French antique walnut marquetry backgammon board, early 1900s

A lovely example of an inlaid-wood (or marquetry) walnut backgammon board from the early 1900s (probably the 1920s), a period when backgammon was all the rage in France and beyond. This is a tournament-size board measuring 28" X 22" (72 cms X 56 cms) open. The marquetry 'points' appear to be rosewood and maple, let into a playing surface of dark stained walnut. This game would be equally at home as a talking point laid out on your coffee table - or as a serious playing board for real backgammon enthusiasts with a sense of history. It is in good overall condition, especially the internal marquetry playing surface. There is wear consistent with a board of this antiquity - all clearly visible in the photos. The two hinges, and the wooden hinge-covers have been replaced at some point. The playing pieces are 2” (5 cms) diameter and made from boxwood and are in wonderful condition with the really beautiful patina that comes from 100 years of play. The two wooden dice cups also have a magnificent patina. The set is complete with two sets of tasteful dice from a later period (antique dice bone are available if you prefer, at no extra cost, but please do bear in mind that they are inevitably somewhat smaller and slightly 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, 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.