If the Rolling Stones were a backgammon game then this would be it !

If you're looking for a board with character, charisma and just a few scars ... well, you've found it. Oh, the stories this game could tell ! This is the backgammon equivalent of the Rolling Stones - 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, as there is a small piece of missing marquetry and a slightly raised portion on the exterior of the board as well as some slight staining to the marquetry chess board (all clearly visible in the photos). The interior marquetry is in very good condition for a game of this antiquity. This backgammon game is a beautiful object, especially for someone who wants a real slice of history, with some wrinkles to prove it. I have gently restored it where I felt there was a need but I chose to leave the signs of usage and wear as I believe they form an integral part of the beauty of this game. The board itself is in fine structural condition. A late C19th French walnut backgammon board probably dating from around 1900 it would have been one of the earlier French 'Bistro' games - backgammon games made available for the patrons of a popular café or bistro. Unusually for such games this one is of excellent quality and made from solid walnut. However it does bear the unique patina and the marks of usage that behove a game that has probably had literally thousands of games played on it during its 130 year life. It is a full-size game which measures (open), 71 cms (28”) long, by 52 cms (20 1/2”) wide. With its delicate pale blue-green and cream pastel-coloured inlaid-wood playing surface this marquetry game is one of a breed that is becoming harder and harder to find. I so wish I could find more of them in this size. The playing pieces are 1 1/2” (4 cm) diameter and made from French boxwood - and they have the magnificent patina unique to a game that has been played regularly for over a hundred and thirty years. The two hand-stitched leather dice cups also have a terrific patina. The game comes complete with four dice from a later period (I can swap these for antique dice at no additional cost if you prefer - but please note that antique dice are always smaller and somewhat irregular as they were hand-made).

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.