French Rustic Backgammon Game: Olive Wood Pieces, 1950s

This is a most unusual backgammon game from the mid-C20th. The design of game is in the French 'rustic' style and would have been made by an artisan, probably in the 1950s. It would be perfect for lazy Summer backgammon games in the shade of an old tree - or perhaps by the pool - or maybe in front of a blazing log fire in a country home, or snuggled up in a ski chalet …. This wonderful game is simply crying out out for a buccolic, rustic setting - and a collector or backgammon enthusiast with an eye for the original. This board is a one-off, I can absolutely guarantee that you won't find another like it, anywhere in the world. The playing surface is wooden with painted black and red 'points' and the playing pieces (or 'stones') are 5 cms (2") diameter and made from olive wood that has been either stained black or left natural. The board features the classic 'dove tail' joints used at the time. Please note that there is a crack across the playing surface (clearly visible in the photos), but this does not in any way affect play (see video showing the 'slide' of the pieces) and it is now stable and will not get worse. This is a mid-size board measuring (open), 64 cms (25”) long, by 48 cms (19”) wide. The hinges are in good order and the ensemble has a delightful feel. The two leather dice cups have the wonderful patina that comes from hundreds, perhaps even thousands of games played. This set comes complete with what are probably its original dice - and I've added a moden doubling cube.

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 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.