Very elegant hand-made French walnut backgammon board, C.1920-1930

This is a very elegant example of a French walnut backgammon board from the post-WW1 period, known as 'The Roaring Twenties' in Europe. A handsome walnut backgammon game probably dating from around 1920, this is a full-size board measuring (open), 72 cms (28”), by 52 cms (20 1/2”). Unusually the outer surface of the board has no chess board, just a beautiful outline detail in marquetry. This game is in extremely good condition, with fine tongue & groove joinery. 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 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 ochre and black 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 olive-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).

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.