Handsome antique walnut backgammon game from the late C19th

This handsome backgammon game is in excellent condition for its age. It's a fine example of a late C19th French walnut backgammon game. This game is a true collector's item. At some point in its life the original baize playing surface has been replaced - probably in the 1950s and is in very good condition. This game would equally at home as an ‘objet d’art’ laid out on your coffee table - or as a rare playing board for the backgammon enthusiast. This is a full-size board measuring (open), 72 cms (28”) long, by 52 cms (21”) wide. The hinges and closing mechanisms are solid brass. The outer surface of the box has a magnificent marquetry (inlaid wood) chess board. The outer surface of the board shows some wear consistent with this game's age, including a small piece of marquetry missing from one of the white squares (clearly visible in the photos) but overall it is in excellent condition. The playing pieces, which are original, are 2” (5cm) diameter and made from French boxwood - an extremely hard wood that was also used to make the early French 'boules' - and they have the beautiful patina from hundreds of games played. The two matching hand-sewn leather dice cups have a wonderful feel and aspect. This set comes complete with two sets of large modern dice.

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.