Magnificent French rosewood backgammon board from the mid-1800s

This is a rare French rosewood backgammon board from the mid-1800s. The structure of the board and the internal playing surface are solid rosewood and the corners are protected by beautiful brass corner pieces. The inlaid ‘points’ in ebony and ivory are quite magnificent. The board measures (open), 67 cms (26”) long, by 45 cms (18”). The brass hook-and-eye locking mechanisms function perfectly. This 180-year-old 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 shows some scuffing and scratching (all visible in the photos) consistent with the age of the board. I have deliberately chosen not to 'over-restore' this board as I believe these wrinkles bear witness to the rich history and patina of this ancestral game. I very rarely come across a board of this antiquity in such fine condition. The lovely hand-tooled leather dice cups have the wonderful patina of hundreds of games played over 12 generations. The playing pieces (or 'stones') are 2" (50mm) diameter. The black stones are in ebony and the white in antique ivory. They are felt-backed and glide silently across this beautiful board. Please just message me with any questions, requests for more pictures or precise descriptions.

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. 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 damage during shipping. My shippers are 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.