Theme chess sets from designers in the USA and regions worldwide are carefully selected for this unique collection to span all budget ranges. Most sets are molded in poly-stone for a durable, stone-like feel and long-lasting, brilliant, paint finish. Others are pewter for a solid, extra heavy feel.
We take special care in inspecting and packaging the sets so you’ll have a wonderful time admiring the sets from the day they arrive at your door. Many customers love the exceptional chess sets for their superb workmanship and beautiful gift box presentation. With that said, let’s take a look at the top 10 best themed chess sets.
Here are the 10 best themed chess sets in 2022
- Crusades Chess Set With Maple And Walnut Board
- Battle Of Trafalgar Pieces On Palisander And Maple Board
- Isle of Lewis Chess Pieces by Berkeley – Russet Brown
- 3D Dragon Chess Set
- Sanfilippo Chess Set Number XXVI – Dragon Slayers
- Medieval Chess & Checkers Set
- House of Hauteville Chess Set and Board Combo – Antique White and Brown Marble
- 16″ Civil War – Theme Chess Set
- 1863 Battle of Gettysburg Civil War Chess Set with Matching Board and Wood Storage Boxes
- Civil War Chess Set with Storage
Best Themed Chess Sets
1. Crusades Chess Set With Maple And Walnut Board
This is a magnificent chess set which epitomizes the struggles for domination between Christians and Muslims. This conflict has continued intermittently for over a thousand years, but it is the period between 1095 and 1292 which has captured our imagination because of the exploits of the Crusader knights.
Skillfully hand decorated, these pieces represent the Christian side led by King Richard I of England, known as Richard the Lionheart, in combat with the Muslim armies led by Saladin. This chess set concentrates particularly on the Third great Crusade led by King Richard I of England, who in 1189 joined King Philip II of France in an effort to recapture the holy city of Jerusalem. King Richard, with 8000 troops, seized Cyprus and some cities on the Palestinian coast, but ultimately failed to dislodge the Muslim leader, Saladin, from Jerusalem.
These chessmen are made out of Polyresin, which is a crushed stone composite. It has the look and feel of stone, but the durability of a plastic. It is truly the best of both worlds.
This walnut and maple chess board has a touch of elegance with black moulded edge and thin decorative border. Medium contrast works well with many wood chess men.
The playing surface and other surfaces are finished with high quality veneers and a special finish to enhance and protect the wood, giving the chess board a smooth matte finish and preventing glare. The board is manufactured in Spain with the same techniques used for high-end furniture.
Specifications:
- King size: 5″
- Base size: 1.3″
- Board dimensions 21 5/8″ x 21 5/8″ x 1/2″ (21.63″)
- Square size: 2 1/8″ (2.13″)
Price:
$759.00 USD (FREE Shipping to 48 states in the America)
2. Battle Of Trafalgar Pieces On Palisander And Maple Board
A delightful themed chess set for any home, this beautiful Studio Anne Carlton features stunning historical figures on a high quality palisander and maple chess board.
The Pieces
Trafalgar was one of the most decisive naval battles ever fought. In the course of a short October afternoon, the Combined Fleet of France and Spain, with 33 battleships, was defeated by a British force of 27 battleships off cape Trafalgar on the southwest coast of Spain. As a result of this crushing defeat, Napoleon abandoned his hopes of invading England. The Battle of Trafalgar chess pieces has recreated the atmosphere of this great battle.
These chessmen are made out of Polyresin, which is a crushed stone composite. It has the look and feel of stone, but the durability of a plastic. It is truly the best of both worlds.
Specifications:
- King height: 5 1/2″ (5.5″)
- King base: 1 1/2″ (1.5″)
- King weight: 3.8oz
- Pawn height: 4″
- Black felted bottoms
- Set weight: 88.4 oz
- 32 Chessmen – 1 Queen per side
The Board
Stylish Santos Palisander and Maple veneered board features an inlay border and a matte finish that is pleasing to the eye and touch. The striped and highly visible grain of the Palisander wood is of the Dalbergia genus, the same family as Rosewood and for this reason is an especially nice pair with many rosewood sets.
The playing surface and other surfaces are finished with high quality veneers and a special finish to enhance and protect the wood, giving the chess board a smooth matte finish and preventing glare. The board is manufactured in Spain with the same techniques used for high-end furniture.
Board Size
- Board dimensions 21 5/8″ x 21 5/8″ x 1/2″ (21.63″)
- Square size: 2 1/8″ (2.13″)
Price
$499.00 USD inclusive of FREE shipping to 48 states in America
3. Isle of Lewis Chess Pieces by Berkeley – Russet Brown
Here are the iconic Isle of Lewis chess pieces on a fine Santos Palisander chessboard from Spain. The skilled craftsmen at Berkeley Chess have interpreted the Isle of Lewis chessmen on capturing the majesty of the original sculptures. Paired with this amazing chess board it’s a fine chess set anchored in history.
The Chessmen
Originally crafted from walrus ivory and whales teeth the iconic Isle of Lewis chess pieces were discovered in the vicinity of Uig on the Isle of Lewis some time before 11 April 1831. The precise location seems to have been a sand dune where they may have been placed in a small, dry stone chamber. The hoard which consisted of 78 chess pieces and 15 other artifacts was initially shown at the Scottish Antiquaries Society in Edinburgh which hoped to acquire it but was unsuccessful in its fundraising efforts. The British Museum eventually acquired it between November 1831 and January 1832.
The pieces were probably made in Trondheim, Norway, about AD 1150-1200. At this period, the Western Isles, where the chess pieces were found, were part of the Kingdom of Norway, not Scotland. It seems likely they were buried for safe keeping on route to be traded in Ireland.
The chess pieces testify to the strong cultural and political connections between the kingdoms of the British Isles and Scandinavia in the Middle Ages, and to the growing popularity within Europe of the game of chess, the origins of which lie in India after around 500 BC. Chess arrived in Christian Europe via the Islamic world, where the game was adapted to reflect medieval European society. Of the ninety-three pieces of this hoard known to us today, eleven pieces are in Edinburgh at the National Museum of Scotland, and eighty-two are in the British Museum.
- King Height: 3.5″
- King Base: 1 7/8″
- King Weight: 4.1oz
- Set Weight: 53.6oz (3lbs 5.6oz)
- 32 Pieces
- Boxed weight 4lbs 10oz
The Chessboard
Stylish Santos Palisander and Maple veneered board features an inlay border and a matte finish that is pleasing to the eye and touch. The striped and highly visible grain of the Palisander wood is of the Dalbergia genus, the same family as Rosewood and for this reason is an especially nice pair with many rosewood sets.
The playing surface and other surfaces are finished with high quality veneers and a special finish to enhance and protect the wood, giving the chess board a smooth matte finish and preventing glare. The board is manufactured in Spain with the same techniques used for high-end furniture.
- Board dimensions 21 5/8″ x 21 5/8″ x 1/2″ (21.63″)
- Square size: 2 1/8″ (2.13″)
Price:
$299.00 USD (349.00 US Save $50.00 USD) FREE SHIPPING
4. 3D Dragon Chess Set
Dragons hold a fascinating and mysterious place in folklore. With this impressive metal chess set with 3D chessboard, dragons come to life again and youngsters will exercise their creativity while they battle with the dragon theme characters on a glass chessboard.
The entire chess set has substantial shipping weight of 24 lbs.
Specifications:
Board and Display
- Dimensions: 15 3/4″ x 15 3/4″ x 5 1/4″
- Playing board size: 13 1/2″ x 13 1/2″
- Square size: 1 1/2″ (1.5″)
- Glass Chessboard
Pieces
- King weight: 5.1 oz
- King height: 2 7/8″ (2.88″)
- King base: 1″
- Pawn height: 2 1/8″
- Thin black felted bottoms
- 32 Dragons – 1 Queen per side
- Piece set weight: 122.5 oz
Price:
$289.00 USD (FREE Shipping to 48 states in America)
5. Sanfilippo Chess Set Number XXVI – Dragon Slayers
This is David Sanfilippo’s twenty sixth in a series of original hand formed art pieces. Terra cotta clay is sculpted, carved, and then glazed by David to a high fire for a permanent finish and durability. David’s series of chess sets will conclude in the near future and each one is either in a museum or personal collection. No to sets are alike. In fact every one is very uniquely inspired.
Chess House is showcasing one of his sets here, the Dragon Slayers. The pieces range in height from the largest at 6″ and the smallest at 3 1/2″. The largest base diameter is 2 3/4″ requiring a board with squares of at least that size.
Dragon Side
Pawns – Warrior Dragons
Rooks – Dragon’s Nest
Knights – Dragon Horse
Bishops – Senior Dragon
Queen – Dragon Queen
King – Dragon King
Dragon Slayer Side
Pawns – Infantry with Dragon Spears
Rooks – Fire Tower
Knights – Horse
Bishops – High Priest with Magic Sphere
Queen – The Dragon Slayer with the Mighty Sword
King – Chieftain
The Process
Each piece is hand built and sculpted from terra cotta clay. When the clay becomes leathery/hardens the pieces are carved. The pieces take several weeks to dry as they are not hollow. The pieces are then low fired, with a cone rating of 4-6 for over fifteen hours. After the low fire, the pieces are under glazed, glazed, and fired high for over twelve hours with a cone rating of 5-6.
A Cone rating means that you can fire that clay at any temperature up to that cone. The closer you get to the maximum rated cone, the stronger and denser your clay will be. You cannot fire a clay higher than its maximum rated Cone, or it will melt.
During the firings some fracturing, or cracks may develop. These cracks are filled with silver, copper or brass and each piece is unique. The pieces have a permanent lasting finish and are durable for play.
Chess Board
The chess board photographed is included. It has 3″ squares and measures 25″ square. You could of course supply your own chess board, but this one is included in the price.
Price:
$1,500.00 USD (FREE Shipping)
6. Medieval Chess & Checkers Set
Crowns, knights, castles and peasants, these are all elements of the Medieval times. Get a taste of this noble life with our beautifully made Medieval chess pieces on a gorgeous wooden board with storage drawer! The intricately crafted chessmen will captivate the imagination of players young and old alike. You will want to display this gorgeous chess set for all to admire! Chess is a game that brings enjoyment to all its players and is great to pass on from generation to generation.
Specifications:
- Pieces made of brown and ivory polystone
- King height: 2.5″
- Base size: 1.06″
- 32 chess pieces
- 24 checker pieces: 1.1″ diameter
- Board size: 15.75″x15.25″ and is 2.75″ tall
- Square size: 1.56″
- Black stained wooden board
- Decorative inlay border and pullout storage drawer
Price:
$152.90 USD( FREE Shipping)
7. House of Hauteville Chess Set and Board Combo – Antique White and Brown Marble
The House of Hauteville Chess Set is an artist’s dream come true. ChessHouse brings you artist Carolyn Cavanaugh’s design, now produced in limited quantities right here in the USA. Her masterpiece is now available to chess collectors and artists. An initial production was donated to the Smithsonian’s benefit auction and brought in over $500.
The Pieces:
Each piece was originally modeled in clay, then molded and reproduced in wax. The wax patterns were refined for better detail and final molds were made for reproduction. They are cast in stone resin. These pieces are handcrafted entirely in the US. The pieces are substantial from 3 to 5 inches tall and are ideal with a chessboard with at least 2″ squares. Designed for the enjoyment of all, the serious player and the collector, we hope everyone will enjoy the artistry and humor of this impressive work.
- 32 pieces
- Made of marble resin.
- King size: 5″
- Pawn size: 3 1/4″
- Base size: 1 7/8″
- Bases felted with four green dots
- Weight: 9+ pounds. Weight varies slightly from set to set.
The Board:
Perfect for chess players and admirers this is one of the finest US made solid wood chess boards handcrafted from locally sourced walnut and maple hardwoods.
The family in Pennsylvania has a rich heritage of woodworking and farming. Originally from Switzerland, the skills were passed down through five generations. This remarkable lost art of woodworking is continually refined, blending timeless methods with the latest knowledge on living wood behavior.
Styling – Players will enjoy the subtle grooves and beveled edges on this chess board. It’s a great gift to pair with almost any suitably sized wooden pieces.
Size – 21″ square chess board with 2 1/4″ squares.
More about the board – The creator of this chessboard has studied wood movement extensively. Wood is “living” after it is cut down, not a rigid block. Due to the circular ringed nature of a tree, the direction of cuts is very important to the natural expansion and contraction of the wood as humidity levels change from one environment to another. This unique expansion of both woods used in this work of art, require great attention in every phase.
Care – It can be helpful to store or display the chessboard vertically so that equal temperature and humidity is applied to both upper and lower sides of the wood. A light lacquer finish is applied for furniture style smoothness, and a soft, dry cloth should be used to wipe the surface dust free.
Price:
$589.00 USD (FREE shipping)
8. 16″ Civil War – Theme Chess Set
Eye-catching Civil War chess set offers highly detailed and heavily weighted chessmen on the walnut root board. It’s a wonderful individual or corporate gift idea.
Specifications:
- Board size: 16″
- Square size: 1 5/8″
- King size: 3 5/16″
- Pawn size: 2 1/8″
- Base size: 1″
- Brown felt bases
- King weight: 2.8 oz
- Entire set weight: 152.1 oz
Price:
$295.00 USD( FREE Shipping)
9. 1863 Battle of Gettysburg Civil War Chess Set with Matching Board and Wood Storage Boxes
This extraordinary Civil War Chess Set with men up to 6″ tall combines large, detailed pieces that are hand painted in Italy with matching hardwood chess board and storage boxes, made in the U.S. Fine oxo-teak pieces are heavy, stone-like to the touch and incredibly detailed by Italian artisans in the beautiful Florence region of Tuscany Italy. The Pennsylvania-made hardwood chessboard in walnut and maple is precision handcrafted in the USA, finished to high standards by a very experienced wood worker. Two hardwood boxes match the chessboards and fit the chessmen well to keep them protected and dust free when needed. Interesting to note, the board and boxes are made not far from where the battle of Gettysburg actually took place.
Specifications
- King height: 6″
- Base size: 1 11/16″
- King weight: 6 oz.
- Set weight: 8 lbs. 8 oz.
- Walnut and Maple Board Size: 21″
- Walnut and Maple Board Squares: 2 1/4″
- 2 Walnut and Maple Matching Boxes
Price:
$1,149.00 USD (FREE shipping)
10. Civil War Chess Set with Storage
These intricately hand-painted Civil War chess pieces handsomely depict key people and characters in the Union and Confederate conflict of the late 19th century, ideal for those who enjoy chess and American history.
The medium weight feel is heavier to the touch than plastic, resulting in a more stable playing experience. This is achieved with poly-stone resin molding for a balance of durability and overall stability.
The board is made in Spain with Mahogany and Maple wood and accented by a subtle tessellated trim inlay all beneath a high gloss finish, this board is great for display and play.
Keep it all together with the Old World style wooden treasure box, skillfully crafted in the USA, combining function with decorative purpose, and will be cherished for its fine craftsmanship for generations.
Pieces Specifications:
- King height: 3 1/4″
- King base: 1″
- King weight: .8 oz
- Set weight: 21.8 oz
- Lead-free paint
Board Specifications:
- Board Dimensions: 17 3/4″ x 17 3/4″ x 1/2″
- Square size: 1 3/4″
- Felt Pad on bottom corners
Storage Specifications
- Old-World style wooden box with latch closure
- Crafted from Maple
- Outside of box measurements:
- 11 5/8″ x 9 1/4″ x 2 7/8″
- Inside of box measurements:
- Base – 10 7/8″ x 8 1/2″ x 1 5/8″
- Lid – 10 7/8″ x 8 1/2″ x 3/4″
- Inside Bottom is lined with felt. Bottom of box is felted to prevent scratches to surfaces.
Price:
$231.00 USD (FREE shipping)
