Design ToscanoDesign Toscano Deluxe Chess Board: Large

This set had a lot of surprises, but the uniqueness of this set alone is enough for full stars.The first surprise was how big the box was: I knew the set was just pieces (no board; they are arranged on a large board with 2” squares that I already had for the pictures), but I was so surprised at the size of the package that I compared the tracking number from my order before opening it to make sure it wasn't a gift shipment that I needed to save for Christmas, even though I knew it had arrived before I got home. The shipping label said 9 lbs, and this was the only item in the shipment.The pieces were well packaged against breakage, and we're much taller than I anticipated, but they are very well balanced: if not set flat, they will teeter but settle upright with enough tolerance that they don't generally fall over in a game (playing on a folding table, one or two pawns would fall over when the table was bumped). The 2” squares on my board were adequate, but did not allow two knights to face each other on adjacent squares; we were able to make it work by turning one of them so they did not face each other.There were only a few minor surprises that didn't impress me: the set was made in China (which is fine, but I like to know stuff like that in advance, not feel surprised about it when I receive the merchandise, and there was a sticker about it on the bottom of each piece to rub it in), and I wasn't very impressed with the finish coloring on the black pieces; it seems like with wear the highlights will spread across more of the surface area such as exemplified on the Queen's left breast.Overall, though, I am extremely impressed. The pieces do not feel particularly fragile, although the design is so nice that I can't help but be careful when I handle them.

These are really beautiful with gorgeous detail. I am happy with the purchase, however, do want to say these - some - are tall pieces. I'd first recommend making sure these will be in a secure area - we have a small alcove area with chairs and this table - kind of snug fit for all and we have to be careful not to bump the table. They do steady themselves pretty well and we've never had any of them tip over and fall to the ground but I do get worried it may happen. I will likely get a secondary set to have due to this issue. Otherwise, they are very high quality, very detailed. And, the felt is well cut and fit - I am picky and look for small issues - I found none with these, other than the height on some.

In a conversation with my daughter and her children (who live in another country), my ten year old grandson and I were chatting a bit about Greek gods and goddesses and I mentioned I had seen chess pieces inspired by the Greek myths. He was curious and enthusiastic, so I sent him these chess pieces. After they arrived, he told his mother they were the best gift ever and qualified for Christmases and Birthdays to come for years and years and if he never got another gift, this one would suffice “forever.” I never saw them myself, but only had a view in a photo later sent to me. In addition to the price of the pieces, I had to spend an other $100 shipping them and in terms of a grandmother’s heart, they were worth every penny.

Beautiful work. All of the main pieces (not pawns) are awesome. My only issue is that the pawns fall over easy. They did not make these with a good center of gravity. I don't think this is acceptable for the price.

These chess pieces are more beautiful in person than they appear on the picture. They are well made and heavy.