Unique antique backgammon game with the British royal coat of arms

This is a very elegant dark walnut backgammon game probably dating from around 1920. It is a full-size board measuring (open), 73 cms (29”) long, by 53 cms (21”) wide. The outer surface of the board is a beautiful marquetry (inlaid wood) chess board, which is in excellent condition. The two beautiful leather dice cups carry the British royal family's coat of arms - complete with the motto of the Order of the Garter, 'Honi soit qui mal y pense' (shame on he who thinks badly of it) as well as 'Dieu et mon droit' (God and my right) the motto of the royal family. These lovely dice cups have the terrific patina that comes from generations of use. This is an absolutely unique game - you won't find another one like it anywhere in the world. Positively dripping with history, The playing pieces (or ‘stones’) are 2” (5cm) diameter and made from French boxwood and have the most beautiful patina I have seen in a long time. This game comes complete with two sets of tasteful modern dice (antique dice are available if preferred at no extra cost, but please bear in mind that they are inevitably a little smaller and slightly irregular as they were made and marked, by hand). The game has been fully restored, and this time I did choose to replace the original baize playing surface which was badly stained. The new navy blue playing surface is custom-made for me in Merino wool baize by a young artisan, and the 'points' on this one are embroidered in 'eau de Nil' green and silver-blue silk thread. The quality of her craftsmanship is quite extraordinary - and the 'glide' of the boxwood backgammon 'stones' is perfect. The hinges and closing mechanisms are in fine condition - and the walnut structure incorporates the handsome 'tongue & groove' joinery popular at the time. Overall the game is in great condition considering the life it has already lived. There are a few wrinkles from its busy life, superficial scuffing, scratches, etc. (all clearly visible in the photos), but I rarely see boards of this antiquity in as beautiful condition as this. (If you are interested in suitable period chess pieces to match this game please see 'CHESS PIECES', lower down on this page).

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.