Unique hand-made French rosewood backgammon board from around 1900

This is a beautiful example of a French rosewood backgammon board from the very early C20th. A handsome backgammon game probably dating from around 1900, 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 very good condition. This game is in extremely good overall condition, and 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 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 olive-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 rich ochre and black silk thread - the result is a classical playing surface, but with a hint of 'European chic'. The quality and the craftsmanship of her work is quite extraordinary - and the 'slide' of the backgammon 'stones' is delightful. (Fun fact : It then takes me a full day to remove the old baize, clean and prepare the surfaces - and then precision-cut and fit the new baize playing surface in place). If you are interested in chess pieces to match this game, please see 'CHESS PIECES' further 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.