An unusual antique French travelling backgammon set from E.P. Malaret & Co. in Paris. sale Probably dating from the mid-1940s, this is a wooden-framed game, covered in dark red leatherette. It shows some signs of wear - but is in remarkable condition for its age. There is some slight wear to the external corners (clearly visible in the photos) . The hinges and the closing mechanism are in good condition and is the baize playing surface is in fair condition. The four resin dice are original, as are the two red resin die cups. The playing pieces are made from beech wood and measure 2,0cms (3/4") diameter. The original rule book (in French) for Jacquet - an early version of Backgammon - in perfect condition, is also included (this dates the game to 1946).
Travelling games from this period are rare and this is the first time I've come across one quite like this. It'll appeal to backgammon players with a sense of beauty, history and ... well, travel. Who knows what adventures this game has been on - a grand tour perhaps ? What a sense of history it carries with it.
Dimensions (open) : W 30cms (11 1/2"), H 19cms (7 1/2"), D 2,5cms (1"). At just 400 gms (14 oz.)t is extremely light and very practical to carry around.
(In recent months I've shipped my backgammon games to connaisseurs in New York, Arizona, North Carolina, Virginia, Colorado, Washington state, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida, California, Oregon, Maine - but also Sweden, the Balearic Islands, Holland, Germany, Belgium, Monaco, England, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain, and of course my adopted home, France. In addition to the reviews here on Etsy I will happily provide written and verifiable references from some of my other, non-Etsy clients if you wish).
Product code: Travelling backgammon game from the 1940s sale