Unique artisanal French backgammon game, early 20th century

This is an unusual French backgammon game dating from the first half of the 20th century. Entirely artisanally made 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 in front of a blazing log fire 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 terrific contrast to the more traditional formal French backgammon boards. The exterior of the board is a hand-painted checkers (or drafts) board. The playing surface is hand-painted with cream and brown 'points'. The game has wear consistent with a much played game that is around a hundred 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 well-lived. The playing pieces (or 'stones') are 4 cms (1 1/2") diameter and hand-made from beech wood that has been either stained black or left natural. They too have a delightful patina. This is a full-size board measuring (open), 53 cms (21”) long, by 51 cms (20”) wide. The hinges are in good order and the ensemble has a wonderful patina. The two leather dice cups are original to the game. This set comes complete with two sets of wooden dice from a later period.

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, Scotland, the Balearic Islands, Canada, Australia, Holland, Germany, Belgium, Monaco, England, Ireland, Mauritius, Portugal, Norway, Switzerland, Hungary, 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 100+ 5-star reviews here on Etsy 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 with your game. 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.