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Sterling Chess 19th Century Austrian Antique Ebonised 108mm Chess Pieces

$449.00

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Description

Sterling Chess 19th Century Austrian Antique Ebonised 108mm Chess Pieces

Want a chess set that looks nothing like the usual Staunton pieces? These 19th century Austrian chess pieces are a reproduction of an old European design, from the days before one standard shape took over the chess world.

The king and queen stand tall, while the bishops, knights and rooks sit noticeably lower, so the back row has a stepped look. With a 108mm king, this is a full-size set that suits a board with 55mm squares. Each set is handmade in India.

The dark pieces are ebonised boxwood, and you can choose golden antiqued or natural boxwood for the light side. Every set comes with two spare queens. You'll find more sets like this in our reproduction chess pieces collection.

19th century Austrian chess pieces in ebonised and golden antiqued boxwood with a 108mm king

Key features

  • 108mm king on a wide, steady base
  • Tall king and queen over lower bishops, knights and rooks
  • Double weighted with an iron stud in every base
  • Golden antiqued or natural boxwood light side
  • 34 pieces, including two spare queens
  • Thick green felt on every base
  • Handmade in India
  • A 19th century Austrian design, not the usual Staunton

The history of 19th century Austrian chess pieces

Before 1849 there was no standard chess set. Players in different countries used their own local designs, and Austria had styles of its own. That changed when the Staunton pattern appeared in England in 1849 and slowly became the tournament standard around the world.

Many older European designs faded away after that, which is why sets like this are now made as reproductions. You get the look of a 19th century Austrian set in new pieces that are ready to play with. Each piece is double weighted with an iron stud in the base and finished with thick green felt, so the set is made for regular games, not just the display shelf.

If you'd rather have the classic English shape, take a look at our Staunton chess pieces.

Knight from the Sterling Chess 19th century Austrian antique ebonised chess pieces

Golden antiqued or natural boxwood Austrian chess pieces?

Both options use the same ebonised dark pieces, and the carving and size are identical. The only difference is the colour of the light side.

Golden antiqued boxwood has a warm honey colour that makes the whole set look older. Natural boxwood is left pale, so the light and dark sides stand out clearly from each other.

If you mostly play, natural boxwood is the easier of the two to read at a glance. If you want the set to look like a well-loved antique, go for golden antiqued. Either way, the ebonised pieces stay the same deep black.

Natural boxwood option of the 19th century Austrian antique chess pieces, 108mm king

Our expert take

"This is one of the more unusual designs in our range, and the tall king and queen give it real old-world character. The bishops, knights and rooks are short next to the royals, so if you like an even, classic Staunton profile, this won't be for you. For anyone who wants a full-size set with a 19th century European feel, it's a great pick."

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

Double weighted Austrian antique chess pieces in ebonised and natural boxwood, handmade in India

Frequently asked questions

What size chess board do I need for 108mm chess pieces?

A board with 55mm squares is the best fit. Our Indian Rosewood & Maple 53cm board and Ebony & Maple 53cm board both have 55mm squares, or browse the full chess boards collection.

Where are these 19th century Austrian chess pieces made?

They're handmade in India. Each piece is finished by hand, so the grain and colour can vary slightly from set to set.

Is a chess board or storage box included?

No. You get the 34 pieces only. A board and a storage box are sold separately.

How heavy are these Austrian chess pieces?

They're double weighted, with an iron stud set into each base. The full set weighs about 1,360g in golden antiqued boxwood and 1,280g in natural boxwood.

Do they come with extra queens?

Yes. There's one spare queen in each colour, so you get 34 pieces in total.

Is the dark side real ebony?

No. The dark pieces are ebonised boxwood, which means boxwood that's been stained black. It looks a lot like ebony and costs less.

Are 19th century Austrian chess pieces good for playing?

Yes. They're full size, weighted and felted, so they work well for regular games at home or at your club.

How do I look after wooden chess pieces?

Dust them with a soft, dry cloth. Keep them out of direct sun and away from heaters, and avoid water or cleaning sprays.

Are they a good gift for a chess player?

Yes, especially for someone who likes chess history or already owns a standard set. The Austrian design is something most players won't have.

How do these compare to the Austrian Coffee House chess pieces?

Both are Austrian designs, but they look different. Our Austrian Coffee House 107mm pieces have a much shorter knight and rook, which gives them an even more dramatic shape.

Specifications

Spec

Detail

King height

108mm (4.27 inch)

King base diameter

43mm (1.71 inch)

Queen height

94mm (3.74 inch)

Queen base diameter

41mm (1.60 inch)

Bishop height

76mm (3.06 inch)

Knight height

69mm (2.73 inch)

Rook height

62mm (2.46 inch)

Pawn height

53mm (2.10 inch)

Officer base diameter

36mm (1.43 inch), bishop, knight and rook

Dark pieces

Ebonised boxwood

Light pieces

Golden antiqued or natural boxwood, by option

Weighting

Double weighted with an iron stud in each base, thick green felt

Piece count

34, including two spare queens

Total set weight

1,360g in golden antiqued, 1,280g in natural boxwood

Recommended square size

55mm

Origin

Handmade in India

What's In The Box?

32 chess pieces in the finish you choose
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 19th Century Austrian Antique Ebonised 108mm Chess Pieces

Want a chess set that looks nothing like the usual Staunton pieces? These 19th century Austrian chess pieces are a reproduction of an old European design, from the days before one standard shape took over the chess world.

The king and queen stand tall, while the bishops, knights and rooks sit noticeably lower, so the back row has a stepped look. With a 108mm king, this is a full-size set that suits a board with 55mm squares. Each set is handmade in India.

The dark pieces are ebonised boxwood, and you can choose golden antiqued or natural boxwood for the light side. Every set comes with two spare queens. You'll find more sets like this in our reproduction chess pieces collection.

19th century Austrian chess pieces in ebonised and golden antiqued boxwood with a 108mm king

Key features

  • 108mm king on a wide, steady base
  • Tall king and queen over lower bishops, knights and rooks
  • Double weighted with an iron stud in every base
  • Golden antiqued or natural boxwood light side
  • 34 pieces, including two spare queens
  • Thick green felt on every base
  • Handmade in India
  • A 19th century Austrian design, not the usual Staunton

The history of 19th century Austrian chess pieces

Before 1849 there was no standard chess set. Players in different countries used their own local designs, and Austria had styles of its own. That changed when the Staunton pattern appeared in England in 1849 and slowly became the tournament standard around the world.

Many older European designs faded away after that, which is why sets like this are now made as reproductions. You get the look of a 19th century Austrian set in new pieces that are ready to play with. Each piece is double weighted with an iron stud in the base and finished with thick green felt, so the set is made for regular games, not just the display shelf.

If you'd rather have the classic English shape, take a look at our Staunton chess pieces.

Knight from the Sterling Chess 19th century Austrian antique ebonised chess pieces

Golden antiqued or natural boxwood Austrian chess pieces?

Both options use the same ebonised dark pieces, and the carving and size are identical. The only difference is the colour of the light side.

Golden antiqued boxwood has a warm honey colour that makes the whole set look older. Natural boxwood is left pale, so the light and dark sides stand out clearly from each other.

If you mostly play, natural boxwood is the easier of the two to read at a glance. If you want the set to look like a well-loved antique, go for golden antiqued. Either way, the ebonised pieces stay the same deep black.

Natural boxwood option of the 19th century Austrian antique chess pieces, 108mm king

Our expert take

"This is one of the more unusual designs in our range, and the tall king and queen give it real old-world character. The bishops, knights and rooks are short next to the royals, so if you like an even, classic Staunton profile, this won't be for you. For anyone who wants a full-size set with a 19th century European feel, it's a great pick."

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

Double weighted Austrian antique chess pieces in ebonised and natural boxwood, handmade in India

Frequently asked questions

What size chess board do I need for 108mm chess pieces?

A board with 55mm squares is the best fit. Our Indian Rosewood & Maple 53cm board and Ebony & Maple 53cm board both have 55mm squares, or browse the full chess boards collection.

Where are these 19th century Austrian chess pieces made?

They're handmade in India. Each piece is finished by hand, so the grain and colour can vary slightly from set to set.

Is a chess board or storage box included?

No. You get the 34 pieces only. A board and a storage box are sold separately.

How heavy are these Austrian chess pieces?

They're double weighted, with an iron stud set into each base. The full set weighs about 1,360g in golden antiqued boxwood and 1,280g in natural boxwood.

Do they come with extra queens?

Yes. There's one spare queen in each colour, so you get 34 pieces in total.

Is the dark side real ebony?

No. The dark pieces are ebonised boxwood, which means boxwood that's been stained black. It looks a lot like ebony and costs less.

Are 19th century Austrian chess pieces good for playing?

Yes. They're full size, weighted and felted, so they work well for regular games at home or at your club.

How do I look after wooden chess pieces?

Dust them with a soft, dry cloth. Keep them out of direct sun and away from heaters, and avoid water or cleaning sprays.

Are they a good gift for a chess player?

Yes, especially for someone who likes chess history or already owns a standard set. The Austrian design is something most players won't have.

How do these compare to the Austrian Coffee House chess pieces?

Both are Austrian designs, but they look different. Our Austrian Coffee House 107mm pieces have a much shorter knight and rook, which gives them an even more dramatic shape.

Specifications

Spec

Detail

King height

108mm (4.27 inch)

King base diameter

43mm (1.71 inch)

Queen height

94mm (3.74 inch)

Queen base diameter

41mm (1.60 inch)

Bishop height

76mm (3.06 inch)

Knight height

69mm (2.73 inch)

Rook height

62mm (2.46 inch)

Pawn height

53mm (2.10 inch)

Officer base diameter

36mm (1.43 inch), bishop, knight and rook

Dark pieces

Ebonised boxwood

Light pieces

Golden antiqued or natural boxwood, by option

Weighting

Double weighted with an iron stud in each base, thick green felt

Piece count

34, including two spare queens

Total set weight

1,360g in golden antiqued, 1,280g in natural boxwood

Recommended square size

55mm

Origin

Handmade in India

What's In The Box?

32 chess pieces in the finish you choose
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.