Beautiful black lacquer backgammon board, probably from the 1970-1980s

A fine example of a fine lacquer-finish backgammon board in the 'kitsch' style. It almost certainly dates from the late 1970s and was made by SMIR, a games company based in the North of France. I have never seen another game quite like this one - it's almost a blend of kitsch (the over-the-top velvet interior) and psychedelic (the amazing marbled metallic exterior). It is a hand-made wooden-framed game, entirely covered in black lacquer with beautiful bright red outlining. The 'points' are outlined in gold. The closing mechanism uses the beautiful 'barrel hinge' system. Dimensions (board open) : 60cms (24") X 49cms (19"). The game is in fine condition and shows very little sign of wear. It is in excellent condition with just a few blemishes and scuffing to the exterior (all visible in the photos). The dice are original to the game - as is the doubling cube. The red and black acrylic playing pieces (or 'stones') measure 37mm (1 1/2") in diameter. They slide beautifully across the velvet playing surface. The two velvet covered dice cups complement the game perfectly. The game comes complete with its original printed cardboard box.

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, Scotland, the Balearic Islands, Canada, Australia, Holland, Germany, Belgium, Monaco, England, Ireland, Portugal, Norway, 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 100+ 5-star reviews on Etsy I will happily provide written, and verifiable, references from 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 with your game. DELIVERY : Please note that within France, Belgium, Spain and some other European countries my shipper normally delivers to a 'collection point' (Relay Point) close to your home. For other EU countries and the rest of the world, 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.