Antique Walnut Backgammon Board: French Marquetry Chess Inlay, 1890-1900

This is a lovely example of a late 19th century, solid walnut French backgammon board. A handsome dark-walnut backgammon game probably dating from around 1890-1900, this is a mid-size board measuring (open), 56 cms (22”) by 44 cms (17 1/2”). The outer surface of the board has a beautiful marquetry (inlaid wood) chess board. The joinery uses the traditional 'tongue & groove' method. This game is in extremely good condition. 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. The two matching leather dice cups also have the terrific feel that comes from generations of use. 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 irregular, since they were carved and marked, by hand). The game has been fully restored, and this time I chose to replace the original baize playing surface which had suffered severe moth damage. The lovely new dark olive-green baize playing surface is custom-made for me by an artisan in Belgium from 100% Merino wool and the 'points' are then 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 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 daylight).

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.