A very unusual oak backgammon board, with burr-walnut marquetry playing surface (1940s)

This is a most unusual French backgammon game, probably dating from the 1940s. The design of game is in the French 'rustic' or country style - and it would be perfect for lazy Summer backgammon games in the shade of an old tree - or perhaps in front of a blazing log fire in a country home, or maybe even snuggled up in a ski chalet somewhere …. This delightful solid oak game positively oozes charm and simply cries out for a buccolic, rustic setting - and a collector or a backgammon enthusiast with an eye for originality. I love these rustic boards - they are such a great counterpoint to the more traditional, formal backgammon boards. Rustic boards are nearly always 'one-offs' - and this one is no exception. You will not find another game like this anywhere in the world. The structure of the board is in pale oak, but with an extraordinary playing surface that appears to be burr-walnut. The 'points' are marquetry (inlaid wood) and appear to be made from pear and perhaps cherry. The board is in good condition for a game that is almost 90 years old. I have been very careful not to 'over restore' this game as I feel that so much of its charm and sense of history comes from its rich patina and the signs of a life well-lived. The playing pieces (or 'stones') are 5 cms (2") diameter and made from French boxwood that has been either stained black or left natural. Fun fact : Boxwood, an extremely hard wood native to France, was also used to make the first French 'boules'. This is a full-size board measuring (open), 70 cms (27 1/2”) long, by 50 cms (20”) wide. The joinery uses the traditional 'dovetail' technique. The hinges and the closing mechanisms are in fine order and the ensemble makes a wonderful collector's item. The two leather dice cups have the wonderful patina that comes from many hundreds of games played. This set comes complete with two sets of dice, possibly from a later period.

Since I started restoring antique and vintage backgammon boards during the Covid lockdown in early 2020 I’ve sold over 500 of my games to connoisseurs in South Africa, Sweden, Hong Kong, Scotland, the Balearic Islands, Canada, Australia, Holland, Germany, Belgium, Monaco, Mauritius, England, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, and of course my home-country, France ... but also in New York, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Alabama, Virginia, Colorado, Tennessee, Washington state, New Hampshire, Idaho, Wyoming, Texas, Pennsylvania, Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, California, Oregon, Maine, New Jersey, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, Maryland, Georgia, Alaska and Puerto Rico. My clients include minor European royalty; national and international backgammon champions; people who can’t play backgammon; British, Austrian, Italian and French aristocracy … and an awful lot of people who just love to play backgammon on these beautiful, historically-charged boards. In addition to the 150+ verified 5-star reviews here on my site, I will happily provide you with contact details for some of my private clients if you so wish.

NOTA : I usually have a variety of vintage instruction / rules booklets, for backgammon and jacquet, in French or English - please ask if you would like me to include one, free of charge, with your game.DELIVERY : Please note that within France, Belgium, Spain, Germany and some other European countries my usual shipper is Mondial Relay which normally delivers to a 'collection point' (Relay Point) close to your home. For the rest of the world, I generally use FedEx, and the norm is home delivery. I can offer expedited delivery to most destinations. If you don't see this option please message me and I'll give you a rapid quote. INSURANCE : Please note that I do not automatically insure my boards for shipping above the 50€ minimum international cover. My shipper is highly reliable and I very rarely have issues, but accidents can always happen. If you would like me to insure your purchase to its full value there will be a small charge. Please let me know by message and I will set this up.