House of Staunton Zagreb '59 Series Chess Set, Box & Board Combination
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House of Staunton Zagreb '59 Series Chess Set, Box & Board Combination
Description
The Zagreb '59 Series Chess Set, Box, and Board Combination from House of Staunton is a full tournament-sized set that pays tribute to one of the most celebrated moments in competitive chess history - the 1959 World Championship Candidates Match held in Bled, Zagreb, and Belgrade, Yugoslavia. The chessmen are hand carved by master artisans from the highest grade woods, heavily weighted, and finished with luxurious billiard cloth base pads. Every detail of the design reflects the iconic look of the sets used throughout major international tournaments of the 1950s and 1960s, featuring pieces that played witness to legends like Tal, Fischer, Keres, and Petrosian.
This combination brings together the full chessmen set, a Premium Chess Box with brass quadrant hinges and lock and key, and the Superior Traditional Elm Burl / Bird's Eye Maple wooden chessboard - offering savings of 24% off the individual MSRP prices. Whether you are a serious tournament player, a chess historian, or simply someone who appreciates a beautifully crafted set built for decades of play, the Zagreb '59 Series delivers exceptional quality and durability that is unmatched at this price point.
Key Features
- Tournament-Sized King (3.875" Height, 1.75" Base): Meets full tournament size standards and commands an impressive presence on the board.
- Hand Carved by Master Artisans: Each piece is individually hand carved from the highest grade woods for exceptional detail and consistency.
- Historically Inspired Design: Adapted from the chess sets used at the 1959 Candidates World Championship Match in Zagreb, Yugoslavia - used by Tal, Fischer, Petrosian, and Keres.
- Interchangeable King Finials: Comes with both a ball finial and a Formee cross, easily removable so players can choose their preferred style for Western tournament play.
- Durability-First Construction: Reinforced Pawn collars, stylized Knights, and minimal Queen crenellations are built to withstand real competitive use without chipping or breaking.
- Heavily Weighted with Billiard Cloth Base Pads: Each piece features luxurious billiard cloth base pads for a premium feel and scratch-free movement.
- 34 Chess Pieces Including 4 Queens: Includes two extra Queens (one per color) to facilitate Pawn promotion without interrupting play - a House of Staunton standard.
- Elm Burl / Bird's Eye Maple Chessboard (2.25" Squares): Veneered wood board with 22.5" x 22.5" footprint, satin finish, moulded edge, and 0.5" thickness.
- Premium Chess Box with Brass Hardware: Green billiard cloth-lined interior, divided compartments, brass quadrant hinges, and a lock and key for secure storage.
- Choice of Wood Pieces & Box Finish: Select your preferred wood combination for the chessmen and choose from a wide variety of box finishes to personalize your set.
- 1-Year Warranty: House of Staunton warranties this item against manufacturing defects for one full year from the date of purchase.
Options & Which to Choose
- Genuine Ebony and Natural Boxwood: The premium option featuring authentic Genuine Ebony for the dark pieces, offering a striking, high-contrast appearance. Best for collectors and players who want the finest available wood combination.
Shipping
Ships free! Please email us at service@omahasportsandgames.com for a delivery ETA or to confirm shipping details.
What's Included
- 34 Zagreb '59 Series Chess Pieces (including 4 Queens - 2 per color for Pawn promotion)
- Both King finial styles (ball finial and Formee cross, interchangeable)
- Superior Traditional Elm Burl / Bird's Eye Maple Wooden Chessboard (22.5" x 22.5", 2.25" squares)
- Premium Chess Box (green billiard cloth-lined, divided, with brass quadrant hinges and lock & key)
Why You'll Love It
The Zagreb '59 Series is more than a chess set - it is a piece of competitive chess history brought to life in premium wood and master craftsmanship. Trusted by serious players and collectors alike, House of Staunton has built a reputation for producing chessmen that are unmatched in their price category, and the Zagreb '59 Series stands as one of their most beloved designs. The combination package saves you 24% off purchasing each component individually, giving you a complete, ready-to-play setup right out of the box. Engineered with durability in mind, this set is designed to endure years of serious play without sacrificing the elegance you expect from a House of Staunton product. Whether displayed proudly on a shelf or used in your next match, this set will be a centerpiece of your chess collection for decades to come.
Product Specifications
View Product Specs
| King Height | 3.875 inches (9.84 cm) |
|---|---|
| King Base Diameter | 1.75 inches (4.44 cm) |
| Base Pad Material | Billiard Cloth |
| Square Size | 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) |
| Median Set Weight | 47 ounces (1.30 kg) |
| Total Number of Pieces | 34 Chess Pieces, including 2 additional Queens for Pawn Promotion |
| Chess Board Footprint | 22.5 x 22.5 inches |
| Chess Board Thickness | 0.5 inches |
| Chess Board Finish | Satin |
| Chess Board Woods | Elm Burl (dark squares/frame) and Bird's Eye Maple (light squares) |
| Box Dimensions | 9.5" x 7.4" x 4.5" |
| Box Interior Lining | Green Billiard Cloth |
| Box Hardware | Brass Quadrant Hinges with Lock and Key |
| Recommended Carrying Bag Size | 24" Chess Board Carrying Bag |
| Warranty | 1 Year - Manufacturing Defects |
| Assembly Required | No - ready to use upon arrival |
| Shipping Method | Ships standard parcel; does not require freight or pallet delivery |
FAQ
What is the significance of the Zagreb '59 design?
The Zagreb '59 design is inspired by the chess sets used at the 1959 World Championship Candidates Tournament held in Bled, Zagreb, and Belgrade, Yugoslavia. This prestigious event featured eight of the world's top Grandmasters, including Mikhail Tal, Bobby Fischer, Tigran Petrosian, and Paul Keres - four of whom went on to become World Chess Champions. The set captures that historic moment in chess history and has become one of the most recognizable and beloved tournament-style designs ever produced.
What is the difference between the two wood options?
The Natural Boxwood and Blood Rosewood option offers a warm, classic contrast with light Boxwood pieces paired against rich Blood Rosewood dark pieces. The Genuine Ebony and Natural Boxwood option is the premium choice, featuring authentic Genuine Ebony for the dark pieces, which is denser, more lustrous, and more rare. If you want the finest wood quality and a striking high-contrast appearance, Genuine Ebony is the upgrade to consider.
Can I change the King's finial (cross)?
Yes. The Zagreb '59 Series includes both a traditional ball finial and a Formee cross finial for the King. Both are easily removable and interchangeable, allowing you to switch between the historically authentic ball top or the more widely recognized Formee cross used in modern Western tournament play - whichever you prefer.
Why does the set include 4 Queens?
The set comes with 4 Queens total - 2 per color. This allows for Pawn promotion during play without needing to improvise with a substitute piece. When a Pawn reaches the back rank, you simply place the spare Queen on the board. House of Staunton introduced this as a standard inclusion in their sets over a decade ago and it has become one of the most appreciated practical features for serious players.
Does the box fit the board as well as the pieces?
The Premium Chess Box is specifically sized to store the chess pieces. The chessboard (22.5" x 22.5") is a separate item and requires its own carrying solution. A 24" Chess Board Carrying Bag is recommended and available as an optional add-on at checkout.
Is the combination discounted compared to buying items separately?
Yes - purchasing the Zagreb '59 Series as a Set, Box, and Board Combination saves you 24% off the combined MSRP of the individual components. It is the most cost-effective way to get a complete, matching chess setup from House of Staunton.
Thank you for trusting us with your order! This product is shipped directly from the manufacturing warehouse to get to customers all over the U.S. as soon as possible!
While many of our products are prepared and shipped out within 48 hours, some of our items are built to order or require custom pieces that could take 2-6 weeks to prepare before shipping! Please contact us at 888-884-2234 for a delivery ETA if you have a strict timeline.
Thanks!
Omaha Sports & Games Team
Returns & Refunds Policy
Return Policy
We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase. To start a return, you can contact us at service@omahasportsandgames.com.
If your return request is accepted, it will be up to you as the buyer to return the item in its original packaging, unworn and unused. You as the buyer will be responsible for paying the return shipping. We may be able to assist you in scheduling a pickup for return but the payment will still be your responsibility. You can always contact us for any return question at service@omahasportsandgames.com.
All products are subject to a minimum 15% restocking fee based on the quality of the returned product and packaging.
Items opened, tested, used, or any other non-new condition may be eligible for return based on the manufacturer's return policy.
Shipping Damages and Issues
You must inspect your order upon reception and refuse delivery if you see damage. DO NOT sign for delivery if there is apparent damage to the product. If you sign for the delivery and later claim shipping damage, there is very little we can do to help.
If your order does not require signing at delivery and is instead just dropped off at doorstep with damage, contact us immediately with photos of the damaged boxes.
If your item(s) is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, contact us immediately so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.
Exceptions / non-returnable items
Certain types of items cannot be returned, such as custom products, special orders or personalized items. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about your specific item.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items, gift cards, or multiple product bundle discounts.
| Specification name | Specification Value |
|---|---|
| Board game mechanics | Strategy |
| Color pattern | Checkered, Beige, Black, Geometric |
| Gameplay skills | Strategic thinking, Tactical decision making |