Enjoy an extra 10% OFF, automatically applied at checkout
Inspired by the celebrated 1959 Zagreb international tournament, these Russian Zagreb Chessmen capture the refined character of classic tournament play. Crafted from natural boxwood and ebonised boxwood, the 34-piece set combines graceful proportions, smooth contours and substantial weighting with the distinctive sculptural knight that defines the Zagreb pattern.
Set Features
The 1959 Zagreb Tournament Design
The Zagreb pattern is one of the most recognisable tournament chess designs of the mid-20th century. Associated with the celebrated international tournament held in Zagreb in 1959, its appeal comes from a distinctive combination of elegance, simplicity and practical playability.
Rather than relying on excessive ornamentation, the design uses clean silhouettes, carefully judged proportions and flowing contours. The result is a set that remains visually striking while retaining the clarity across the chessboard that serious players expect.
This Russian-crafted reproduction captures that character beautifully, making it equally appealing to regular players and collectors of classic tournament chess designs.
Natural and Ebonised Boxwood Chessmen
The chess pieces are crafted from quality boxwood, with the lighter army retaining the warm natural colouring of the timber while the opposing pieces are finished in traditional ebonised black.
This classic contrast gives the set a strong traditional appearance while ensuring excellent visibility between the two sides during play.
The profiles are deliberately smooth and flowing. Sharp or unnecessarily angular edges are avoided, giving the chessmen a refined appearance and making them particularly pleasant to handle through longer games.
The Distinctive Zagreb Knight
The knight is one of the defining elements of the Zagreb design and gives the entire set much of its individual personality.
Its sculptural profile is more expressive than many conventional tournament knights while remaining perfectly suited to practical chess. The result is a piece with enough character to attract the collector's eye without becoming overly decorative.
Viewed alongside the more restrained king, queen, bishops, rooks and pawns, the knight creates a beautifully balanced set with an unmistakable mid-century tournament character.
Substantial Weight and Balanced Play
At approximately 2.3 lbs for the complete set, these chessmen have a substantial and reassuring presence during play.
The additional mass improves stability on the board and gives each move a satisfying feel in the hand. This makes the set particularly well suited to players who prefer chessmen that feel firmly planted rather than excessively light.
The combination of weight, smooth profiles and clear silhouettes creates a set intended not merely for display, but for genuine regular play.
34 Pieces with Additional Queens
The set contains a total of 34 chess pieces, providing the standard 32-piece complement together with two additional queens.
The extra queens allow both players to represent pawn promotion correctly without needing to substitute another piece or turn a rook upside down.
It is a small detail, but one appreciated by serious players and one that makes the set properly equipped for every stage of a game.
Ideal for 50–55 mm Chessboard Squares
These Zagreb chessmen are ideally suited to boards with playing squares measuring approximately 50 to 55 mm.
This range provides comfortable spacing between the pieces while retaining the substantial visual presence associated with traditional tournament equipment.
The result is a balanced playing arrangement in which the chessmen remain easy to identify and move even when the centre of the board becomes crowded.
For Players and Collectors
The enduring attraction of the Zagreb pattern lies in the way it combines genuine playing practicality with unmistakable visual character.
For the serious player, the pieces provide weight, stability, clear silhouettes and comfortable handling. For the collector, the distinctive knight, flowing profiles and association with one of the great tournament designs of the era give the set additional historical interest.
Whether used for regular play, analysis, display or as part of a wider collection of historic chess patterns, these Russian Zagreb Chessmen offer an attractive interpretation of a true tournament classic.
Rated Excellent by Verified Customers
“Very well made.” Amanda F · Verified Trustpilot Review
“Good quality product.” Kevin Winters · Verified Trustpilot Review
“Very good quality and well made.” Andrea · Verified Trustpilot Review
“Beautiful finish and quality.” Peter · Verified Trustpilot Review
