sensible price, it's a great choice."
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
A board with 55mm squares is the best fit. 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, so each piece can show small natural differences in grain.
No. You get the 34 pieces only. The board and box are sold separately.
Yes, they're weighted and have green felt bases. The sheesham and rosewood sets weigh about 1,150g, and the burnt boxwood set about 1,000g.
It's named after the 1959 Candidates Tournament, which was played in Bled, Zagreb and Belgrade. Mikhail Tal won the event.
Sheesham is warm brown, rosewood is a deeper brown, and burnt boxwood is darker with a glossy lacquer finish. The design is the same.
Yes. The burnt boxwood option has a high-gloss lacquer, while sheesham and rosewood are hand polished.
Yes. There's one spare queen 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 |
99mm (3.89 inch) |
King base diameter |
41mm to 42mm, by timber |
Queen height |
82mm (3.22 inch) |
Queen base diameter |
39mm (1.53 inch) |
Bishop height |
78mm (3.07 inch) |
Knight height |
70mm (2.75 inch) |
Rook height |
56mm to 57mm |
Officer base diameter |
35mm to 36mm, bishop, knight and rook |
Pawn height |
50mm to 51mm |
Pawn base diameter |
29mm to 30mm |
Dark pieces |
Sheesham, Indian rosewood or burnt boxwood, by option |
Light pieces |
Natural boxwood |
Finish |
Hand polished (sheesham, rosewood), high-gloss lacquer (burnt boxwood) |
Weighting |
Weighted, green felt bases |
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
Total set weight |
1,150g approx. (1,000g burnt boxwood) |
Recommended square size |
55mm |
Origin |
Handmade in India |
32 chess pieces in the timber you choose
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.
