Antique French Backgammon Board: Dark Walnut, Marquetry Chess Inlay

This is a lovely example of a late 19th century French backgammon board. A pretty dark walnut backgammon game probably dating from around 1890, this is a full-size board measuring (open), 72 cms (28 1/2”) by 52 cms (20 1/2”). The outer surface of the board is a handsome marquetry (inlaid wood) chess board, which is in good condition, with just a red wine stain (of course !) affecting a few of the squares (clearly visible in the second to last photo). This has not caused the marquetry to 'rise' and does not affect play at all - so I chose to leave it in place. Overall this game is in extremely good condition for its age. The playing pieces (or 'stones') are 2” (5 cms) diameter and made from French olive wood and have the beautiful grain and patina that comes from hundreds of games played. The two matching leather dice cups also have a terrific patina from generations of use. The hinges are in brass, and the joinery uses the traditional 'dove-tailed’ style. This set comes complete with two sets of modern dice (I can swap the dice for period dice at no charge if you prefer - but please bear in mind that they are inevitably somewhat smaller and nearly always a little irregular, since they were hand carved and marked). The game has been fully restored, and this time I chose to replace the original baize playing surface which had severe moth damage. The lovely new olive-green baize playing surface is custom-made for me by a young craftswoman in Belgium from 100% Merino wool and the 'points' are embroidered in ochre and black silk thread. The quality of her craftsmanship is quite extraordinary - and the 'slide' of the backgammon 'stones' is delightful. (The baize is a truly beautiful olive-green - but it appears rather more grey in photos. Please do ask if you would like some hi-def images taken in sunlight).

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. CHESS PIECES : I do not keep a stock of matching chess pieces to go with my backgammon boards - but I know someone who does ! If you are interested in vintage or antique chess pieces to match your board I will happily introduce you to a friend, who is also based in Europe. He is to antique chess pieces - what I am to antique backgammon. Please feel free to send me a message and I'll be happy to put you in touch directly. 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 damage during shipping. My shippers are 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.