Unique hand-made French mahogany backgammon board from the 1920s

This is a beautiful example of a French backgammon board from the post-WW1 period, known as 'The Roaring Twenties' in Europe. A handsome mahogany backgammon game probably dating from the early 1920s, this is a full-size board measuring (open), 72 cms (28”), by 52 cms (20 1/2”). The outer surface of the board is a marquetry (inlaid wood) chess board, which in fine condition. One of the marquetry chess squares has been replaced at some point - but this barely shows (see photos). This game is in very good overall condition. The joinery uses the classic tongue & groove technique. The playing pieces (or 'stones') are 2” (5 cm) diameter and made from French boxwood and have the beautiful grain and patina that comes from hundreds of games played. (Fun fact : Boxwood is an exceptionally hard wood, that was also used to make the early French 'boules'). The two matching leather dice cups also have a terrific patina from generations of use. This set comes complete with two sets of tasteful modern dice (I can swap the dice for period bone dice at no charge if you prefer - but please bear in mind that they are inevitably somewhat smaller and nearly always a little irregular, since they were hand carved and marked). The game has been fully restored, and this time I chose to replace the original baize playing surface which had significant moth damage. The lovely new petrol-green baize playing surface is custom-made for me by an a young artisan in Belgium from 100% Merino wool - and the 'points' are embroidered in flame red and pale blue silk thread. The quality and the craftsmanship of her work is quite extraordinary - and the 'slide' of the backgammon 'stones' is delightful. (The baize is a beautiful petrol-green which renders rather more grey in some photos - especially the close-ups. Please just ask if you would like some hi-def images taken in sunlight). As is normal with antique games of this age there are some signs of usage and wear but it is very rare to find a full-size game of this antiquity in such good condition. The hinges are original, made from brass, and in perfect order, as are the front closing catches. (If you are interested in chess pieces to match this board, 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 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.