Magnificent French Marquetry Backgammon Board from the mid-1800s

A rare French mahogany backgammon board from the mid-1800s. The exterior of the game is a fine marquetry (inlaid wood) chess board. The structure of the board and the internal playing surface are mahogany. The inlaid ‘points’ are magnificent. The board measures (open), 70 cms (27 1/2”) long, by 52 cms (20 1/2”). This board would equally at home as a stunning ‘objet d’art’ laid out on a coffee table - as it would a rare playing board for a backgammon enthusiast with a real sense of history. The outer surface of the board is in wonderful condition, as is the internal playing surface - with just the patina of time and gentle use. I very rarely come across a board of this antiquity in such fine condition. The lovely matching leather dice cups have a beautiful patina of hundreds of games played, over 12 generations. The game is complete with two sets of tasteful modern dice - which I will happily replace with dice from the period if you wish. Do please bear in mind though that period dice were hand carved and marked, so slightly irregular. They are also usually somewhat smaller. The playing pieces (or 'stones') are 2 1/4" (53mm) diameter and made from French boxwood. I also have another set of antique 'stones' available from the same period, which would be a perfect match for this particular board which I can substitute for the boxwood stones if you wish (you can see these in the last four photos). They are felt-backed and glide silently across this beautiful board. Please just message me for more details and photos.

Since I started restoring antique and vintage backgammon boards during the Covid lockdown in early 2020 I’ve sold more than 500 of my restored backgammon boards 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, Poland, 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 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 antique and vintage instruction / rules booklets, for backgammon and jacquet, in French or English - please ask if you would like me to include one 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 and some other European countries my shipper normally delivers to a 'collection point' (Relay Point) close to your home. For other EU countries and the rest of the world, 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.