Too ornate/busy for me.
For tournaments, I'd recommend a plain set.
It looks really nice to me except for the price! Yep, you might have a problem using it in USCF sanctioned tournaments. Especially if your opponent objects to you using it which he most likely will. It is really to nice to use in a tournament anyway IMO. I bring a standard plastic set & a vinyl rollup board. You never know when soda or coffee might be spilled on it. I really like the pieces but, not the price.
It looks similar to HOS Grandmaster set. Hmm...
yes, it appears it's actually cheaper from the House of Staunton: http://www.houseofstaunton.com/the-burnt-grandmaster-series-chess-set-4-0-king.html Usually I think of them as having a higher price point than other retailers.
Also here: http://www.amazon.com/4-Burnt-Grandmaster-Chess-Pieces/dp/B007Y2S1BM/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1382773492&sr=8-8&keywords=burnt+chess I guess the 4" version is cheaper for some reason.
Chessbazzar looks even cheaper but not quite the same set: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Handcarved-Staunton-Chess-Set-Burnt-Box-Wood-w-o-Board-/390680607062?pt=Games_US&hash=item5af660f956
(I don't like the set.)
http://www.amazon.com/Parker-Staunton-Chess-Burnt-Boxwood/dp/B0091WXNNY/ref=pd_sim_sbs_t_12
its really unique and interesting, but im hesitant to pull the trigger on buying it. what do you think about it?
also, could i use this set in tournaments, or would there be a problem with it?