Early C20th French 'rustic' backgammon board, repainted

This is an unusual backgammon board dating from the early part of the twentieth century - the playing surface of which has clearly been repainted quite recently, complete with dragonfly motifs. Particularly interesting are the lovely closing mechanisms and the handsome 'dove-tail' joinery used. I decided to leave this board without major restoration as I feel that it has a rustic charm all of its own. It would make a great casual Summer backgammon board - perhaps for playing outside in the garden, or beside a swimming pool - or beside a roaring fire in the Winter months. This game cries out for a buccolic, country setting - and a backgammon enthusiast with an eye for the unusual. The internal playing surface is painted wood, with hand-painted green and pink 'points' and the playing pieces (or 'stones') are 4,5 cms (1 3/4") diameter and made from beech that has been either stained black or left natural. It is a mid-size board measuring (open), 59 cms (23”) long, by 50 cms (19 1/2”) wide. The hinges are in good order, as are the closing latches, and the ensemble has a really lovely patina. This game has lived ! The leather dice cups are very handsome and well patinated. This set comes complete with two sets of dice, probably from the '50s. (I can swap these for old bone dice if you prefer, at no additional cost, but please bear in mind that bone dice are smaller and also irregular as they were made by hand).

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.