Unique artisanal French backgammon game from the 1960s

This is a most unusual French backgammon game, probably from around the 1960s. Entirely artisanally made from oak, 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 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. Personally. I just adore these old rustic boards - I think they are such a great contrast to the more traditional formal backgammon boards. The playing surface is wooden with hand-painted pale blue and dark blue 'points'. It has wear and damage consistent with a much played game that is around sixty years old (any 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 3,5 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 mid-size board measuring (open), 59 cms (23”) long, by 35 cms (14”) wide. The hinges are in good order and the ensemble has a lovely feel. This game comes complete with two wooden dice cups and a set of period dice. (I can swap these for tasteful black & white modern dice if preferred at no additional cost).

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.