Unique hand-made French walnut backgammon board from around 1920

This is a beautiful example of a French walnut backgammon board from the post-WW1 period, known as 'The Roaring Twenties' in Europe. A handsome walnut backgammon game, 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 good overall condition considering it is a hundred years old. There are some small signs of previous restoration work to the chess squares (these are not even really visible in the photos) and also to one outer corner of the box. The joinery employs the classic ‘tongue & groove’ technique popular at the time. 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 billiard-table-green baize playing surface is custom-made for me by an a young artisan from 100% Merino wool - and in this case the 'points' are embroidered in verdant green and pale yellow silk thread. The quality and the craftsmanship of her work is quite extraordinary - and the 'slide' of the backgammon 'stones' is delightful. As is normal with antique games of this age there are some signs of usage and wear but it is 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. (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 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.