Charming French 'rustic' backgammon board from the 1930s

This is an unusual French marquetry (inlaid wood) backgammon game dating from 1920-1930 - a period known in Europe as 'The Roaring Twenties'. The design of the game is in the 'rustic' style - and it would be absolutely perfect for lazy Summer backgammon games in the shade of an old tree - or perhaps in front of a blazing log fire in a country home ... or why not snuggled up in a ski chalet. This delightful game positively oozes charm and simply cries out for a buccolic, rustic setting - and a collector or a backgammon enthusiast with an eye for originality. Personally I love these rustic boards - they are such a wonderful contrast to my more traditional, formal, French backgammon boards. The structure and playing surface are oak with marquetry (inlaid wood) 'points'. I believe the inlaid points are maple and mahogany. The board is entirely hand-made and has wear consistent with a much played game that is a hundred years old, but overall it is in good condition. I have been very careful not to 'over restore' this game as I feel that so much of its charm and sense of history comes from its rich patina and the marks of a life well-lived. The playing pieces (or 'stones') are 3,5 cms (1 1/4") diameter and made from olive wood that has been either stained dark brown or left natural. They too have a delightful patina. This is a mid-size board measuring (open), 47 cms (18 1/2”) long, by 43 cms (17”) wide. The hinges and closing mechanisms are in good order and the ensemble has a wonderful patina. The two leather dice cups are very beautiful and they too have the wonderful patina from hundreds of games played. This set comes complete with a lovely set of period dice. (Though I will happily swap them for two sets of tasteful modern dice if you prefer).

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 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.