Very chic French walnut backgammon and checkers board, 1930s

This is a very chic early-mid 20th century French backgammon board - a period known as ‘The roaring twenties’, when backgammon was extremely popular in Europe and indeed around the world. A handsome pale-walnut backgammon game probably dating from around 1930, this is a full-size board measuring (open), 72 cms (28 1/2”) long, by 52 cms (21”) wide. The outer surface of the board has a beautiful marquetry (inlaid wood) checkers or drafts board surrounded by some very handsome marquetry inlays. This game is in very good overall condition. The game has been fully restored, and this time I chose to replace the original baize playing surface which had bad moth damage. The new slate-grey baize playing surface is custom-made for me by a young artisan in Belgium, using 100% Merino wool and the 'points' are embroidered in ruby-red and pale-blue silk thread. The quality of her craftsmanship is quite remarkable - and the 'slide' of the backgammon 'stones' is delightful. The playing pieces are 2” (5cm) 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 the terrific patina that comes from generations of use. This board comes complete with two sets of tasteful modern dice (I can swap these for antique dice at no charge if you prefer, but do bear in mind that they are inevitably somewhat smaller and irregular in shape as they were made and marked entirely by hand). I sometimes have period sets of backgammon checkers to suit this vintage of board. Please do message me if you are interested.

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.