Chess Pieces by Chess Chivalry

Chess is a universe of strategy, history, and aesthetics – a living cultural heritage that has fascinated and connected people around the world for centuries. This fascination becomes truly tangible when a set of precisely crafted Staunton chess pieces graces the board. Since its introduction in 1849, the Staunton design has shaped the visual identity of the game; Chess Chivalry continues this legacy by creating each piece entirely by hand from carefully selected hardwoods. Whether as the centerpiece of a tournament match, a valuable collector's item with history, or a refined design object in a living space: Chess Chivalry pieces combine uncompromising quality, tangible craftsmanship, and a presence that delights connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

All sets are designed so that form, weight, and proportions create a harmonious whole. Clean lines promote focus, finely polished surfaces lend the board a quiet elegance, and the balanced weight ensures each piece stands securely and moves with precision. A Chess Chivalry set is thus much more than a mere game accessory – it is a visible expression of a chess culture that unites intellect, history, and design.

Staunton Chess Pieces for Tournament Players and Collectors

The Chess Chivalry collection includes several Staunton series selected according to strict criteria: precise dimensions, reliable weight distribution, and carefully inspected materials. For tournament players, there are weight-balanced, stable models whose felt bases protect the board and enable smooth, quiet sliding. The king’s height of approximately 95 mm corresponds to the internationally recognized tournament standard; combined with the recommended 55-mm square size, it creates a visually harmonious ensemble that enhances boards used in club and championship settings alike.

Discerning collectors will find limited editions made of rosewood, boxwood, or acacia, which gain additional collector's value through rare wood types, fine inlays, and numbered certificates of authenticity. Within the collection, there are variants with hand-carved knight manes, ornamented bases, or subtle contrast inlays. Each piece is measured individually to ensure consistency in size, symmetry, and surface quality. These sets are equally suited for display cabinets, showcase boards, or regular tournament use, and are often passed down through generations.

Chess pieces American Staunton ebonized set

Chess Pieces

"American Staunton" | Staunton Design | King Size: 97 mm | Boxwood & Ebonized Wood

The "American Staunton" chess piece set offers a perfect blend of classic design and functionality, making it a popular choice for both tournaments and casual games. Its timeless Staunton design and high-quality craftsmanship ensure that it is not only aesthetically pleasing but also ideal for practical use, especially in chess clubs and competitive play.

Visit Product Page
Chess pieces supreme acacia set

Chess Pieces

"Supreme" | Staunton Design | King Size: 95 mm | Boxwood & Acacia

The "Supreme" Staunton chess piece set is renowned for its striking design and high-quality craftsmanship, making it a popular choice among chess players. Its elegant shapes and user-friendly handling enhance its appeal, while the standout knight adds a powerful and majestic presence to any chessboard.

Visit Product Page
Chess pieces Stallion Knight ebonized set

Chess Pieces

"Stallion Knight" | Staunton Design | King Size: 99 mm | Boxwood & Ebonized Wood

The "Stallion Knight" chess piece set is a distinguished Staunton design, recognized for its striking and determined knight. With its detailed craftsmanship and classic appearance, this set is ideal for collectors and competitive players alike.

Visit Product Page

Service and Shipping

Service is taken as seriously as craftsmanship: Orders placed on weekdays by 2 PM usually ship the same day or by the following morning at the latest. Delivery to many EU countries is free of charge, securely packed, and fully trackable. Double-boxed packaging with custom foam inserts provides reliable protection; if transport damage should occur, a straightforward replacement service ensures your enjoyment of the new set remains undiminished. Fair pricing, transparent processes, and customer-focused support complete the offering.

Craftsmanship and Tradition

Each Chess Chivalry piece undergoes a multi-stage manufacturing process refined over decades. After cutting the raw wood, the basic form is shaped on a lathe; experienced artisans then carve contours and characteristic details. Tools such as gouges, shaping tubes, and fine carving knives are used predominantly by hand, giving each piece subtle variations that reveal its handmade origin and embody the charm of true craftsmanship.

This is followed by precise sanding with increasing grit sizes, multiple rounds of polishing, and the insertion of accurately dimensioned weights – the latter guaranteeing the balanced handling appreciated by tournament players. A felt-covered base protects the board and prevents disruptive sounds when setting down pieces. Before leaving the workshop, each piece is individually inspected: Strict tolerances ensure that king, queen, and pawns are in ideal proportion within a set; at the same time, the surface quality is checked to rule out even microscopic imperfections.

Detail work requires a trained eye and a steady hand: The knight’s mane is deeply sculpted, the king’s crown is tiered in several steps, and the rook’s battlements are engraved with meticulous precision. This artisan finesse combines aesthetics and function – every move reminds the player that they are holding a piece of traditional craftsmanship.

Material and Finish

Chess Chivalry uses only select hardwoods with distinctive properties: Rosewood impresses with deep brown to reddish hues and a striking grain; Boxwood offers light, uniform tones and exceptional dimensional stability; Acacia stands out with warm golden-brown tones and natural hardness. The woods are air- and kiln-dried over several months to reduce residual moisture and minimize internal stress.

After shaping, the pieces receive a softly polished surface that subtly reflects natural light and highlights the wood's structure. A thin, breathable protective coating shields against moisture and dirt without concealing the wood’s character. Consistent weight, velvety bases, and carefully rounded base edges create a playing feel that remains pleasant even after long sessions – ideal for clubs, tournaments, or games at home.

Aesthetically, the pieces form a balanced ensemble: uniform heights, harmonious proportions, and a clean silhouette give the board a calm, organized appearance. Whether in a historic club room, on a professional tournament table, or a modern coffee table – a Chess Chivalry set fits seamlessly into any setting while making a subtle yet unmistakable statement.

Multimedia collage

The Staunton Design: Standard Since 1849

When sculptor Nathaniel Cooke introduced the Staunton design in London in 1849, he laid the foundation for an internationally unified standard for chess pieces. Marketed by Jaques of London, the set quickly gained popularity for its blend of functional clarity and timeless elegance. The distinctive silhouettes made each piece easy to recognize at a glance, while the balanced weight distribution allowed for reliable handling. Chess federations around the world soon adopted the Staunton design as the tournament standard – a tradition that continues to this day.

Tournament players value this design language because it minimizes the potential for mistakes: Each piece is instantly distinguishable, and the neutral forms keep the focus on strategy rather than decoration. At the same time, the design has never lost its aesthetic appeal. From world championship boards and club nights to private living rooms – the Staunton set has proven its versatility and relevance for over 170 years. Its combination of function, form, and understated elegance remains the unrivaled foundation of chess culture.

Chess Chivalry preserves this legacy by respecting the classic proportions of every set while elevating them through precise craftsmanship and premium materials. The result is a chess set that unites tradition, artistry, and timeless aesthetics – a visible statement for everyone who doesn’t just play chess, but lives it.