Leather book-backgammon, 'History of America, Vol. 1 & 2', with a remarkable history ...

An unusual hand-tooled, gilt-embossed leather chess and backgammon board disguised as two leather-bound books - cleverly conceived to disappear on a bookshelf. Probably dating from the 1920s, this is a wooden-framed game, entirely covered in gilt embossed leather, both inside and out. The title of the books is 'A History of America', Volumes I & II. The game comes from the estate of Sir Richard and Lady Venetia Hardy, formerly of Sherborne Castle, England (proof of provenance available). The game shows signs of use consistent with its age, notably some scuffing around the edges (clearly visible in the photos), but overall this game is in fine condition. The hinges and the structure are in sound condition and the game would be perfect for a backgammon player with a real sense of history. The four dice and the two dice cups, one of which has a small blemish (visible in photo #9) are original to the game. The beautiful olivewood playing pieces (diameter : 3 cms, 1 1/2") are also original to the game - but the doubling cube was certainly added later - probably in the 1930s. (Fun Fact 1 : The game of backgammon may date back to Egyptian times, but the doubling cube is a modern invention. Legend has it that it was invented by a wealthy American banker on a trans-Atlantic cruise in the 1930s, who wanted to spice-up his regular evening backgammon games). It is rare that I come across a backgammon set like this. If you're looking for a backgammon game that is overflowing with history and has stories to tell - then it's absolutely right for you. This game would be equally at home as a beautiful 'objet d'art' on your bookshelf - as it would laid out on a table awaiting backgammon players with a sense of beauty and history. Dimensions (board open) : W 45 cms (18"), H 38 cms (15"). (Fun Fact 2 : During the middle-ages in Europe backgammon was forbidden by the church - as were all dice games - and the backgammon games were burned if found. This led craftsmen to disguise backgammon boards as books - so that they could be carried from house to house with impunity. This design tradition continued through to the C20th).

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.