Elegant late 19th century marquetry backgammon board

This is a fine example of an inlaid-wood (or marquetry) backgammon board from around 1890-1900 when jacquet / backgammon was all the rage in France. The game is unusual in that it does not have a chess or backgammon board on the outside. This is a mid-size, French walnut board measuring 22" X 17 1/2" (55 cms X 44 cms) open. With its unusual dark finish and its delicate pale blue and cream pastel-coloured inlaid wood playing surface, this game is equally at home as a talking point laid out on your coffee table - as it is an historical playing board for backgammon enthusiasts. The exterior of the game shows a few signs of usage (some light scuffing - clearly visible in the photos) but I rarely see a game of this age in such good condition. The internal marquetry playing surface is in extremely good condition. The corner joinery uses the traditional ‘tongue & groove’ method. The hinges are brass and in excellent condition. The playing pieces are 1 1/2” (4 cms) diameter and made from olive wood. Thay are in wonderful condition with the really beautiful patina that comes from 120+ years of play. The two leather dice cups also have a terrific patina. The set is complete with two sets of modern dice - although if you prefer I will switch these for antique dice at no extra cost. But please bear in mind that antique dice are smaller and inevitably somewhat irregular as they were made and marked 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.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.