Elegant antique French walnut backgammon board ... with a decidedly modern twist

This is a lovely example of a French walnut backgammon board from the early 1900s - with a thoroughly modern twist. This is a full-size board measuring (open), 71 cms (28”), by 53 cms (21”). Unusually the outer surface of the board is finished in plain, dark walnut with just a simple marquetry (inlaid wood) geometric design. This game is in good condition for its age, with just a few bumps and wrinkles to show for its busy life. This board has been fully restored, and this time I chose to replace the original baize playing surface which had severe moth damage, as they often do. The stunning new electric-blue baize playing surface is custom-made for me by a young artisan in Belgium from 100% Merino wool and the 'points' are embroidered in emerald green and turquoise silk thread. The quality of her craftsmanship is quite extraordinary - and the 'slide' of the backgammon 'stones' is delightful. The playing pieces (or 'stones') are 2” (5 cms) diameter and made from French boxwood and have the beautiful grain and patina that comes from hundreds of games played. (Fun fact : Boxwood is an exceptionally hard wood, that was also used to make the early French 'boules'). The two matching leather dice cups also have a terrific patina from generations of use. The hinges and closing mechanisms are in brass, and the joinery uses the classic ‘dovetail’ technique. This set comes complete with two sets of modern dice (I can swap the dice for period bone dice at no charge if you prefer - but please bear in mind that they are inevitably somewhat smaller and nearly always a little irregular, since they were hand carved and marked).

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 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.