Antique French Mahogany Backgammon Board: 1920s Marquetry Game

A beautiful and rare early 20th century French mahogany backgammon game that probably dates from around 1920. With its beautiful dark green baize playing surface this unusual mahogony board is equally at home as an ‘objet d’art’ laid out on your coffee table - as it is a heritage playing board for a true backgammon enthusiast. This is a full-size board measuring (open), 73 cms (29”) long, by 53 cms (21”) wide. The outer surface of the box has a beautiful marquetry (inlaid wood) checkers or drafts board which is in excellent condition. (I usually have a number of antique checkers sets in stock, sized to fit my boards, which I can add to this game. If bought together I will waive the addition shipping fees. Please message me for more details). The playing pieces (or 'stones'), are 2” (5cm) diameter and made from French boxwood. The two hand-sewn leather dice cups have a wonderful patina. This game comes complete with two sets of dice from a later period. In this case I have chosen not to replace the beautiful original dark green baize playing surface, which has wear consistent with age and some ancient moth damage (clearly visible in the photos) as I believe that part of the charm of these old games is their patina and the sense of history that comes with them. The moths are, of course, long since departed.

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.