Vintage Lucite Backgammon game made by Dapy, Paris, in the 1980s

A highly unusual vintage travelling backgammon board entirely made from transparent Lucite. This board was created by 'Dapy' in Paris in the mid-1980s. 'Dapy' a company founded by Pierre-Yves and Francis Azuelos in 1980, pioneered the manufacture of transparent acrylic fashion accessories in 1980s Paris (handbags, shoes, jewellery ...) - and also a few backgammon boards. This board was specially branded for 'Wilona', a now defunct advertising and design company. A real collector's item, the build quality and attention to detail of Dapy games are outstanding. The hinges and closing mechanisms are in excellent working order although there is some oxidation to the metal closing latches and the corner protectors, clearly visible in the photos. There is some very light superficial scratching consistent with the game's age and usage these are all visible in the photos. (In fact since the photos were taken under halogen studio lighting the scratches show up more than they do to the naked eye). The game measures 27 1/2" X 17" (70cm X 43cm) open and is entirely made from transparent Lucite. Cleverly, the reinforced metal external corners are slightly raised, which means the Lucite surface is never in direct contact with the table - thereby reducing the risk of scratching. The playing pieces or 'stones' are 1 1/2" (4cm) diameter and made from acrylic, as are the four transparent dice.

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.