Delightful oak backgammon board from the 1930s

This is a highly unusual French backgammon game dating from around 1930 - the end of a period known as 'The Roaring Twenties'. The design of game is in the French 'rustic' or country style - and it would be 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 maybe even snuggled up in a ski chalet …. This delightful solid oak 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. I love these rustic boards - they are such a great counterpoint to the more traditional, formal boards. They are nearly always 'one-offs' and this board is no exception. I doubt you will find another game like this anywhere in the world. The playing surface is oak with painted black and red 'points' and it is in extremely good condition for a game that is almost 100 years old. 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 signs of a life well-lived. The playing pieces (or 'stones') are 5 cms (2") diameter and made from French boxwood that has been either stained dark brown or left natural. Fun fact : Boxwood, an extremely hard wood native to France, was also used to make the first French 'boules'. This is a full-size board measuring (open), 71 cms (28”) long, by 52 cms (20 1/2”) wide. The joinery uses the traditional 'dove tail' technique. The beautiful brass hinges and the closing mechanisms are in good order and the ensemble makes a wonderful collector's item. The two leather dice cups are very beautiful and they too have the wonderful patina from many hundreds of games played. This set comes complete with two sets of dice probably from a later period. **** 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, 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 here 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.