Antique French Walnut Backgammon Board, Marquetry Checkerboard, Circa 1910-1920

This is a lovely example of an early 20th century French backgammon board. A handsome walnut backgammon game probably dating from around 1910, this is a mid-size board measuring (open), 56 cms (22 1/2”), by 45 cms (18”). Unusually the outer surface of the board is a hansome marquetry (inlaid wood) checkers or drafts board, surrounded by beautiful outline details in marquetry. This game is in extremely good condition for its age. The playing pieces (or 'stones') are 1 1/2” (4cm) diameter and made from French boxwood and have the beautiful grain and patina that comes from hundreds of games played. Fun fact : Boxwood is an exceptionally hard wood, that was also used to make the early French 'boules'. The two matching leather dice cups also have a terrific patina from generations of use. The hinges and closing mechanisms are in brass, and the joinery uses the classic ‘dove-tail’ technique. 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 in Belgium from 100% Merino wool and the 'points' are embroidered in ochre and black silk thread. The quality of the craftsmanship is quite extraordinary - and the 'slide' of the backgammon 'stones' is delightful. (The baize is a beautiful olive-green which renders rather more grey in the photos - especially the close-ups. 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. 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.