Unique artisanal French backgammon game, 1940-1950

This is an unusual French backgammon game from around 1930s or 1940s. Artisanally made, the design of this game is in the French 'rustic' style - and it would be just perfect for lazy Summer backgammon games in the shade of an old tree - or perhaps beside the pool in a country home, or maybe even snuggled up in a ski chalet somewhere …. This delightful game positively oozes charm and simplicity. It’s crying out for a buccolic, rustic setting - and a collector or a backgammon enthusiast with an eye for originality. I just adore these old rustic boards - I think they are such a great contrast to the more traditional formal French backgammon boards. The playing surface is wooden with painted black and red 'points'. The exterior of the board is a marquetry (inlaid wood) drafts or checkers game. The other panel features an attractive marquetry geometric pattern. It is possible that this board was made as an 'Apprentice Piece' - a one-off piece made by a woodworking apprentice as part of his professional training. The board has wear and scuffing consistent with a much played game that is eighty years old (the wear is clearly visible in the photos). I have been careful not to 'over restore' this game as I feel that much of its charm and sense of history comes from its rich patina and the signs of a life already well-lived. This board measures (open), 53 cms (21”) long, by 27 cms (11”) wide. The hinges are in good order and the ensemble has a wonderful patina. This set comes complete with one set of period wooden dice. (I can swap these for tasteful black & white modern dice if preferred at no additional cost). I may have a matching set of playing pieces for the checkers (drafts) game - please just ask ...

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 written, and verifiable, references from 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 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.