A beautiful set. I love the blood rosewood (or whatever it is) color. The best anyone can hope for is for a hand-made object to approach perfection. The quest of an artisan is to get closer with each attempt.
Imperial Staunton (Reproduction) / Sinquefield Cup 2014 Series Chess Set - ChessBazaar
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Mar 9, 2021
0
#3
Chess Bazaar has come up in quality over the last few years. The latest problems we have seen on here can be attributed to the current pressure on the market.
When looking at the pictures of these pieces, I wondered how this might compare to the sets made by the top manufacturers. The wood quality looks good. The carving also looks good. I wonder if the weighting is comparable.
We do see some problems in the finish work. Was it done too quickly?
This is a very nice looking set. It also is a lot more affordable. This makes it really good if you want to play and analyze with it. More expensive sets make me more careful and not use the set as much.
Yeah, this is a good one.
GambitHawk
Comes with a key for conveniently locking the valuables against kids or wife.
Nice looking set 
Beautiful set. 
Very nice set! It is absolutely beautiful and goes well with your new board.
The lacquer really brings out the color and depth of the padauk. You won't get the oxidation that normally comes with that wood as well.
That's a beaut. Looks great. And since it's a tourney set, I'm assuming it's 100% playable. I hope that gloss varnish(?) helps in keeping the Padauk color from darkening. It's clear that CB has different "departments" of sculptors for the different price point sets. Spend the extra Benjamin. The $300 price point quality is leagues ahead of the $200 price point quality.
Pawnerai wrote:
That's a beaut. Looks great. And since it's a tourney set, I'm assuming it's 100% playable. I hope that gloss varnish(?) helps in keeping the Padauk color from darkening. It's clear that CB has different "departments" of sculptors for the different price point sets. Spend the extra Benjamin. The $300 price point quality is leagues ahead of the $200 price point quality.
I paid $300 for their 3.75" 1849 set. The quality on mine was nothing like this one. @GambitHawk got a great deal!
Mar 9, 2021
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#11
It's a truly beautiful set.I have bought quite a few sets from C.B.....They do offer a good value overall.
Get tons of pleasure from your prize.....It's damn nice!
Mar 9, 2021
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#12
I too think it beautiful. Congratulations. I know what it feels like to receive a set where your expectations are met or even exceeded. A great feeling indeed and fortunately I have had the same feeling with two sets I have purchased from Chess Bazaar - in particular - the 2016 Bridle Knight set in ebony which exceeded my expectations.
No wonder I like it...It's almost the same set I just received only in 3.5'' and different knight...nice nice 
@GambitHawk I have plaques for some of my HoS sets and I certainly thought that was so cool before. Now, the plaque is just whatever to me.
Mar 15, 2021
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#15
GambitHawk wrote:
PolarChess wrote:
Hi fellows, just curious if Chess Bazaar is allowed to copy an HOS chess set and even use the same or similar name?!
Apparently the carvers for the actual Sinquefield also carved for CB.
Is this true?
I thought Chess Empire or Staunton Castle were the manufacturers for HoS back then.
Mar 23, 2021
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#16
Love your set GambitHawk. So much so that I ordered his little brother, the 2014 Imperial collector series 3.75” Bud Rosewood/Boxwood from CB. It came 10 days from order to delivery. I must say, I really like it. The Padauk is beautiful. It looks different from every angle. (Very cool) No flaws at all that I could find upon initial inspection. I know ordering from chess retailers is hit or miss lately, but this one is a hit! Why have I never ordered Padauk before....? Beautiful! 
Mar 23, 2021
0
#18
Thank you. I paid $208, and I kinda hemmed and hawed about it. Finally I pulled the trigger. After I saw it, I had no regrets. It’s already one of my favorites.
@wids88 Nice set! The knights are beautifully carved. It is very detailed considering it is a 3.75" set.
Greetings.
My first and only purchase from the infamous ChessBazaar, is the Imperial Staunton, perhaps my favorite design. It is delightful.
I have to establish that given the circumstances of this era--global pandemic, chess boom, and reading about negative experiences with CB's production quality--I was admittedly anxious. I never bought from CB before and logic would point that production quality should plummet like never before.
...
...
Perhaps my pessimism was dislodged...
Traditionally I prefer the good ol' Ebony for black pieces, but lately Padauk (Bud Rosewood) has gotten the better of me. It is glorious. I adore this set!
The Padauk glows/shines at different angles. Pictures eliminate much of the beauty you see in person. The lacquered/glossy finish blends appropriately with its style, in my very biased opinion of course. More pictures!
From a design perspective, I deem it perfect. The Knights--splendid. In addition I very much enjoy the proportions of the pieces. The stems, bases, everything. Pawns not too large or small. Whatever craftsman carved and reproduced these pieces did a phenomenal job. And the low price ($308 after discounts) puts the icing on the cake. And this is where I believe ChessBazaar shines, with their intentions of good customer support (though some have issues there).
Splendid pieces like these deserve a comfortable bed so I went ahead and added that during the purchase. Fits them well.
Removeable top tray with a protective cloth layer underneath. Comes with a key for conveniently locking the valuables against kids or wife.
However, with this great price comes the sacrifice. I believe that sacrifice is in the quality (finish, buffing, polishing, etc.) and assembly of the pieces, almost exclusively in the Boxwood pieces in this instance. Attention to detail that you wouldn't really notice in most pictures or close inspection in person. The Padauk side is pretty much perfect and gorgeous.
Negatives
First and foremost, some Boxwood pieces have slight discoloring spots on them. They are more obvious in person than in pictures. I refrained from even posting some images because they're practically invisible in the images.
The other issue is one of the Boxwood Knights has a crooked base attachment. It's not very noticeable without meticulous inspection. I must add that the Knight attachment to its base shown below looks much worse on picture than in person.
Whatever that is.
Basic Specs
Material: Bud Rosewood / Boxwood (CB claims the Bud Rosewood is dalbergia maritima, but I don't believe that is the case. This should be your common Padauk. Anyone is welcomed to confirm this.)
Dimensions: King Height - 4.40" (112 mm) / Base - 1.96" (50 mm)
Finish: Lacquer (gloss)
Approx. total weight: 2200 grams.
Final Thoughts
Although CB is known to have lesser quality and the set carries a few flaws, considering the price paid and other aforementioned circumstances (as well as my love for this style), it is difficult to consider it a loss. This is one of my absolute all time favorite designs and I am overall pleased. Did I mention I love this design?
I'm happy to answer any questions. Cheers.