Fine French antique walnut marquetry backgammon board, circa 1900

This is a fine example of an inlaid-wood (or marquetry) backgammon board from around 1900 when jacquet / backgammon was all the rage in France. This is a full-size, solid walnut board measuring 28 1/2" X 20 1/2" (72 cms X 52 cms) open. With its delicate ivory and blue-green 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 a playing board for real backgammon enthusiasts. The exterior of the game consists of plain, sober walnut panels with pretty marquetry detailing. There has been some minor water staining to one of the panels (these blemishes are clearly visible in the photos) but this has not damaged the woodwork itself. The playing pieces are 2 1/4” (5,5 cms) diameter and made from solid French boxwood and are in wonderful condition with the beautiful patina that comes from from 130 years of play. Fun fact : Boxwood is an extremely hard wood, native to France, which was also used to manufacture the early 'boules'. The two leather dice cups have a beautiful patina. The set is complete with two sets of large dice from a later period. As is normal with antique games of this era there are some signs of usage and wear, but this board is in fine overall condition. The internal marquetry (inlaid wood) playing surface is in sound condition with just a small crack across the playing surface (visible in the photos) but which does not affect play at all and will not worsen. The hinges and closing mechanisms are in good working order.

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.