If Hunter S Thompson had been a backgammon game - then this would be it.

If you're looking for a historic board with character, charisma and just a few scars ... you've found it. Oh, the stories this game could tell ! This is the backgammon equivalent of Hunter Thompson - a game that's really lived. (If however, you're looking for a game in superb cosmetic condition - then this one's probably not for you). This backgammon board is a beautiful object, especially for someone who wants a real slice of history, with just a few wrinkles to prove it. I have gently restored it where I felt it to be essential, but I chose to leave the signs of usage and wear (all clearly visible in the photos) which I have deliberately chosen not to 'over-restore' - as I believe these markings bear witness to the rich history of this historic game. A highly unusual early 19th French backgammon board, probably dating from around 1830-1850. This game is of excellent quality and made from solid mahogany (mostly games from this époque were walnut). It is a full-size game which measures (open), 72 cms (28”) long, by 53 cms (21”) wide. With its delicate pale blue-green and cream pastel-coloured inlaid-ivory and mahogany playing surface this game is one of a breed that is now almost impossible to find. The ivory inlay for the 'points' is either natural or stained green. There is some damage to a few of the 'points' (clearly visible in the photos). The board itself is in fine, solid structural condition. The hinges have been replaced at some point - probably in the 20th century. This board bears the unique patina and marks of usage that behove a game that has probably had literally thousands of games played on it. The playing pieces are 2” (5 cm) diameter and made from French boxwood - and they have a magnificent patina. The two hand-stitched leather dice cups have a terrific look and feel. The antique dice are original to the game and were hand-carved and hand-marked. (If for any reason you prefer, I can swap these for two pairs of tasteful modern dice). Please don't hesitate to message me with any questions, requests for more pictures or precise details of this historic game.

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.