ChessBaron Unusual Chess Sets
Staunton was created for a reason (see Staunton Origin). But why not have a staunton based design with a significant tweak on the style - an unusual chess set. Of course, it's still a quality product, and still crafted with great skill, many are still weighted, and most of ours are Staunton based. But with the increased popularity of chess, many more unusual designs are available that as unusual chess sets are perfect for a unique gift idea - an unusual chess set, and something that isn't seen in many homes.
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M2002 Mughal Aftab Fretwork Chess Set
If you love carved wood, think fret work is fascinating then these chess pieces may be the set for you! With detailing that belies the price, these rounded pieces are as much a pleasure to look at as they are to feel. Playing with them may not improve your game but owning them will improve your image! READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2013
Chess Board Picture B2001
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M2011 Canon Chess Set in Golden Rosewood
Life might be 'too short for chess' but when facing the Rook-turned-Canon of this chess set, you may feel that life might be just short - period! With chess pieces marked clearly for business, this set is not about target practice, it's about winning! Are those targets carved on these chess pieces? Who knows! But with these novel cannon shaped Rooks you sure have to wonder! And not only have the Rooks taken on an unusual role, the Pawns themselves have deviated from the norm to show animated little faces. Of course the Knights are not amused - they look quite grumpy but the King and Queen rise above all this frivolity and display appropriate grandeur with elaborate skirt carving along with wonderfully detailed crowns. The King is a 3 inches on a 1.25 base which requires a 1.5 inch square board. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2013 Chess Board Picture B2001
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M2013 Millenium Fret Tower Chess Set
Well the Millenium may have past but we still remember the splendour of its entry. These chess pieces combine the ancient art of wood carving with a modern design where east meets west and everyone wins. Tall and upright like spires we could light fireworks off them to announce our victory. These Millennium chess pieces take the Staunton style and give it a modern flourish. The excellence of the workmanship in their carvings is nothing short of inspired. These towering chess pieces have similarities to the Mughal Aftab fret work set M2002 in their ornate nature yes with a more delicate touch. Tall, svelte, proud, every piece has a regal air. The board for these chess pieces should be a rustic 1.5 inch square chess board. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2011 Chess Board Picture B2002
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M2019 Concentric ball bud rosewood Chess Set King 3.5 inch
Why 'concentric'? Well each piece has a matching centre ball that is key to the name and the design of these Staunton with a twist chess pieces. Carved from rosewood, the design is just incredible for something that is all one piece. These chess pieces are not so much carv-in-g as carve -out. Take a close look at the honey colored Queen and you will be able to truly appreciate the work that went into this design. You have to wonder just how they do it! The King is 3.5 inches requiring a board of 1.5 inch square. These chess pieces are bound to become a talking point in your home. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2013 Chess Board Picture B2002
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M2010 Globe Chess Set with 3.5 inch King
These lovely proportioned pieces display fine wood carving at its best. Intricate detail blends with smooth lines to create a variation on classic that is hard to resist! Looking for something different but not too different? Then look closely at the chess pieces in this set. Named after their round bodies, this set demonstrates the skill of the masters who crafted it. Detailed carving, not unreminisent (if there's such a word) of M2002, creates round globe bodies sitting on classic bases. The heads of the chess pieces are set neatly on the globes and the overall proportions of each design is simply delightful. And that delight can be seen in the face of the Knight whose fetching smile clearly shows if ever a chess set was longing for a friendly game it is this one. With a 3.5 inch King this set requires a 1.5 inch board. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2011 Chess Board Picture B2002
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M2025 Concentric Ball in Bud Rosewood Chess Set
Why 'concentric'? Well each piece has a matching centre ball that is key to the name and the design of these Staunton with a twist chess pieces. Carved from rosewood, the design is just incredible for something that is all one piece. Each ball looks like large filigree beads. Take a close look at the honey colored Queen and you will be able to truly appreciate the work that went into this design. You have to wonder just how they do it! Double-weighted, the King is 5.5 inches with a 1.5 inch base requiring a board of 1.75 inch square. These chess pieces are bound to become a talking point. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2025 Chess Board Picture B2002
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M2021 Lotus Carved Chess Set in Bud Rosewood with 4.25 inch King
Now these are truly delightful chess pieces. With a design based on Lotus flower leaves, the King and Queens look little flowers about to bud while the Rook's leaves form an open flower. If you feel a bit 'zen' when you sit down to a game of chess, then this set may be right for you. The King and Queen form lotus flowers buds which is only fitting given they are carved using bud Rosewood! With a height of 4.25 inches and a base of 1.25 inch, this set requires a board of either 1.5 inch or 1.75 inch squares. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2011 Chess Board Picture B2002
Now with Free Delivery for UK!
M2029 Globe Fret Weighted Chess Set 5.5 inch King
The big brother of the M2010, these lovely proportioned pieces display fine wood carving at its best. Intricate detail blends with smooth lines to create a variation on classic that is hard to resist! Looking for something different but not too different? Then look closely at the chess pieces in this set. Named after their round bodies, this set demonstrates the skill of the masters who crafted it. Detailed carving, not unreminisent of M2002, creates round globe bodies sitting on classic bases. The heads of the chess pieces are set neatly on the globes and the overall proportions of each design is simply delightful. And that delight can be seen in the face of the Knight whose fetching smile clearly shows if ever a chess set was longing for a friendly game it is this one. With a 5.5 inch King, it is larger than the M2010 and double weighted. This set requires a 1.75 inch board. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2025 Chess Board Picture B2002
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M2035 Hezekiah Fretwork 5 inch King Chess Set
Wonderfully detailed Fretwork chess set that stands with pride, pawn and all. Watch out for those prima donna pawns - see their size in relation to their normally lofty colleagues. This is a new design in our portfolio and we love it. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2025 Chess Board Picture B2002
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X2009 King Cross Staunton Chess Set in Camel Bone
Certificate of Authenticity included.
Remarkably carved luxury chess set. The detail in carving of the camel bone is nothing short of remarkable. The material is difficult to work with and the skilled bone craftsmen have created something truly beautiful with the material. Expect natural blemishes on the surface with Camel Bone which enhances the set as a real bone product with the authentic battle scars of life. (I wonder if I can get my bones used to create a beautiful bone chess set after I'm gone?). The whole set takes two weeks to carve and finish completely and is a masterpiece of workmanship. Note the king (standing 3.75 inch tall) and queen for the detail in carving and marking. The staunton style is retained with a flourish of artistry to produce an outstanding example of luxury chess sets. The knight is petite and appears delicate yet is robust and durable because of the material of camel bone. Now look at the rook. This nicely shows intricate detail from the base through to the top. The Kings Cross special is a luxury chess set to pass through the generations of your family. The board size for this luxury chess set should be 1.5 inch or a maximum of 1.75 inch squares. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2018 Chess Board Picture B2011
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X2029 The Sebastian Chess Set in Heavy Steel and Copper
Certificate of Authenticity included.
You may have noticed that we don’t offer many metal sets. This is because we have scoured the world in an attempt to stand out in a range that is not just large, but unique and the best available. This pewter finished set is heavy and yet remarkably detailed - a good example of this policy. A luxury steel and copper set with the dark side finished in pewter - a chess set with distinction that has many uses - playing chess or using offensively for burglars. Delightful chess playing with elegance, and this set says elegance in every way. It is well priced for the level of luxury afforded, and a set to be proud of. Optionally comes with a very beautiful recommended luxury chess case. The board should be 1.5 inch or possibly 1.75 inch squares. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2018 Chess Board Picture B2008
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X2003 LARGE Lotus Carved Weighted Chess Set
Certificate of Authenticity included.
Special large version of the much loved Lotus design. Unusually, this one is Triple Weighted and larger than normal! The best of Bud Rosewood material. A twist on the Staunton design - this luxury chess set has good quality detail. The king is slim but tall measuring 5.5 inches in height. The traditional staunton is taken at base and resembled at the top, with an innovative and intricate mid section to bring together the traditional staunton design with the detailed innovation marking the Lotus genre and bringing together a luxury chess set. This is an expensive chess set at a non-expensive price. The board size should be with 2 inch squares to allow space for the tall king. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2025 Chess Board Picture B2003
Now with Free Delivery for UK!
X2040 Flavius Josephus Chess Set in Steel and Copper
Certificate of Authenticity included.
New! Looking for something distinctive that really makes a individual statement? Here's a very heavy metal chess set that really stands out. Modelled from archeological finds, the Judean historian Josephus had a collection of goblets that this set is modelled after - perfect material for a chess set because of the variety in design making up the different pieces. Unusually the King and Queen pieces both have unscrewable caps. The set also trumps any other shot glass chess set we've ever seen. This is a shot glass chess set with distinction - and is obviously not glass - it's made in copper and steel. A great chess set! READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2025 Chess Board Picture B2008
Now with Free Delivery for UK!
XX2005 Reproduction Antique - John Calvert Chess Set
Certificate of Authenticity included.
Crafted in the finest rosewood. One of the recognised designs of chess sets by John Calvert - however note the difference with all other sets for this design - these chess pieces are weighted! The genre was always a beautiful design but had the problem of being easily tipped over and feeling inadequate due to weightlessness. It's rare to find chess sets of this time period that are weighted and felted like this - a beautiful design and wonderful example of 'period' chess sets. This is a reproduction, and comes with the love and care of modern day artisans. The chess set is exactly the recognised Calvert design. If you need a board, try the B2012 with 1.75 inch squares. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2018 Chess Board Picture B2008
Now with Free Delivery for UK!
XX2001 Reproduction Antique Triple Weighted Chess Set - Bud Rosewood
Certificate of Authenticity included.
Beautiful pre-staunton antique reproduction. The design of chess pieces following the Staunton style was from 1850 onwards. The staunton design was taken from earlier influences - this reproduction chess set is a particularly popular design of the early 19th Century and one of the major influencers of Nathaniel Cook's design with the approval of the prevailing world champion - Howard Staunton. The set is weighted, felted and has generous dimensions according to the early design and the manufacturer has taken pains to research the design so as to adhere to the original. Although early Staunton designs had no weight and no felt, Cook along with his manufacturer Jaques, saw the value of weighted sets and felted bottoms and added these enhancements quickly. This set has the improved triple weight and felt included. The Bishop design in this set was a common design of the time, later Staunton's changed to the reduced opening of the piece we generally know today. The board square size should be with 1.75 inch squares. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2018 Chess Board Picture B2003
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XX2009 Contemporary Staunton , Triple Weight, Felted, Double Queens Chess Set
Certificate of Authenticity included.
The lean design lines of this grade one rosewood design is the outstanding feature Henry Moore would have been proud of. Chess sets such as this are works of art and will appreciate over time. The King is well sized at over 4 inches. The Queen has a sister for when your pawn gets promoted (your opponent won't need one of course, but there's one there anyway), but the deadlier of the species also has a secret weapon - the sharp spikes of the coronet. Ouch! Don't mess with her, those spikes are deadly and feel like they have a poison payload along with it. If you like contemporary chess designs, you'll not find a better design anywhere. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2018 Chess Board Picture B2003
Now with Free Delivery for UK!
XX2006 Reproduction Antique Camel Bone John Calvert Chess Set
Certificate of Authenticity included.
One of the recognised designs of chess sets by John Calvert - slightly weighted as the genre demands. A beautiful bone chess set, a wonderful example of period chess sets. This is a bone reproduction, and comes with the love and care of modern day artisans. The set is a bold departure from todays standard staunton design of chess sets and very distinctive. If you need a board, try the B2012 with 1.75 inch squares. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2018 Chess Board Picture B2008
Now with Free Delivery for UK!
XX2007 Reproduction Antique - Red White Camel Bone John Calvert Chess Set
Certificate of Authenticity included.
Very authentic red/white reproduction in the John Calvert genre of chess sets - slightly weighted as the genre demands and in camel bone. Red and white chess sets were common in Calvert's day and this follows the style closely so the colouring was favoured when John Calvert started designing exquisite chess sets. A beautiful bone chess set, a wonderful example of a period chess set. A bone reproduction antique. The set is a bold departure from todays standard staunton design of chess sets and very distinctive and very authentic. If you need a board, try the B2012 with 1.75 inch squares. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2018 Chess Board Picture B2008
Now with Free Delivery for UK!
X2011 Exotic Christina Staunton Chess Set in Camel Bone
Certificate of Authenticity included.
Obituary: Percy the Camel much missed and loved by all. Born 14-Feb-1972. Died 17-Mar-04. We'll never forget you Percy - you were more than a camel to us - you were a friend and companion. We love you so much we've used your bones to make a camel bone chess set out of you - so that we can remember you forever. You'll be passed down from generation to generation because we know your bone is durable, natuarally dense and perfect for carving into the intricate shapes needed for luxury chess sets. We know your bones bear the scars of life and each bone marking we'll revere to honour your memory. We know this marks your precious bones as authentic, making the difference between the real material and synthetic. We've placed exotic markings on your bones and named it Christina (well, let's face it Percy, who'd buy an exotic chess set called 'Percy'?). Your chess set will need a board with 1.75 inch squares. Goodbye Percy - we'll always remember you - you're with us forever. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2018 Chess Board Picture B2008
Now with Free Delivery for UK!
X2030 Oriental Staunton Ebony Chess Set
Certificate of Authenticity included.
Unusual staunton based design, good example of chess sets that have an obvious staunton base but been put through the oriental wringer - we love it - the chess set is well weighted and has very good detail for the pieces, especially the knight. Reminds me of the Taj Mahal huh? READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2001 Chess Board Picture B2003
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X2019 Baron Ultimate Staunton Chess Set in Ebony Wood
Certificate of Authenticity included.
The Baron Ultimate is the flagship luxury chess set of our entire range. The wood is Ebony, the weighting is triple. The design of this luxury chess set is simply magnificent - we just love it. The knight steals the applause with it's designed rustic style and majestic pose to make a luxury chess set that has no equal. The staff at ChessBaron get no work done because of looking at this luxury chess set all day - they are now forbidden to touch it and they're all covered up. The King of this luxury chess set is also magnificent, standing at almost 6 inches. The rook has such a rustic but slender style, and even the pawns are pefectly proportioned. This luxury chess set is a most beautiful tweak on the staunton style - we have never seen a more wonderful luxury chess set than this awe inspiring Baron Ultimate! The board for this luxury chess set needs to be one with 2 inch squares to do justice to the piece sizes. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2023 Chess Board Picture B2009
Now with Free Delivery for UK!
X3019 Baron Ultimate Staunton Chess Set in Bud Rosewood
Certificate of Authenticity included.
The awsome Baron Ultimate. This is the Bud Rosewood version of the remarkable X2019. You'll love it or hate it, but to anyone it's nothing short of a work of art. It's made in the finest and the most beautiful wood. The design humbles us - the Ultimate is beautiful, majestic and gives perspective. The architectural craftsman that thought through this chess design with the sizing of the pieces and the Bud Rosewood material deserves honour indeed. It's not just a chess set, it's a historical work of art that will, like a Henry Moore sculpture or a Michaelangelo painting, appreciate over time and be valued by successive generations. The golden hues of the wood colouring are exquisite. The Bud Rosewood material (from the root of the Rosewod tree) is highly polished to lift the depth of colour that makes this wood the sought after material it is. The board for this luxury chess set needs to be one with 2 inch squares to do justice to the piece sizes. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2023 Chess Board Picture B2009
Now with Free Delivery for UK!
X2056 The Zacharus Ebony Chess Pieces
Certificate of Authenticity included.
NEW! The Zacharus is made from the finest Ebony and Chidar. It is quite simply a work of art - we're sure you agree. The chess pieces have been carved with all the skill the worlds finest carvers can muster with a visionary design to work from. The detail is quite breathtaking, a wonderful chess set of pieces. READ MORE...
Chess Case Picture C2003 Chess Board Picture B2009
Now with Free Delivery for UK!
X2054 Alexander the Great Chess Set in Ebony
Certificate of Authenticity included.
NEW! Another staunton work of art in pure grade one ebony, with a Knight that is outstanding, graceful, elegant and delightfully different. This set was designed for the chess olympiad in Turin and instead of the knight, a bull (which is the symbol of Turin) was used. Comes in a specially made luxury leather case included in the price with each piece having it's own home within. (The knight doesn't have a home, it has a stable.) But take care with your moves - the horse can get a little feisty if you compromise the position. Triple weighted, double queens, felted bases - a wonderful set and a bold departure from standard staunton. The set had us looking, admiring so much that we just couldn't display it any longer - needed to get some work done. The set is pure artwork in pure ebony. The chessmen were designed by some of the finest chessplayers from all over the world and now to make it available to chess lovers we have shifted from the bull to a knight keeping all the other pieces the same which makes this set a good combinaiton of playable set with a very artistic knight. READ MORE...
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Unusual chess sets
This is the unusual chess set part of the range. They are especially good value for money with detail and unusual craftmanship. We have the best unusual chess sets at non-expensive prices. It's difficult to find UK chess retailers with a range such as we have at The Chess Baron. Most people only have one or two chess sets in the home. Make yours an unusual chess set at a bargain price - one that you can generously pass on to your children - a luxury chess set - something they will treasure and derive lasting pleasure from with precious memories.
