I just measured it, 8" standing straight
/drool (chess set pic)

Speaking of the ivory pieces, I couldn't imagine anyone playing with them. Just think of the worst temper case you can recall from all your years of playing and visualize him smashing your ivory set on the board...little bits & flecks flying all over the place...
chess sets should be made of nerf material, though they'd swell if you spilled your beer on them.
My King is much bigger than 4.4"
That's what everyone says...